The heart of me, I think, belongs to a wild horse. I can relate to them, and their burning need to be free to roam and to just…be. Reality doesn’t permit that, but in my paintings you’ll often see glimpses of that free spirit, as in the one above, titled, “Bliss.”

I love this painting. The movement of her chiffon dress as she leaps and swirls, her head thrown back in abandon, her heart soaring, are very much expressions of freedom. At least, that’s the feeling I immersed myself in when I painted it. She dances as if she hasn’t a care in the world.

Another lifetime ago, when I was in my late teens/ early twenties I used to be a professional dance instructor. Not ballet, as this picture implies, but I taught the kind of dances that you see in “Dancing With The Stars.” Ballroom and Latin dancing.

“Those were the days, my friend, we thought they’d never end. We’d sing and dance, forever and a day. We lived the life we choose, we’d fight and never lose, for we were young, and sure to have our way…”

Gene Raskin.

I’m dating myself, but that’s fine. I lived in Vancouver, BC at the time, and spent about twelve hours a day either teaching dance, or improving my own skills. One of these days I need to get back into that. It’s great exercise.

Until then, I will keep on painting and feeling the wind cleansing my soul in the form of painting. You should try it sometimes. It doesn’t matter how inexperienced you are…art is for everyone.

Just do it. It would be a great way to get through this pandemic safely. Send me some pictures of your work. I’d love to see them. I might even post them here on my site! If you have any art-related questions, contact me and I’ll do my best to answer them.

Be well. Stay safe. All of this insanity will hopefully settle down soon.

Zee.