Art Friends

I was trying to find a quote that came close to illustrating what an art friend is like. I think this quote from C.S. Lewis is one of the best:

“Friendship is born at that moment when one man says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought that no one but myself . . .'” – C.S. Lewis

I’ve been blessed with many wonderful art friends, and these “you too?” moments happen all the time.
Art friends share a special way of thinking.

Art friends are obsessed with colors in nature and share the thrill of seeing the perfect blue shadows that are cast from trees with salmon highlights as the sun begins to set.

Art friends can’t wait to tell you about the newest art tool on the market. “Have you seen this new eraser?” Or “This new paper lets you easily put light colors over dark. It’s awesome!”

Art friends not only enjoy seeing your family photos, but they also will understand when you say, “Isn’t it neat how my grandson’s shirt complements the cerulean sky?”

Art friends get excited when seeing dilapidated buildings, rusty buckets, worn out shoes, a very old face or a broken down fence post. These make the best art subjects.

Art friends never stop enjoying visiting an art store. They understand that special feeling of your first Crayola 64 pack has now become the thrill of owning a 150 count colored pencil set.

Art friends also understand your frustration when you have worked hours on a picture only to mess it up at the very end. They will share with you tips on how they “saved” their picture when a similar situation occurred.

Art friends will compliment your work, but also know you want their true feelings. You appreciate it when they say you need to go darker here or tell you this area is too busy.

Art friends are the first to share in your excitement when you have finally completed that picture you had worked on for so long over the summer.

And most of all, art friends know that when life gets difficult – which it always will at times, that going back to drawing or painting is always a way to relax, clear your mind and be at peace.

The reasons my art friends are in my life are numerous. I am a better person and artist because of them, and I am so grateful that I can share life’s journey with people who share my crazy love of art.