As I previously posted... September is the benchmark or compass point for the transition from Summer into Fall. It is a bittersweet moment... where nostalgia and euphoria clasp hands. For some, the closing of summer retreats and saying goodbye to summer friends brings a note of sadness... whereas for others the excitement and anticipation of moving to a new tier in life... like a youth heading off to college is embraced with verve and unbridled happiness.... laced with a small... but momentary bit of fear and loss of family and place. Parents on the other hand feel a sense of both loss and gain simultaneously. Strange... this September Song!
"I" personally share this bittersweet feeling... saddened at the loss of Summer's grandeur... and yet strangely and excitedly looking forward to the fast-approaching annual pageant of fall colour. It is the plein air painter's perfect buffet! A smorgasbord excuse and opportunity to haul out seldomly used raw cadmium colours.... laid down with the intensity... and racing... soaring tempo of Vivaldi's Four Season violin masterpiece. Life can at times be very manic in nature... especially to artists... simply because... we "see"... and feel life and its patterns differently... and perhaps even more deeply than most!
Vivaldi's music fills The Paint Box Studio and Gallery during each Autumn... it is an expediter of joy and energy... the stuff one needs to work with and match majestic colour of Autumn. Yet strangely... another and diametrically opposite Fall classic shares centre stage with Vivaldi. Other than Star Dust by Hoagy Carmichael... September Song performed soulfully by Willy Nelson remains a standard in my own personal play list. Together ... these two songs weave together artfully the duality of feelings that September brings to "Me" at least... and I would guess, perhaps us all.
"Its a long, long time while
From May to December.
But the days grow short,
When you get to September.
When the autumn weather
Turns the leaves to flame One hasn't got the time
For the waiting game.
Oh the days dwindle down to a precious few...
September, November...
And these precious days
I'll spend with you...."
September Song
Lyrics and music by Anderson, Maxwell; Weil and Kurt
I am posting two favourite paintings "from the vaults"... that best capture these same two feelings in the hopes that in this small way... and from a distance... that "I" can spend (some) of time ... with "You"!
Good painting!... and a Happy... bountiful Autumn to each of you!
