Miracles Can Happen

"Amazing Grace"

Original Watercolour by Jean Haines

 If you study the portrait above you may think this was a deliberate decision by an artist to paint a face. But the story behind the painting is a special moment in my demonstrating life.

I had a group of  students on one particular workshop and I had chosen to demonstrate a wash. I covered a large piece of paper with a mixture of shades which were mainly yellow and orange dropping blue  into  several places which merged with the existing wash. At this stage it was already looking really fascinating.

I could see a face. 

Even though I had no intention of completing the wash my brush felt compelled to continue.

The class became very quiet behind me as this incredible painting took place. I took the  profile outline to where flesh tones were evident and then the class could more easily also see a face appearing. The features were already defined in the original wash so at this stage I simply allowed the painting to paint itself. The flesh colour running from the face to the lower section of the paper gave the impression of hands in prayer.

Watermarks gave a clear impression this was not a young face so I allowed them to remain and slightly strengthened them.

The class fell silent yet again as finally a vision appeared from nothing more than a blank piece of white paper. To the left of this face on the far right section I decided to allow the initial yellow wash to stay untouched merging with the blue.This was to remind myself and the class how this portrait  began. But within this section was a light unique watermark in the upper corner .This shone down on the freshly painted portrait. The class felt it looked like an angel and I agree.

When we demonstrate we often surprise ourselves with our results. But for me on this day I feel as though my hand was guided. As odd as it may sound I feel  my brush was moved from another source and I merely held it.

I also do believe that miracles can happen and we are not always aware when they occur.

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I have never sold this painting. I know in my heart it will at some point go somewhere that it will be wanted and enjoyed. But it will not be seen until I am ready to let it go. And it will be given as a gift at the right time to the right new home because we cannot sell or put a price on miracles. 

And I find giving is the greatest gift of all in life especially when it can help others.

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