A simply perfect day making art with friends...

My dear friend Marilyn invited me, along with my other dear friend Laura, to her house for a day of art, lunch and conversation last Friday, and it was just what I needed. I've really been in an artistic funk this summer, and there's nothing like being surrounded by enthusiastic and artistic friends to motivate me. We began with coffee and a leisurely visit in Marilyn's sun room, eventually retreated to her art studio and then enjoyed a scrumptious salad that was as much a work of art as Marilyn's inedible creations. There are wonderful touches of Marilyn and her art in every room of her home -- altered vintage birdhouses, distressed furniture pieces and great flea market finds among them.

Here is a glimpse of the technique that Marilyn taught us that day, which she calls "the big dark." She is currently teaching this class at the Albany Art Room, so I will not reveal the secrets of the technique here, but it was a truly fun and freeing way of painting, and I'll be playing with this technique again soon.

As most of my readers know, this summer has marked a time of transition and change for me, and I am still navigating it all. I feel a bit adrift at times, and I just haven't been able to create a lot of art lately. I am not pushing it, as I have found that forcing it never works. Instead, I am busying myself with my home, friends and family, and I fully expect the inspiration and art will return in their own good time. When I tell friends and other artists about my dilemma, the feedback is interesting. Some find that periods of change and stress help their art -- it's a place for them to escape to. This makes sense to me, but it's unfortunately not the way I am wired. I can't seem to "get lost in my art" when my brain is working furiously about too many other things.

But this day spent with friends reminds me that even though I have lost my way a little and am adjusting to new routines, I still love creating, and I'll find my way back to it.