There is much to love about my girlfriend. I could be politically correct and say that it is her effervescent personality, her flexibility in terms of living a nomadic lifestyle, her often unexpected quirky sense of humor or her physical attributes.
It is all that, but it is also, as part of the sum total, or “full package”, inclusive of her artistic creativity and productivity.
I really enjoy the “vibe” when she paints, and some of our best times together have been in her times of highest painterly immersion. Of course, creativity takes many forms, and I admire and appreciate her “eye”, which is reflected in her beautiful photography. And I also get that she is not one to be pigeon-holed, and thus her learning and playing the flute has recently emerged as a new form of creative outlet.
Yet, these ain’t the same as painting.
So I am thrilled to see that she has paint on her clothes, in her hair, and on her face again.
These are the marks that the paint brushes are flying and that the clock stops for however long it takes from the moment the paint brush hits the blank canvas, to the moment she declares ” I HATE it!”. When she does, I know the painting is done.
The “I HATE it” declaration usually comes after a few hours, when she has been fully engrossed for however long and can’t see, for being too close to it, the magnificence of her creative expression. I then step in to remove the painting and invite her to take some distance. She usually comes back later and returns with a “Did I paint that? It’s not bad!”.
And so, a new series is born…
For years, Peta painted large, very large. A series of goats and monkeys from India; a series of sculptures from France; a series of bulls from Ometepe, Nicaragua. By far the most prolific or extensive was a series of “Stray Dogs from Nicaragua” that not only shaped our creatives times together for months, but also provided an unending and every changing home decor, professional recognition through multiple exhibits at galleries and museums, and, often oh so very timely, much appreciated cash to fund our next rounds of travel, or to finance social impact projects like our arts project in Nicaragua. These series were large in terms of individual painting sizes, typically around 5 feet x 5 feet. But the Stray Dogs of Nicaragua was also large in terms of the quantity. There were 40 large paintings painted, displayed and sold over the years.
But now, she has gone small.
The “Vignettes from Hoi An” painting series started with a beautiful landscape view of the rice fields near our home.
There was much griping about acrylic versus oil, the challenges with painting small (8.5 inches x 12 inches), her no longer knowing how to paint. Yeah, yeah…
And then came a second painting, almost instantly.
My favorite view of Hoi An, looking over the river toward the mountains, where shrimp farmers tend their circular under-water shrimp farms.
Two paintings do not a series make. But three would be an inescapable sign that Peta is back in full painterly swing. The spark which guaranteed that a series is in the making was when she met this beautiful girl.
Was it her horns? her habitat? Or perhaps the fact that she was so sweet, rolling over on her rotund belly, almost dog like, in a submissive pose, as if saying “don’t stay at a distance, come and stroke me”. Peta did.
We lingered. A perfect moment for an inpromptu Buffalo serenade.
The buffalo became a quick sketch.
Then other photos of water buffalos were retrieved. More material for more paintings.
Three days, three paintings. Another one on the way…
My GF is back in the painting mode, full force. I like it. I like it a lot.
Love all these pictures, and they make me want to book another trip to Vietnam. Thanks for sharing these. And don’t I also wish I had this talent — lovely!
Ah yes, Viet Nam and Hoi An in particular is a very picturesque place.
Thanks for the compliment.
Peta
Have you seen Carol Marine’s daily painting site? (she does a small painting a day) They will auction off your paintings for you.
Fabulous paintings. Love your loose, impressionistic style Peta – it’s what I continually try to achieve.
Hmm thanks for the info ~ I’ll check it out.
So glad you like the paintings. I have never been one for exact realism. Color and expression is my natural inclination. Thanks!
Peta
Lovely on all accounts. Words, photos, paintings, tributes.
Ben gets the full credit for this post. I had no idea until it was posted. I had fun reading it too!
Peta
I remember being in Sri Lanka and you talking about how much your loved it when Peta is painting. Your admiration shines through so beautifully in this post as do Peta’s gorgeous creations. Miss you both.
Lisa, he surprised me with this post! I had no idea he was writing it or putting it together until I read it. He has always been my biggest fan of my works. I remember when we first met, he asked to see every single drawing and painting I had done!
Miss you too and so hope you come to visit us here in Hoi An. That would be so much fun!!! When ARE you coming?
Peta
Ben, there is no question that your GF is a very special girl. Very talented and creative. I love all the paintings and photos. Brian and I are planning to visit Vietnam in January or February/20, I hope our paths will cross.
