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For Easter weekend I visited my parents in Mississippi. I am so grateful that they are doing so well. My father still draws upstairs in his studio every day. My father’s art is pointillism. The images are created by dots on the page. Last year he was on a medication that kept him from being able to hold his pen steady. He didn’t know if he’d ever be able to draw again.
Now he is preparing a set of drawings for a gallery show in May. Each one takes at least a month to complete. I admire his perseverance and his talent.
Focus, patience, and a steady hand are necessary for this style of drawing.
In 2013 in honor of my father’s 80th birthday, I published a book of his Christmas card drawings alongside my original poems. The book is Illuminate and is still available on Amazon.
My father’s studio looks out at this view of the lake. He is currently drawing the tree that hovers near this window. Trees are his favorite subject. “Beautiful and complicated and challenging.”
This drawing hangs in the hallway near the studio. The chiaroscuro (play of dark and light) is prevalent in this drawing.
My father is not a famous artist. He doesn’t sell many of his drawings and when he does, they are modestly priced. That is not why he draws. His art is as necessary to him as air, an intimate part of his being in this world. Drawing dots is his meditation and his communication. I am blessed to be a witness to its beauty.
His artwork is stunning! So glad he’s able to continue doing what he loves.
Margaret, this post is a true tribute to your dad whose work is amazing (to think he starts with a dot). The art of observation is evident his work and your thoughts. Have a wonderful day!
I enjoyed reading about your Dad. His drawing is exquisite. Combining your poems with his drawings sounds a perfect match. I want to investigate further on Anazon. Thank you.
Seeing your dad at work is a gift. Your eye for poetry and art is a family thing!
This really moved me. I would love to meet him. I think passion and innovative thinking is so fascinating.
As necessary as air…we all need a pursuit, a passion that means that much to us. If everyone had that, I think the world would be different…
It was a treat to read about your dad’s art and passion for creating it. I’m grateful to hear that he is still able to do what he loves so much. I very much enjoyed the pictures you shared.
this is an amazing beautiful inspiring story about your dad his art is wonderful I’m going to look into getting your book what a blessing of hope to read and inspire all us writers and artist on this spring day thank you for sharing this blessing with all of us
I’ve long been a fan of pointillism. How wonderfully talented your father is!
My grandfather became a painter after he retired. I don’t know if he ever sold a painting, but two of his works are framed in my home so I can enjoy them every day. And somehow, I have a feeling that would’ve been enough for him.
I love the book you and your father created, Margaret. I had forgotten or didn’t know about the medication. So glad he is able to draw again. I’ve done pointillism with my students before, & it was such a rewarding project for them. Thanks for sharing. That view of your father’s is quite lovely too.
It is an honor to meet your dad through your words! My favorite line is His art is as necessary to him as air, an intimate part of his being in this world. My favorite part is seeing him at work! Thanks for sharing.
Wow! Your dad seems like such an amazing man. Love seeing his amazing art and getting a peek into his space?!?! Cool! Thank you for sharing your dad with us!
Art and a love of beauty is clearly a family gift, my friend.
I’m so glad your dad can return to the art that he loves to do. I appreciate that your dad creates because it is vital to him and not for others. His work is beautiful and your words are a kind and thoughtful tribute. Thanks for sharing the pictures.