Thursday, December 3, 2009

"Gotta Go"

On a lighter note, I was at my daughter's soccer game a couple of weekends ago. We were in the industrial part of town and Porta-potties were scattered around the edges of the field.

No one I know likes using these facilities but I couldn't help but notice they complimented the fall leaves so well.

This is probably more than you want to know but during my 26 years as a cop, I only had to use this option once. It's inconvenient enough to juggle a 15 pound gun belt with attached baton , flashlight and other stuff in a regular stall; it was downright comical trying it in one of these.



16x20 oil on board

29 comments:

Art with Liz said...

Oh Sheila, you did make me laugh at the description! And who would have thought that portable toilets matched the Autumn foliage on the trees! What beautiful colours and a great painting.

Autumn Leaves said...

Oy. I remember getting yanked around in front of all four classes at the academy by my duty belt. I was being made a lesson of why you could have no gaps between the duty belt and the belt below. Sigh...memories. LOL On the other hand, dealing with one in a portapotty doesn't sound like much fun either! LOLOL I must say, however, that I wouldn't have expected to find beauty in one, but you've somehow been able to do that, Sheila. Of course, that beautiful tree could shed beauty on a slug, I tell you. Gorgeous work!

Marie Theron said...

Such a pleasant documentation of everyday life around us. I quite love the symbolism of the shaking tree as if it has a life of its own, Sheila!

Ken Powers said...

You have attached a great sense of humor to this piece! Very nicely done.

Patrice said...

Well, Sheila, this is a first! The artful porta-loo...

Before I read your posting, I assumed those were petrol pumps - or perhaps some new and unique hybrid vehicles... (heh)

Gotta go indeed...

Unknown said...

Oh that brings back Memories Sheila - I've had to use them in the very long ironman races that I do and have had issues trying to get out, both times because I was too tired to stand up again. The second time the volunteers were trying to convince me to come out but I said no it's too comfortable and I'll stay awhile! Great painting and certainly a unique subject.

Unknown said...

You paint quite a picture, Sheila - both the painting and your story! I really like this painting. Who would've thought that a painting of porta potties could be so great???

Anonymous said...

Hi Sheila, Wonderful! Very contemporary to include the portapotties! We used to use them in the Army. What to do with gear when you had to go...never an easy solution!

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

Oh, Sheila. I laughed.
My hubby and I call them Comfort Castles, which I'm sure we've seen them called somewhere!
I will do anything not to have to use one BUT sometimes.....there's no choice. I can't even imagine juggling the belt and all, since I have to:
*hold my breath,
*not touch anything
*remove clothing while holding my own TP and hand wipe......
and not touch anything while exiting :D
I know, more than you probably needed to know!!

Edward Burton said...

Really nice, Sheila, and a great story to go along with it.

Pat Koscienski said...

What a unique subject to paint, Sheila. I do agree with you, that the porta potties do go well with the tree. Keep finding those unusual subjects...that's what adds interest to a painting.

gh said...

Sheila, I love this. i like that you daydream about things and see the artful and wonderful quality of the everyday and even sometimes displeasing things around us.
What I am so impressed with always about your paintings are your use of broad brush strokes that are so well placed and executed that each one creates a pleasing swirl or shape or color/texture in itself to marvel over, but looking at the big picture come together to form what appears to be fine detail.
I love the large swirling strokes along with the straight vertical strokes in the porta potties.
You have yet to be discovered but when you are, we, your loyal followers can say we found you first!

Dean H. said...

A very nice painting, Sheila! Might we expect a porta pot series? :)

Michelle said...

Always such a wonderful sense of humor you have!

Catherine Jeffrey said...

Nice combination of yellow and purple. Not everyone out there would have noticed that they complement each other so well...it takes a special ability to "see" what others can't. Thanks for the chuckle. I think I laughed out loud trying to picture the scenario described!

Mary Paquet said...

Sheila, you have an amazing way of taking the ordinary and creating great art. Your sense of humor is a plus! Don't ask me why, by the song "Mellow Yellow" popped into my mind.

I had to catch up on your blog after being away - your piece of your friend and colleague is a very skillful portrait -- you expressed Roger's kindness and wisdom. I hope his family has seen this artwork as I'm sure it would be a comfort to them in these difficult times.

Gwen Bell said...

LOL! Getting a visual on that scene.

When I first saw this my little inner creative kid thought they were two aliens or some other kind of beings in snow suits. What a testament to your talent when you can make potties pretty!

Dean Grey said...

Sheila!

It's rather amusing to read that a porta-potty matches its fall surroundings but after thinking about it, it makes perfect sense!

LOL

-Dean

Manon said...

That it the perfect title!! Love the piece..... made my morning!

Diane Hoeptner said...

Good laugh, thanks.

Celeste Bergin said...

this has to see the first painting of porta-potties that I have ever seen. I doff my hat to you--for originality. Nicely painted too.

Elizabeth Chapman said...

I love reading about your experiences as a cop! WHo would have ever thought of these as painting material!
Really neat painting!! I love the colors!

Gary Keimig said...

You are a true artist Sheila. To take what ever is available and make it work as a painting. My hat is off to you.

Nina Jørgensen said...

Haha I love how you give a personal story to accompany this painting. It made me smile thinking about what you said and I like how the yellow in th epainting compliment.

James Parker said...

LOL, Sheila. It takes a rare and ingenious person to observe that the porta potties complement the fall foliage and surroundings so nicely. And true, no one likes using the little boogers, but it's worse to really need one and.... Neat painting, my dear. Stop by my blog for some egg nog.

Eva said...

So funny! It's hard enough for a woman to use these. As a former festival artist I've had some real challenging experiences with them. However, I can't imagine using them with all that gear on!
Eva

Edcooper_art said...

Hi Sheila,

Nice to meet you!..this is my first time on your blog. I really like your style. Forensic Artist sounds like a great job..i didnt know such jobs exist!

Any look forward to seeing more,

Ed

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L.Holm said...

Hi, Sheila - I thought I'd left a comment earlier, but must not have 'verified' quite right. Love your style and unique subject! Hope your holidays are merry and that you have a joyous, bountiful 2010! xoxoxLiz