Peaks & Valleys, Courage & Sheryl Brown
October 1st, 2008 | by Debra Oakland |Peaks and Valleys
This painting was created by my new friend on Facebook, Sheryl Brown. We have developed a wonderful friendship. Sheryl, coming from her heart with light and love, was inspired to paint “Peaks and Valleys” after visiting Living in Courage and reading my story. I love Sheryl’s authentic art, spirit and courage. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Sheryl Brown, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with a private practice & Artist.
“Here is one of my recent paintings, “Peaks and Valleys,” which was inspired by reading some of the life story of my new Facebook friend, Debra Oakland. Though she has lost a number of close family members, she explains how she has chosen to be happy and not remain stuck in grief and the pain of loss. Interestingly enough, when I started out this painting, I enthusiastically loaded up the canvas with rather too much paint (some of which I transferred to another canvas - to be posted later). I had in mind some colors from looking at photos of a joyful occasion. In the process of working on this painting, however, the phrase - “oh, the jagged pain” - (or something close to that) went through my mind. This painting then became about my perception of Debra’s experience. Our lives here on earth really are characterized by both jubilant and sorrowful times - and everything in between. And sometimes, it really ain’t pretty. I had the feeling that I muddied up the warm colors as I was mixing them, and pondered whether to “clean” them up some by adding another layer. In the end, I decided to leave it as it is. Life isn’t perfect, but we still love it.”
Looking forward to reading your comments and feedback on this new painting.
To see this painting, click here.
Please visit Sheryl Brown at : http://www.sherylbrownart.blogspot.com/
Tags: art, Artist, Canvas, Color, Counceling, Courage, Debra Oakland, Facebook, Living in Courage, Living in Courage Online, painting, Peaks & Valleys, Perception, Sheryl Brown
2 Responses to “Peaks & Valleys, Courage & Sheryl Brown”
By Sheryl Brown on Oct 1, 2008 | Reply
Debra, thank you so much for your enthusiastic response to my painting for you - I feel honored to be your friend. Love being featured on your blog too - what fun!
By Carol Clifton on Oct 2, 2008 | Reply
Debra (and Sheryl too)
OMG! I find social networking so interesting as truly law of attraction to me is mostly subliminal.
I saw this painting through a message on FB from Sheryl…I love,enjoy and get her art. Left her a message about it on FB.
Debra came by way of a friend I met in STL MO at a networking event..Dieter Pauwels.
WHOA!! is all I can say when I read your story.
I have sort of been dealing with too much death, loss and such since 9/11…Interesting enough it began with my husband loosing his job, career and seemed to spiral from there ending in the loss of two very much loved parents…OH and me lost a bit in silent self pity.
When I read your story it brought tears to my eyes and down my face for that matter. How could you survive all of the tragedy???
Then somehow…someway rather mysteriously your story inspired me to address my fears of letting go of the past and move forward into a better place.
Guess you a real living Angel! and I wish you all that’s wonderful.
A great BIG hug & amp; Thanks to both of you!