Blog

Beginning in April 2020, I began sending weekly texts to friends and family during the initial Covid lockdown. I was glad to have a purpose on Fridays of sending the painting and its story. This was originally sent September 4th.

Have you heard the term "artistic license"? I learned this forty years ago. What a revelation. As an incessant rule follower, which continues to this day, and for which I am still teased, I was finally given permission to break some rules. Yes! And, I am not in trouble, only improving something by breaking protocol. All I need to do is call “artistic license”, just as we called “ghoul” and “no changies” as kids, and I can make my painting however I choose without reprimand. I don’t believe I was ever sure if ghoul was the correct spelling, though in my neighborhood of constant spooky stories and playing bloody murder, it probably was. Teachers emphatically stressed my kids really needed to color within the lines. Maybe they were just exercising their artistic license, a minor infraction in the big scheme of things. Following most rules will continue for me. I will excuse myself out of habit for a sneeze even if no one is around. I will continue to think before I act or speak so I do not hurt anyone’s feelings. Though I know because of a simple phrase, I am at liberty to make the sky any color I choose. The Ashley River sunset was indeed intense, though I may have embellished a bit, to ensure you would feel its magnificence as well. I haven’t hurt anyone, and I love the colors. Hoping you do too.