Sunday, September 12, 2010

The Art of Healing


Finally a day almost free from pain. A day to celebrate. Almost walking now with crutches. The next big goal is to get free of the crutches and then maybe I will be able to paint. Even though this has been an ordeal and something I would not choose to have happen, each day has brought a new challenge to overcome. Those first goals were simple, like learning how to use crutches. All of the weight that the left leg carried was being transferred to my hands and arms. I am now almost feeling graceful on crutches. Next, being able to stand without crutches then on to walking.

This is my favorite time of year for painting and so I am dealing with the disappointment of not being able to get outside. How I handle this problem will have a ripple effect on the whole year. My logical mind tells me that I can simply paint from all of the photo's that I have accumulated. This time of year is magical tho, and this disappointment must not be allowed to fester.........


7 comments:

Celeste Bergin said...

well, all your outdoor experience shows in this painting...it is a real beauty! I know you will continue to heal fast and you'll get out when you can--! Buckley must be disappointed to stay in too!

Donna T said...

It's good to hear you're getting around better, Donna. I remember sore armpits when I first started using crutches :-) I love the distance in this painting!

Brenda Boylan said...

Donna, I was thinking of you today and hoping that your painting muscles stay strong! The studio is for times like this, even though the fall color calls.

Donna Van Tuyl said...

Thank you Celeste, Donna and Brenda. Healing is slow, but it seems like steady progress. I will find out more when I go for an x-ray.

Donna, I now have more understanding of how difficult these things are. The worst part is not having hands and arms. It takes all of your available limbs to make up the difference. I hope you are doing well.

Ida M. Glazier said...

Just wanted to say " Thinking of you" and hope things are getting better. Fall is here, Richard Mckinley gave a workshop 2o min. from my home, all week---I couldn't go, no funds---feel a little bummed but a good fried did go and she will fill me in--Still....wanted to see the magic! Hope things were good for you in Washington this year--economy not so great in Nevada, especially when you are ranching! But the scenery is great! I feel I need to do something to get pushed in some sort of direction and not sure what that is---ever have those days? Take care! I will look for more of your artwork as it is encouraging to me.

Donna Van Tuyl said...

Thank you Ida. Sounds like you are in or near one of those periods of growth. Although it may not feel that way for you, I think that is what is happening. Richards workshops are good but trust me on this, there is no magic. Your work has that special sparkle that comes from someone who loves the land. It Would be difficult having the workshop so near, however you can get the same information from reading, and I know you like to read. Try "Composition of Outdoor Painting by Edgar Payne. Or Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting by John F Carlson. I have found both books at the library and you will get your own workshop at home (even better).

Ida M. Glazier said...

Donna! How wonderful of you to answer my rambleings with such kind words! I do own both of those mentioned books and read at least one of them each evening, I really am surprized at how much Carlson's words especially help me. It would of been great to go to that workshop---but my friend will tell all! It will be filtered thru her eyes, but thats OK. Hope you are feeling better each day, I do love seeing your work. Any aspens in the future??? Take care.