Feeling yellow.

He was probably only 12 when he came into the studio, but he asked a very intelligent question. He looked at the large painting of lemons, and then the checkered taxi. He compared the simplicity of the large lemons to the intricate details of the cab. “Is it easier to paint the simple things?” he asked. I smiled. I liked that he was thinking. Pondering the strokes. I told him it was a good question. “No,” I said, and went on to explain why. “You would think so, just at first glance – but the details actually work as a map, directions…the details give you more of the answers than the simple shape of the lemon or the bowl or spoon. With the detailed paintings, you are provided with more tools, but with the simple ones, you have to supply the tools, contribute the interest – the feeling. You can create a story with a cab, and a person and a city… but can you do the same with a bowl of lemons. Because that’s the goal, with all creations, I suppose, is to create a story, evoke meaning, sentiment, feelings.”

“How do you make the yellows different?” he asked. We stepped closer. I showed him the yellows were not just yellow, but yellow and white and blue, and red, and gray, and orange. Yellow is never just yellow. “I can feel it,” he said. What a perfect answer. Not just see it, but feel it.

Today you will be given a multi-colored, yellow sun, filled with the simple and the intricate details of a day. Celebrate the beauty in both. Create your story. Find the meaning. Today is never just a day. Feel it!!!