Forgetting the Unforgettable

My mother-in-law passed away almost a year ago. We spent last week at her house working on preparing it to go on the real estate market. Before we left I packed up painting supplies so that I could continue to work even while away from home. I was actually excited about it because there is so much light in her house and I knew it would be a great opportunity to relax while I was there. I had all of my supplies set out and then promptly drove away without them. 

Her home is in a small tourist village on one of the San Juan islands of Washington. They have a little art supply store there and I was able to pick up a few things to allow me to do at least a little something. Without my works in progress I was forced to start a new painting. I wasn't sure what to do until we were looking through an old photo album. I almost never paint from someone else's photograph, but this one was done in lighting that I think I can make work. The colors aren't rich and vivid because the photo is faded. But I'm actually excited about the challenge. 

My dear husband had forgotten about this vacation and the photo brought back treasured memories. I'm so grateful to have the photos I do to help me remember what I would otherwise forget. 

Back in the Saddle Again

Growing up I often heard, "When you come off a horse, you get right back in the saddle again." Well, I didn't get right back in the saddle again this time, but at least I'm back. Sometimes I procrastinate something for so long that it begins to feel like it's been too long to even try again. Nevertheless, here I am. So what happened? This happened... 

My mother-in-law had a fatal stroke in May 2016. If you had told me that her passing would create a 7-month creative block I wouldn't have believed you. But life is not always believable.  While I haven't been much at my easel, I haven't been doing nothing. Over the next few days I'll be posting a combination of painting work and other professional work from the past year. 

Today is officially the first day I've painting since July 22, 2016. As much as the anxiety of it gave me a headache and an anxiety attack, it's good to be back in the saddle again. 

My Other Life

The morning after the opening reception at the Bay City Arts Center I headed off to be a WWII War Correspondent. My husband, Andrew, and I enjoy re-enacting and this particular event is our favorite. I was exhausted and didn't get as many photos as I usually do. Additionally, it was pouring rain and the wind was blowing so my camera wasn't taking the best photos. But it was still tons of fun. As with most things in life, the best part of it is the people. We love our reenacting family!