Artist's subject

Tuesday 22nd December, 2020

The shortest day has passed and to celebrate the sky was blue, the sun fervent and the wind calm and the Tay peaceful....a glorious morning. I almost hopped out of bed. I ignored the news and after strong coffee decided to be off to the North Sea Beaches and Tentsmuir Forest. Before I could go I telephoned a friend to hear of the family. Then an email came through and I accepted an invitation to see my painter friend.

She bribed me with lunch as she wanted a model to draw. She is one of the great artists of today I believe being able to capture the Tay in its many moods and tempers. This time she was on the road to modelling a head as she is first and foremost a sculptress.

For the sake of a prawn and avocado salad, followed by a beef Wellington, followed by a chocolate mousse and coffee I sat in her studio. A wood fire was lit, the sun shone through the window ( she called it a perfect light ), the dogs sat warming themselves and as she drew so we talked. We spoke of an artist's insight, which she believes is summoned from the soul of creation and infused in to the painter or sculptor. We spoke of the power and hues of light. We ruminated on the great artists of the past as well as the sculptors, a subject beyond definition.

She drew three sketches and painted one outline. She will translate them in to her clay model but then she wants to make a portrait of me. I was allowed to look at the sketches which were of me but not of me. She was searching for shape, posture, inner regard and demeanour. She seemed satisfied.

I then drove her to pick up her car at the local garage and on back home. I came away realising that painters have a very different sight. She could see in my face so much more than I could when I look at a mirror or a photograph. Paint captures the soul if the painter is talented. Like a remarkable photograph it has a dimension beyond the superficial.

I did realise that I had been spoilt with a delicious luncheon. Then I realised I had been gifted with a glimpse of my soul. I will have to ponder the latter. As I left the garage she thanked me for being prepared to give a bit of myself. I was reminded of those African tribes who dislike having their photographs taken as they feel a bit of them has been stolen. To me it was more of a gift of a bit of true introspection.