Wednesday, April 22, 2009

"Earth Verse"

(detail)

A detail from a 15 x 22 drawing I made four or five years ago that I've just begun to paint.
I held on to it all that time because I like the drawing so much, but could never start painting it for fear of "ruining" it
Of course I don't have the dogwood branch anymore, so I'm having to invent as I go, which is not what I usually do: the tape in my head tells me I can only paint something I'm looking at.

The best poem I could find for Earth Day, or maybe for any day:

"Earth Verse"
Gary Snyder

Wide enough to keep you looking
Open enough to keep you moving
Dry enough to keep you honest
Prickly enough to make you tough
Green enough to go on living
Old enough to give you dreams


12 comments:

William Evertson said...

I sometime feel the need to return to something and rework it; it might have been a sign that at the time you just weren't ready for the next step. Love the poem. I just discovered a nice poetry site http://www.drunkenboat.com/ you may be interested in :)

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Laurel,

This is so magnificent. I know how you felt when you did the drawing. But you are such a magnificent
painter. Maybe we grow into ourselves. I’m working
on something I put away for a few years too. And it’s no longer hard. Your blog is so inspiring. I look forward to it every day.

Take care and Happy Earth Day,

Barbara

Teresa said...

One of my favorites so far! It's really lovely.

Elizabeth Seaver said...

What a lovely delicate painting--nice job!

Desiree's Designs said...

I have a branch very similar, I haven't painted either, uhhh scary! I love yours, its is just beautifully paintied, soft, it looks just like them. Happy Earth day!

Margaret Ann said...

A perfect post for this special day...Your painting is so delicate and fragile...just like tht eearth... Love it! :)

A Brush with Color said...

Oh, how beautiful, Laura! Your washes are so delicate and filmy. I can so relate to the notion of having to see what you're painting--I'm terrible at relying on my memory of things. I wish I could hone those skills. But you have made this look just lovely. I'm glad you kept it all this time so we could enjoy it!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Laura,

I am so sorry. I keep calling you Laurel when I'm tired and commenting without enough coffee. Please forgive me. I will try and comment only when I'm wide awake.

Love your blog,

Barbara

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

Very delicate painting. I am like you. need something in front of me.

joanieART said...

Exquisite! Love how you kept the white space......the whole piece is so spacious, as if you can inhale the fragrance.

Mineke Reinders said...

Beautiful... The drawing is lovely, but I always love it when you add color - to anything. Your washes are always fresh and delicate at the same time.

Jane said...

I think your work is beautiful!!! I love your style it's very delicate!! I look forward to seeing more of your work!