Happy New Year ! 

Are you a bit overwhelmed with the "New Year, New You" messaging? Honestly, it's daunting to absorb the pressure to conform to an idealized version of ourselves each January. The idea of pushing into uncomfortable, unattainable goals doesn't sit well with me, and I bet you feel the same way.

I grapple with this concept. It's not that I'm against evolving, making positive changes, or shedding habits that weigh us down - I'm a big supporter. However, attempting to overhaul EVERYTHING in January, or any month for that matter, is simply exhausting. I've tried. Instead, I'm striving to find a rhythm that goes against the grain, one focused on the long game. My approach involves continual growth through gradual, manageable shifts over time.

Part of the reason for sending out this newsletter now is that I took some time off, traveled with my family during the holidays, and adjusted to supporting my son through finals while navigating various weather challenges, and now, bussing issues in Durham. 

So, today, I'm taking a moment to breathe and share some updates on news and progress in the studio. Coincidentally today, I stumbled on a beautiful quote by Amanda Gorman from the NY Times in 2021 "7 Questions, 15 Artists, 1 Very Bad Year". She writes,  

“I think if I could go back in time and give myself a message, it would be to reiterate that my value as an artist doesn’t come from how much I create. I think that mind-set is yoked to capitalism. Being an artist is about how and why you touch people’s lives, even if it’s one person. Even if that’s yourself, in the process of art-making.”

This quote resonates with me profoundly, speaking to my own constant comparison to other artists and even to my past more productive years. Is that really true? Even if my artwork was not numerous, I was developing internally. I was delighted to receive an email this week from a former client interested in Zoom lessons, and still feeling some gratitude from customers who purchased my work during the holidays. While you may not be numerous, I feel your impact, and I hope to positively influence your life this year through art.

Read on for upcoming opportunities (one tomorrow) and some thoughts on works in progress.

ART CHAT with MEGAN GRAY 1/19

Join me tomorrow on Instagram at 12pm for a live chat with artist, Megan Gray. I'm not sure exactly how Megan and I met - somehow on Instagram, through her original group of Artist Mothers? She and I also got connected to Katrina Berg, another Artist Mother - the three of us religiously chatted during the Pandemic and helped each other through. I eventually got to spend some time in real life with Megan visiting the first 14C art fair in Jersey City, travelling to Rhode Island together for a workshop with landscape artist, Erin Spencer, and supporting Megan at a show of her work in New Jersey.  She's a fabulous painter of moody landscapes and a good art friend that I treasure! 

WHEN & WHERE? Megan will interview me live on Instagram, you can join us through her feed - @megangrayarts.

Can't make the live chat? No worries - there will be a replay available after tomorrow. 

I'M RETURNING TO PETERS VALLEY!

Embark on a transformative journey exploring the art of watercolor sketching in nature, where sketches serve as the foundation for building an expressive oil painting. Led by moi, you’ll use watercolor to capture landscapes, understand local color, and incorporate inanimate objects of importance. With guidance, transform your sketches into a narrative-driven oil painting, combining on-site impressions with photo references. Join me for this unique fusion of spontaneity and depth, creating a captivating artistic journey, with a teaching artist known for her nurturing approach that also builds technical understanding. We will use alternative methods of cleaning brushes and direct painting techniques which avoids the use of solvents.

Workshop runs from 9:00am to 5:00pm each day
Lunch is included for all participants

NEW ART UNDER CONSTRUCTION! 

Two things are happening concurrently in the studio - the start of new work in oil, and a daily 10-minute sketchbook practice.

The above painting was inspired by a Luigi Tiengo chair spotted at a vintage shop's product listing. I was struck by the shape and color of the chair and have since drawn it several times, prior to starting this small painting in oil. And, I was lucky enough to hear from furniture maker, Steve Butler, an artist pal from Peters Valley and host of The Garage with Steve Butler, who informed me on Luigi's background. From Steve, "Luigi Tiengo was an Italian designer who worked for a company in Montreal. He designed that chair for Cimon of Montreal in 1964. They were the Canadian modern equivalent to Knoll and Herman Miller. He designed some amazing pieces." 

I've been sharing my daily 10-minute sketchbook practice on social media, in particular on Threads, Meta's more artful version of Twitter. It's full of artists and I've been having fun learning the platform and sharing my daily sketches. You can find updates on either Threads, or in my stories on Instagram.  

If you want to see and learn more now, read my latest blog post detailing my approach to this project, its challenges and lessons learned, as well as some of the development of the content. Plus there's lots of examples of some of the sketches.

UPDATE ON ART CLASSES 

WATERCOLOR: I'm in the process of planning out a virtual series to start in February for beginners of watercolor, or anyone who needs a refresher, so you can build confidence to go and paint in nature. I had a survey on my website - several of you filled it out and sent me responses over email. My apologies, something with my organization went awry, and I know I'm missing responses. I'll chalk it up to the holidays.

I've edited the survey and republished it to my website. PLEASE, take a moment and fill it out, even if you did previously. It does take a long time to load; apparently that's due to my website and I need some time to explore that in more depth. 

GENERAL ART/PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT: I do have space in my studio to accommodate private and semi-private classes and am happy to explore times and needs with anyone interested. My home studio is in North Durham, above the Eno, for reference. 

SMALL GROUPS: For anyone who expressed interest in small group classes, that's a bit trickier as I currently can't accommodate more than two comfortably. If you have a group, more than 3 students, who are interested in ongoing classes, please reach out - I may have an opportunity in Durham. 

LARGE GROUPS: Lastly, if you're part of an organization looking to partake in artmaking that offers the space to be creative, learn a technique or medium that stretches the brain, and exercise mindfulness, let's talk! Last year I created a Nordic-themed workshop specifically for a Nordic Cultural Heritage Group in Long Island to learn to watercolor. 

Koda arrived safe and sound in New Rochelle, NY!

Find more to ❤️ about TraillWorks