Promise of Spring
This painting I have titled Promise of Spring. The river starts to open up, and the days are longer amid the persistent chill in the air. I think of the song, Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most. I am in my cocoon, recharging like a phone. 
Scroll down to see my recent mono-prints. Not all is new, I have unfinished paintings that have been taking ever so long to complete. I think this one is done, Promise of Spring, Acrylic on gallery wrap canvas, sides painted, no need to frame, 16 x 20. My style is changing somewhat, while in this transition period, I have noticed the old tries to hang on and the new struggles to break through. When this happens, as always, it is time to trust the process. Reevaluating and regrouping are where my focus at the moment. Getting down to the core of things, back to my true essence, I will hang on to it this time. A progressed version of myself is likely to emerge, as many things have been incubating. So many distractions along the way can bury one’s voice.
Listen to the Heart
Finding my way back to hearing my own heart, I require plenty of solitude. Before that, I was experiencing too much interference in my field. My attention span isn’t what it used to be. A significant observation is that the environment we choose to be in influences our lives. Ideally, I can block out the noise; at least, I thought I could. These last two years have been a healing journey after leaving an environment that was detrimental to me. And yet, I chose to be there, so I take the lessons learned in stride. It was unfortunate because I loved my space. That lesson has been learned more than once.
Creative Process
To restart my creative process, I have made a daily habit of sketching and have been experimenting with some gelli prints. Sometimes, when in turmoil, my art can only incubate and production slows down. Trying something different is an excellent way to inspire ourselves, find another point of view and freshen our creativity. The process of creation is ever-fluid, and results are unpredictable. Doing prints is unexpected; not all turnout, yet many pleasant surprises exist. Nevertheless, I feel a release, even if the results are not usable. One thing leads to another; I strive to spend every moment creating something new. It is a form of therapy for me. Before I know it, my creative juices start to flow, and I am in the zone.
In Real Life
Realization of life comes through creative expression. Oscar Wilde was right in his 1889 essay The Decay of Lying, when he said, “Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life”. Art is the catalyst for a life well lived. Whether you are the artist, the art or the audience, you are part of the process. So what are you creating? Dig deep and make it real.
My specialty for group art lessons are ages 8 to 12. Classes for teens and youth, ages 13 through 17 are arranged. I also enjoy teaching adults. If you want to create a community mural project, I can facilitate that while engaging the members of your community. Let me know what your group interest is, and we can set something up.
