A Chat about a Purple Tree

At a recent show I enjoyed conversations with a number of people who stopped to study my works and ask questions. But one visitor really changed my day. After he left I jotted down his words hoping I got some of it right.

As I was setting up to paint as part of the show, a young boy, about seven, came in and began to quite intently stare at several of my landscapes.

Working his way around my various pieces he finally spoke. “Did you paint all these, sir?”

“Yes,” I replied. “My name’s Don, by the way.”

“Took a lot of time…Don?”

“Yup, a lot of time and hard work. But it’s fun.”

“So, why did you paint one of your trees purple?” (more violet, but let’s not quibble)

“Have you ever painted a purple tree?” I asked.

“Yea sure…but I’m just a kid.”

“So, why did you do it…paint a purple tree?”

“Cause my trees were guards…you know like those Beefeaters guys…only my castle was in the air.”

“Good reason. My skies are like your castles and my water is like the big moats that surround the castle. And my trees guard those.”

“Cool. I kinda believe that some places are real special.” He walked around a bit more and finally came back to where I was seated. “I like that little one over there.”

“Why don’t you just take it?” He looked at me with a funny grin. “It’s ok. I’ve learned a lot from you today and I’d like you to have it.” I walked over to the table and picked up the small 12”x12” landscape.

“Really?” I nodded and handed it to him. He looked pleased. As he walked away to find his parents he added, “You should keep painting, sir…but maybe try blue and orange for your trees sometime.”

The rest of the day was a bit of a pleasant blur.