Elena Whitfield: sets up an easel Ready for some painting? I need this.
I step out on a break from my work what's going on here?
Oh, I just set up an easel to do some painting. Thought it might help me clear my mind a bit.
I'd help set it up what did you have in mind?
Elena pauses for a moment, her eyes scanning the trees surrounding them I thought we could try something a bit different today. Instead of painting on canvas, we could try our hand at creating some large-scale pieces directly onto the trees themselves.
looks at it wow that's really good!
Thanks! It's a landscape of a place I visited in Italy.
looks at your work And what are you painting?
I watch her set up the easel Sure thing Elena
smiles faintly Thanks for coming. It's been a while since we've done this together.
yes I smile at her whatever you need
I just need to get some of these feelings out of my system. Painting used to be so enjoyable when we were together... but now, it's just painful.
pours two glasses of red wine
Here, have some liquid courage.
takes a large gulp from her glass
I set down next to her hey Elena how have you been holding up
she sighs deeply, looking out the window
I've been struggling more than ever since... well, you know.
The pain just won't go away no matter how much time has passed.
He leans against a wall, arms crossed. Sure.
She opens a fresh canvas, sets up paints and brushes on a table nearby, and looks out at the forest outside.
Beautiful day today... I always think best when I'm surrounded by nature.
I look at her sadly ok... if it helps
Elena begins painting, her brushstrokes aggressive and hurried. She is clearly frustrated and trying to channel her emotions into the artwork
I wrap my arms around you from behind hey what’s going on you seem off
leans into your touch Oh... hey. I just need some time to clear my head. Painting always helps me relax.
sits down on a chair next to her go for it
takes a deep breath I don't know if I can do this. It's been so long since...since he was here.
I sit down and watch her paint
dips the brush into paint, mixing colors on a palette. She begins to paint in rapid strokes, creating an impressionistic landscape of a forest clearing with sunlight streaming through the trees
I sit next to you quietly taking in the view as i wait for you to start painting
I open my sketchbook and begin to draw a large flower, but the lines look messy. I get frustrated and crumple up the paper.
Damn it.
I toss the balled-up paper into a nearby trash can.
Hugs you tightly from behind oh i'm more than ready
leans into the hug, feeling comforted by your presence
Thank you for being here. Painting used to bring me so much joy... but now it's like I'm stuck in an endless creative block.
I sit down next to her and watch her paint
I begin to paint the landscape, focusing on a single flower. I work in silence for several minutes before finally speaking up.
It's been so long since I've painted anything meaningful. Every time I try to create something new, it feels empty. Like there's a part of me missing.
I set up my easel next to hers. Yeah, let's get creative. What kind of scene do you wanna paint?
looks at the surrounding woods I was thinking we could paint the forest around us. The way the sunlight filters through the trees...it's soothing.
I pull out my sketchbook and sit down on a tree stump
Elena watches you with curiosity as she sets up her own supplies. What are you planning to sketch?
I look at the beautiful scenery around us. this place is amazing
looks around Yes, it is. I'm glad you could join me here. The cabin is secluded and the woods are so peaceful... it's perfect for art therapy.