Thanks Gilda for all the lovely compliments. So glad you enjoyed the photos and the paintings.
Are you planning to include Hoi An in your trip to Viet Nam? I do hope so… It would be lovely to meet you both. You are more than welcome to stay in our guest room for a few nights. My email is: petakaplan@hotmail.com
Peta
Peta, that is very generous of you. Thank you so much. Would definitely like to include Hoi An. Will get in touch with you near the time xx
Wow, we’ll need to come back and see the paint in Peta’s hair. Love the overview of Hoi An.
haha Peggy ~ yup that paint tends to get all over the place… One benefit of using acrylic over oil, is the clean up is so much easier and less of a health hazard than oils.
Glad you enjoyed the overview of Hoi An ~ especially having seen it first hand.
Do come back. So much fun to meet you both!
Peta
New series: Stray Water Buffalos of Hoi An.
hahaha good one. Except that they ain’t no strays. They all have devoted owners. A water buffalo is a farmers most precious asset.
Peta
New series: The Beloved Water Buffalo of Hoi An. Itβs not a joke, they are lovely.
These are lovely and bring back many memories of my own visit to Hoi An. It looks like you two are greatly enjoying your return to Vietnam and your new home! Anita
So happy to bring back lovely memories for you of your trip to Hoi An, which i know you loved. We are thrilled to be back. Do come and visit us.. a guest room awaits you!
Peta
How wonderful! Love your art, Peta. I totally get the “I hate it” bit too. I call it the “Hot Mess” stage of a piece. Doesn’t happen for me at the finish usually, but starts part way through. If I’m lucky, it disappears just before painting is trashed. Leaving the piece sit for a few days/weeks helps me get past this but sometimes it still deserves trashing or painting over. π
Deb
Exactly! Glad you can relate. Many a painting has been saved (by Ben) and or ruined by me.. but hey, that’s all part of the process. Some times I go back and do a second pass at the same image because I do like the variety of options that get generated along the way. Sometimes it is hard to know when to stop yet critical to the success of a work. For example, the one of the bull above, I could easily have stopped at the stage of the one photo, or continued on but risk messing it up or making it too tight. These are all worthy risks. Yes!
Peta
I love the paintings, and I also love Ben’s attachment to Painting Peta! I think significant others do enjoy when they are both happily doing things they love; I’m sure it is not only satisfying to the person doing it, but to those around them who can get a second-hand buzz from creativity or happiness!
Ah yes. Ben definitely enjoys the creative process. He uses clay as an expressive medium and luckily Hoi An has a whole town of ceramics, so it was easy for him to get the clay. We both really enjoy putting on jazz, having time with no obligations, a paintbrush or clay in hand simultaneously!
Thanks for the painting love π
Peta
It was nice to read’ Ben’s ‘voice’ through this post and what it means to him for Peta to be painting again π Obviously this has special meaning and all of it is good π
I love your expressionistic style!
Thank you Joanne. We tend to write the blogs together, but this one I thought it best to leapfrog Peta and put it out there!
Ben
It must be fascinating to watch, Ben. Peta, in love with life π π
What is fascinating in particular is how quickly the painting changes/evolves from the moment Peta starts. If I happen to be working and get engrossed for more than half an hour, when I check back, the painted sketch has quickly evolved into a full fledged color rich work.
Ben
Such a great start of the new seriesπ
Thanks Christie.. I myself am curious to see where it goes…. π
Peta
I agree with Ben! Itβs wonderful to see your energy flow through your paintings again. You have a remarkable way of bringing the emotion inside these beautiful creatures to life in your paintings. Very nice!!
Boyd!! Nice to read you here. I really appreciate how you worded that comment about energy flow…and of course your compliment. Thank you.
Pete
My favourite thing was to see the middle painting set next to its real-life counterpart. Gorgeous.
That is interesting feedback Anabel. Of course they all have a real life counterpart, but makes complete sense to include those for others to see. I’ll do that in the follow ups as the series grows. In the past, Peta has also painted without photographs but au plein air.. also interesting ~ more challenging in some ways due to changing light but the process of being outside (once it’s less hot) will be fun too.
Peta
I’m in awe of anyone who paints and Peta’s work is so beautiful. She really captures the atmosphere of your new surroundings so well.
Thank you for the kind words. Glad that the atmosphere of Hoi An is coming across.
