Regina Calton Burchett - Drawings & Pastels » Writings

Color Poems

Regina — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:40:10 +0000

Sometimes I update my “Colors” page, where I combine two things I love – color from a part of a painting (or a photo) of mine with a poem or just a few lines that seem to be illustrated by that color.

Here is my writing from today, which is a reminder to practice having a positive and grateful attitude, and to expect (and work for) great things in your life:

~ Vermillion Lightness of Being ~

That lovely feeling

of expectation, anticipation

of knowing something delicious

is just beyond the horizon, like an unopened gift

In Appreciation of Men

Regina — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 15:28:13 +0000

We have a week before Father’s Day, but I wanted to post this now while it was in my thoughts.

I think Father’s Day should be renamed Men’s Day. Not all men of worth are fathers, either by choice or by circumstance. And I’d like to celebrate the men in my life – my husband especially, and my fathers, my step-son and grandson, my brother and brothers-in-law, my nephews, son-in-law, male friends….

One of the things I like about men is their gentleness. When I see a man holding a baby or taking time to be patient with a fussing child, I admire their maturity and their generosity of spirit.

Another thing I admire is their bravery. They are brought up with the expectation that they must protect those they love and stand in the face of danger, even at times when this instinct may not come naturally.

I love their smell. After working outside or playing sports. (But not on a really hot day.)

I love their manners. A few decades back, I was walking down the street in Austin and an older gentleman tipped his hat to me in passing. It made me feel honored. And recognized, in a way. I’ve been a feminist since the 60’s, but I love for a man I’m with – or even better, a young man I’ve never seen – to open a door for me. I do the same for them, if the situation merits. It is just a kind thing to do. And respectful.

I love that men try. They try to understand what women want. They try to be thoughtful and to live up to all of the myriad things expected of them. They try to change with the times, knowing they are giving up some things and hopefully realizing they are gaining more options also. We expect them to be strong yet tender, respectful of our opinions, intelligent and funny while being good listeners, attractive and ingenious lovers but always faithful, to excel at sports plus be great at their job. A lot is expected of men.

And I’m grateful for them – for their similarities and their differences. Young and old, white and black, straight and gay, poor and rich. I think we don’t say it enough – we appreciate you for all that you are. Happy Men’s Day.

The Concert of the Trees

Regina — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:23:34 +0000

I posted this a while back, and was thinking of it today while I looked at all the green around me right after the wonderful rain we had. Trees give us so much, we can’t help but be grateful.

Perfect Sunday Morning

Regina — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:43:22 +0000

Yesterday, I had a perfect morning. Sometimes we get just a few hours of what seems like perfection, and more often, just a moment. I’m grateful for any, because they seem rare. And to realize them, even more rare.

I was lucky enough to make one cup of very good coffee, and took it and a leftover scone and Charlie (our terrier) out to my studio. I opened the shades, and we sat on the window seat and I drank coffee and read the latest Pastel Journal. Then I painted for several hours and was happy with my progress. I listened to the Moody Blues and John Fogerty and Linda Ronstadt, and during breaks from painting, Charlie and I danced. (well, actually, he bit my feet while I danced).

About 12:30, I came back inside and worked on paperwork for business. And I didn’t feel guilty at all. What a great day.

Fixin’ to be a good day – finished

Regina — Thu, 28 May 2009 23:20:17 +0000

This was an experiment for me and a step away from my art comfort zone. But I like it.

Fixin' to be a Good Day

storm front – sky painting with no ground – WIP

Regina — Tue, 26 May 2009 19:09:07 +0000

I’m fairly close to done on this, I think. I’m trying to decide if a sky painting needs land to ‘anchor’ it.

Sky - storm front

Doing what you love.

Regina — Wed, 20 May 2009 13:36:37 +0000

One artist who regularly posts some excellent and helpful pieces is Rose Welty. She had a great article on doing art every day, even if for just ten minutes. (Read post here) One of the things I like about that idea is that it reminds us, every day, that whatever else we may be doing to make a living, we are artists.

We are artists. Period. Say it. It took years for me to be able to say “I am an artist” and not feel like I was being pretentious. Okay…. I still feel that way at times. But one of the main things that brings joy to my life is art. Creating art, thinking about art, viewing art. And being grateful to have that passion.

And I need to be able to dedicate at least a small portion of every day to what I love. Thanks, Rose.

WIP – Fixin to be a good day

Regina — Mon, 18 May 2009 02:13:42 +0000

I started this one today on a 5×7 Ampersand pastel board, working on getting a second piece ready for the Austin Pastel Society’s show at the Scarbrough Building.

WIP – path, tree, fog

Regina — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 06:16:49 +0000

I started this tonight about 10:30 after a very frustrating day / week… it’s from a photo my friend Diana shared with me. She is doing a painting from it also. Because of a frame I already had, I decided to stretch the image somewhat, and work from that. This is the initial charcoal sketch, and a link to a slideshow of my progress tonight.

WIP - fog, tree, path

Slideshow Link progress to date

Update: 5/6/09 – Here is the completed pastel. I kind of lost the fog, but liked it the way it was…

Cattle Guard

The warm colors of Fall

Regina — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 17:33:57 +0000

		Sitting here looking out the window at the last of the beautiful fall trees, it seems like we have more color this year than we generally do in central Texas. The yellows and oranges all around the neighborhood have been such a nice change, but now the trees are losing their leaves more rapidly.
It seems odd that the brightest and most colorful part of the year is right before the most barren and gray season. Maybe the warm burst of yellow, gold, red, rust, and orange are there to warm us before the cold of the winter to come.