Autumn Takes Summer Away Somewhere
Autumn Takes Summer Away Somewhere
Until just a few days ago, it was so hot, but today a wild wind is blowing, giving a genuine sense that summer is finally stepping back. That doesn't mean it isn't hot, though. A heatwave warning remains part of our daily routine today.
Living on the top floor is a clear barometer of the seasons. Just a few days ago, the floor was scorching hot, but not today. For three summer months, the floor and the entire building radiated heat as if sitting inside a charcoal kiln sauna. There were more than a few times I almost collapsed because turning off the air conditioner even for a moment made me feel like throwing up.
It would have been a relief if occasional rain came to cool things down, but this summer, there wasn't even any rain for over two months.
Still, no matter how hot and difficult it gets, painting cannot stop.
It would be comfortable for others to paint while looking at a well-taken photo under the cool air conditioning, but rather than painting such dead pictures, I'd rather paint abstract works.
As a landscape painter working outdoors, painting directly in the field—even amidst a life-threatening heatwave—is what makes it a true creation.
Just my own thoughts, so please don't misunderstand. It’s not an absolute rule, since there are times when you want to go outside but simply cannot.
Anyway, burdened by loan debts and living expenses, I'm not in a position to spend over 20,000 won on gas every day to travel far, so today, with a bit of regret, I head somewhere close to home.
First, I stop by the International Music Hall to check out the composition.
The wind is no joke. It's strong enough to blow my easel away. Let's back off for now...
Driving over to Yeongun-ri village as I had planned, I climb up to the newly built fishermen's shelter to survey the scenery
The view is pretty, but the heat reflecting off the rooftop floor is so intense I can barely stand there. Leaving it for another time with regret...
Moving back toward the breakwater... The wind here is unreal. It's so fierce that seawater is even blowing up into the air.
After driving around, I head toward the small coastal park in front of Yeongun Elementary School.
In the past, you could park a car or two in the park, but due to problems like trash dumping and toilet messes from car-camping and travelers, it has reached a point where vehicle entry is completely blocked.
What can I do? I park my car in a small vacant lot at the three-way intersection toward Hansan Marina Resort, load my easel, paints, and other plein air gear onto a portable handcart I bought on an AliExpress sale, and spend about ten minutes wandering back and forth searching for a composition. In the end, I settle down on an old bench under a tree close to where I parked.
The wind is howling as if to snap the tree branches. Can I really do plein air painting here? ...I've worked before in the bitter cold of March, amidst gale-force winds and a chill that bent bamboo stalks all the way to the ground... If it's just this much, let's give it a try...
Soon, I set up my easel and lose myself in the work.
What is life, really?
I am walking a path that others don't easily take, but I am not lonely; rather, I am happy.
It's a pity I couldn't finish it, but hey, at least I tried!
Planning to finish the remaining parts in a few days, I pack up.
Cleaning up the spot I used, as always, taking everything back with me instead of leaving it behind like a habit...
The heart that respects and loves nature subtly seeps into the canvas, too. . . .
Live a creative life today, so don't have any regrets.
. . .
The fierce wind shakes my steps, but floating in the blue sky are clouds more dazzling than pure white snow...
Autumn is taking summer by the hand and leaving for somewhere else.
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