Most of us will remember 2020 for the rest of our lives. With all the medical, political and social issues happening, maintaining a positive attitude is even more important. Blessed with my mother's happy disposition certainly helped to keep me sane during these challenging months. This newsletter addresses its effect on my painting in an upbeat way. Aware that while my painting productivity had slipped these last few months, other things took center stage.

The first two months of the year, I had been creating regularly and making progress on my goals. By March, the beginning of home isolation, I was excited to be able to spend more time in the studio. I made a list of painting techniques to experiment with and compositions I wanted to finish. Life as an artist is good and I could think of nothing else I would rather do.

When I reflect back on June through October, I realize my creative juices vacillated. Somehow painting, which usually brings me great joy seemed well....blah! While I did paint intermittently, overall my inspiration seemed to be flat. I did not feel depressed, just not motivated to paint. I wondered: "Had my all important, life-long love of painting changed? Was my desire to paint waning and permanent?" This strange, new abnormal change was not to my liking and I thought about how could I get my enthusiasm back.

Convinced that my routine would eventually return to normal, I spent daily time in the studio. I thought if I just showed up at the easel, it would motivate me to throw some paint around. Most of the time, it did not work and I ended up busying myself with other art related activities but at least I was in the studio. I cleaned and organized, then reorganized again at a later date. Inventory was done and more painting supplies and equipment were ordered. Time was spent reading my art books and Plein Air Magazines while marveling at many of the really beautiful paintings done by master artists. I took an online painting workshop and regularly watched painting webinars. Each day was filled with reflection about art and my future as a painter. These endeavors helped me to keep my art pilot light burning.

Other daily activities included chores, exercising and puttering around the house and garden. All my life I have enjoyed caring for plants and I spent a couple of hours each day working outside. I found great solace in watering the yard as my already secure love of watching plants grow deepened.

Upon speaking with other artist friends over the summer and fall, I discovered that I was not alone. Apparently, many many artists are reporting a lack motivation to paint. While there are artists furiously painting, a great number of others, like me, have stumbled onto this crazy lack of inspiration. One thing is for sure, I have not lost my love for art! So I continue to nurture this passion and allow myself whatever time off I require without feeling guilty.

Currently, I am working on a 36x48 commission and am making progress on the oil painting. Even though my mojo is not fully back, being responsible for this project has helped me return to the easel. However, I am still allowing myself time off to nourish my soul and replenish my well of creativity.