January 2014

Kent Denver School

This was the last painting of 2013, a commission,  that I completed in time to be given for Christmas.  It is an oil painting,18x24 inches on a deep canvas.
A friend and I took a walk in this beautiful area this fall.  During the walk I took about 20 photos to use as a reference. The sky was spectacular that day as the wind picked up and the clouds were varied.
  I hope the recipient enjoys her gift.  I know that area means a lot to her.  I certainly enjoyed my walk there as well as the time spent painting.

It was a good way to end the year.  There are  exciting opportunities in this new year.  This new blog is the first step to announce my planned trip to Provence this summer. This trip is the result of my word for the year last year and my vision board.
 Last year I had chosen the word "Prosperity" as my word for the year.  I learned so much about making room for more prosperity by eliminating what isn't filling my soul. This includes items in my home, closet, schedule and even a job. (It is on going.)
 I learned that I also must humble myself to accept and receive.  Quite simply something can't be given until it is received.
 Creating the quality of life I want also led me to decline some activities in order to enjoy a quieter, healthier pace.  I am experiencing a deeper relaxation about providing for my needs as well as my desire to live a life of generosity.
 This year I have been given a flight to Paris, France. Once there I will take a high speed train to Provence where I have been given a spot in a Plein Air workshop with an artist I have admired for years. Both of these amazing gifts were a total surprise.  After my workshop in Provence I plan to travel in that area for three more weeks painting as I go.  Learning to speak French seems like a good idea and I am being given private lessons from a friend (a native french speaker) in exchange for some private art lessons.  Both of which are a ton of fun.
I invite you to follow my blog and explore this big adventure with me.  I will be posting while in France as well.  My word for this new year is "Mastery".  I plan to gain mastery in the lessons I learned the past year as well as developing mastery as a painter and as a teacher and a traveler.