A Different Perspective:

by Maury Kettell

Luke, Luke, it is the force, can you feel it?

The Star Wars movies have made a lot of money because they say something to us about good and evil. They talk about the force—should we turn to the light—or go to the dark. It is a constant struggle for humanity, and at times the light shines bright, and sometimes the dark creeps in.

I’m thinking that we as watercolor artists are Watercolor Jedi Warriors. We understand the light side and dark side. Fortunately, we were born with a connection to the light side—the light side speaks to us—or we wouldn’t be painting with watercolor. Not that the dark side can’t tempt us, it can and does, much to our detriment. But, mostly we live on the light side.

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Sometimes when I sit in my studio I feel like a Jedi Warrior. I don’t have a light saber, but I have my paintbrush, a white sheet of paper, and pigment. When I’m feeling the force of the light side, I can do anything. I can almost hear the hum coming off of my brush—it is poised and ready to do some serious watercolor work. The power flows onto the watercolor paper, spreading into an incredible statement. I’m thinking, “Wow.”

Other times, Darth Vader comes into view—the dark side. He grabs my arm—I can feel the chill. The light fades—things are sullen and I’m afraid. I hesitantly move my brush to the palette—grabbing five colors and mixing them thoroughly—pure mud. I strain—knowing I’m going to the dark side and try to resist. I cry out—“no, no, not the dark side.” I fight, but sometimes I’m overwhelmed and I do the worst. I’ve been tempted by the dark side and have failed. Other times, I fight the dark side and manage to find the force—the light, and with that effort, strike Darth Vader in the heart—he vanishes, and I stand in front of a creation that makes me want to stand in awe.

After those moments have passed, I shake my head and wonder what has happened. I feel drained because of the battle with the dark side. With the good paintings, I can feel the force flowing through my body and the hum of that light saber—and I’m ready for the next conflict. But, there are times when the dark side has won the day—and all I feel is dread—will I ever make it back to the light—I get scared.

That is when it is hard to pull out the brush for the next painting—will it hum as a light saber should—or will it pull me to the dark side. The paper almost seems to be waiting—as I’m waiting, waiting for the coming conflict—will it be the hum of light—or the shadow of the dark? I’m still painting after 25 years, so I know what I believe; I believe it will be the light.