Capturing That Moment

Bound to Red, White and Blue
20" x 28"
Watercolor on Arches Paper
Linda Rothchild Ollis

That Port Angeles boat yard, fresh paint smell, high
pitched sound of men sanding their boats, and the cool,
fresh ocean breeze fill my memory.
The first gut level reaction to that moment was
appreciation for these boats that weathered storms
and respect for the fishermen, who live this life.
I painted this painting several years ago and the
moment that triggered my response to capture
that moment is fresh in my mind. After I completed this
painting, our country was attacked on 9/11. The strength
of the rope and the fishermen brought to mind our
strength as a country. I named it "Bound to Red,
White and Blue" as a tribute.
When observers ask me, "Where do you get your ideas?",
many can relate to a moment like the one I just described.
Something stops you in your tracks and you disconnect
from your surroundings to observe it.
We all have an artist inside that selects the unique
moment, color or subject matter that appeals to us. When
we share it and others relate to that moment, synergy occurs.
The photo below is my original resource photo for the
painting above.