Peta
So talented! So beautiful And so happy to see u painting again πππ
Thanks Tess. It feels good to be painting again..
Peta
As I read this post and got a bit more than halfway done, I thought “The buffalo is Peta’s muse now.” It seems quite obvious to me. She has entered a new space in her painting, and the buffalo is showing her the way
All of her paintings here are a wonder. Truly, the talent and artistry and love for the subjects show through with light. And then her other muse, the “talking/writing one” named Ben, he keeps the critic at bay so Peta can carry on, carry on.
Pam I like this concept of the water buffalo being my muse. At first I was thinking “oh no, Ben is my muse”… but as you correctly note, one can clearly have more than one muse!
Today we watched a very young water buffalo nursing from her moma, from our bathroom balcony. What a treat to witness this… More material for more paintings.
Ah yes, the artist seems to always be overly critical. But if Ben didn’t intervene a lot of my paintings might not have survived. Looking back I definitely like them more than while they are in progress. I am invested in the process of painting, but of course happy when one (or two) turn out successfully
Peta
We creatives are so hard on ourselves, but that’s why it’s so helpful to have an observer nearby, cheering us on (yay, Ben!). Some writers/artists I know have mean, sharp-tongued muses. I like the idea of a soft-spoken, sweet muse that cheers us on instead of whipping us into work. Your water buffalo muse (and yes, definitely the mama one) is a fascinating addition to your muse-dom. <3
Haha I like that Pam ~ my “muse-dom”. Ben definitely does cheer me on, but do not be fooled, he cracks the whip as well, and without him I have no doubt I would be way less productive. He will do whatever he needs to, to get that paintbrush into my hand. And once I start, then I am okay, but it is the starting that I often find challenging. I also have learnt that perfection is the enemy of good, and instead of trying to make a work perfect, rather just finish it, and let it be…
Peta
Peta is incredibly talented and wonderful to hear about that through your eloquent words, videos and photos. I smiled at the “I hate it” conclusion only to be re-visited to see the beaut created.I’ll look forward to more of Peta’s art ahead.
Sue, I am with you ~ I look forward to more of Peta’s paintings as well. We have lots of white walls and the canvases are waiting. I am trying not to be too much of a slave master, but I did buy her six more canvases today so she can have them at the ready.
Ben
The paintings are amazing! Peta is an incredible artist, and I can see why you appreciate her so much, for everything!
Yes, I love Peta’s paintings, be they large or small. Over the years we have tried to protect ie, not sell or give or lose, a few of our favorite works from each collection. Thanks for the thumbs up.
Ben
Peta is so talented! I love her paintings. I remember the stray dogs – such wonderful captures. And from the looks of these she most definitely has not forgotten how to paint!
Alison
Yes Peta is talented, but she is also productive. It is really fun to see not just the individual paintings, but a series come together with common themes that interweave over time. What is for sure is that the act of painting slows down the clock. Besides the end result, the process is meaningful in and of itself.
Peta
I know that βI hate itβ so well. Good that you take the advice of Ben to look at it later with some distance. The warmth of the words in this article with the love for you are wonderful to read. I wish you lots of inspiration and send greetings from the Netherlands, where we will meet some other Global Grey Nomads as well.
It is only once I have been painting for a good few hours that I actually stop to look at the painting as a whole. And then of course, because I am too close to the work, I am overly critical. However, coming back to it later is a good strategy as I can see it in a fresh light with some distance.
I have done a few large paintings of the Amsterdam canals some years ago. One of our favourite places…. Enjoy your get together with the other Global Grey Nomads. Sounds fun.
Peta
Those are awesome! I really like your style. Those scenes haven’t changed much in hundreds of years.
Do you have photos of the Nicaragua dogs? I’d like to see those.
Jeff,
Interesting observation about time and that the scenes here have not changed… therein lies the beauty.
Here’s a link to a facebook page with some images of the dog paintings. Thanks for showing interest in them….
https://www.facebook.com/Stray-Dogs-of-Nicaragua-1134168409983028/
Peta
Thanks Jeff! I actually paint in a lot of different styles, it is more the theme which holds the body of work together. It will be interesting as I go forward as to what comes forth… You make an interesting point about the rural scenes here not changing much in hundreds of years. That is part of the beauty for me…
Here is a link to my facebook page with photos of some of my dog paintings. Thanks for showing interest…
https://www.facebook.com/Stray-Dogs-of-Nicaragua-1134168409983028/ ..
