Sometimes I scream "I Want to Paint!" in my head as the day begins.

You might think that because I am a painter I paint all day, every day. Not only is that not true, I don't even want it to be true. I want painting to always feel special, becaue it is. 

Recently, I gave a talk to a networking group that wanted
to know what the life of an artist is like.  

Many people have a romantic notion an artist's life. They imagine long hours in front of an easel (or a potter's wheel, or another creative tool) broken by soulful talks with other artists over bottles of wine accompanied by peasant bread & hard cheese.

Sure, that happens sometimes, but definitely not all the time!

If you want to meet someone who works hard, talk to an artist. We love what we do and it's a darn good thing, because it is a lot of work.

I once dated a doctor who told me I wouldn't make it as a doctor because I work too hard. He wasn't kidding.

I thought it was an odd sentiment at the time, but in part I think he meant that I didn't know how to take time off to have more fun. That everything in my life was grist for my "art mill".

That's me on the back of the cruiser with Keanu. I'm learning to have more FUN and I still want to Paint!

I met the doctor when I was new to my profession as an artist. I worked every day of the week back then.  

You know what they say about all work and no play. It is true; life gets very dull when we don't take time to renew ourselves.

That's why even today, when life gets really busy and full, I long to paint --
for me, not for you.  

Sometimes I just want to paint for me. That doesn't mean you can't purchase my painting or a print of it. It means that I want to explore a subject just for the sake of exploration and discovery.

If you've been longing for time to paint, paint! Take your supplies out, set them up, and paint! The beauty of watercolor is it's easy to start and easy to clean up. The hardest part is getting started.

If you're having trouble getting started, sign up for one of my Hide-N-Seek Watercolor workshops. The next one is April 20th at the Waioli Tea Room. Reply to this email and I will send you more information.

**********  

SeaShell Mermaid Queen