I used to think that a painting had to be more than a “pretty picture.”  There had to be a message or a story to tell.  After all, a lot of artists can paint a pretty picture.  But not everyone can give a painting that added element.

My work is kind of odd sometimes.  It can be a little abstract or ethereal, sometimes having faeries or characters from mythology as major aspects – at the minimum, a bit of mystery.

Collectors would often tell me that they saw hidden “secrets” in my paintings as time went by.  I truly thought that this was imperative to a successful painting.

Recently, one of my collectors visited my home/studio/gallery to see any new work I had to show since he saw me last.  As we looked at each piece, he asked for a background story.  He seemed to want more and more information – some deep meaning, what subconscious urge drove me to paint the subject the way I did.  We looked at a few pieces and at each one I gave my diatribe.  I felt expected to drone on and on about the play of light and shadow or depth and composition, which I won’t lie – I often do. 

Then we came to one and then another where I had no story to tell.  I realized that sometimes I just want to paint something because it is beautiful – just a pretty picture.  Why not?  I asked myself.  What could be wrong with that!  A pretty picture lowers our blood pressure, and gives us a sense of peace, tranquility and well-being.  Sometimes, that is enough of a reason to create and share our art with others.

So, I have adjusted my philosophy.  Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar – but it can still be a finely made and sweet-tasting cigar.