The Story Behind the Painting

Wind on the Prairie:

 If you had told me eight years ago, that I would have a painting like this in a Spirit of Texas Show, I would have been doubtful.  

What did I know about the Spirit of Texas?  Would I like living here? Would anyone be welcoming? Would I find enough to paint about? Would I miss the regions of Georgia, with Spanish Moss covered trees, tall pines, flowering hydrangeas, camellias and azaleas? 

It’s been eight years since my husband and I gave away much, sold our home, and packed up to move into a new adventure on rural land in Central Texas. I have found people to be very welcoming.  I have learned new things in a new culture.  And yes, there is always, always, more to see and paint about.  The ever changing Texas skies have captured my artist eyes!  And I could paint them the rest of my life and never repeat a view. 

Wind on the prairie has become a new constant for me in this place. It can be gentle, cooling and calming on my walks outside. It can also blow in as a dark rumbling cloud, full of thunder and lightening, causing me to take cover inside. Or it can lay low for a few days of oppressive humidity and gray skies. Honestly, I like the gentle breezes on blue sky days the best; and I like the way this painting expresses the feeling.

 My goal was to capture the light movement of the sweet wind on the prairie where we live. And when the PACT Show Theme was announced as “Spirit of Texas” I thought of this one. It speaks to that spirit of freedom, playfulness, and vast exploration into big spaces.  For to me, it seems much of the Spirit of Texas is the Spirit of Adventure, Exploration, and Bold Survival which permeates this state. 

I think, personally, this painting also reminds me of the Holy Spirit working in my life.  Wind cannot be held in my hand. I can only see the after-effects of mighty storms that roll through. Like a gentle breeze that restores my soul, I can sense God's presence in my life as peace. He accompanies me on this journey of life. 

The 24x30 painting, Wind on the Prairie is hanging in my house as I write this.  I don’t see anything to change, yet. And that may be how I feel about living in Texas, also.  

I hope you can visit the Spirit of Texas Show at the Pearce Museum, June 4-July 16, and see the painting there.