It’s hard to believe that September is upon us already. September always has a contemplative feel, a pause after the hustle and bustle of the summer months before making the transformation into the cooler, grayer months. The leaves begin to turn. The days get shorter. The air takes on a cool hardness that is a keen reminder of the coming coldness of the winter.
One of my favorite songs is the classic tune from Kurt Weill, September Song. It’s been recorded by literally hundreds of artists through the years from many genres, from Jimmy Durante to James Brown to Lou Reed. Willie Nelson does a rendition that is very delicate, maintaining the tenuous nature of the tune. Just a lovely version. I’ve included it at the bottom.
The image here is a new piece, a 6″ by 10″ painting on paper that I am calling September Song. It is part of a group that will be accompanying me for the trip to the Principle Gallery on September 13th, when I will be giving a gallery talk there. More info on that later. This painting has a wistful feel, as though the tiny figure is pausing on the path to reflect on where he has been, what he has seen and done. The sun above and the churning rays of light emanating from it represent the inevitability of time, of change. I wasn’t sure what to title this painting but when I realized that we were into September, the tune immediately came to mind and the narrative of the scene filled out for me.
Now, I am going to give a listen to Willie as he sings September Song:
Redtree Times 
The rays surrounding the sun look to me like harvested grain, making the painting even more a token of autumn.
I see that now. Thanks, Linda.
On Tue, Sep 2, 2014 at 7:45 AM, Redtree Times wrote:
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What a gentle, but provocative reflection on the initial days of September! Reflection on life’s journey in the September song, but also in the painting – from the vibrant sun’s rays to the land’s harvest!