I’ve taken a break from painting for the past couple of months.  I just did not feel like I had any creative energy.  Between holidays,a bit of travel and work, there wasn’t a lot of fuel left in the tank. I used to get nervous when this happened - was the muse gone?  Would I paint again?  Maybe I’d used up all of my creative powers…

Funny thing is that I almost gave up on this one.

This painting was a mess. Really. 

I was completely stuck and didn't know where to go. It was all muddy and gray and showed the indecisiveness that I had painted with. I didn't…

I used to paint one piece at a time. Slowly plodding along as I waited for layers to dry or for the painting to give me direction.  But a few years ago I started painting in a series.  What a game changer! 

The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for your senses to grow sharper. - WB Yeats

People often ask me where I find inspiration for my work.  And if you’ve ever taken a walk with me, you know the answer.  The colors and shapes that are all around in the natural world are endlessly inspiring.

Don’t get me wrong, I love browsing a museum or gallery with a glass of wine in hand - the gorgeous lighting, the break from routine, the lovely curated space.  But, most of us don’t visit galleries or museums on a daily basis.  And, that’s why I love public art so much.

I love the beginning. It’s the middle I hate.

The beginning of a painting is always thrilling with big bursts of color and energy.  I get so excited about the shapes and forms that appear.  Splashing paint around, playing with composition - it’s all sunshine and roses. I’m falling in love.  But alas, it’s too soon…