I am so proud of my many 'artist friends' we all work so hard and really, really enjoy the process. Recently, Lori Schappe-Youens was featured in the South African Garden and Home Magazine with a great picture of her and her studio. (You can locate this on her page on facebook. Lori was a big inspiration to me when I first started my art 'path'. She now lives in South Africa with her husband Greg and children. A quote from the article "is to practice and paint every single day, even if it's only a daub of colour on the canvas." - and how true that is. Because, as artists, it is the pure joy of the process that keeps us going.
And speaking of working hard, I had a wonderful weekend with some friends 'touring' Door County. The flowers and trees were in bloom and bud - it was very beautiful and relaxing. I stopped in at Edgewood Orchard Galleries and they have two of my paintings on display - the gallery looked wonderful - and they are working very hard as they are open every day now through the end of October!

"It's all a matter of balance, and making art helps achieve that balance." - David Bayliss & Ted Orland from "Art & Fear"

Trying to find balance. Not easy. Think I am getting it though.

Last Saturday evening was the opening of my solo show "Seasons" at the Wild Apple Gallery and I was humbled and 'wowed' to see my work stand alone in such a beautiful space (with white walls). There was a steady stream of people truly interested in art, wonderful music by Joel Ryan (joelryanart.com) and good food and wine. Seeing my work in its entirety, by itself, makes me realize that I am on the correct path and that I must keep going. However, on this beautiful day, I'm taking the afternoon to get some sun and relaxation in my backyard, although my mind is going on high speed with new color combinations to try for new pieces. It seems my mind never really rests.
When my children were young, rest was totally out of the question, now that my children are somewhat growing up, rest is available-but in small increments. So I savor every quiet moment I get. Not only do I live for my walks, hikes and bike rides, horse rides, too, I live for my yoga and the calm that it gives me (we have a great podcast group here in Stephenson) and I'm being quite dedicated because I do notice the difference in my whole being. So, as I continue to sit in the sunshine and ponder thoughts about art, I know that I am very lucky and will be back in the studio soon.

"Simple pleasures are the last refuge of the complex" - Oscar Wilde

Yes, it's the simple pleasures in life that make it worthwhile. I have taken a short break from painting (and blogging) recently to wrap up loose ends, get artwork out to galleries and shows and just to get my studio organized. However, during this time I haven't forgotten to enjoy the simple pleasures and I have been taking time to work in the garden, ride the horses, read some good books and try some new recipes! As well as walking and biking and yoga on a daily basis - all to balance this hectic life.
So as I look back, I realize this winter that I was so immersed in my painting that I wasn't taking as much time for 'life' as I should - so now I am and it feels good.
I have a wonderful solo show coming up this weekend (opening is saturday evening) at Wild Apple Gallery in Menasha, WI. MaryJo the owner is a great artist and cool lady who works in fused glass and her gallery is an awesome place. The show is titled "Wisconsin . . . through the seasons" and features my work in oil/cold wax. I am so excited to see it!