Sunshine
10" x 10" acrylic on canvas
I've been feeling a little. . . melancholy lately as I've been at home with my boys this summer. I love having them home and out of school. We play games, go to the park, go swimming, hang out and pop popcorn and watch movies in the middle of the day and it's just such a sweet time.
But, being the pessimist that I am I'm also watching them and thinking of last summer and how much they've grown and changed since then. I'm feeling sad that time is passing and they're growing up. It's already almost July, there's only two months left of summer vacation. Am I cherishing this time as much as I should? Am I taking enough pictures, writing down all the little things they do that is unique to this stage of their life that I never want to forget?
I hope I am. I guess one day when they are all grown up we'll find out. :)
I painted this of my youngest son, when he was about six months old, a few weeks ago and when I was finished I looked at it and remembered those first days and weeks after he was born that were so incredibly sweet, but also so incredibly challenging.
It was much harder to balance the needs of three children instead of two. I was sooooo tired all the time. I remember some days looking at my sink full of dishes, and gigantic laundry pile and feeling so completely overwhelmed. There were lots of days when I'd just start crying for no reason at all. Hormones, the baby blues whatever you want to call it, I had it.
But then I would hold this baby, and feel his little hand wrap around mine, his breath soft on my cheek, his face tucked in close to my neck and I'd feel better. Who cares about dishes and laundry when I have this perfect little baby to hold and love all day and all night?
Just holding him made me feel better. He was my sunshine that broke the dark clouds and chased them away. He still is actually.
I try to remember this and all the other happiness each of my children has brought me when I hear a little outraged voice for the tenth time that day say, "He started it!!"
Hi Crystal,
ReplyDeleteIts incredibly difficult to write the first comment on your post. Thats so because you have such a huge following that as soon as you post comments start pouring in, which is such a good thing! :)
The painting is beautiful as always. I saw your page on DPW. Its amazing. Lovely paintings all of them!
Best wishesm
Wonderfully thought-provoking post, Crystal. Love the acrylic of your son. I am working on some acrylic pieces for a fair and find it difficult to return to acrylic after beginning to improve so much with the watercolors. I hope I don't mess myself up.
ReplyDeleteHi Crystal, love the painting. you always get the shading spot on! and on this post you sound so like a writer.....have you considered turning the paintings and your words into a book?
ReplyDeleteJe comprends ce que vous ressentez, j'ai eu 4 enfants (nés en 1980,1985,1983 et 1990). Mais aujourd'hui qu'ils sont grands, on oublie toutes les tâches ménagères...
ReplyDeleteCette dernière peinture est sublime. Gros bisous
Crystal, your portrait is wonderful! An thank you for sharing some of your private thoughts.
ReplyDeleteDear Crystal,
ReplyDeleteOh, lovely post as a mom and a very cute portrait!!!
Thank you for visiting my blog. You make so beautiful watercolours, in particular, portraits!! Colours and composition are brilliant. Handling background is sophisticated. You've got to teach me how to do it lots! Let's have fun together in art work.
Kind regards,Sadami
I know exactly how you feel. I love that you've found a way to cherish and capture the joy of your kids through your artwork. It's so great that your paintings reflect what's most important to you - and that your kids see that and feel important too!
ReplyDeleteChildren, children, kids, they come into our lives as the sun to brighten everything, and as the sun is on the move constantly, so they are:)
ReplyDeleteThe important part is intensely important, they change, but we are also changing.
As his art always spectacular.
A big hug
So beautiful and tender... I had to laugh about needing to remember that through shouts of "he started it" ; ) I love the moments of childhood you capture. Treasures, all. Don't know how I missed "May the force be with you". It especially reminds me of my kids, our love for Halloween dress-up and that awesome age ; ) Thanks as always for sharing dear Crystal!!
ReplyDeleteYour post made me nostalgic for those sweet baby times. But now that my daughters are grown, I love them for who they have become.
ReplyDeleteI really like your adventures in acrylics! Your brushstrokes are looser than the watercolors. It's interesting to see your work in both mediums. And this is a beautiful painting!
Very nice and sunny painting. Keep enjoying the rest of your summer.
ReplyDeleteI understand as my youngest just graduated from high school.
ReplyDeleteLovely painting by the way.
Crystal, this is such a sweet post! Children are precious and beautiful at any age, and you need to take lots of photographs, but be careful not to get too carried away - just giving yourself time to live the moment is often good enough. In any case, surely as night follows day, grandchildren will come along and you will be able to relive all these infant memories in them, all over again, I know I have.
ReplyDeleteI've only ever seen watercolour work from you, so seeing the way you've handled acrylic here, picking out light and colour areas with little or no blending is fascinating.
I love the way you write about your children. All us Mums can relate to it so well! I miss that age too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute expression you have captured on his face! And the light on his skin. I love that you are using acrylics as well as watercolour. You have mastered both! :0)
They really do grow out of that cuddly baby phase in a flash. I hold on now to the times that my boys will let me rock them to sleep. My oldest is going to a church summer program and when I dropped him off the other day he didn't want to say "I Love You" he just waved me off with an expression of Mom don't embarrass me. I love seeing the little people that they are turning into but a little nostalgic for those baby days (maybe not the non-sleeping portion). Beautiful painting and have fun this Summer:) Your boys have this amazing legacy that you are leaving them with your fabulous art. They are definitely cherished little boys!!
