Jocularity from Winston Churchill!
June 9, 2009
Coastal Colors
One of the perks to being a fine artist working in St. Petersburg, Florida is the presence of Haslaam’s Books. This locally owned, one of a kind establishment has tons of great used books at reasonable prices. Recently my monthly excursion to their section of used art books turned up a copy of Painting as a Pastime by Winston S. Churchill. Yes, THE Winston Churchill! For those you who haven’t heard the famous statesman took up painting later in life. He was extremely passionate and understood it well even though he hadn’t mastered it. In this brief, 31 page essay, Churchill uses the vernacular of war to relate the experience of painting. I thought the following passage absolutely hilarious and poignant:
….it is in the use and withholding of their reserves that the great Commanders have generally excelled. After all, when once the last reserve has been thrown in, the Commander’s part is played. If that does not win the battle, he has nothing else to give. The event must be left to luck and to the fighting troops. But these last, in the absence of high direction, are apt to get into sad confusion, all mixed together in a nasty mess, without order or plan- and consequently without effect. Mere masses count no more. The largest brush, the brightest colours, cannot even make an impression. The pictorial battlefield becomes a sea of mud mercifully veiled by the fog of war. It is evident there has been a serious defeat. Even though the General plunges in himself and emerges bespattered, as he sometimes does, he will not retrieve the day.
I can hardly stop laughing! “…sad confusion, all mixed together in a nasty mess….It is evident there has been a serious defeat.” A little plein air painting anyone? Those of you who have traveled to Idaho for a Scott Christensen workshop will recognize the quote. Anyone who has ever painted has “Been There Done That”!
Until next time, keep laughing and keep painting!
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2 Responses to “Jocularity from Winston Churchill!”
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LOL! Know it well Robert and have to agree, Winston couldn’t have said it any better…………
Make sure to pick up W. Joe Innes’ book, How to Become a Famous Artist and Still Paint Pictures…..you can order it at B & N..and remember Pigeon Factor 59!
Robert, you have such a keen eye for humor in the plein air painting scene. Haven’t we all been there? Thanks for reminding us that there are just gonna be those days…..