Welcome Back to my Studio!
Hi there ,
I made several promises in my last newsletter, which I didn't follow through on. Forgive me - January was a bit of a doozy. Low energy, shifting from the holidays, slogging back into virtual school with my
kids.
Despite all of that, I've been working hard when I can, and have taken up a new project - committing to making Art Every Day in 2021, along with serving the existing students I have.
More on that BELOW.
As we've moved into a new month, and experienced a record snowfall in NJ yesterday, I'm feeling somewhat clear-headed to write this newsletter. Change is good - even if it comes as a ton of snow! It was a routine disrupter, a
novelty, something to shake us out of monotony.
Related to monotony, I listened to a story on NPR yesterday with Mary Louise Kelly and Amanda Mull, a staff writer for The Atlantic, on the importance of talking with acquaintances and what we lose by not bumping into them or socializing with them. What struck a chord with me was the loss of impromptu meetups and how those bring forth new ideas and connections that have added value to our lives.
I have seen the benefits of these interactions first-hand when I join a yoga class virtually, or attend a critique session with a group of artists I've never met. I also see that my students
get to experience this when they take a virtual art class with me - they get to make art with people they don't know well, or in some cases better, but might not be in their regular orbit. This type of interaction is so valuable for our mental health. It's enriching and even has more potential to spark joy.
Have you joined any virtual groups or classes that allow you to connect with people you don't know well, or acquaintances you haven't see in awhile? If not, consider joining me for an
adult watercolor class, or setting up your teens, or faraway friends, or distanced family members for a
semiprivate class, or small group. I'm
currently teaching two friends (one who lives in Maplewood and the other in Brooklyn), and a grandmother who is in assisted living and her granddaughter. I don't have any small groups scheduled, but with interest, or if you have a group of 3 or more, I might be able to set it up - send me an email.
Creatively,
PS - I'm taking some last-minute commissions for Furry Loves for Valentine's Day - check out the link below my segment on Art Every Day.
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Making Art Every Day in 2021
Kind of on a whim, but more inspired by Sybil Archibald, a local artist, friend, and collector's own daily practice, I finally felt moved to make this commitment. I've struggled for years feeling "not good enough" and wondering, "why can't I make this commitment to create every day"?
The reality is, I am good enough, and my life has been very full of many responsibilities. But, that being said, I've increased my exercise practice, my meditation practice, but not my creative practice. I realized that I've been trying to encourage my students to do the same thing - but how can I if I'm not practicing what I preach? So . . . I've
started. Officially on January 2nd, I made a commitment to minimally make art 30 minutes a day. To show up, because it's in the frequency and the work, that develops good work.
I've officially made it to 31 days consecutively! It's not perfect, and some days I've allowed myself the compassion of counting a sketchbook session in front of the TV towards my practice. Other days I'm sneaking up to the studio after the kids have gone to bed while catching an episode of
The Durrells in Corfu - a PBS program that I stream on Amazon. It truly makes me smile, giggle,
and lets me travel to a beautiful place, if only for an hour.
The above artworks are about 1/2 of what I've created this month. I have another series going on simultaneously that I'll share soon. It's completely unrelated to the works above.
Nothing has been titled, formally photographed, or listed for sale. OF COURSE - if you HAVE to own one of these pieces, please email me! I'll send you pricing and work out the sale. I've been so focused on creating, that I haven't been able to slow to deal with the back
end.
Puppy Love - Drawn for your Valentine
My Mini Dog Portraits, drawn in graphite or charcoal, capture the essence and personality of your pup. Black and white is timeless and allows you to focus on the features and details of your dog.
Now booking a limited number of slots for Valentine's Day giving. Any out of area drawings that require shipment will receive a card via email detailing what your Valentine will be receiving. Local drawings can be delivered or picked up. Once you purchase, I need a good quality photo(s) of the dog I will be drawing emailed to
me.
Each portrait is drawn on cream paper, sized to 5" x 7" and matted in an archival cream double window mat. They are ready for an 8" x 10" frame of your choice and arrive packaged in a clear bag with satin bow.
$75 / drawing
enter FREESHIP at checkout for free shipping within the US through the 14th. *Applies only to Mini Dog Portraits
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