Back in the Saddle Again
If I ever take vacation, it’s almost always to spend some time at an art workshop. I show up with big totes of supplies in tow while quietly singing “Back in the Saddle Again” which, for reasons unknown, has become my workshop song. March was oil painting with my friend Sara Beth Fair. We focused on getting back to the basics of shapes and composition, value, and finally color. Sara’s workshops are no joke, and she pushes us hard. What I love about her workshops is not only that I go home totally wiped, lugging 10 wet paintings, I also carry with me some wisdom for the next time I’m at the easel. Sara asks herself a question before she starts every piece: What do I love about what I’m going to paint? When you’ve got your basics and focus on what brings you joy, you can’t go wrong.
Full disclosure: These paintings were made from reference photos taken by Sara Beth, so I don’t “own” these.
Artwork Spotlight
“Making art is simply a matter of momentum. You just have to get started…”
— Cheap Joe Miller
When I set out to paint all the flowers blooming in my yard, I was thinking daffodils in March, Tulips in April, Irises in May, Peonies in June, Pop-up daisies in July. Once I started really looking, I noticed what feels like hundreds of things blossoming already, more than I could ever paint. I never expected that by April I’d have a log of things to paint, and I’m getting behind here, folks. You’ll find a lot of advice as an artist, but I think Cheap Joe was right: the more I looked for beauty, the more I found. The more I created, the easier it was to create. It’s still tough some days to paint in the evenings after work, hard to set aside chores on weekends to sit at my easel. But it’s “simply a matter of momentum. You just have to get started.” With all these beautiful flowers, it’s worth the effort!
Looking Ahead
School’s IN for Summer
I’m always looking for ways to learn more about art, whether it’s books, videos, in person classes, or workshops. For the next six weeks I’ll be taking a design class online through the Rhode Island School of Art and Design. This is my second class with RISD, and I’m super excited. Ironically, the structure in the assignments pushes me to think more creatively and be less hampered by what rules my brain has imposed on my art. The supply list only includes black and white paints and ink. I can’t wait for what’s in store in this session. Be on the lookout for some fun pieces coming soon!
Thank you for coming along with me on my artistic journey. I’m so glad you’re here. Till next time!-CMC
CMC Studio 
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