I’ve been opening up paints for over 25 years and what I hadn’t considered until recently is that they, in fact, have also been opening me. Testing my skill, my endurance, my ability to accept flaws: in my painting and in myself as a human.

After all this time, there is a comfort in the simple exercise of twisting off the paint cap. There’s a will, an intent to continue. Yet I still remember how unfamiliar and tentative I felt the first time I ever opened a tube of paint. I had no idea the power it would have over me. How it would cause a reaction in me. How the tube of paint once on the canvas would test me—what would I do with that Cobalt Bue? How does my colour make you feel? it would silently ask. And that

Do you dab life away? What do I mean by this? Well, I’m currently taking an online watercolor class. This is a new medium for me. I’ve painted in oils and mostly acrylics. Watercolor is a different animal altogether. I find myself dabbing away what I’ve put on the paper. In fear. Fear of what? Paint blobs.

Gosh, where has November gone? Even though I’ve been operating on low-key status, the month still has flown by. While I should be editing my latest manuscript, I’ve been creating instead. Also, guiltily, I’ve been watching Netflix, HBO and FX and a little Colbert and Myers on the side.

So, not the most productive time in my life but also giving myself a break as I wrote about last week in Thinking About…Things.

Welcome to Part II of my art journey and the lessons I’ve learned. Do check out Part I, if you haven’t yet.

In the years leading up to today, I have learned many lessons from this journey. Not just about studio space design, or perfect lighting or the fact that when I get a studio, something happens whereby I have to leave it behind…but the lessons I want to share with you now are deeper than the space I create in.

In case you didn’t know, I’m an artist. It’s not something I’ve talked about here in any depth, until now.

My journey began with drawing and painting classes when my kids were in school. It’s been quite the journey; both in length of time and lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’ve shared a few images of my paintings here. I will share more in this post and part II to come.

Art journaling is a ‘thing’. Have you tried it yet? I first heard about it a few years ago and was intrigued. There are many ways to do it but pretty much only one reason; therapy. Specifically to mentally unwind, go wild, let go and unlock your creative juices and your emotions.

I had this thought the other night. If I died tomorrow, what would people find at my house apartment and what would that stuff say about me?  I know, it’s kind of a weird thought but sometimes I look around and wonder, among all my things which are a) the most valuable and

This post has been updated 3/4/21.

Springtime in my neighborhood is full of pinks, greens and yellows beginning in late March.  Here’s a little Spring time mood for all of you.  Has Spring sprung for you yet?  If not, I hope these images will put a little ‘Spring’ in your heart today…