(50) Pink Poinsettia
6 x 8, oil
My goal for this painting was to concentrate on looser brushstrokes.
A dear friend once gave me Julia Cameron's book The Artist's Way. One of the "exercises" is something the author referred to as an "artist's date." The concept is that you "pencil in" time for yourself - an activity designed to offer a refreshing break from the norm, and an opportunity to "fill the well" of creativity. Well, 10 years later, my favorite artist's date is to visit a local bookstore, choose a stack of children's books and, peppermint mocha in hand, settle into a big comfy chair to peruse the latest offerings. I am interested in discovering the stories within, but (you guessed it), I am also tuned into the illustrations. There are many delightful offerings, but two outstanding discoveries over the years, include the timeless classic Gift of the Magi by O Henry, beautifully illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger; and a book my son introduced to me: Poetry for Young People,W.B.Yeats; Glenn Harrington, illustrator.
During this busy time of year, consider taking some time to "pencil YOURSELF in."