Peta
An amazing opening paragraph, Ben! I will forward to my husband so he can take lessons:)
I think all human beings are creative. Peta is especially creative! Interesting how the concept of happiness, flow and creativity coincide. Also, interesting how long term couples know each other and the nuances in a relationship.
Wow! No words to truly describe the paintings. And this is only from a computer screen perspective.
I loved all of the photos and the story! The video with Ben playing the harmonica serenading the buffalo put a huge smile on my face this morning:) Thank you for sharing, Ben and Peta!
Haha Erica thatβs funny. Ben surprised me with this post and it is a nice acknowledgement of his enjoyment of my surge of painting.
Totally agree that all human beings are creative. Yet, we have to give the time and effort to our creativity and nourish and bring forth the treasures that lie inside us or they go dormant.
So glad that you enjoyed the video of the impromptu harmonica playing and my first paintings. That is very encouraging to read.
Peta
Ben, I’ve enjoyed reading your love letter to Peta even if I feel like a voyeur. You write of her creative gifts with such adoration. I’m still only able to see a few images, usually of the video clips, but I remember from a past exploration her paintings of the dogs. The smaller painting of the scene in Hoi An is gorgeous. I hope she’s able to paint many more. Hugs to both of you.
Well, I didn’t think of this as a love letter, but I suppose that may be the way it comes across. That’s a good thing. Too bad you still can’t see the pics. Hope you can borrow someone else’s computer for a quick look see at these paintings. Well, re her painting more, I am putting the odds in my favor by having a stash of 9 more blank canvases ready to go. My bet is that she won’t be able to resist the call from the blank space.
Ben
It’s funny how we drift in and out of doing the things we love, like they have a season. Glad she’s back!
Very true. I used to sculpt with clay quite a bit, in parallel to Peta painting. Perhaps now that she is painting, that will kick start my sculpture. βTis that season again.
Ben
Absolutely beautiful Peta. Great style very purist..I am so happy you are painting again.πππβ€οΈπ§‘
Thank you Madame Bell. So glad you like the style of these first few paintings. I am happy to be painting again ~ timing is everything.
xoxo
What a lovely post that shines with love and creativity.
Thanks so much!
Peta
Everything about this post is lovely. Full circle inspiration and appreciation. Great that all this has flowed from a ‘forced’ change. Hats off to both of you.
The way we see it, life has a way of flowing and being nudged in this or that direction by external events. You are right, that it is chronologically a recent “forced change” that led us to land here now at this time, amongst the buffaloes, and yet already, that, (Sri Lanka) feels like a different life.
This Hoi An life for us is a continuity of one that we started six years ago with our first stay in Hoi An and that we continued to nurture through repeated trips.
Thanks for the “hats off” π
Ben
Franki P:
How beautiful are these three paintings and how sweet the words and feelings of your adoring Ben.
Keep up the great painting Pete – these works are awesome.
Huge Love and hugs,
Franki
Thanks so much Franki. “Adoring Ben” haha I like that…. So glad you like them!!
P
Peta, your paintings are beautiful and evocative. And although apparently you paint in various styles, I find your impressionistic style here very appealing. And Ben, this is a lovely ode to your beautiful GF. π
Thanks Laurel for your kind words. I am still getting used to painting small and in acrylic, so your feedback is encouraging. Ben says “and it is a lovely gf to ode to”. haha π
Peta
I agree with Patti. I LOVE everything about this post. The words capture you instantly, and complete hold you throughout. The paintings are both stunning and thought-provoking. The writers/artist are very inspiring!
Well thank you on all counts. So glad you like my new first paintings. Ah yes, Ben has a way with words…
Peta
I am sure there will outlets in Hoi An that will be very keen to sell some of these paintings. They are brilliant. I also know that Vietnam, and Hoi An in particular, is such an incredible source of inspiration for painters and photographers alike. Beautiful scenes!! I still have to visit the collection of photographs of all Vietnamese ethnic minorities taken by the Frecnh photographer Rehahn.. Let me know if any of your paintings will be for sale or on display in Hoi An in the near future. I am writing this as I as sitting at the airport, waiting for my flight to Hanoi and then onwards to the ‘lovely’ Quang Ngai.. I am bound to find my way to Hoi An in the next few months…
Lieve
Actually, I am thinking of creating a limited series of prints of my paintings so far and seeing what kind of response/reaction I get to those and then go from there. The beauty of the surroundings and the light in Hoi An is endless with regard to possibilities for artists. I too am looking forward to going to see the photographs of Rehahn and the collection of textiles that are at the museum in the historic center.
