There is a lot going on around here as we settle into our new digs on the island. After a long time of dreaming and planning, things are taking shape, and we really love it here. The light is amazing, water, beaches, air and the people. I'm looking forward to getting more involved with the incredible art community as well.

I'm excited to announce my next show coming up very soon! Scott Milo Gallery in Anacortes, WA will be hosting an opening reception on Friday November 2nd from 5-8pm. I'll have 6-8 paintings as part of the group show that month. I've been a busy bee working on my latest pieces, with a fall theme. This time of year I get really excited about the changing light, colors and textures outside. There are still plenty of flowers blooming, and berries and grasses are getting a more delicate texture as the month goes on.

Come and stop in to say hi on Friday November 2. It's a great town and they host a top-notch art walk on the first Fridays of every month. Think about bringing home that unique painting that will bring a special feeling to your room for family gatherings this holiday season, or create that perfect focal element in your own private space where you tuck in for quiet time. And it's even better if you can support local artists and makers. Happy fall, everyone.

Today was a great day for a lighthearted approach and just goofing around with color and composition. If you’re stuck in a rut or just want a quick jumpstart in your creativity, I recommend this online workshop by Laura Horn Art called “Minimal Magic” .

These little guys are 8x8 in. mixed media pieces on 300 lb. watercolor paper. I chose a limited palette of raw sienna, payne’s gray and white acrylic paint, inks, white paint pens and water soluble graphite. I added a few recurring elements inspired by my new island home: oval rock shapes, feather and shell imagery. Such fun and now I feel ready to take on the world!

It was so nice to get pack to painting. We’ve recently relocated to a sunnier spot with water, wildlife and beauty all around. The first annual Art By The Bay Plein Aire competition was held Friday and Saturday August 17 - 18 and ended with voting and awards on Saturday afternoon. The organizer of the event was Jed Dorsey who has a new studio upstairs at Camano Commons. Stop by his new gallery and studio space if you are around.

After our our own move it was difficult to get back into painting. So I signed up for this event awhile ago, thinking I’d be well into a new routine by now and this would be a great way to meet some local artists and to wake up my plein aire “brain.” It was really good for the social aspect, but really challenging breaking through the resistance to painting again. Seriously, why does it surprise me that this is a constant cycle? The discomfort and restlessness of not painting eventually conquers the resistance and it’s a great feeling to be creating again. And the more studies I finished these past few days, the more ideas I had, and the less precious each piece was. That’s when I’m on the way to doing better work. Less preciousness and just getting more panels covered is my best work mode. Even though the competition is over, I’m headed out again today. By the way, a cautionary note to female painters. Always paint with a buddy. Join local plein aire events to meet a new buddy! If you are alone, paint from your car or right beside it and be ready to hop in, leaving your gear outside if anyone suspicious shows up or if you are uncomfortable for any reason. Stay safe and have fun! God bless you and thanks for visiting!