Painted people

There are people in our lives that are not as they seem. Most of the time, that is because they present a version of themselves to the world that is different than they actually are. We all do this to an extent in an aim to create an image of who we aspire to be. However, there are times that we paint someone in colors that they would never actually choose. Painting people will always end in pain for ourselves or those we’ve painted. 

Sometimes the most pain comes when you paint someone in rose and sunlight and melodies and expect them to fit their image. Artists are especially susceptible to this unfortunate choice; myself included.  

I have found myself painting people in hues of hope and comfort and passion when they haven’t asked me to. Then when I expect them to bring forth those wonderful things, I am the one disappointed. 

You cannot expect someone to be the version of themselves they are in your head, especially, when you haven’t given them the chance to show you how they truly perceive and display themselves. Yet, we go about doing this all the time. 

A striking image comes to mind – Edward Hopper’s painting “Summer Evening.” The 1947 painting is a commentary on perspective. From a distance, the viewer has a perception that the two young adults are being coy, flirty, and perhaps even falling in love with each other. That is what we want it to say as people with emotions. However, Hopper asks you to look closer and step into the painting. 

When each person is examined on their own the viewer can see that the woman is perhaps uncomfortable or uncertain. She may be waiting for him to make a move or say something of importance. He is looking at his nails, clearly nervous or uncertain as well. They are painted individually in their own colors, but from afar they are painted in the colors the viewer wishes them to be. 

Upon further inspection, it can be inferred that the summer evening depicted may just be the evening they split or the evening they see each other for who they are. 

I hope it’s the latter. 

There is something particularly important in seeing another in the colors they choose to paint themselves in and not what you wish they were cast in. When we look upon someone negatively or positively or in passion we are quick to grab a brush. In painting we often become jealous, angry, or overzealous, and we end up hurting ourselves in the process. 

 I wish to have the chance to let myself see the work of art each individual I meet chooses to paint themselves as and let my own brush fall to the wayside.