After the Storm – 20”x20” Acrylic on Canvas

Thunderstorms have graced our area for about the last week. I find them fascinating, romantic and frustrating all at the same time. I find them fascinating in that they are a wonder of nature, providing the earth with refreshing nourishment and yet they can be amazingly destructive. Romantic, there is nothing better than cuddling with a lover during a storm lights out, appreciating each other and the weather, with the rain tapping on the window panes, the lightening offering a strobe effect to the rhythm and thunder punctuating what lovers do best. Then frustrating, in that I can’t go outside and paint on my porch, the day has been dictated to be indoor activities and I am not quite cured completely from the cabin fever created by the tardiness of the nice weather last season.

On top of that, I struggle with my Fibromyalgia on rainy days. It doesn’t make me bed ridden but after several days of damp weather it takes great physical and mental effort to get things done which normally would be a snap.

Interestingly, my son made the observation that this piece had a different mood than my last few nudes. As I pondered that thought, I believe his view is correct because I am not in the same mood as when I did the last ones. This piece is a direct reflection of the way I feel on the rainy days and have to struggle to do even the simplest things. Today was full of interruptions and fatigue. Yet, immense pleasure can be found in the simplest of accomplishments if you just allow yourself to stop and feel it. The subtle smile of my figure hints at this allowance.

This piece also has a more traditional pose. The uncomfortable perspective that characterizes several of my other nudes is not used in this piece. Maybe it is because I wanted comfort from the promise of a trying day that rain brings.