Berries and Fern

Caper Berries

10" x 8"

Graphite on Paper

Air Fern

11" x 8"

Watercolor on Paper

Yesterday, I was reflecting on the pains and pleasures of making art. And  I thought, why does art often feel like such hard work, and does it necessarily have to feel so arduous. I started to think about times in my life when making art was about enjoyment, about a happy challenge, engaging my mind in a process of discovery. Presently, I want to feel eager to improve and willing to work, not head-achy and defeated by my process (like I have been feeling). 

After looking at a colleague's work (very realistic oil paintings, both still life and urban landscapes) I realized that if my goal is to improve my skill and to regain my appreciation and love of art-making, I need to draw from life and paint things that I like, things that visually interest me. Having moved to NY in September (just in time for winter), I have become ever more appreciative of plants and greenery. What's so great in this city is that when it's snowy out and the trees are bare, plants and flowers feel all the more like art, like  special and rare objects to be appreciated and admired.