When Thomas Cole Painted

<p>Thomas Cole (1801-1848) was a Christian painter and the founder of the Hudson River School of landscape painting. His work is a testament to God’s sacred touch in nature.</p><p>.</p><p>When I paint the sky, I make it blue </p><p>with a yellow sun.</p><p>.</p><p>When Thomas Cole painted the sky, he made it endless </p><p>with breezy clouds melting in the distance</p><p>and dancing, sparkling, playful sun rays</p><p>streaking and warming the balmy air.</p><p>.</p><p>When I paint the ground, I make it green </p><p>with flowers here and there.</p><p>.</p><p>When Thomas Cole painted the ground, he tickled it </p><p>with brambling grass</p><p>that had giggles of earthy colors</p><p>on land that dipped and soared.</p><p>.</p><p>When I paint a mountain, I make it brown </p><p>in a triangular shape.</p><p>.</p><p>When Thomas Cole painted mountains, he made them mighty </p><p>with shadows and cracks,</p><p>tangled weeds and rich shades of stone and rock.</p><p>.</p><p>When I paint water, I make it blue </p><p>with wavy edges.</p><p>.</p><p>When Thomas Cole painted water, he made it shine, </p><p>glowing and shimmering, lit from within.</p><p>.</p><p>When I paint a tree, I make a brown trunk </p><p>with a puffy green top.</p><p>.</p><p>When Thomas Cole painted trees, he made them graceful</p><p>with sweeping branches, strong and solid mixed with dainty and twiggy. </p><p>They streeeeetch toward the sky</p><p>or cradle meadows and pastures.</p><p>.</p><p>After seeing how Thomas Cole painted nature in his art, </p><p>I still paint the same as I always do.</p><p>.</p><p>But, now I see art in nature. </p><p>I see God’s sacred touch.</p><p>.</p><p>I see leaves falling and sprouts rising, </p><p>sacrifice and new life.</p><p>.</p><p>I see possibilities, growth, light, and infinite love.</p><p>And I feel grateful for this wonderful world. • Kelly Bakshi</p><p>.</p><p>• Close your eyes and listen. Can you hear the air moving or birds singing? Can you feel the sunshine... or a breeze on your skin? Deeply breathe in, then exhale.