NaMoPaiMo day five

Yesterday was the fifth day of NaMoPaiMo and all across  land, artists added layers,

photo by Hanna Lukasiewicz

added dapples,

photo by Mary Menut

added hairs...

photo by Christine Christensen

and added spots.

photo by Melanie Miller

It was a happy, productive day.

photo by Jamie Heiberger

But not for everyone.

photo by Candace Anderson

Several people reported problems that have nothing to do with painting and everything to do with life.

photo by Audrey Roar

There were sick people, sick dogs and sick cats.

photo by Cheryl Calentine

Teddy Bates writes: Hey, Namo Day 5 is a sad one. I found out today that my Nan has weeks to live. She was diagnosed with late stage liver cancer at the weekend, and today was told there is nothing that can be done to help her. She’s an incredibly healthy lady for someone who is eighty six - she was still at the swimming pool and at her watercolour classes up until a few months ago. 

My parents, neither of whom are artistic, always joked that I got my artistic streak from Nanna. She was an enormous supporter of my art - even when I was just a toddler, we would exchange art. I got some of her paintings, she got some of mine. Pictured is ‘Tom the Toucan’, who has been proudly framed in my house for a long, long time. 

I don’t know how to feel. Right now, she’s not in pain. She’s positive. She feels well. How do you begin to grieve someone who is still alive, who is feeling happy and well, but knows their time is up? I can’t stop thinking about how she must feel. How my mum feels, losing her own mother, when she seemed to still have so many good years in her. 

Writing his post, I’ve actually started to cry. I’ve put down Adderly for a bit to post this and typing it out, thinking about my Nan’s influence on my art, has actually helped me to feel it all a bit. I’ve been numb all day, so it feels good to think about her. 

I’ve been sharing pictures of my NaMo progress with her every day this month. I always wanted her to own one of my model horses, but unfortunately I think I’ve ran out of time for her to do that. Instead, I hope I’m able to own more of her watercolour pieces when she’s gone. 

I’m keeping her in mind while I paint. At the weekend, I’m traveling across the country to go and see her (I don’t live close to her, unfortunately). I’m going to bring Adderly with me to show her my progress in person. 

If you read this far, thank you.

Rest assured, Teddy, I read every word. I have been thinking about you and your Nan all day. I hope your visit goes well, and your NaMoPaiMo pony brings you comfort. You are our NaMoPaiMo Champion of the Day.

Congratulations, Teddy, and good job to everyone who worked on their models yesterday. Here's looking forward to a productive - and easier - day six.