 Since the beginning of my professional painting career (nearly 11 years ago!), I have always dated my paintings. I did this for two reasons:  It’s time to bundle up again! My feet have barely seen the inside of shoes in the last 2 years. These days they are constantly wrapped in a layer of wool socks and boots. It feels strange to wear my old clothes again. I can’t help but feel like I am stepping into a costume of sorts. Who is this woman in long sweaters, scarves, hats and thermal underwear? I find myself acclimating to Utah’s desert cold climate, physically just as much as mentally.  Typically, my students tell me that my workshops were a transformative experience, because they were able to approach the blank canvas without fear for the first time in their lives. As a result, they were able to paint freely, intuitively, enjoying the process along the way.  We arrived in Salt Lake City on Tuesday. I barely had time to unpack my bags. I boarded a plane to Atlanta on Friday. I forgot to bring my apron, my spray bottle, paper towels, Saran wrap, and music. Usually I am not this forgetful. But in the midst of a major move, this is the best I could do.  This ain't the Mainland! My first Fearless Abstract Painting party where some of the participants wore their bathing suits. What's not to love?! Our paintings took a long time to dry due to the high humidity levels, but at the end of the night (and an amazing meal), we enjoyed an "art walk" featuring our works, using our phones as flashlights. |