2017 marks the 37th summer I will have participated in a summer program at Takodah. I was a camper as a child, became a leader and division head during my college years, went to family camp 25 times with Dave, Meg, Scott, and Jay (and eventually on my own as the kids left home and Dave couldn't get away from work in late August), and now I'm heading off to family camp for the third time with Meg, Michael, Caroline, and Emmy.
I painted while at camp the past two summers. This year I want to bring as few supplies as possible, and I want to go in with a loose plan, an inquiry to explore.
I'm painting starts at home first.
Each one I paint heightens that exquisite anticipation while simultaneously anchoring me to the present moment of paper, brush, paint, and summer air on my skin.
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| painting start #2 for camp |
8 comments:
It's so awesome that thanks to you, two more generations are "Takodah born and Takodah bred." How great that they continue to make the long drive up there. HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME!!!
Hey, Joje, always happy to see you pop up here : )
You betcha, more generations Takodah born and Takodah bred. We plan to have nothing but F U N at camp in two weeks.
I just LOVE earth colors!!!! Is this a private camp site? I once went to a YMCA camp in Maine. Anticipation is the best part of the trip!
Fun that you mentioned earth colors, Carol. They are not my reflexive go-to colors, but in fact I really like them. In fact, my zodiac element, as a Taurus, is earth.
I had such fun playing with earth colors here, and when I finished painting up this start I reflected on how many of them are a part of my camp experience.
Takodah is a YMCA camp in Richmond, NH.
Aren't traditions wonderful? I'm just surprised that you didn't invite all of us art friends to come along! The colors in this start are great...I see a lot of nature popping through. I wonder where it will end up?
Traditions are the best! I can remember my mom's teaching me camp songs when I was probably 5 or 6 years old, and then pushing her in a wheelchair outdoors under pine trees, singing camp songs to her, two summers ago shortly before her death.
I love the colors in this start, too, and like you I see a lot of nature's popping through. All I know about where this will end up is that it will have been cut into four pieces along the way : )
Camp looks great Dotty. I have many fond memories of camping with friends (Girl Scouts) and family. We used to go every year, but sad to say we no longer do. So excited for you! I checked out the website, and was reminded of your paintings of the cabins. So wonderful.
I see an angel. Magnified this to see better and there she was. On the left in the 2nd quarter, dividing vertically. Blond, and turning away, so her nose is not visible, but there is a bit of eyelash. (eyes closed). Her body is translucent. Of course, and the small patch of dark repeating shapes behind her is part of her wings. She is not flying, so they are closed.
Well, I know she will not be visible after the next layer. But I think it is neat knowing her presence will remain. :)
Sheila, LOVE your discovering that angel! I think she's the spirit of my mom. And now you've got me singing a camp song:
All night, all day,
angels watching over me,
my Lord,
All night, all day,
angels watching over me.
Now I lay me down to sleep,
oh lordy,
angels watching over me,
my lord,
pray the lord my soul to keep …
angels watching over me."
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