Yarn Painting or ... Have I Lost My Mind?

I have never, ever, been a fan of Paint By Number paintings. Nor have a been a fan of any of the numerous craft kit projects that I have seen and have had to pretend to admire, making the kindest comments I can possibly make when the creator has asked me for my opinion. Being a 'real' artist, my opinion is asked for far too often. The most dreadful moment I can remember was when I was asked to comment on a painting that had been purchased from one of the Starving Artist sales at a local hotel. Imagine the bargain, a 24" x 30" framed oil painting for a mere $100. Fantastic!

So ... why did I find myself giving this yarn painting more than a once over and a groan? I was definitely intrigued by the woman who was emptying her car of all sorts of crap at the Route 46 Flea Market early this morning. She had long hair and wore jeans and a flannel shirt. She moved with the agility of a 35 year old woman and had more wrinkles than anyone I've ever seen and clear blue eyes. I kept glancing back and forth between this marvelous, ancient face and the yarn painting. As I tore myself away and began to depart, I heard her strong, hushed voice inform me that I could have that item for a dollar.

I went back to investigate the item, hoping I would come to my senses. I couldn't possibly have been a Yarn By Number as I had originally surmised. The choice of colors was extraordinary. The accents of color here and there were quite painterly. The yarn had been glued to a board, the board was backed with a cloth and the image was outlined with another detail of fabric. I became captivated by the creativity of the creator, regardless of the end product. And, quite honestly, I liked it.

I bought it. It is now twelve hours later and I'm not sorry.