Adam VanHouten
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The Story Behind the Painting: "Breathe in the Sun"

1/2/2019

5 Comments

 
Picture
"Breathe in the Sun"  44" x 65"  Acrylic on Paper
Why do artists paint what they paint?  In this blog series for 2019 I will be telling the story behind my paintings; why I do what I do.  I'll be revealing my artwork through the story of my life. I just finished a giant acrylic painting entitled "Breathe in the Sun." One of my last artworks of 2018. The story of this painting begins with a revelation about myself that many people are surprised to hear. For the last couple of years (and throughout my life) I have dealt with anxiety and panic attacks.  For those who are dealing with any mental illness you know that is not easily overcome. It is a disease and it is okay to talk about.  A couple of months ago I was frustrated, anxious and really tired of all that was happening.  I got out a huge roll of printmaking paper that I have had since College, taped it to my studio wall and went to work.  I painted with anxiousness, anger, and a lot of passion. To be honest I made a huge mess of my new studio. I had an image of the sunset over the water, but I didn't want to paint it in the normal way.  I needed the sun to be energy.  The energy and heat of the earth, and the freedom from my thoughts. After my first layer was finished I realized that I had completely let go of any notion of painting and was focused on pure creation.  For the next two months I continued to put layers of paint on this paper (maybe 3-5 total layers).  Each paint layer was scraped, dripped, and painted over.  Areas were destroyed, making way for more beauty and ugliness.   Some people will look at this painting and see a mess.  For me I look at this painting and see Freedom!.  Freedom from worry, anxiety, mistakes, and the stress of everyday life.  What does this painting say to you?  I would love to know your thoughts and I hope you enjoy the story behind the creation of this painting. 
5 Comments
Cheryl Fettes
1/2/2019 10:54:38 pm

Thank you Roger, for sharing your experience with this creative process. It seems it was truely an expression of yourself and I’ve always heard that good art will have that part of the artist. I’m not a student of the arts, but I surely can see the experience of freedom this has given to you. I’m going to share this painting and blog with Arial. I beleive she can benefit from knowing this. Thank you.

Reply
Sherry link
1/3/2019 08:27:39 am

Adam, I think this is one of the best paintings I have seen you do. I love that you let go of everything during the creative process. As for your anxiety, I have seen it - but it is something I recognize - I get anxious too. Great job! Love, love, love this piece! A lot!!!

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Helen J. Wilson
1/3/2019 11:09:21 am

Good morning Adam,
Thank you for your candor in explaining the story behind "Breathe in the Sun." The painting accomplished the goal of creating with abandon. I see the piece as a metaphor for life. The story of our lives is a work in progress and can be messy at times with multiple layers of joy, pain and self-doubt. External forces can splash paint on our canvas causing us to fret. The uplifting outcome is the control we have in blending those forces in to make a beautiful tapestry.

Helen J. Wilson & Reggie

Reply
Patt
1/4/2019 07:03:28 pm

I like it! Happy energy even if a bit frustrated, anxious and really tired of all that was happening. You put all that to good use my friend.
I especially enjoy the two eyes peeping out on the lower left side.
Sometime in 2019 I want to come UpNorth and paint with you again, keep the colours and the info flowing. Peace, Love & Light

Reply
Joyce link
2/3/2021 05:29:16 am

This was loveely to read

Reply



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    Adam J VanHouten

    Visual Art Educator, Watercolorist, and Photographer

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