COLD......Days 70 Through 73

This week the South stayed frozen, I mean really frozen! The majority of the week had temperatures never climbing above freezing. I am fortunate to have great views from my windows that allow for painting, but that does get stagnant over time.

Despite the cold I did manage to get out side. On Tuesday, I juggled several hats, from decorating  the CARE gallery for this weekend's upcoming show, to meeting with a client about a commission piece. I was pressed for time to get a chance to paint.  The sunset was looking to be moody, but beautiful, but I truly felt I was going to miss it. With the help of my sweet husband, I was able to get set up and ready to go just as the sun was setting. Sunsets are great at teaching speed, but I am learning more and more they are also great at teaching patience. It you just wait on them, before they end, they only get better. I am not good at waiting, so I am actually thankful for what I thought was a missed opportunity, but instead caused me to get the good stuff!  Day 70

Wednesday brought back the beginning of the second semester of school and spring semester of art classes at North Delta. I knew I would be in class at the end of the day and so the best light to study would be morning. I packed my gear in my car, so I could look for a location after I dropped Abbi off at school. It was 12 degrees and no way I would be able to do anything more than paint from the inside of my car. This project has helped me get comfortable with the uncomfortable and painting in ones car is NOT comfortable! I did however find this little creek which allowed me to study water. I spent about 45 minutes on the painting and another 30 wiping all of the paint off of the inside of my car! Day 71

I am so blessed to live in an area where there is painting subject matter everywhere you look. I rode around this afternoon looking for inspiration and finally settled on our neighbors old barn. It was around 4:00pm, the light was getting low and I loved the way it was hitting the front of the barn. I had planned to paint from my car (It was around 25 degrees) but I stepped out for a minute and decided it wasn't that bad. I was SO wrong! About halfway into the painting I was freezing, but the light was so dynamic that I just couldn't stop so I kept at it. I think it was worth it in the end (although two days later the tips of my fingers still feel burned!).  I really am pleased with this one. It may develop into a larger painting at some point. Day 72

Big art show opening tonight and so the first signs of light were going to be my only opportunity, but oh what a great time to paint! The soft light of the sunrise as it pulls across the Mississippi Delta is so lovely. There was a heavy freeze with a light frost and yes I enjoyed all of this from the quiet stillness of my studio window, cup of coffee in hand - no outside this morning! If it were not for the dedication that this project requires I would miss moments like this. Enjoying the beauty of the moment is a New Year's Resolution that I think everyone should make. Day 73