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art workshops, group art paintings, i can do this painting workshops, WEEKLY iMAGE OF LIFE: a Lifetime of Memories
This Man’s Journey shares his love and devotion for his family through sensitive writings. In this week’s Image of Life post – A Lifetime of Memories, he shares stories about his family’s recent trip to Florida. I had never heard of Legoland, but thanks to his post, I took a brief journey there through the magic of cyberspace!
Memories; my friend Maruja and I have been painting this week. I told her that years later she would look at her painting and recall details and events that happened while we were working on that art: She would be able to remember the strong sun and dramatic shadows in the courtyard where we painted, our dash to a nearby beach to watch the sunset, the delicious meal served at the end of the first painting session, (we were starving!) the papaya, grapefruit and apple sangria experiment, her primos (cousins) stopping by and adding details, the beignet-cooking session to compliment our cafe con leche, her daughter sleeping til noon, and her son dropping by to say, “Hello,” and my dashing-away exit to meet a tour. All of those memories – and many more – were recorded in the strokes of paint that we applied over a two-day period. She’ll remember my exit, as I left the final details and cleanup in her hands!
One of my most rewarding “I Can Do This” painting sessions happened a year ago when an eclectic group of guests gathered at the Henry Groff residence in Costa Rica. Three generations of the Groff family joined friends from the USA as well as France and produced a unique piece of art.
With very little conversation, friends and family ebbed and flowed while adding special touches. The painting evolved while participants bonded through silent awareness of one another. (Idle conversation and painting do not mix well!)
What I remember most is the amazing state of calm that washed over everyone , and the unselfish desire to work in harmony.
In two days, the painting transformed into a powerful work of art. Embedded in that art are the memories of a group of beautiful souls working in harmony with each other. If only the rest of the world could do the same!
Painting is not always about producing a ‘pretty picture.’ Sometimes it’s about spending time together and opening our souls without fear of criticism. When working from a pure heart, expect amazing results! Z
The same as in the famous song : “What a wonderful world ! ”
A world that becomes even more wonderful and unforgettable when you are the lucky people who knows Marie and Hank, you meets Lisa,and who share such incredible joint and mutual painting with “Groff family and friends” company !
Such wonderful moments in our wonderful world are forever in our (Lise and I) heart, mind, eyes and every cell of our bodies. For sure !!!
We are so lucky to have experienced these 3 weeks in Costa Rica with all of you…
And my life was enriched by the honor of meeting you and Lise! It’s so great that you received this – your day has started,and I’m tardy going to sleep! Please give Lise my love, and I am smiling knowing that our antennae are tweaked toward one another at the same moment! I hope that our paths cross again, though we’ll forever have a strong connection!
Love, Lisa
I am so envious, I want to do this as well! 🙂 But happy for you…
thanks! maybe one of these days i’ll find my way to your country, and we’ll do that! z
Or I come to Ecuador, :).
😀
Beauty in everything. In the spirit of friendship, colors, art … all is bright.
thanks, as always, carlos! z
What a wonderful idea and post! I love your thoughts and photos, telling about and showing everyone working together on their art 🙂
thank you so much! it’s so rewarding to work with people who claim they have no talent, and to watch them paddle away like ducklings! z
I would love to do something so beautiful and vibrant! I adore that the one little girl’s top matches the painting, but I didn’t see her in the photo.
I need to buy some paint!:-)
yes, yes, please buy some paint and have fun! i’ll try to do a walk-through post soon, but am presently on the road with a tour group!
z
Just wonderful – and what a wonderful experience it would be. I was especially caught by your comment that casual conversation and painting don’t mix. I’m more than happy to have people on the dock stop and chat if I’m sanding or doing other work, but when I have my varnish brush out and am laying varnish on the wood, I don’t want to talk. I won’t talk! The process demands all my attention then.
si, i can usually point out that if the attention is aimed at another person, one is not paying attention to what the hand is doing.
thanks for your feedback!
z
What a fabulous two days! Wish I had been a part of it!
si, we had a great time. thanks so much! z
Wonderful post!
thank you so much! Z
Hola .Lisa como estas. yo muy orgullosa tener una amiga tan talentosa felicitaciones !!!!! tu arte es una convinacion de tu gran talento.muchas gracias x estar en Ecuador plasmando tus obras. Abrazos.
muchas grrrrrracias, maruja!
all is great, and we just arrived in canoa and will be going to jama for a quick tour of the area. back in bahia tonight!
siempre,
lisa
“…without fear of criticism” , that is when I am most happy with art and life. Great post and an amazing work of art.
thanks! it was a great experience!
z
Wow! What a beautiful masterpiece and what a way to make it together. How special! If only I could paint! 🙂
oh, but you CAN paint! i’m sure of it, and that’s why i call these sessions, “I CAN DO THIS’! thanks. i am glad you enjoyed the post! z
Fabulous painting memories my friend …speechless 😀 Thank you for the stopping in my blog. Regards
you are so welcome! z
Your words made me feel that I was there myself, watching the painting evolve into something amazing. As I stare at the beautiful painting, I could picture each of the faces in these pictures. Friends and family giving a piece of their mind , heart , memory and talent. I bet they too are transported back into this unforgettable time when everyone worked in unison. These words inspired me today, ” Embedded in that art are the memories of a group of beautiful souls working in harmony with each other. ” I hope and pray too that the rest of world may be inspired to to the same. A brilliant entry my friend. Best wishes to you and your family.
thank you as always! i am lucky to witness such beautiful moments when people attempt something new and discover that it’s much easier than they thought. this post was a perfect showcase for that painting experience. i’m delighted that you enjoyed the story!
Z
Bonding moment. That’s so sweet 🙂
muchas gracias! si, we had a great two days of painting! z
I love the painting. What a beautiful way to celebrate a family reunion. Especially one in such a lovely setting. Your photos capture those quiet moments.
I didn’t notice the little girl’s matching shirt until one of your comments pointed it out. Too cute.
yes, dear ava matched the painting so well! she’s a very special young gal; one morning she ambled outside to find me quietly working on the painting. she visited for about ten minutes, then commented, ‘I’ll leave you in peace now.”
Her grandmother loved that story! Z
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Thanks!:) Z
What an incredibly beautiful idea! And that painting is utterly gorgeous! Wonderful post Lisa!
Thank you! The two-day painting experience touched us all! Z
It’s amazing how artistic endeavors can bring people together in harmony and friendship. The painting is beautiful!
Thanks; last week another group painting project produced equally-beautiful moments. I continue to be amazed at how well the painting sessions go! Z