"In My Mind"
Acrylic, 24" x 48" 1.5"
There are a lot of strange things happening with this painting. First being the name. I named this piece "In My Mind" because this beach, where I have spent many, many days, is where I am in my mind. Where I want to be. Where I will be again.
The second strange thing about this beach landscape is the absence of palm trees. When one typically imagines a Carribean beach setting, coconut palms line the waterfront. But here, in my mind's playground, there are pine trees. Even though the pristine turquoise and aquamarine water suggests palm trees, in actuality, the pine trees are just right. I blame my partial Southern, east coast upbringing.
You may be wondering where this mental paradise is located? There is an "out island" of The Bahamas called Eleuthera. It is due east of Nassau, and is a true hidden gem of splendor. We discovered it by referral when my husband was introduced to it by a fellow commercial airline pilot. You see, 20 minutes north of this beach there is an airport with 4+ flights per day to Miami. And 40 minutes south of this beach there is another airport with 5+ flights per day to Fort Lauderdale. It is an airline pilots dream.
The name of this beach is Gaulding Cay Beach. I could go on for an eternity about how wonderful this place is, but I won't bore you. Most blog readers only have 3 minutes per viewing. If you would like more information you can read all about Eleuthera and Gaulding Cay Beach by checking out my other blog; www.thedesertchronicles.com
I will say that I love this beach, this island, not because it is beautiful. No, that's not fair. Of course I love it because it's beautiful. There is no denying it's breath-taking scenery. But there's something more to this island for me that not everyone experiences in the same rush of connectedness. But when I'm there, it's like I'm finally home. I have lived in 18 different homes, in 11 different cities, and six different states during my life. And nowhere, I mean NOWHERE felt like home.
I have visited 30 other states and 6 different countries, and NOWHERE felt like home.
Until I stepped foot on some tiny, remote, isolated island no one has heard of or pronounce.
God willing, we will be moving there, full time, in 2 years, 11 months, and 27 days. Not that I'm counting. We have been dreaming of this, planning for this, aligning our lives for the past three years so we can move there in July 2014.
Needless to say, I have a new favorite painting. It didn't come easy I can tell you that. I'm good at clouds. That's about it. I've never painted a beach, an ocean, sand, or pine needles. Nothing came out like I envisioned it, but that's how painting is for me. There is a disconnect between my mind and my paintbrush-holding hand. Somewhere between gray matter and red muscle, my heart gets in the way and plays havoc with the results.
It's not perfect. Not nearly. But to my heart it is. And that's OK with me.
The second strange thing about this beach landscape is the absence of palm trees. When one typically imagines a Carribean beach setting, coconut palms line the waterfront. But here, in my mind's playground, there are pine trees. Even though the pristine turquoise and aquamarine water suggests palm trees, in actuality, the pine trees are just right. I blame my partial Southern, east coast upbringing.
You may be wondering where this mental paradise is located? There is an "out island" of The Bahamas called Eleuthera. It is due east of Nassau, and is a true hidden gem of splendor. We discovered it by referral when my husband was introduced to it by a fellow commercial airline pilot. You see, 20 minutes north of this beach there is an airport with 4+ flights per day to Miami. And 40 minutes south of this beach there is another airport with 5+ flights per day to Fort Lauderdale. It is an airline pilots dream.
The name of this beach is Gaulding Cay Beach. I could go on for an eternity about how wonderful this place is, but I won't bore you. Most blog readers only have 3 minutes per viewing. If you would like more information you can read all about Eleuthera and Gaulding Cay Beach by checking out my other blog; www.thedesertchronicles.com
I will say that I love this beach, this island, not because it is beautiful. No, that's not fair. Of course I love it because it's beautiful. There is no denying it's breath-taking scenery. But there's something more to this island for me that not everyone experiences in the same rush of connectedness. But when I'm there, it's like I'm finally home. I have lived in 18 different homes, in 11 different cities, and six different states during my life. And nowhere, I mean NOWHERE felt like home.
I have visited 30 other states and 6 different countries, and NOWHERE felt like home.
Until I stepped foot on some tiny, remote, isolated island no one has heard of or pronounce.
God willing, we will be moving there, full time, in 2 years, 11 months, and 27 days. Not that I'm counting. We have been dreaming of this, planning for this, aligning our lives for the past three years so we can move there in July 2014.
Needless to say, I have a new favorite painting. It didn't come easy I can tell you that. I'm good at clouds. That's about it. I've never painted a beach, an ocean, sand, or pine needles. Nothing came out like I envisioned it, but that's how painting is for me. There is a disconnect between my mind and my paintbrush-holding hand. Somewhere between gray matter and red muscle, my heart gets in the way and plays havoc with the results.
It's not perfect. Not nearly. But to my heart it is. And that's OK with me.
It's absolutely magnificent! I think you've captured the essence of its beauty, Paula. You're right - the clouds are wonderful, but you did a great job with the rest, too. I truly hope you get to move there in 2014 - I'll be there shortly after you move in to visit!!
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not, I have been to Eleuthera on vacation! It is beautiful and a gem in the middle of the ocean, I agree. Your painting is beautiful and I think you captured the location perfectly. How wonderful to have such a great plan for your future!
ReplyDelete