Are you ready for a fresh start?

The oils are out. The paint is flying.

“The weather, rainy and dull on our arrival, has cleared up, the sun shines, and hope smiles in the heart. I shall soon go to work..” – Paul Cézanne

It’s been a long winter. Dreary gray sleet-filled days followed by rain, and punctuated with hail. I don’t mind it so much. We needed the water. With all of this weather, I guess I expected to get a bit more done in the studio. It didn’t work out that way. I put paint to boards and played with different compositions, but the energy has been a bit flat.  Then it happened. A couple of days ago I made the big switch. Bring in the dog and put out the cat! I put my acrylics on the shelf and pulled out the oils.

My friend Cynthia came to model in the studio and it was on. Oils move differently. There is momentum and viscosity and if you’re not careful, a huge mess. Oils are alive, they’re greasy and fatty. They are responsive and temperamental. After you heap the paint on your panel, you have to step back and cool off. Oil needs to dry out. It can’t be rushed.

Energy is contagious when you love what you are creating.

The paint goes on fast and I love piling it on my palette and pulling it off.  Sunlight is pouring in through the 9-foot windows on the north wall of my studio and I know Spring has arrived. Cynthia’s satin robe is beautiful, adorned with flowers in asymmetrical patterns. Her profile is exquisite and regal. The painting paints itself.

This painting is the catalyst. By next week, the studio will be cleaned from top to bottom. My brushes are out and the canvases are prepped. No plans to travel. I’m ready for an incredible season. I can feel the energy building and I can’t wait to see what’s on the other side.

We all need to change it up. I’m grateful for all four of the seasons. The hard cold makes the spring that much sweeter. Another birthday is around the corner and I can feel my third season coming on.

Life is magic. Lean in. The electric colors of my acrylic paints are still peeking through and the jeweled colors of the oils are back.

What’s your favorite season?

When the winter goes long, how do you switch it up?

Are you ready for a fresh start?