“Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the actions stems the dream again, and this interdependence produces the highest from of living. – Anais Nin

While searching for the inspiration to begin my first Blog post, I came across an email headline that best describes my purpose for reaching out to you– Dream Out Loud: Transform Ideas Into Action.

Since my husband Timothy’s passing nine months ago, I’ve been in a state of quiet transformation. Now that the days are becoming longer, I’ve decided to turn towards the light of a new life– a life that compels me to “dream out loud” and share the joys and stories of my life with The Masters.

As the representative of some of the world’s most accomplished artists, I have been blessed with many extraordinary days. Most recently, November 19th was such a day… filled with the air of excited anticipation because Richard Schmid was scheduled to give a rare Still Life painting demo. at NYC’s Salmagundi Club.

After breakfast, Richard invited me to go shopping for still life objects. After strolling around the Greenwich Village Farmer’s market, he finally selected apples and oranges from a shivering street vendor who’d clearly been standing outside in the cold for hours.

And from a nearby floral shop he found the perfect yellow and orange Daylilies to complement the composition  he envisioned.

At 3:00 pm we met up with Chris, Salmagundi’s incomparable technician and all around “wunderkind” to set up the lights and do a sound check.

As I watched Richard place his still life objects, I thought of a particular magazine article that featured his paintings. The journalist titled the article “The Value of a Strong Start.” Over the many years that I’ve worked with Richard I have come to think of this title as his Credo. For Richard, the painting process begins long before the first brush-stroke touches the canvas.  For Richard, a “Strong Start” means carefully selecting every aspect of the set up, visualizing the the finished painting, and being completely immersed in the creative process.

Observing Richard and how he carefully chose each item – each apple, each orange, each flower and leaf in his set up, I was reminded once again that virtuosity is not simply represented through skillful execution – but rather through a total way of being.

Richard’s set up was not only beautiful– his painting demonstration was magnificent. Watching Richard paint, in the moment, from life, was like watching a magical ballet unfold… Suddenly, a masterpiece appeared– apparently without effort! And yet, like accomplished dancers, many years of developing uncompromising skill underlie great artistic expression.

After the event, Richard shared some of his insights with me. ” This still life represents a new direction in my painting– its something I’ve been working towards for a long time,” explained Richard. I’ve never felt such freedom! It was an expression of pure joy.”

“Richard’s Flight” oil 19″ x 25″ in 22 karat gold leaf frame. ©Richard Schmid 2010

All photos ©Kristen Thies 2011 |  Blog edited by Sheryll Reichwein