2023 was a pretty pivotal year for me art-wise. I traveled to France in June on an art retreat in the Dordogne region. I was part of a group led by Chris Brandley, a talented and very kind artist who is just nutty enough to lead a group of painters to spend 9 days at a Medieval castle and surrounding villages painting en plein air and doing artistic exercises in an old barn turned studio.  It was a magical trip bookended by a few days spent in Paris. But perhaps the absolute most special experience was the 4 hours I spent in Giverny.  I walked where Monet walked. I followed the footsteps of his artistic friends thru the gardens, around the pond and over the numerous bridges. I had to catch my breath. Just being there was overwhelming. It felt like I was in a creative vortex of greatness, and thought it was not the same as standing in a museum gallery staring at a masterpiece,  but rather like being among profound creativity. Like a fly on a wall. I could close my eyes and drink in the scents of so many species of flowers, hear the buzzing of bees and flies and also hear the artists French chatter. There was a sense of freedom there... joy and beauty were everywhere.  It was at this point that I gave myself permission to really indulge. 

I made a commitment that art was still, after 40 years, what I want to do when I grow up. I want to be an artist.  A "real" artist that makes art regularly and not just when its convenient.  I want to create everyday. And I want to embrace the whole shebang.. t.he gallery showings, exhibitions, artwalks, blog writing, social media and building a following of collectors, supporters, and other artists.  It was transformative in the sense that I have always feared the idea of retirement (I'm still several years away) but now it comes into focus easily,. I have a goal!

Last September, I took a big step toward rounding out my art education. I had a curiosity that was no longer satisfied by weekend workshops or online painting sessions. I am now working to a Masters in Fine Art at Falmouth University in Cornwall, England!  They have an amazing program available on line and i have enjoyed  the first semester with fantasrtic lecrtues and insights into the world of contemporary art. It not so much about painting as much as the context of art and its giving me some great insght into the whys of art making. Its a 2- year endeaver and I hope by the end, I will have a better perspective and more solid footing for my own art making and business.

So I hope you'll follow me as I embrace not only higher learning, but also my plan to participate in as many art events as a I can. I'm painting every week and have so many ideas I can hardly contain them!