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Here it is, dear readers “The Conversation.” This new encaustic painting is hanging at the Canyon Gallery in Boulder, Colorado at the Public Library as part of the Open Studios show.

When I started writing about painting titles my plan was to stop here with a story about “The Conversation.” But I’ve changed my mind. The power of abstract painting lies in its ability to inspire reverie, no? Which at its best is a highly personal, moving experience. I don’t want to pull you out of your own experience of this painting by saddling you with mine. So I’ll limit myself to sharing some background info. Stop reading here if you don’t want to know.

Painting titles usually pop unbidden while the painting’s being made, or soon after. This one was different. I felt stumped. I went back to the source for ideas – a memory of an afternoon spent photographing teasels. Gorgeous, spiny, weedy things. Teasel ideas started flowing. But nothing with the world teasel in it would do. Too literal. Too weasly.

But then something happened. I noticed I felt an emotional charge when I looked at the painting. This doesn’t happen equally for all paintings. And it’s a wonderful thing when it does. The charge had something to do with nostalgia. The process of forgetting and remembering again in a bittersweet way. Something about homesickness. And autumn too. I wanted a title that could hold all these ideas while still being specific. Titles based on the words nostalgia, remembering and forgetting felt too passive. I needed a story. Desperately. Back to the painting for more thinking. Stories arose (insert yours here). When I tripped on “The Conversation” it jangled. The choice was clear. Hope you like it too.