The Healing Art of Painting

[pleinairpainter]

My wife, family, friends, colleagues, Jefferson Kimmel Cancer Team, and even strangers, have provided me with enormous support. I am alive and doing well today thanks to them. One aspect of healing that was stressed by my Cancer Team was to find something you enjoy and do it. That was an easy decision for me since I have been an easel painter for the past 40 years. That being said, whatever your past-time, hobby, vocation or job you love, if you can do it, do it! Painting is now not only my vocation, but an active healing art, too. Pictured above, in my framer's workshop and ready for delivery to the client, is my first large scale (3 x 5 ft) painting I undertook, from beginning to end, since my Pca diagnosis (Gleason 9, high-risk, aggressive, stage iv) over two years ago. The painting was a journey-in-the-making and in many ways replicated my Pca journey: ups and downs, frustration, delight, fits, starts, and restarts but all worked out in the end, at least for the painting, for now. In the short time I have been on this forum, I have been warmly welcomed. Thanks for all the support my brothers, sisters, and others who find themselves in this battle and journey. I hope to provide the same help, hope, and, if necessary, solace.

[CantChoose]

Oh wow - - that is really beautiful!

[pleinairpainter in reply to CantChoose]

Thanks CantChoose, Hope all is going well with your battle/journey.

[NPfisherman]

Great painting....finding pleasure and balance within is so important in our fight...well done, warrior......keep fighting...

Don Pescado

[pleinairpainter in reply to NPfisherman]

Thanks Don Pescado, You said it all brother. Keep fighting! Wish you well.

[jdm3]

Amazing talent. What a gift you have! Your passion and positivity will serve you well and help you get through this! Keep your head up. Fight on! Paint on!

Have a great weekend,

Josh

[pleinairpainter in reply to jdm3]

Thanks jdm3. It is true that passion and positivity has served- and I hope, will continue to, serve me well. Fight on! to you brother as well! Patrick

[pjoshea13]

I bought a couple of works from a plein air painter - Valeri Larko - ~30 years ago. She liked large scale work but was limited by the size of her vehicle. She was drawn to decaying New Jersey industrial locations. 3' x 5' was more than she could handle then - what do you drive?

My wife doesn't like her work at all, so they are in my den ("Three Dumpsters" & "Rusted Tanks, Hillside")

valerilarko.com/valeri_cont...

valerilarko.com/old_website...

But we also have conventional landscapes.

I retired early, with no hobbies. I was not about to become a so-so golf player or stand in the middle of a river pretending to catch fish. When I was diagnosed, reading PubMed became my hobby. Sad perhaps, but I do enjoy it. And I don't have to worry about the weather forecast.

Regards,

-Patrick

[pleinairpainter in reply to pjoshea13]

Thanks for sharing pjoshea13, Valeri Larko is, as you know, a recognized and impressive painter of decaying urban landscapes. Not withstanding your wife's opinion, you are fortunate to have them. On behalf of artists, thank you for your support of the arts. Pleased to see that you have a hobby that you enjoy and is not dependent on the weather. Fight on! Patrick

[abmicro in reply to pleinairpainter]

Chemo got me back on the dance floor for a while, but I moved on to other treatments that are not as effective and pain relieving. Perhaps I will try another round of Chemo in 2020 and then return to the dance floor like a wild animal escaping a cage.

[abmicro]

The art and sport of ballroom dancing gave me better health and a longer remission. I really got into it in 2008, lessons, competitions, I even started dreaming choreographies in my sleep and using them in my routines. Dont dance now because of pelvic pain, but good memories.

[pleinairpainter in reply to abmicro]

Thanks for sharing abmicro. It is great to read about your ballroom passion. Is there anything you can do for the pain so that you return to trip the lights fantastic? I found that vaping marijuana was useful when my pelvic pain was troublesome. I live in Pennsylvania which has a Medical Marijuana program, and doctors who can help and advise. Hope you are doing well in your battle/journey.

[j-o-h-n in reply to abmicro]

Dancing.... I thought you might appreciate this video...

youtube.com/watch?v=mz3CPzd...(Not working as expected?)

I hope you have a Mexcellent Cinco de Mayo!

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Sunday 05/05/2019 1:14 PM DST

[Peterd110 in reply to j-o-h-n]

I love it!!!

[pleinairpainter in reply to j-o-h-n]

Thanks for sharing j-o-h-n!

[mwykes]

Your work is amazing. I am very impressed. About 1 1/2 years ago I started painting through a free program called “Art Expressions”, a program designed for cancer patients and caregivers (sponsored by Spectrum Health [Grand Rapids, Mi.] through its Spectrum Health Foundation). It’s been great for me. While my paintings are not exactly pro quality, it’s provided me with a cool new hobby. I have also noticed that the regular weekly sessions provide a great outlet for attendees to not only paint but also talk.

[pleinairpainter in reply to mwykes]

Thanks for your kind words mwykes. It is great to hear of your (free!) art program. As you know, art is an incredible healing force and it great to see that it is being used in many creative ways to that end. Pleased to read that you are able to get out, paint, and talk with the other attendees. Wishing you well in your journey and battle.

[Pierreb]

It's a beautiful painting! Congratulations on such an acomplishment.

[pleinairpainter in reply to Pierreb]

Thanks for your kind comments Pierreb. I hope that you are doing well in your journey and battle.

[j-o-h-n]

Question Easel Painter?... I wonder if you would be kind enough to paint a portrait of my ex-wife?... I could name it The Weasel on an Easel.

I hope you have a Mexcellent Cinco de Mayo!

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Sunday 05/05/2019 12:58 PM DST

[SeosamhM in reply to j-o-h-n]

Aaaaaaaaaaaand, there it is, folks!

[AAhealth]

There is excellent research that indicates that art therapy can be extremely helpful. So happy that you have this healing resource in your life.

[pleinairpainter in reply to AAhealth]

Thank you for sharing AAhealth. I can attest to art therapy benefits from my personal experience. Wishing you well on your journey and battle.