"The painting has a life of its own. I try to let it come through" Jackson Pollock

I find this so true as I stare at a blank canvas, preparing myself for what will happen. I usually go into each painting without a pre-conceived idea and let what happens "just happen". Usually I am amazed at the outcome - not always - but most of the time. I just keep working in layers and more layers and the whole process of thoughts and feelings evolve into something magical.
A new project I started are these "columns". I really like them and will have them at my summer art fairs. Here's a pic.

These days we all need to look on the bright side, count our blessings. I ran across an article in a magazine (can't remember which one) with an uplifting article by Martha Beck, I believe. I'm sharing with you here her simple exercises to keep on our minds on the beauty and wonderful things we do have.
1. List ten times you thought that there wouldn't be enough of something and survived.
2. List ten areas where you have too much, not too little.
3. List 20 - or 50 or 1,000 - wonderful things that entered your life just at the right time, with no effort on your part. Start with the little things (oxygen, sunlight, a song on the radio). You'll soon think of bigger ones.
This was a direct quote from her article - so get to work on your list.
IN THE STUDIO - I've been working on a few more paintings. Made a run to Madison on Sunday with some art expecting to bring some back, but the gallery wanted to keep most of it, thus I better get busy.
I had a piece titled "Just wondering" accepted into the all member show of the National Watercolor Society. Show opens May 176 in San Pedro California.
So, there, count the good things that happen in your life!

I have been working at gathering a selection of artwork together to deliver to State St. Gallery in Madison, WI. I think I have a nice grouping ready to go down on Monday. Meantime, I have been "spring cleaning" the studio and "refreshing" the look of my studio and yard. Slowly working my way through a new book "encaustic workshop" by patricia baldwin-seggebruch, hoping that it inspires me to work in encaustics a little more. Received notice of one more art fair that I have been accepted into. Art Street in Green Bay in August - am working on designing/submitting a "show schedule" card/brochure with a lit of my summer schedule. After my spring cleaning - I will get back to painting.

I was talking with an artist/friend the other day about my artwork and she suggested I try to brighten my work up a little bit. She said "go buy some yellow and gray paint" - so I did. This is what I got and it's growing on me, however, I am back to my "earthy and darker" color scheme and that is still going to be "where my work is at". I struggled so when painting the brighter color paintings, yet when I am working on a more earthy/darker painting it feels right. Lesson learned, follow your own heart. So here are some pics of the 4 12 x 12" "lighter pieces" and 2 of my more recent larger, earthy pieces.