"We are nature.  We are nature seeing nature.  The red-winged blackbird flies in us." - Susan Griffin

The beauty of nature surrounds us...as artists it inspires us, it heals us.
This autumn was a beautiful example of the miracle of nature's beauty..that beauty often works its way into our palette, our color choices, our clothing, our food - we are a very adaptable society.
I am thankful today for....
1.  Beautiful views outside my studio window.
2.  Friends and Family that share this beauty with me.
3.  Amazing property in which to hike, ride my horse, or simply just sit and contemplate.
4.  A Huge selection of art supplies and paint at my disposal.
5.  Inspiration, talent and ideas that swirl constantly in my head.
6.  Wonderful opportunities in life/career that keep popping up unexpectedly.
7.  My collectors, my galleries, my sales (big and small).
8.  Travel opportunities.
9.  Quiet time.
10. Positive energy.

The list could go on and on....you should try this, it's not as hard as you think - WE ARE ALL LUCKY!

"To make art is to sing with the human voice.  To do this you must first learn that the only voice you need is the voice you already have.  Art work is ordinary work, but it takes courage to embrace that work, and wisdom to mediate the interplay of art & fear." - from Art and Fear by David Bayles & Ted Orland

I used my human voice a lot this weekend.  A gathering with friends, lots of talking and enjoying company, something I don't get to do every day as I work quite solitary in my studio.   Although I am thankful for the solitude - it's really how I get anything done, it is nice to chat with friends.
Many decisions and shifts are coming upon me and my art, the direction is exciting and I must remember to not let fear stop me - I must re-read this book.

"Life is playfulness...We need to play so that we can rediscover the magic all around us." - Flora Colao

And play I have....I've done some great color rides this autumn not only in car but also on horse and can see my 'studio' hours benefiting from this time off...the colors have worked their way silently into my work, I am seeing a slight color shift....more values, more variations.
When I was looking at the autumn trees, I mean really looking, I realized that the prettiest parts of what I remember seeing was the variation, it was the beautiful mixes of oranges, reds, rusts, but also the natural placement of the evergreen and their beauty placed so perfectly with all the bright colors....
Lots to ponder as I am now back in the studio 'remembering' all the beauty I've seen this autumn...we truly live in a magical place!
I hope you had a chance to enjoy the awesome fall season...it's not over yet!