Sunday, July 21, 2013

Kronicles post

"Sacramento Skyline" c 2013 Ernie Kleven

It's been too long since my last post but much has happened since then. Last year I spent over 2 months in the hospital with necrotizing pancreatitus which required removal of half of my pancreas. I'm happy to say I'm fully recovered and back to jogging every morning. Life is good!

I have been invited to participate in the Placer Arts “Auburn Art Walk” Thursday evening Aug 8th.  On display will be a number of paintings including the “Sacramento Skyline” . My theme for this show is “What a Wonderful World”.  I look forward to greeting you from 6-9pm in the Placer County Air Pollution Control District office at 110 Maple St. in Auburn. My paintings will remain on display for the following two months. Hope to see you there.

WHY DO I PAINT?


I’ve been pondering this question that every artist should consider and answer, at least to themselves.” The answer seems easy at first e.g, “because I love it or because when I paint I’m transported to another place, time flies by when I paint, & etc.” All valid reasons, but maybe they’re a bit too easy? So really, why do I paint? Certainly it’s not to become wealthy or famous. That might be a fool’s journey. Not that it is impossible. Look at the story of Thomas Kincaid and other artist successes.

I paint because I have to. It’s in my genes, DNA, or destiny. Basically I am a creative. I have had a number of creative outlets over the years such as music, writing, woodworking, & photography, but none cries out to me like my painting. Why? Maybe it’s because in this world of unspeakable acts committed by one human upon another there is still beauty…..even peace and tranquility to be found. But it seems you have to look for it. That’s what I look for. That’s what I want to paint – beauty, peace, & tranquility - and I do find it.

There as song called, “What a Wonderful World” that I often use as my inspiration. Remember these words? “I see trees of green, red roses too, I see them bloom for me and you, and I think to myself, what a wonderful world……….”

It may seem somewhat naive to some, but it’s true for me nonetheless. You can call me a dreamer and certainly I am. But there it is….the reason I paint.

Robert Genn, a noted Canadian artist sends me a weekly newsletter which recently had this quote:
"The master makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his education and his recreation, his love and his religion. He simply pursues his vision of excellence in whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him, he is always doing both." (Lao Tzu)

“Have a great life!”

http://www.erniekleven.com
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