The above painting is The Other. 11″ x 15″. Acrylic and oil on paper. Created on El Patio February 2012. While working I often had the feeling of another presence at my side or looking over my shoulder. Not the art school instructor or a tequila sprite but an ineffable companion in the act of art. I struggled to make this feeling tangible in this painting.
Who is the third who walks always beside you?
When I count, there are only you and I together
but when I look ahead up the white road
there is always another one walking beside you
gliding wrapt in a brown mantel, hooded
I do not know whether a man or a woman
but who is that on the other side of you?
T.S. Eliot – from The Waste Land - V.
Wow, love this… funny how sometimes these presences are tangible, palpable and other times they seem more distant
The muse comes and goes – tangible / intangible – almost beyond understanding yet always full when one is empty…thank you Gary…
John so good to see these amazing painting done at a very special time of your life. Do you think the spiritual presence was the beginning of your link with your Muse?
And, as always such a beautiful and appropriate poem.
Yes, Robert, I think it was. Thank you so much for your always supportive words…
A beautiful painting, you accomplished what you aimed for I think. and the poem of T S Eliot is great too.
Your comment means so much Ina – many, many thanksx
I love this one. A great artist like yourself incorporates that unifying power which some may call God, and I feel that when I look at this piece. I get that feeling when I listen to Mozart and sometimes with Mahler, Shostakovich or Bach, but it is a rare artist indeed who can incorporate it. Bravo!
P.S. I like T.S. Eliot, but this poetry is a mere shadow next to the painting.
Carl – my thank you falls flat compared to your generous words – I am overwhelmed by your comment…
I have saved this for future guest post If you wish. Please file this pic when I ask for new submissions for post in a few weeks.
Thank you Carl – I will try to keep myself organized for you but you may need to remind me when the time comes…
I like the colors you’re using of late…very hot!
Glad you like Hansi – thank you…
Your painting has captured my eyes and won’t let go!!!
I think one of my favorite of yours…
Beautiful work, John!
What a very beautiful and gracious thing to say Marina – thank you…
Beautifully mysterious and mysteriously beautiful, John. There’ s everything in your painting-silence of ocean, noise of earth, music of light and that indefinable presence of…
I’m deeply touched Ese by your generous and lovely words…
Beautiful colours….great expression! Love the contrast between the two eyes….and those blue eyelids are electric.
Thank you Steven…
Not a tequila sprite, eh?
Love the new work! Really like this one.
Thank you so much Chrissy…