Color the Emotion

Pick a few colors and create without stiffness.

Painting a Childhood Dream

A childhood dream came true when I finally made a painting with my favorite subject.

Saalistajan maailma - Predator's World, oil on canvas, by Paivi Eerola, Finland
Saalistajan maailma – Predator’s World, oil on canvas, 100 x 80 cm

I’ve always wanted to paint mammalians, but reaching this point has taken a long time. The best must be protected before it comes out exactly as it is meant to be!

“Predators, Right?”

Oil painting in progress.
The enjoyable beginning.

In July, I picked a brush, and said to myself: “Predators, right?”

Bird feather on a pond.

As a child, my friends talked mostly about horses, but I was a lion girl. I drew a lot of lions and antelopes: predators and prey. I had learned from nature books that the world works that way.

Oil painting in progress.
Most animals are still hiding in this in-progress pic.

When I went to school, my parents bought a black and white television. Back then, my favorite profession was lion tamer. I wanted to be the new Joy Adamson!

“Paint What You Want!”

It is easy for a child to draw what she wants, but an adult is more critical.

Painting a childhood's dream. A detail of an oil painting called Predator's World. By Paivi Eerola, Finland.

After seeing life and understanding all its complexity, prey and predator are no longer separate, but part of a whole.

Painting a childhood's dream. A detail of an oil painting called Predator's World. By Paivi Eerola, Finland.

And to get hold of the whole, we have to get in touch with our inner self and grow our skills.

A detail of an oil painting called Predator's World. By Paivi Eerola, Finland.

Art is like a meadow that grows seed by seed.

Meadow blooms in August.

Love and sunshine are needed!

Meadow blooms in August.

I try to speak softly to myself when I paint. Like it would be a child who paints, not an adult. I hope this friendliness also comes through in my classes!

Your Childhood Dream?

Painting big and detailed takes not only friendly self-talk but also patience. That’s why I like to practice with smaller drawings.
Big or small – we are on this journey together!

Painting a chilhood's dream. Predator's World, oil on canvas, by Paivi Eerola, Finland

What was your childhood dream? What subjects did you draw as a child?

4 thoughts on “Painting a Childhood Dream

  1. Oh Pavi, you bring sunshine into everyones day, just looking at your wonderful smile. You are so positive. I wish I could come to your part of the world and give you a big hug. Looking forward to another class with you soon. I’ve got my watercolor pencils ready. Lv ya, Nark

  2. I loved what I saw. I’m a writer. Having difficulty writing. Maybe some drawing with watercolor pencils would free me up.

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