With the arrival of the spring storm season, I thought I would post “Cold Front Blues”.

I always like to use this forum to let you know why I painted a particular scene. With “Cold Front Blues” I am presented with a bit of a problem in that area. The idea for the image itself just kind of came to me, and I painted it because I felt compelled to.

Coincidentally, during the period of time that I was painting it I was in the process of learning an important life lesson. I learned that even though problems and obstacles may appear to be two sides of the same coin, they are actually quite different. Problems can be avoided, prevented, or solved. Obstacles have to be overcome. If you treat an obstacle like a problem you will never get where you need to be.

When the painting was finished I realized the painting perfectly illustrated what I had learned. Hot humid days can make you miserable, and relief only comes with the passing of a cold front. Unfortunately, the cold front also brings with it the possibility of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Once the storms pass you are in a much better situation because cooler and less humid air is left behind. The picture is intended to be slightly frightening and unsettling, causing an initial, “ lets get out of here” reaction, followed by the realization that if you intend to continue down the road towards your destination you are going to have to go through the storm, or hold your ground and let the storm pass over you, in order to get where you need to be.

As I was finishing the painting I wondered why someone didn't tell me this before so I would have benefited from the knowledge sooner. Then I remembered, I had been told. I just didn't listen. Oops. Gotta quit doing that.

“...the best way out is always through”.

From “A Servant To Servants” by Robert Frost.

Image and text © 2013 James Golaszewski (except for the Robert Frost bit, of course...)