Thursday, June 7, 2012

Expressing Emotion through a Painting


I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Georgia Aquarium, located in downtown Atlanta.  This is the world’s largest aquarium.  This was my second trip and I came away just as impressed if not more.

My two favorite exhibits are the Coldwater Quest, the Beluga whales and the Ocean Voyager.  I could spend hours sitting in front of each of these magnificent tanks. 

As I sat and watched the beluga whales I found myself overcome with emotions of serenity, peace and awe.  I was amazed how these huge animals could swim so gracefully, spinning and swimming upside down as they easily glide through the water. Here is a link to the web cam: (http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/explore-the-aquarium/interact/web-cam-belugas.aspx)

When I was at the aquarium in 2009 I came home with a strong desire to paint the whales but wasn’t really sure why.  When I broached the subject with my teacher, Fred, he strongly discouraged me from painting them because I don’t know about Beluga whales.  So, I never did paint the whales but now I know why I want to paint them.  As an artist I want to share my emotional experience of watching these massive mammals.  It is a great challenge to bring that same emotion to the viewers of my beluga whale paintings. 
 
Painting the whales will allow me to reflect on the emotional experience while I was actually at the aquarium.  I was able to video the whales too so that will be aide my sometimes weak visual memory.  Join me as I work through this painting.  I welcome your comments.
 
Thanks for stopping by to read my blog!

I wish you JOY today.

2 comments:

zi-glitterati said...

I really enjoyed the video! Love love LOVE the whales! I know you will do an amazing job, and I look forward to seeing the finished paintings!:-)

zi-glitterati said...

I really enjoyed the video! Love love LOVE the whales! I know you will do an amazing job, and I look forward to seeing the finished paintings!:-)