Artistic Hiatus
Hopefully I am back from my "artistic hiatus". Artistic because I have had to take a break - for lack of a better term, from painting mostly every day so I could handle family matters, and the sickness of my father with dementia. He passed away this past May, and the journey is not over, I do not believe it will ever be, but the heaviness of the journey is behind me.
I have missed writing, painting, and zest for life. I know we all go through this, probably in some form or fashion, whether it has happened already or is yet to come. I want to encourage you-there is a bridge and another side-patience and taking one step at a time is all you can do to get through.
I feel I have at least crossed the bridge and a new journey has begun. The past few months I have made up for lost time. I have taken art workshops from some highly revered women artists, Jill Soukup and Dawn Whitelaw. I have traveled and painted in Mosca, Colorado; Cervo, Italy; Sedona, Arizona; and I am catching my breath right now- writing to you and soaking in the lessons and reflecting on the beautiful scenery and rich experiences I have had. A whirlwind I hope I never forget, but realize time is fleeting and all we have is this moment and a decision to make for the next moment. I can not tell you all of my lessons and experiences, it would take a book or several mornings with coffee. But the total experience has me on a shore, on the other side of the bridge that is bright and beautiful.
Everyone keeps asking what my next adventure is? I do not have a reservation for anywhere except my studio, who has missed me, and a great plan for larger paintings.
I have literally fought myself to get over the hump of "lack of zest" and "no real pleasure" in doing anything creative! It has been a bit of a hell really, but I had to let it go and realize there is a time for a hiatus. When I released the pressure and panic of not being creative, then life just happened. I sifted through the tall weeds, seeing no sky, and moved in one direction - IN! I thought to myself "there has to be an OUT!"
Sure enough, there was. If you are experiencing any of this, I am with you in thought and know - YOU CAN DO THIS!
Below are a few paintings I painted in QuickDraws in Sedona at the Plein Air festival and both won 2nd places.
I was feeling good about my art on those days, and painted the life-giving sun. I was full of joy to be back in the saddle, so to speak, and had a community of artists and art lovers around me. A Fabulous combination!
I realized the joy in art comes from inside of yourself. Paint what you love.
L'ouberge Creek in Sedona.
Painted at the Sedona aiport.
I hope to see you at my December 3rd Holiday Open Studio. Meanwhile, Enjoy creating or being creative.
