Court & Spark

Flooded with sunshine and gold, the more jaunty zebra succeeded in starting a nudging match.  I wonder if these two are having a naughty secret as they seem to be courting and sparking.  Please tell me you love the song too! Wot? Joni Mitchell!

I enjoy imagining and capturing loving or naughty glances in the eyes of the wildlife I paint.  And what is that called?  Anthropomorphism.  Yes, google is good. Basically attributing human emotions to animals when it may not be true.  But it may be.  Only God knows.   However, I definitely keep that emotion at the forefront of my mind when I’m painting and as a result, to me, the painting ‘feels’ more alive even when the composition and technique are not perfect. (Not perfect? Moi? Shurely shome mishtake.)

I’ve learned, or at least convinced myself (ha!), that you don’t have to be a real “artist” to make art. I never really received formal training in art, though I research and learn and practise like mad. But the point is, you don’t need an art degree to begin painting, you just need to trust your instincts and grab some art materials and make a start.  As with anything in life, you have to try.  As Suzy Kassem (who?) says, “Fear kills more dreams than failure ever will”.  Don’t know where I’m going with this so I’ll stop now.