It's About The Journey

Signs of Spring 11x14 painted along the Opeongo Rd in Algonquin Park. Apr. 2019

Too often I see artists: early in the game, bent on selling their work. I can sympathize. I know full-well the rush that comes from selling a painting to a happy client. But after many years of searching for better ways to express myself through my art, I have come to the realization that it is the painting process that gives me the joy and the purpose to continue.

It’s mostly about the many happy hours at my easel; the exuberance from watching an accomplished artist demonstrate a painting technique, at the front of a class, as if it were magic; the many painting trips with friends and new faces; instructing and demonstrating my art for other artists, and the pure joy that comes from learning to see by painting outdoors. And, I have discovered the satisfaction from painting something that I know is good - if only for me. I call it the truth.

For artists, finding themselves frustrated with endeavoring to sell their work, I say "Take some time to reflect on the beautiful journey of discovery that we, as artists, travel."

After 30 years of painting with Plein Air Ensemble, I still eagerly anticipate each trip, This time it is to Maniwaki, QC, where I will be joining 14 artists to paint the spring landscape. If I get a good painting or two, that will be a bonus. See Plein Air Ensemble.

Charlie Spratt
May 2019
Charlie also paints with the East Central Art Association (ECOAA). His most recent trip was to Algonquin Park, staying at the Algonquin Park East Gate Motel in April this year. See ECOAA