"Soft" is the third in a series of paintings around the concept of Comfort. When I think of comfort I close my eyes and can feel softness against my skin. In deciding how to portray softness I came up with several visuals. I went with this one though, because I love the feeling of being in a warm, soft, comfortable bed. There is softness under me, the pillow is soft, and I'm covered in soft blankets. Everything is inviting and comforting. Now I think I'll go to bed...
Waves Passing Over Me
I have waves pass over me all the time. Sometimes they are waves of exhaustion. Sometimes waves of shame. I've experienced wonderful waves of joy and plenty of waves of hunger. One summer, not too many years ago, I spent a week in southern California and tried my hand at surfing. I experienced plenty of literal waves washing over me, knocking me off my feet, spinning me in circles. Sometimes when the waves hit there's nothing to do but wait for them to pass, get your bearings again, and then keep moving on. Occasionally, though the waves are warm and comfortable and you want to wrap up in them and hold them close and never let them go.
Sleeping Softly
I didn't have nearly as much time to paint today as I'd hoped. But I did get some good flesh tones started and I feel like the placement is right. She may or may not wake up before the painting is through, but for now, she is sleeping softly and waiting for more definition tomorrow. I have to say this painting makes me so sleepy!
Soft
Again, this is only a charcoal concept drawing, but it the beginning of the next painting in the series. As I was considering the idea of "soft" I imagined many soft things. However, in the end I wanted to keep it as simple as possible. So she will be lying in and on and under feathery softness. I have to admit that working on this made me want to curl up in my bed and take a nap...
Embrace
Well, here she is, "Embrace". She's definitely different than anything I've done before. And I'm really happy with her. Her features are distinct and I believe the emotion comes through. I feel like in addition to finding comfort in the warmth and softness of the blanket, she is remembering times of comfort as well. Isn't that what a security blanket it all about? The memories? A new blanket may be warm and soft, but it doesn't bring the same comfort as the worn and raggedy one that smells like home, or Mom, or a loved one. It doesn't have the memories attached of the time you snuggled on the couch together, or when it covered you during an illness. Safety and security come from time tested trials and triumphs and the consistency of knowing that what you need and what you love will be there when you need it again.
Security Blanket
I don't remember having a security blanket as a child. But I have plenty of "security blankets" now. When I start feeling insecure I like to wrap up in a blanket (it doesn't matter which one) and curl up in my chair (it does matter which one!) and veg out on the computer. Sometimes chocolate is my security blanket. My dog Twilly can be a pretty good security blanket too. My favorite security blanket is my husband. He's the one that can offer both physical and emotional comfort. And then there is my Heavenly Father who is the source of comfort and hope. I think it's important for children to have a security blanket (or object) in order to find that comfort that familiarity brings. And in the end, we are all children on the inside.