I started these two paintings a while back. I was scheduled for cataract surgery. I was very excited when my doctor told me with new special lenses, I would see better than ever in my life. But when that 1st lens was put in, I was blind. Well, not totally blind but I needed to be inches away from something to see it. Now being an artist and painter, this has always been my worse fear. I had already started the waterfall painting but could not see my reference photo let alone what I was putting on my canvas. So, I started the still life. I set it up and blocked it in and then realized I was seeing double of everything in front of me. To say I was freaking out is an understatement. Three surgeries later on that eye and my vision was restored. Unfortunately for me those special lenses would not work with my extreme stigmatism. But the standard ones worked, even though I don't have the miracle vision, I am happy to see. It has been over a year now since that ordeal. I wasn't sure I could even paint again. But I knew I had to try. The waterfall came easy, the still life not so much. I just have to practice painting what I see. It has been well over a year now, I am back to painting, and I am very grateful that I can indeed see.
