Life by the River
Funny thing happened yesterday. I was driving upriver when I noticed a pair of workboots and a coil of rope beside the road where a path goes down to a jetty. I kept driving and on the way home I decided to stop if they were still there. I thought they would make a good postcard.
I pulled up , got out of the car and there they were. I took a few photos because I didn’t have my sketching gear with me. As I finished taking the photos another car pulled up and a man got out and asked if they were my boots. I said no I didn’t know whose they were whereupon he said “Oh I know whose they are. They’re mine”
I had a laugh, explained why I was taking photos of them , got in the car and drove home. Ever since I’ve been kicking myself for not asking why they were there and what the story was behind them being there half the day!
I always want to say something about the subject of my painting. I think that’s what makes the difference in art. A story or an emotional connection that brings me in and encourages me to engage with the image is what makes it really interesting to me.
Here I missed the chance to know the full story but I knew there was a story behind those boots and that coil of rope which is what made me stop on a busy day and take some photos.
As the viewer you can fill in the gaps for yourself. The story might be different for each of you and it would be interesting to hear why you think they were left there.
Regardless of the actual why we know there’s a story attached and it adds another layer to the subject matter.
I do love a good story!
Lindy Whitton Studio 
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