". . . a brush with nature"

For me painting is more of a solitary pursuit. I love the order of my studio and I love the orderly chaos of it, too. I like being able to listen to the music I enjoy or, sometimes, to a book or podcast as I paint. I like being able to take a break when I choose to, just to contemplate the piece I am currently working on or other ones surrounding me that are still works in progress. Sometimes I stop just to be still . . . to step outside to take in the forest around me. It is my inspiration.

I know that many artists enjoy painting in groups. These artists find more inspiration there, discussing their new ideas for a piece or sometimes using the same starting point for their next project. It is always fun to see each artist’s individual “take” on the same subject or still life set up. There are never two just alike. Every artist’s take away is different and that is a wonderful thing.

That is a dynamic where so many artists thrive and grow. 

But then there are other artists that do their best creating in their own space. Neither choice is right or wrong. Great growth and art can come from either setting. You just have to discover what works best for you. Where you work best.

Where is your happy place?