"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures."
- Henry Ward Beecher
(do you know why i picked this quote? because this is exactly the sort of thing i've tried to paint - and wish i could paint. oh, if only i could. then again, i am grateful that i can at least paint it with my camera, even if i can't paint it with the paintbrush.)
(clearly my nature must be very calm and zen-like. ha. i wish. but it does remind me of conversations with future me, who is so zen that she drives me batty. the last time i talked to her, i asked her if i was a particular thing. she said something wise and pithy like, "i am and i am not, because you create your own future in each moment." so annoying. it's a wonder i talk to her at all.)
me smiling.... LOVE the quote...... LOVE the photo A LOT! YOU paint really well with your camera!!! Love the convo's you have with yourself. They are ever so helpful in holding my hand on my journey. Thank you for so many things Elizabeth.
Posted by: Sandy | 06/30/2011 at 03:58 AM
That quote is one of my favorites, too. And I try for the same thing when I paint as well, and with most creative endeavors. Your art is your camera, and you do "paint" with it. I think the medium finds us, rather than the other way around sometimes, so that's why it often surprises. Oh, and I can related your talks with future self... Mine leaves me in a puzzle all the time. Maybe if I paint more, I'll figure it out. ;o) LOVE, love, love this photo, Elizabeth... your soul made visible, I think. Happy Day ((HUGS))
Posted by: Tracy | 06/30/2011 at 05:30 AM
i think i my soul is zen. then i open my mouth.
you may have a water colorist inside you. it's what you capture so easily with your camera.
beautifully.
Posted by: tammy | 06/30/2011 at 08:35 AM
Past-Present-Future...you are marvelous darling...today I am imagining this painting of yours is the shore line of a gentle ocean and I can walk for miles and miles....until I am a polished stone. Thank you for the beauty you bring to the (my)world.
Posted by: Stephanie | 06/30/2011 at 10:20 AM
Magical..dream-like abstract. And - I love...love...love the quote. How perfect!!!
Posted by: Marcie | 06/30/2011 at 01:53 PM
This reminds me of Valerie's latest post in which she talks about theory vs. practice.... in theory, you are very zen-like... but practice may be a teeny bit different! Anyway, love the way your mind works, especially the idea of you talking to future you!
Posted by: Patty | 06/30/2011 at 02:57 PM
Haha! Too funny (about the future you driving you batty). Beautiful photo and quote.
Posted by: Julie M. | 06/30/2011 at 07:13 PM
@julie: it is always funny, except in the moments when i'm asking the questions. ;)
@patty: that is so true. after i wrote the post, i was thinking it could be that my nature is calm but my personality on top is more scattered.
@marcie: thank you!
@stephanie: *wipes away a tear* and thank you for the poetry in your comment.
@tammy: if you only knew my torturous history with water colors. ;)
@tracy: future selves are so puzzling, aren't they. it's so hard to believe that we will be them someday. i shake my head in wonder. i love when you share your paintings!
@sandy: you are welcome! it makes me glad that i can be of service in some way.
Posted by: elizabeth @ retinal perspectives | 06/30/2011 at 08:40 PM
oh, those future selves.
such know-it-alls!
Posted by: brooke | 07/01/2011 at 12:59 PM
loving the quote and your words make me smile with recognition.
Posted by: jennifer h. | 07/01/2011 at 06:55 PM
Did you know that 'photography' means 'writing with light'?
It might just as well mean painting with light. I like to think that's what I do. I sure think that's what you do. :)
(borrowing your quote, too.)
Posted by: Ampersand | 07/08/2011 at 07:48 AM