I am reading another good art book "Trust the Process-an artists guide to letting go" by Shaun McNiff. A wonderful read about letting go and letting the artist spirit inside of you do it's own thing. I can relate to that. I was explaining to an artist friend my fear of "changing my style" - yet again - and what my collectors would think. She said you got to keep it interesting and truthfully, i feel like i have no control over my art, it just flows out of me so even if i wanted to keep doing my "busier, mixed media style", it wouldn't work as it is the "minimalist" path that my soul is on for now. And by the way-I'm loving it.
Here is a quote from the book "Artists strive to get to the heart of life, to the core of matter, and they are known as much for what they omit from their interpretaion of nature as for what they include. In the creative process, "seeing" is as important as "doing"." So . . . now I am going for a walk in the sunshine (first time I've seen the sun in weeks) to (quote) contemplate the spirits and energies conveyed by the structures of your environment. Peace.

A year in the planning, "Messages", a group show being held at the Marquette Art Center in the Peter White Library opens in February with a opening reception on February 4 from 6-8 pm. Christine Saari is curating the show and all works of art have the theme of text, written words or "messages". I decided to enter 3 works on paper where text is a major element in each of the pieces, subtly creating the background as well as compositional elements. Ingrid Blixt, Russell Prather and other artists ( i believe there are 6 or 7 of us) works will be on display. I think this show will be wonderful!
Sharing a little bit of spring wishes for you - although I'm enjoying winter and all the skiing and snowshoeing i've been able to do, I am looking forward to spring!

I am very lucky to have such good friends to make life a little more interesting, including my husband. I have friends that share my love for the outdoors and for cooking and reading about it, too! My Husband gives me continued support (for the most part) and I cherish our relationship. I also can't forget the customers and collectors of my artwork who have also become friends over the years - their support means so much to me! And then I have my artist friends, one in particular (Candace) means a lot to me. Even though we don't get together to often as my life is so crazy, I really cherish our visits in which we just talk ART! We share tips, show prospectus info, and positive thoughts. Candace is a graduate of the Chicago Institute of Art and has lived around the country and it's kind of neat to meet someone so talented in our remote, small town area. Our last conversation was centered around the thoughts that when all else fails, we will always have our art to carry us through - I think artists all over can relate to that! Here's to another great painting day . . .

Sometimes it's some new supplies or new colors of paint to just inspire another leap in art. I just ordered a few new colors of oils to play with - mostly in the green shades - wondering if that's because everything is so white here. I'm happy to have some quiet creating time as well as a sunny sky today.

Yes! I'm back in the studio. The holidays were great, however, I feel much better when I get time to paint. I've been working on some larger panels 3'x3', 3'x4' etc as well as some tiny panels 2"x3" and love bouncing back and forth between the sizes. I've always loved working LARGE, however, there is something more intimate about the tiny ones that I am realy enjoying. Here's a pic of my studio space with some of the new pieces. The large red/black finally came together today after weeks of it not working - amazing how those things happen!