Even though we’re in the middle of a sweltering heat wave the days are getting noticeably shorter and here in southern Ontario some of the trees are already turning gold and red. Soon the temperature will drop and I’ll be switching wardrobes; shaking out those sweaters and long pants and putting away my swimsuits and shorts. This is always such a bittersweet time of year. Thank goodness summer leaves us with a last hurrah – a fanfare of beautiful colour. I hate saying good-bye to the long twilight evenings, outdoor concerts in the park, spending time in the garden and paddling our canoe and picnicking on the many nearby lakes.
At the same time I feel an irrepressible urge to shift gears, to pick up speed and re-engage in my art.
I no longer begrudge my time in the studio; feeling that I’m missing something outdoors. Yes’ it’s time to paint again. My fingers are itching to hold my paint brushes, heat gun and torch and I am craving the smell of melted beeswax! How about you? It’s reassuring to feel this way; I confess that I’ve been feeling guilty about not painting much during the last 4 months. I was enjoying the outdoors so much that I resented my time at the drawing board. Thankfully I can now stop berating myself for not producing a new body of work and simply accept that it’s a seasonal condition – let’s call it the “Artist’s Flu”, LOL.
I am grateful to be an artist because now, after soaking in the inspiration of Nature all summer I can’t wait to translate it onto the canvas. A part of me is relieved that the outdoors will no longer beckon so seductively. This leads me to point out that it’s time to participate in art shows and exhibitions AND to attend the upcoming IEA Advance in San Francisco! What a perfect time of year to come together to learn, share and celebrate a common interest with artists from all over. I look forward to seeing so many of you in just a few short weeks!
In the meantime, shake off the summer doldrums and start a fresh canvas today!
XO Maura
PS. Please visit my paintings at www.maurajoylustig.com and learn how I create abundance with ease at www.infinitehealth4u.isagenix.com.
