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Last summer on a family vacation, my granddaughter-in-law, Alicia, and I were doing our hair. We were both looking into a wall mirror in the living room of the Airbnb where we were staying. Our eyes meeting in the mirror, Alicia said to me, “Mimi, my mom is teaching a plein aire painting work shop in Lake Como, Italy, next summer. I think you should join it.” I sputtered, “Ah,…er.. I am not a plein aire artist.” The thought of it was just too scary.
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I recalled my recent frustration when I attempted a portrait. It had taken six tries before I managed anything I was even remotely proud of. I thought back to an afternoon when my husband, Ken, came in and studied the portrait I was working on. “Did you mean to shade the features in blue?”
I thought about my fear in the moment. My vision was failing due to macular degeneration and while the doctors were getting it under control, it was impacting my art. Oh my goodness, I had thought: Blue?! That meant my condition is worse than I thought!
My heart had sunk as I had gloomily thought: Maybe my painting life is over? The door has closed. My passion for painting had consumed me for the past fifty years. But, almost overnight my vision had declined.
I was nudged back to the conversation with Alicia. Ken, who was standing within ear-shot heard her invitation as she was saying, “My mom teaches for success." |
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I sputtered some more excuses, thinking about the dazzling artists I’ve admired. I thought of Alicia’s mom, Kathleen Lanzoni, an award-winning superhero master artist. The whole idea of painting out-of-doors and creating a painting in one sitting sounded quite terrifying.
Ken, chimed in with his usual enthusiasm, “YOU ARE GOING!!” |
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I offered up some more lame excuses, all the while still braiding my hair.
Standing nearby, and also hearing this conversation, our beautiful daughter-in-law, Natalie, sensing my resistance, added, “I’ll go with you. I’ m not really a painter. I’ll be your moral support. We can try together!”
Smiling into the mirror, she joked, “We can always just paint flowers!”
And so with that chorus of enthusiasts launching me forward, I committed. |
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Last week, I found myself striding along the banks of the stunning Lake Como, my backpack loaded with painting gear.
I will admit, my hesitations were still present, but I was willing to give it a try.
Our hearty group of eight walked briskly along the lakeside path. We were doing it! I looked at Natalie, and she smiled at me as we entered a new creative world.
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Upon arrival at the designated painting site, wordlessly, the artists spread out, and like a magic trick, within minutes, chairs, easels, paints and brushes were assembled. Kathleen presented a short demonstration.
Very soon, we artists began to sketch and paint. Six painting days unfolded like that; we arrived at our venue, a lesson took place, we sketched, painted all afternoon, and met up later for critique.
The experience was astounding to me on several levels. I especially marveled at the seriousness and silence that engulfed us during painting sessions. Each new venue across the week presented unique art challenges. I was also impressed with how supportive the entire environment was, not just support from our teacher, but also the encouragement offered by our fellow artists. We were honing our skills and also making new friends. It was exhilarating! |
Needless to say, I lost my fears. I found the plein aire style of painting to be compatible with my vision. Yes, people stopped by and admired our work. Some even asked if they could take our photos. They commented on our art. One couple stood behind me and seemed in awe. I heard them whispering that I had achieved a “masterpiece.” I knew it was not a masterpiece, but their admiration felt nice. There I was trying something new, meeting a challenge and having the time of my life! |
The six days of painting went by in a satisfying flash, all of us not just having a great time, but improving each day. We took our meals together and enjoyed a lot of art talk as we planned where we would go next!
I came away understanding that a door has opened for me through a new style of painting. Once again, I am reminded that stretching oneself, taking a risk, can have powerful results, and that overcoming our fears and perceived limitations is possible. What I know for sure is that this is our time on the planet. It is up to us to make the very best use of it. There’s not a moment to waste. |
If you are interested in classes with Kathleen, I know she also offers zoom classes, weekend workshops and more. You can find her at KathleenLanzoni.com. The trip we took was offered through Alpine Creative Tours with Lou Mathews. I understand that Lou is retiring and her business is up for sale. There’s a world of possibility out there. |
What new challenge is presenting itself to you? What have you been thinking about doing that you have not yet quite gotten to doing? What’s holding you back? I love hearing what is on your mind.
My best, donna |
