Wednesday, April 22, 2009

My fascination

Kansas Wheat I. Oil on canvas, 8x10, $100

I've inched through Kansas, slowed mainly by my fascination with the wheat fields here. They are gorgeous. There's nothing in them, really, but there's everything in them. There are colors and movement, light and shadow, delicacy and power - and at the same time, they are empty and plain, something to drive by and get through... but not for me.

I have come to realize that, as much as it is the wheat itself, what truly attracts me is the light, and how it works its way through these white-gold fields. At noon, at 2 p.m., the fields are not as stunning as they are at 5 or 6 or 7. As the sun sinks in this clear, clean air, it colors the wheat fields to a point where I find myself yelping with pleasure when I round a curve and find a western-facing slope.

The people of these small towns in Kansas must think I'm a nut, standing at the side of the road, painting an empty field. But I'd bet a lot of them love these so-called empty fields, too.

4 comments:

GREENLEAF! said...

Your story amazes me.
It's really interesting.

Carol Schiff Daily Painting said...

Carrie, I happened upon your blog and got caught up in your journey. Had to find the start and read through it all. You write as beautifully as you paint. Enjoy your trip, I will return to follow your adventure.

carrie jacobson said...

Hi, Greenleaf and Carol, and thanks for the kind words. I'm having a great time, loving the painting, the people, the journey. It's great to know that you all out there are traveling with me and enjoying the ride.

Sandy Sandy Art said...

YES, we're here! And I see you figured out how to make your pictures bigger! You're doing a great job of painting and documenting your journey Carrie! I'm really enjoying it! Thanks!