The view from this side of the valley after the fire

the ridge across the river
no smoke, but no light either
no porches, no living rooms

Postcards from the edge...of sanity? No, just the edge of the valley.

 I've been painting a lot recently on 4" x 6" heavy watercolor paper since I don't yet think I'm ready to commit to even a space of 9" x 12". What's cool about using heavy paper of this size is that it is just the right size and weight to use as a post card. So this is what I've been doing a lot of: making post cards. Not that I'm making capital A Art, but it inspires me to paint when I have a plan for what to do with the completed (or simply abandoned) pieces. Something besides simply storing them away or recycling them. It's also a good way to to stay in touch with my beloveds in a manner that might make it more interesting for them to when they look in their mailboxes. 

I'm watching a lot of tutorials and trying a lot of different techniques. Sometimes the techniques are more about attitude than about how to mix colors or balance a composition. These discussions are the most useful to me. 

I am so glad I decided  to really concentrate on doing art--art of any kind, including sewing face masks--during the Covid shutdowns and keeping distance to keep people safe. It gives me something to look forward to, and since I'm making postcards and talking about art process with friends and family on Skype, I am keeping in really close contact with the people who sustain me. I am grateful every day that I have the opportunity to spend time creating.

Reaction to the news

 Sorry, I missed that story. I was too distracted by the chaos to notice the mayhem.

to Rico: thank you thank you thank you

the tomatoes you brought
taste like sunshine and rain
from a happier summer.

Art Lesson

It is no failure
of creativity
    to perceive:
outlines splatters dots of gold
    will not help
When there is no more to do
put a stamp on it
load it with kisses
and drop it in the mailbox