Over the past month, loosening up has been the theme in my adult Watercolor and More class held at Oh Canary. My students have been exploring watercolor through the lens of gesture drawing, without the figure. Figure drawing sessions often begin with short, timed drawings that allow the artist an opportunity to detach and focus, really pushing perception and capturing a lot with very little. Using this approach, I brought in easels to create physical space between the artist, artwork, and asked that they stand and hold their brushes further down the handle, creating more energy and getting away from the urge to be too detailed. 

"Jars of Optimism," and two other pieces, all with a dominant yellow palette, will be included in this month's INSPIRING MINDS exhibit at Valley Arts in Orange, NJ. If you look close, you'll see them in the exhibit - a bit hard to miss :-). The exhibit shares the work of incredible art educators teaching in Essex County. I'm thrilled to be exhibiting with them in this very important show. Join me at the Opening tomorrow night from 6 - 8pm. The show runs April 7th - May 4th.