7.7.11

Brushes from Heaven!


So the other day, I was in our little village library, when I was offered some free paint brushes. As it happens. Apparently some local arty type didn't want them anymore and for reasons I can't quite fathom (perhaps intended for the library fete stall? Which sells only books?) had passed them on to the library. Who, knowing what I do, suggested that I might like them.


Did I ever!
My heart at that point literally thumped a bit faster. Investigations found plenty of sables and some unused hog hairs - most of them were used, but I don't mind not having to wear a brush in (it's a bit like fountain pens, they are better when they are not minty fresh). More brushes than I could afford to buy in one go, anyway. And they even came with their own pot.



A more blatant sign from the Universe that I need to start painting again, after a ten month break, I cannot imagine.

26 comments:

Nancy said...

I love getting unexpected gifts...it's almost magical. And it's a beautiful container as well. I'm so glad the library thought of you.

Janet Metzger, Artist said...

Dear Gretel,
How wonderful..it was meant to be.

I love it when special things like this happen to special people ;->

Enjoy your new brushes!
Janet xox

Frances said...

Wow, Gretel, what a bonanza! I do so treasure my collection of brushes, try to care for them well, and only add to the collection when truly inspired or very tempted.

To be gifted with usuable brushes is pretty marvelous.

Interestingly, this is the second post I have read this evening that had brushes as its subject.

Perhaps I will be able to dream about brushes and painting tonight and wake up tomorrow and actually put some of my collection to ... what is it ... paper.

xo

Charlotte said...

That is a sight that makes the heart sing, the pot is almost as much a find as well.

We look forward to seeing what you create from the tips of these.

Used-to-Bees said...

That's a lovely thing to happen - not only do you have a fabulous-looking selection of brushes in their charming pot, but that warm and fuzzy feeling when someone thought of you for such a gift...
x

Soozcat said...

Serendipitous deliciousness! What a great haul.

ted and bunny said...

thats so great, but do you have to take them back after 14 days?!!
xx

Anonymous said...

What an absolute treasure hoard! And the pot is an especially lovely bonus - and they sound like they're making your fingers itch to paint!

Claire said...

How wonderful the library staff thought of you, Gretel.........they've gone to a good home.
Look forward to seeing future paintings.

Claire :}

rossichka said...

Can someone say that miracles don't happen? :) What a lovely, unexpected gift! I just can imagine what it means for an artist - a real treasure. The pot is wonderful, too! The people from the library deserve a big "Thank you!" for having thought of you! Happy painting, Gretel!

elizabeth said...

What a stroke of fortune!
How thrilling.
This post made me happy even at a distance.
Yes, you must obviously start painting again immediately!

coinguyslady said...

What a great gift.I am not much of a painter but I know the value of a good brush.

Twiglet said...

Oh yes - a sure sign that you should get painting girl!! Lovely brushes and perfect pot too. Enjoy!

Rosie said...

What a great haul. You may want to check who made the vase....just like they do on those television programmes.

Elizabeth Rhiannon said...

Yes! A sign! Don't you love it when that happens? Blessings to you!

Anonymous said...

How wonderful - and what a lovely pot. Have lots of fun using them!!

Caroline B said...

A brush bonanza! I think getting things free and out of the blue is far nicer than buying them for many reasons - now get those paints out!

ted and bunny said...

thankyou for your comment- I hope you didn't have to sleep on wet sheets- otherwise I'll be responsible for you having the sniffles!
(always difficult to send chicken soup through Royal Mail!)
xx

Jess said...

What a gift! The library can be the font of inspiration at times!xx

Suze said...

I think I'm not the only one who wants to see what the wonderful gift produces!

Cathy Holtom said...

Definately a good reason to start painting again! It can take a while to build up a good collection of brushes, I wonder what the story is behind them?

Rowan said...

What a great gift from the library and the unknown artist. I think it's definitely a hint that you should start painting again:)

D A Nelson said...

See, I knew libraries were fantastic places! Wish you well with them and look forward to seeing your artworks on future blogs.

Dawn x

Yarrow said...

Oooh, I am so jealous :D I have a secret passion for brushes and will buy myself one when I'm in need of retail therapy. To me they're better than any other decadent purchase :D Hmm, I feel a blog post brewing. Take care and it will be lovely to see what painting flows from these treasures.x

jerilanders said...

What a great windfall! I was once the lucky recipient of a friends paints and brushes, when he decided to become a potter instead of a painter.
(He didn't realize until later, that potters need brushes, too. but by then, he had decided to build miniature doll furniture instead of being a potter.)

Casey said...

lucky Gretel! :)