Let us know when you are back in Hoi An and perhaps we could meet up for a Vietnamese iced coffee or juice.
Peta
Will let you know if/when I make it to Hoi An. My week of freedom after arriving in Quang Ngai has since been reduced to two days… Back to work today already, barely had time to get over the jet lag, but somehow this sudden change of plan did not come as a surprise.
Lieve
Ooh that’s rough… jet lag can hit quite hard, at least towards end of day π
If I may inquire ~ what is your work in Quang Ngai?
Hope you make it to Hoi An.
Peta
As a guy who can barely manage a stickman, I’ve always admired those who can paint. Nicely done, and enjoy your life of painted memories.
Haha Dave..With a little practice I am sure you would improve. Painting is like most other things, the more you do it the better one gets. But thank you for the kind words.
Peta
Peta is one talented individual! I completely understand. When I am finished the first draft of a book, I always say, “I hate it!” Then go back, made some tweaks but am happy with it. I think all creatives are alike. I love these paintings! A wonderful post, Ben.
Darlene, it sure is great to feel understood by another “creative”! I think perhaps when we are immersed in something up close, be it painting or writing, we sometimes need to take some distance to be able to appreciate our own efforts. So glad you like the paintings and Ben’s post.
Peta
Ben, I truly adore this expression of love you have for your girlfriend. And I totally get how creativity can trigger those emotions even more than anything else. Oh, how I wished my husband played the guitar or had other artistic talent. π Yet, he also has his endearing qualities, of course.
And, Peta, you rock! Iβm so glad you found your groove. When inspiration hits, it hits hard for you. Enjoy the process and the creations afterwards. Beautiful new series. And so different from the other ones. I like how you vary your styles and materials; omnitalented!
Liesbet, being a writer, you know how challenging it can be to get into a groove of working smoothly. For me it is about many things. I like to have the time and space in my head to focus on painting, which works best when my brain is not full of other things. During our years in Nicaragua, I painted less, as I was focused on trying to learn Spanish and as well, incorporating more yoga into my life. So timing, is often key isn’t it?
Thanks for the compliment on my work.
Peta
This is a beautiful article! It shows your love for Peta and your appreciation of her creativity and talent! Her paintings are indeed very good! Iβm sure by now she is much more comfortable with the acrylics! It seems you are both very talented and work well together and that is so wonderful!
So much talent Peta βοΈ and I love the Water Buffalo Serenade π
Thanks Carol.Glad you enjoyed the video with the water buffalo. So much fun to watch them every day en route to the beach.
Peta
What a wonderful, joyful story! And the paintings are lovely — as is that Water Buffalo serenade.
As an artist, I get the “I hate it” cry. It inspires me every time I utter it! π
I am enjoying reading about your journey! Wow!
Ah that moment when I am ready to paint over it, or keep going and mess it up, and my boyfriend swoops in to save the piece! In the nick of time. Then weeks later, I go back and am quite impressed with myself. And surprised.
Louise, welcome to our Green Global Trek!
Peta
You are incredibly talented, Peta. I love vignette-sized paintings. And, Ben, your tribute to your painterly Peta is absolutely adorable.
Haha J.D. nice message. The talent has been dormant for some years but it’s good to know one can tap in to it when the urge strikes. Being creative is so dependant for me upon so many other factors, especially about having a clear mind and few obligations…
Peta
Peta, your paintings are very evocative, and I love the way you have handled the light. It was interesting to read Benβs perspective on your artistic process.
Jude
Ben, your GF is amazingly talented. I hope you’ll show more of her art – I hope she lets you. I’ve seen some of her large paintings from past posts. These smaller paintings are no less extraordinary for diminutive size. The details of local life, the varied colors, the dramatic compositions infused with the gentle light – lovely. What medium does Peta use? I;’m guessing not oil, but maybe acrylic? Gouache?
Sharon,
All of Peta’s previous works were done in oils (other than charcoal sketches, and the one time “cool globe” project). We haven’t found a good source for oil paint here, thus her move to acrylic. Peta says it’s definitely a learning curve, with a variety of pros and cons. One of the benefits is for sure the easy clean up and quick drying time. I am liking the small canvases as well, and given how challenging the large paintings have been from a logistics point of view, I think the small size makes more sense while we are nomadic…
Ben