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Inspired Paintings

By Louisa Gould

In the darker days of March 2008, on the island, during an Easter open house at a flower shop, I was given a single daffodil. I put the lovely bright flower in a bud vase next to my home computer. I had just completed a series of Maritime paintings, using lots of different shades of blues, and was really ready for something bright, beautiful, and bold.

My eyes were continually drawn to the daffodil. I started to notice how this little solo flower made me feel; alive and bright. I had never noticed all the little ridges on the inside of this species of flower before. I was slightly amazed at what a wonderful creation this little flower was. Knowing the daffodil would not last long, I decided to paint it. I chose a square canvas, instead of my typical rectangular one. I was moved to capture the feeling of the yellow, for always. I chose a slightly lighter textured background of yellow to compliment the flower. I envisioned the daffodil against a stucco wall. I was delighted with how the painting turned out. My rule of thumb for a painting to be hung at my gallery is; would I hang the painting in my own house? The answer was yes.

After completing the painting, I felt inspired to meditate concentrating on my 6th chakra. The chakras are the doorways into our auric field. Each of the 7 chakras have corresponding colors.  The 6th chakra's color is violet. The flower for violet was an iris. I thought, "Hmmm....maybe these flowers are tied to the colors of my chakras?"

When I connected with the iris - 6th Chakra painting. It made me remember how I absolutely love the smell of irises. I have fond memories of them growing in the yard as a child. Each year, I was  thrilled with the iris blooming, more so than all the other flowers in the garden I wanted to go out and buy all the remaining 5 chakra flowers at once. I caught myself.  I thought, "This is supposed to be a meditative process where I concentrate on each flower, its color, and associated chakra." I set my intent for this to be a full experience. I went to the flower store and bought only one flower at a time and painted until I had completed all seven chakras. This was a different process of painting for me, as sometimes I am inspired to paint and will do nothing else for several days at a time. The chakra series for me was about discipline, balance, and slowing down to see what was in front of me, connecting and painting immersed with inspiration.

I am a colorist, meaning I work with color in my photography and paintings. Color has meaning to me. Each painting was also a form of color therapy for me, especially in this dark month of March.

I have been rewarded through the responses from my clients, to the chakra painting series. Some people will immediately state which colors and flowers they like best. When I ask, "Why?", sometimes their response is as simple as, "They love roses or that red evokes the emotion of love."  A teenage girl was so excited to purchase the 5th chakra painting. I guessed, it was because she was finding her own voice in high school. The 2nd chakra painting sold to a woman in her early 50's who was furthering her spiritual awakening. It now holds a prominent space in her Colorado home on a spectacular lake. She tells me, "It provides inspiration for her to continue her journey." She wants to collect another chakra painting when she returns to the island. I think it will also be the 5th chakra painting as she is also finding her own spiritual voice.

The series will be available in prints as well. The pieces can be bought individually or as a group, or can build a collection as one's journey unfolds.

For many, I have provided a mini-introduction to the chakras through these paintings, which brings me great joy. 

It's a truly uplifting for me to see the circular nature of inspiration...how I was inspired by a gift of a flower on Easter to then go on and inspire others on their journeys. I believe my creativity is a gift that I am grateful to be able to share with others.

Louisa Gould is a painter, photographer, and gallery owner. She own and operates, the award winning Louisa Gould Gallery located at 54 Main St.Vineyard Haven. Martha's Vineyard is where she developed her appreciation for art and photography. Her family taught her to sail at a young age which lead to sailing in the America's Cup 2000 in New Zealand. Louisa published “Wooden Boats of Martha's Vineyard” a color photography book in 2008. As a travel photographer she has visited over 100 countries around the world. Louisa takes family portraits and shoots weddings as well. She invites you stop by the gallery and view her Chakra paintings and the other wonderful works by the 25 artists she represents. (508) 693.7373 lg@louisagould.com  www.louisagould.com

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