WHAT THE EYE PERCEIVES

plein air, scenic images

Puffed clouds trace

undulating ridges

of ravishing green mountains

reflections deep to the mud bottom of the lake

Two red canoes propel

at a sluggish pace

to craft ripples in brackish water

Fleeting memories of summer camp

multi-colored canoes

burst with kids, orange vests

paddle out, jump, splash, scream

in season's sweat

My delicate brush washes the canvas

fine strokes; yellows, blues, reds

fuse into greens, browns, purples

to mimic the reality of the scene

greens in countless shades

shape the backdrop of leafy trees

blends of prime

magnify the true color of the lake

my canvas uncovers what the eye perceives

a snapshot in the life of a plein air artist

Author's Note

I will paint this scene someday!

Reviews

[alanwgraham]

This is lovely Betty, these memories are so vivid. I had to look real hard at the image to see if you had painted it. Yes, you must. Painting was my main creative outlet until some mental magic (a high!) triggered this writing thing and I started to see things through different eyes. Strangely my painting changed completely as well in the same way. I've been very interested looking at Ken Simms work in relation to art and poetry.
Take care - we can see how difficult it is for you now.
Alan

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks for you lovely review; I did not paint those canoes, but I have been painting in acrylics for years and I’m still at it ( when I have time!)

[Wild Rose]

My mind took me to Derwent Water > The Landings > Keswick > The Lake District >> where we live

Looking across the lake to The Island; with its trees and boat house (for the residents); Behind is the hill named 'Cat Bells' and "Maiden Moor", that leads on to "Dale Head" with the long abandoned mine workings > ruined building - entrances not blocked up; but not to be entered by the inexperienced

[Wild Rose]

Lots of place for painting

[texasjane]

I love this poem. I died on March 11, 2015. After, I was declared dead but left on life support, so they could harvest my organs. I was a 'donor'. On the morning of the third day I woke up in the morgue. A frightening place for sure. I started screaming my head off. Once it was discovered I was still alive, I went into a coma for two months. During the days of my death I learned about color. I have always been excited about colors. But what I learned is something you need to know.

I learned that the color we see with the eye is the color reflected back to the eye. All other colors are absorbed into what ever the surface is. When all colors are reflected equally, you have white. When all colors are absorbed equally, you have black. Red is the color for action. Blue is the color for truth. Yellow is the color for knowledge. When you put truth into action (blue into red) you have purple; the color for principal or law. When you put knowledge into action (yellow into red) you have orange; the color for compassion. When you combine truth (blue) and knowledge (yellow)you get green; the color for sharing. White is the color for purity because all qualities are reflected evenly. When you combine purity with action you have pink; the color of love. Love is purity in action because love must be pure and active to be real.

God begins each day with a sunrise. Sunrises are full of compassion, sharing, knowledge, principal and truth. God ends each day the same way with his wonderful sunsets. By the way when you combine Purple and green you get brown, the color for earth. Spirit or red must exist (like blood) to keep life alive. Life, Truth, Love, Principle, Mind, Soul, and Spirit are the seven synonyms for God. We are all made in his image (possessing all these qualities). When you approach your next canvas, let the color tell the story.

I learned a great deal while I was dead. I am giving this to you because I felt you needed to know. I was also instructed not to give this information to someone who would throw the pearls to swine. I know from your writing you are worthy of what I have told you.

You have a fan.

[Betty Hermelee]

thank you so much, I'm flattered!

[Troy Henson]

Please paint this! The imagery in the writing alone took me back to a place that I want to be at, a place where nothing else matters. The colors, the life, the magic are snap shots like photos of what the eye has perceived. Wonderful! Thank you

[R.E. Ray]

Betty, I think you already painted this scene! It's a painting, even a live scene I can imagine. I imagined the painter sitting on a bald ridge overlooking the lake, lost for hours in the magic. Of course, it appears the poet did the same here. Brilliant imagery. You took me to a place I'd like to be.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Betty, your postage image is certainly beautiful. The red canoes really stand out. When I read your lines, the summer camps really came to life. I heard all the activity and the excited noise of children having fun. Nothing like water to keep children amused. So you intend painting this scene? Another creative side to you.. A rely nice descriptive and action packed read.

Cbris

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks a Chris, yes I’ve been painting for about 20+ years...But I love writing poetry, another creative outlet!