Monday, September 27, 2010

A Heart for Today, colored pencil on vellum

A Heart For Today
5 in x 7 in
colored pencil on vellum
copyright Rose Welty

This piece is about enjoying today for today. It may not be the day you want, but it is a day you have. I have been thinking about the brevity of life lately. I just moved across the country. As I now go through boxes, I am unpacking my grandmother's china and other collections that family members have made. These family members are no longer around to enjoy their collections. Just today I learned of an auto accident that took the life of a young man in his teens. These are important reminders to enjoy today, whatever it has to offer. Tomorrow may be very different from what you expect.

As I looked at one of my china bowls, I decided to take the color scheme and use it for an art piece. I took a photograph of some pear blossoms earlier this year, blossoms on a tree that are only around for one week in a year. I loved that week each year, a pear tree in bloom is a gorgeous thing to behold. As I've moved, I no longer have that pear tree, nor do they seem to be in my new neighborhood - another good reminder to have a heart to enjoy and cherish today.

The china pattern is "Elaine" by Noritake from 1930-1934. It's yellow and black, framing primary and secondary colored flowers.

6 comments:

Wen Baragrey said...

Wise words, Rose. We don't always realize that while we might be having a bad day, at least we're having a day. You just never know what could happen around the corner. Life sometimes takes you on some very unpleasant surprise journeys. Good days are to be cherished.

Rose Welty said...

Totally agree Wen!

Teresa said...

You're so right. Wonder why we need reminding of that over and over again?

Rose Welty said...

Teresa, I don't know, we are a forgetful people. I seem to have to remind myself every day that I have a choice in how I approach my day. I have a choice to be happy and thankful or not - regardless of the circumstances. But I do have to remind myself every day!

kat_in_the_hat416 said...

Art is a calming therapy... it calms a sad mind, an anxious mood or a state of confusion (who am I? Why am I here?). Hearing of a life cut short is a reminder of the preciousness of life, which a lot of the time, we take for granted. I think you said it all :)

Rose Welty said...

Kat, thanks for stopping by. I had a poke through your blogs, you definitely enjoy the day for what it is. I enjoyed your sketches.