Fleeting Moments

Spring time shows fleeting moments so clearly! Don’t you think? One minute, the trees are bare and spindly. The next minute, their entire leaf canopy is covering the sky. And, that’s just one example of fleeting moments this time of year. Right? Before I continue, I’ll share the purpose of this blog and post for newcomers here (welcome newcomers!).

Small Spaces Special Places

Each year, I select a theme for my weekly paintings. For instance, this year’s is “Small Spaces Special Places.” One reason for this theme is I have been surprised, even delighted, with the small spaces in our house that have captured my eye.

Then, there are the special places I see on my daily dog walks here in Raleigh and on camping treks, too. Each morning, rain or shine, I love getting outdoors and looking for special places to paint. Sometimes, we venture on the road and I share paintings of special places from these trips, too.

If you know someone who you think might enjoy a weekly dose of color, with a dash of art history, please encourage them to sign up here for this weekly blog. Let’s get to the colorful stuff, shall we?

Close to Home

After a week on the road, I decided to paint outdoors in our yard this week. Why? Well, first, there are so many luscious trees, plants and shrubs in our yard. Second, I have been feeling a bit pooped. Why is that? Here’s why! So, I am painting and sharing that painting on Instagram every day this month. The actual ‘event’ is called “#2021 PleinAirpril Challenge” and the details and rules are here. Here’s a slightly larger version of Wednesday’s painting entitled “Fleeting Moments.”

You might wonder why I find daily posts to Instagram tiring? Goodness knows? I guess you could say, I am an online introvert, maybe? Or maybe just knowing I have to share something online intimidates somehow? What do you think? Regardless of your answer, it has been comforting to paint each day this week, at home. Even the ancient kitty cat here enjoys seeing me nearby (see pic).

Lessons Learned

So I have learned quite a bit as I have painted and posted these last 28 days. Here are a few of the lessons:

One of the biggest surprises is how frustrated I felt. I recall feeling especially frustrated with each painting from days 5 through 23. Isn’t that interesting? As luck would have it, two things helped to manage the frustration: a newsletter and last week’s road trip.

Frustration Equals Creativity

Regardless of your creative pursuits or interests, I highly recommend that you read Sara Genn’s newsletter. Why? Here’s her thoughtful perspective on “The Power of Frustration.” It offers so much insight on how we creative types think. I hope you find some comfort, as I did, in her writing.

Oh My Gouache

So I have been painting in gouache this entire month. Why? My main reason is because we traveled a bunch. I needed an easy to clean up medium and gouache fit that bill. But I am ready to paint in oils again soon.

I plan and hope to continue daily studies in gouache. But this next month, I am going to grab the oil paints and reintroduce myself.

Art History Inspiration

Before I sign off, I want to share a magnificent landscape painting that I discovered recently. Here’s Martin John Heade‘s painting entitled “The Newbury Marshes.” Isn’t this a gorgeous painting? One of this May’s tasks is to study this delightful painting by doing a value study and a color sketch. I can’t wait!

You and Your April

How about you, gentle reader? What have been your fleeting moments in April? Please do share in the comments below. Thank you!