it was the summer of 2019
at the Poor Farm
i thought to myself, I don’t paint, what would i look at, how would I begin
too many questions clouded my imagination
picking up a brush isn’t second nature to me, how does Leslie do it, so natural – it’s her element, not mine
so many brushes, paints, techniques, to choose from, I was overwhelmed
but leslie invites you to paint, to be, to see what you see, do what you want to do
she opens a space that is welcoming and comfortable, free of judgement
but there I was, judging each awkward swoop after the next
time goes by
one paper after the next
but…before you know it, you start to drift in and out of conversation, your eyes grazing the landscape
you’re taking in the mood and atmosphere
you start playing with the brushes, the paint
you begin creating your own techniques, seeing the macro and micro, the nuances
and you realize, just how peaceful the moment is, how enjoyable
leslie looks on with delight and surprise, pointing out wonderful moments
you are proud of what you made and can’t wait to do more