An Artist’s “Aha” Moment, Part 2

It is no surprise that, after "Them Weitzel Brothers" had careers managing amusement parks that required us to receive liberal amounts of sunshine in every workday, we added visits to a dermatologist to our treating physicians.

My original skin doctor finally retired, and Brother Warren recommended his dermatologist, who he trusted as a great Doc.

As side note, from time to time I would give Warren a painting to brighten up his home.  When he tired of it and I brought him a new one, he would re-gift the previous canvas.  Sometimes he'd tell me where it ended up and sometimes not.

On my recent new patient visit to my new dermatologist's office, I had to fill out all the paperwork (you know where this is going, don't you?), and then I was soon called to see the MA.  I was sitting in the exam room to answer some more questions.  While I was waiting for the next question, I looked up on the exam room wall and I took a double take as I saw a painting on the wall.  (Its title is "Koi Pond.")  I blurted out, "That l painting looks familiar!"  He asked what I meant, and I said I painted it.  We both had a giggle over it.

When my effervescent female dermatologist entered the exam room, she proclaimed, "THE Painter Is Here."  I then knew where Warren had been sharing his supply of his brother’s paintings.

“Doctor M” I will call her, was extremely knowledgeable, pleasant, charming, and efficient.  The exam was perfectly done, but we talked art most of time as she was checking me out. (Rather I answered her questions about art.)  She explained that they have one of my paintings in every exam room assigned to her practice.

Warren had told me a long time back that he had given away the painting "Study in Blue,"  I suspected it might be this Doc who received it.  So, on my exam day, I wore my "Study in Blue" face mask to the appointment and asked her if she recognized it.  It took her a second to make the connection of the mask to the painting, and then she did confirm that “Study in Blue” was indeed hanging in another exam room.

She noted that many of her patients asked who painted the art in her exam rooms, but privacy procedures forbid her from sharing my name, which I understood. However, I told her I did not mind if my identity leaked out from time-to-time.  She asked me how she could access my art, other than via my brother.  I told her the five main sources of access for my work, with my website being the fastest way to reach me and see my art at the same time.

While she was asking questions about “Them Weitzel Brothers,” she found a few spots on my face to zap with super magic freezer juice can. *  After checking my body, she commented more than once that I had “beautiful skin.”

Several times she said that Warren chatted about "his brother." When she saw in advance that a new patient was on the schedule with the "Weitzel" last name, she suspected it might be Warren's brother.  Several times she used the words 'very talented' in referring to my art and writing.  

Toward the end of the visit, she volunteered that Warren did give her a copy of my "Flash Dream, Art & Poetry" book for her and her staff to enjoy.  I gave her a copy of "The Color of Dazzle" for her and the staff to add to their collection.

This visit was clearly another artist "Aha Moment.”  It is rare for an artist or writer to have one up-close and personal “Aha Moment,” yet to have two in a lifetime is very rare.  It is such a moment that artists appreciate, but they are often so rare, the incident will bring renewed energy to our dedication to our craft.  

As my appointment ended, the doctor and her staff left the exam room as I gathered my belongings.  In leaving, I passed the Nurse’s Station where the Doc and her staff were gathered.  As I passed by the station, the MA saw me pass by and explained to the others, “There he is, The Painter.”

Several days later when I saw Warren, I asked him how many canvases he gifted to the Good Doctor, he just smiled and said, "She likes your work."

My brother, forever the promoter.

When we chatted further about the appointment, he was miffed because I got a “beautiful skin” compliment and my appointment zipped along in record time, with few procedures taking place.

At the next appointment, I'll do some surreptitious snooping to see what other canvases are hanging in her exam rooms, so I can log who has what. 😜! My tax man is also curious.

And what is the value of an “Aha” Moment? For a person in the arts, it is a sincere acknowledgment that your efforts are being noticed. An inkling that you have arrived.

~ Allen Weitzel