How many ways can I paint the same scene? I haven't found out the answer yet, but evidently, a lot! The original inspiration for these came from a few shots I took of the Deschutes River, near Bend, OR, years ago... I keep finding new ways to paint the scene, and enjoying every moment. I've split it into panels, made the trees at times deciduous and at others evergreen, made the water still or rippling, included the sky... or not, background mountains... or not, painted it in morning, evening & daytime light... and I doubt I'm done, either. These range from tiny (6x8 inches) to huge (72x48 inches) and all points in between. I love each and every one of them.
What do you think? Do you have a favorite? Do you think you'd be bored by now? Wonder what it says about me that I'm not!
Here's the beautiful sonnet by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, that inspired the title of this post, as well as many of my paintings:
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of being and ideal grace. I love thee to the level of every day’s Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. I love thee freely, as men strive for right. I love thee purely, as they turn from praise. I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.