Juanita Bellavance, Just the way it is, From the Chestatee River portfolio, 2021, Acrylic on canvas, 24 x 24 inches

January 14, 2021 at 3:00 PM was a big beginning for me.  It was my first visit to the Chestatee River.  I had passed it many times before as I had gone to Dahlonega, GA many times.  Today I went with the intention of making art inspired by the river.  I've always loved rivers and this was an opportunity to bring the experience home to myself and offer it to others through the medium of art.

That day the riverbank was muddy from recent rain.  The water was a little murky in some areas.  That's just the way it is.  There is a mood that has been created even though it is not a rainy day.  I decided to make this painting as a reminder of that pensive mood.