The Little Mermaid: The Silent Observer
Last week, I lost my voice—not my artistic one, but the one that emanates from my throat. I caught a cold virus that rendered me temporarily speechless. I didn’t feel sick, just forcibly mute. Losing the ability to talk had its frustrating moments, but there is something to be learned from the seat of a listener.
The Little Mermaid, Princess of Cups - Early sketch
Usually I’m the conversationalist, the girl who engages herself in the free flowing exchange of ideas, happily segueing from one topic into another with tangential inflections in between. As a former art college teacher, the balance of talking and listening was a wonderful exercise in human interaction.
The Little Mermaid, Princess of Cups - final sketch
Now I was the quiet observer and instead of being enslaved by a protraction of oral recitations, I found just listening to be strangely freeing. Though I couldn’t talk, I could gesticulate and express myself in other ways, a good reminder of the nuances that we tend to take for granted. To smile, put a hand on a shoulder, to hug, pause and look people in the eyes; subtle deliveries full of human sensitivity, compassion and nurturing—universal expressions that transcend language. The good handshake can speak volumes and a smile is wonderfully contagious. I don’t think losing my voice had been a nuisance. Rather it has helped me to be more demonstrative in important, meaningful ways.
The Little Mermaid, Princess of Cups - B&W Drawing
This week I’ve chosen the Little Mermaid (Princess of Cups). This was a piece that flowed like the powerful waves sweeping over the drowning prince. My paintbrush had a voice of its own and spread the watercolor washes with gratifying effect. As I continued painting, everything about the piece felt animated; with the Little Mermaid, prince and sea all coming together in a confluence of divine energy. All the while, the dawning sun emblazons the scene with warmth that hints of what is to come.
The Little Mermaid, Princess of Cups - Final Painting
Be open to the messages of others as you connect with your heart. Listen, feel and show how you feel. And remember, always help others to shine.
~Lisa
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mermaid, listen, fairy tale, fairytale, silent, love, listener, fable
Very beautiful.
Great work Lisa!
I really like the way the hair melts into the ocean.
You used yourself as reference for the mermaid, right? If not, she looks a lot like you, I gotta say.
One thing I do miss in the translation of the rough sketch into the final piece is those little bubbles that you drew on the right side of the sun. Also, the lines you drew sort of give the impression that the sun was wrapped in a seashell.
That’s just me, though ^__^
Can’t wait to see the next piece !
Wonderful wonderful post, Lisa! I have had a pair of mermaids in my dreams this year all silent except for their giggle-bubbles as they zoom up or vroom away. Kelping together with me they’ve been teaching me things, and your post struck a great chord that resonated with these experiences. Love the embracing and fulfilling compassion and care and love you’ve evoked here.
And, it’s certainly a hoot to journey through your initial sketch to finished painting. Brings a wonderful, shall I say, kelping into focus rhythm to your whole post.
Beautiful image and message!
I really love this. She is doing what her heart tells her she must. Lovely. Just lovely!
What a wonderful reminder, Lisa, of the power of our silence. One of the hardest things I had to learn as a counselor is how to listen and be comfortable in silence–for it’s here that a person will often find the answers to her own questions, because her heart and her Divine Self will whisper to her.
And this is a stunning painting! I love the imagery!! Thank you for sharing once again your thoughts and your beautiful artwork!
Loved the message at the end of the card Lisa;-)
Liza
Very eloquent m’dear!
Lovely painting too — one of my favorites from the FTT!