Hello fellow creators,

Yesterday, after studing it for days, I took my latest picture apart. Something just wasn't right. I saved the tribesmen and their house, but threw the rest away. Today I was playing with the pieces and an idea came to me that I think will work.

I'm also working on another piece, so the loss wasn't as traumatic.

Today, I also went on a seaweed hunt. We have had tremendous winds, so the seaweed was small, but I managed to fill the bucket with lots of red and white. It rests now in fresh water, sand falling to the bottom of the pail.

Just wanted to check in, so you didn't think I dissappeared. Just working on life issues and stealing time in the studio when I can. So beat at night, with back pain, I usually just drop.

Do your best, (Buddha's last words)

Lisabeth

Hi painting crowd,

I think I finished a mixed media picture today. Do you know what I mean "I think"? I could always add this, or move that, and on, and on, and on. I find the best way to finish is just to stop.

Live inside hope, (B. Kingsolver)

Lisabeth

Hello Artists,

Today I had my teeth cleaned (how exciting), then spent two hours in a library conference room with my therapist(how exhausting!).

I really like her and she is helping me deal with balancing my caregiving with my work as an artist, with my responsibility for every bit of paper that comes in the mail.

Sometimes I am on the phone for three hours talking to three different IBM benefits people about whether my husband is elegible for a pension and if so, where is it, why is our deductable higher because he is on Medicare, life insurance problems, etc.

Sorry to bitch, actually, it is manageable, I guess, just exhausting. And sometimes my life takes me away from my art, which hurts.

Just one day, I would like to go into my studio at 9:30am and, with a short lunch break, come out at 5:00 or 6:00, or whenever I feel like it!!!

Tomorrow, I have a christening and first birthday party to attend. My older brother's (who died at 47) son and his wife and baby Sophia. I need to hold that sweet little one to feel new life.

Sorrow prepares you for joy,

Lisabeth

Hey Arties,

Today, after delivering two pictures to a Guilford Art League show at our community center, and picking up three pictures from a framer, I finally sat in my studio and focused.

I've been working on a picture that I was calling The Tribes, but today the structure they were headed for became the focus of the piece and it has a " Long Road Home"  feeling. Isn't it amazing how I start a picture with something in mind, but have no control where it goes? Has anyone else  had a similar experience?

I have a friend who is encouraging me to show my work on the Cape (Cape Cod) this summer. He lives there and is finding me some connections. I have never been there, but have wanted to see it for many years. This summer might be the time!

Got to go make labels for the back of my work, name of piece, medium, price, and a second label with my name and information. Who knew I would be a label maker? Being an artist takes many hats.

Be here now,(Ram Dass)

Lisabeth

Hey paint lovers,

Today, reality dawned. My high from last night seemed to deflate by the hour.

Physical therapy didn't really help my back, which is becoming more painful daily.

Another $500 plus electric bill (we have electric heat).

All of my work spaces, including my studio, look like a madwoman paper piler lives there.

Will I ever learn the many types of acrylics there are? Thick, thin, translucent, opaque, add textures, texture the gesso, is there a perfect knife? I feel like I should be turning out pictures at a much faster rate. Maybe it's time to go back to what I know. NYC II? Another lighthouse?

My head spins with questions.

Tomorrow I give a man from the Guilford Art Society two pictures to hang at a show held in the Guilford Community Center. Lots of traffic, change in one month.

I want to enter two pieces in the Salmagundi Club's juried non-member show.

I am working on a self-portrait for American Artist magazine competition.

So, I guess I'll go to sleep, to build up the energy I need to do everything I want to do.

Live inside hope, (B. Kingsolver)

Lisabeth

Good evening fellow creators,

Tonight was my presentation at the Duck River Garden Club. It was so much fun, I could do it again tomorrow night (I think)

There were over fifty people there; women of all ages and one man.

We set up about ten pictures, seaweed and flowers on small easels, and a large easel with my publicity board.

I started to talk, and something took over, everything came out right. The people were with me, laughing when they were supposed to laugh, listening attentively at all times. I was so comfortable, it was as if someone else was giving the presentation, and I was just along for the fun.

I spoke for 45 minutes, showed slides for another fifteen, a few Q's  and A's and done.

Many members came up and spoke to me, and everyone had coffee and goodies. No, I did not indulge, but I had a great time talking about creating my art. I guess that means my ego is oversized? I hope not.

Physical therapy for my spinal arthritus tomorrow. Need it.

Back to tribe work after PT. Time to finish up one and see it matted.

Live in the light,

Lisabeth

Hi Art Types,

Went to yet another social art gathering tonight, 4-6:00, more like early evening. It was held at the Griswald Inn Wine Bar, a famous Inn and Restaurant in Essex CT. The gathering was a meet and greet between three people who have just rented the gallery that closed recently on Main Street and the artists they would like to represent.

I was with the former gallery and  the owner took off with many artist's money and paintings, myself included.

This new trio, a couple and a single woman, seem so excited about the chance to make the gallery something special, a destination for tourists and residents alike.

They have invited me to show there, The Left Bank Gallery, which will be open mid-May.

I will go over the contract and see if it seems inviting, and I may show with them. Every artist gets a certain amount of space of their own.

I like the fact that they have no territorial boundries. I could show in the next town.

The wine flowed; I don't drink. The food looked and smelled devine; I'm on the Nutrisystem Diet and couldn't eat a thing. However, I smiled and talked and hugged old art acquaintances and a good time was had.

Next event: Tomorrow night, I have to give a one hour presentation to the Old Lyme Duck River Garden Club about my work, methods, etc. Fortunately, I could talk to a stone, and have a carousel of slides with a story attached to each picture.

My friend has volunteered to drive me and help lift the pictures and set things up. We will have fun talking about the Club members,  etc., on the way home.

More on Duck River tomorrow.

Do your best, (Buddha's last words)

Lisabeth

Good evening all Artists,

There is something I love about Saturdays. First, the NY Times is delivered with part of Sunday's Times included. I get to read the book review on Saturday, which makes me feel lucky.

Next, I usually get to work, uninterrupted, for most of the day. No Doctor's appointments,dentist, hairdresser, physical therapy (starts Tues), food shopping, drug store, etc. Today was perfect in that way. The wind and rain were whipping outside my many studio windows, but I was peaceful inside, working on my "Tribe." Even laid down a background for a new piece.

A nap, half reading, half sleeping, amber candle scenting the room. My favorite kind of Saturday.

Live in the eternal present,

Lisabeth

Hey fellow creators,

Lately I've been noticing that after I walk, like at the Expo, a fair amount, my lower back hurts and I have to sit. Today an orthopedic surgeon took many x-rays and told me I have degenerative osteoarthritus in my spine, as well as fractures on both sides of my pelvis. I saw it all on 4 x-rays. No treatment, no cure. Anti-inflammatories and physical therapy. Not to be a bummer, but who will take care of the caregiver?

Luckily, so far, most of my work is done from a chair, but seaweeding, and the drying process, especially if it's on the floor, is backbreaking, without a problem. I am thinking of other ways, drying it on a table?

I have a good supply, but always want to see what is new under the water. I'll figure it out. Sounds like it't time to take out the gratitude list. Better still, work on another self portrait. My face in the mirror always makes me laugh.

Come out of yourself,

Lisabeth