I was reading a summary of the artist Hunt Slonem. I’d seen his work numerous times and though his paintings are not what I would pick for my own walls I totally resonate with his mentality about art. I also think every artist is jealous of him because his paintings look fun to make and he makes a good living from creating them. I might get bored painting kindergarten style rabbits over and over but would also do it for a nice price and the ability to put a beautiful frame around it!
He painted many cockatoos because he kept many cockatoos on his property. So he draws what he sees, loves, sees beauty in, and knows best... by painting them.
Here is the quote that inspired me to make a post about his philosophy:
“Art has the ability to heal people...I derive 100 percent purpose in living from my painting--if I don’t paint, I just feel useless... I’m just surrounded by this great beauty all of the time -- birds and all these things that are of nature and the divine.” And he still maintains an almost childlike wonder and appreciation of the world around him at age 74. He is very spiritual.