ReplyDeleteSentimental post and I fully relate to it (my kids are grown up and on their own now!)!. We have a saying in India that "change is the only constant and now is the only place to be." and as with profound statements -easier said than done to abide by it!!!! You have captured the 'now' beautifully- for ever and defied the change :)
ReplyDeleteVery touching post (I'm a mom too...mine's 22 years old though!), and great painting.
ReplyDeletewhat a sweet and touching post crystal! you are the best mom, it's wonderful how much your boys mean to you. it must be sad seeing them change so quickly. i'm sure with your guidance they'll be perfect gentlemen someday. i never took the plunge but if i did i would have wanted to be a mom like you. i guess feeling the time pass too quickly is all part of the deal, but it does suck! feel betta!
ReplyDeleteI haven't been by for a few posts, and look what I've missed! Such wonderful work. I especially like 'may the force be with you'. It seems no matter what medium you use, you have a talent - even when you struggle to figure it out. I think I'm your number two fan. I imagine your mom or husband may be your number one. ;)
ReplyDeleteI've been looking at blog after blog this morning, and I have to tell you that your rich bold colors really set your work apart and make it stunning! I love your style!
ReplyDeletegreat write up Crystal. I have always marveled at a mothers dedication and love for her child. I saw it so much in my mother and my wife with our girls. ou have expressed that so well. A little late for Mothers Day but sentiments that should be thought of all year round. God bless you and all the mothers out there.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post Crystal. The painting is perfect and what you wrote about spending time with your children made me long for the days when my children were young. My children and grandchildren are grown and memories are all I have left of those times. I'm sure the memories you're making now will be cherished by them as well.
ReplyDeleteA touching portrait with beautiful colors and brushwork.
ReplyDeleteThey do grow up fast...enjoy it while you can!
all children should have a mom as loving and appreciative as you. I love your posts and your artwork is phenomenal.
ReplyDeleteWhat a post, Crystal!! So..So..touching! love it. All I can say, is enjoy every moment with those precious boys! yes, time passes so quickly..but it gets better and better...this painting is beautiful as always.!
ReplyDeleteHi Crystall,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your nice comment on my blog! So I stopp by to visit yours. I really like your paintings and especially the way you use colours, they are so bright! I'm jealous of the way you create light in your work, I just can't figure it out how to do that. The lighter parts always become darker as I want them to be. Very nice!
That is choooooooo chweet. Love always..
ReplyDeleteYour paintings are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteOh, so sweet, the memories and I understand the melancholy feeling. Enjoy each moment, which is what you are doing. I just love the expression on the babies face in your painting, so impish, so adorable. You are painting memories that will last forever! :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Crystal! Wonderful watercolors you have painted here!
ReplyDeleteEvery child needs a loving mother. Your heart is in the right place, and you will do fine indeed.
When your kids grow up they will remember your commitment to raising
them.
They will always be babes, even when they drive cars, go to work, and are functioning in this world.
High five to you and your entire family! Popcorn & a movie with the children is one of the blessings life has to offer.
Your post is heart felt. Your acrylics are getting better.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago I saw a dad and two little ones at Sears during the Christmass season. He was sitting there looking a little down and out. I went over and said
"enjoy them while you still have them". Time is short and children grow up.
Such a sweet post! And you paintingss are INCREDIBLE! They're just blowing my mind how beautiful and powerful they are! And thank you so much for visiting my blog, you words were so sweet, totally spoke to my heart!
ReplyDeleteFantastic piece Crystal and nice to see an equally beautiful acrylic from you this time! I love his expression! It's hard not to be melancholic when you see them growing up so fast but I'd say just cherish every moment and they will too :)
ReplyDeleteYou are a great writer,besides being a great painter!Love your work either way....and yes, I also have the same feeling when I watch my boy growing up so fast!
ReplyDeleteWowww I really love your artwork. It's just so.... lively! Thanks for your comment on my blog and I look forward to seeing more of your stuff!
ReplyDeleteAs for this post, yeah I know what you mean. It's crazy how fast time passes. It definitely seems like you appreciate the important moments though.
Hello Crystal, thank you for this beautiful post. I find not only a wonderful painting of a cute, cute boy, expressing all the love and innocence in his look. Also a heartfelt text message, sweet and touching the heart. But, I think you still have years left to enjoy them, (tricks included), before they can fly themselves.
ReplyDeleteAnd you always have your best moments captured in these beautiful pictures filled with love.
Hugs, look after yourself
I'm totally digging your works with acrylics Crystal, they're so expresive both in color and brushwork, you're too good!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if anyone comes back to read these, because I know I'm not the best at responding to comments on here, but I just want you guys to know how much I love and appreciate your thoughtful and kind words and your friendship. You guys encourage me so much and I just am so glad you're here. :) Thanks everyone!
ReplyDeleteWhat a personality and expression you've captured of your son. I loved your thoughts that went along with it. You are a gifted writer as well!!
ReplyDeleteMy kids are now 22 and 23 and I really wish I would have spent more time taking photos of them when they we little. You are right... it is a precious time and it does go way too fast.
But, seeing them grow into wonderful, caring adults has been amazing as well.
Have a good summer!
Crystal Cook,,Your child figure is very good
ReplyDelete-DPSC Bose,dpscboseart.blogspot.com