A recent visit to Chicago was a refresher and inspiration. If you’re remotely curious about pastel, here’s a formal explanation from their Art Institute. Which also happens to explain why I love pastels, and the Impressionists. “Pastel is a medium… made by combining dry pigment with a sticky binder. Once artists have applied the pastel […]
Maybe it makes me a troglodyte or something, but I am not super-enamored of all things digital. What reminded me was that my new(ish, used) car just rolled over to 70,000 miles. Except it didn’t. Being digital, it was disappointing. There was no excitement, no clicking of numbers actually rolling over. Unlike last time, when […]
This year, for the first time in about 40 years, I am not serving on a nonprofit board. Or on five of them simultaneously. Did that the year I left my corporate job to start my consulting firm. And nearly bankrupted myself, as I gave away more time and advice than I sold. Lesson learned. […]
Reviewing photos from opening receptions for my two recent exhibits, in Avon and Simsbury, CT, caused me to reflect. They reminded me how lucky I am to have a large circle of very creative friends whose energy reinforces and encourages mine. Included in the photos were graphic designers, a former dancer, an architect and a […]
We recently threw a party to mark our tenth wedding anniversary. Friends from many parts of our lives – former consulting clients and law partners, neighbors past and present, people with whom I’d painted, practiced Pilates, or served on nonprofit boards – celebrated with us. It reminded me how very lucky we are, and how grateful. […]
A recent article from the Washington Post brought back memories, and made me realize why I love painting. Not all the memories were good; the article cited research that found humor is appreciated in male leaders, but is often held against female leaders. Since I enjoy dry, witty humor (ok, which is sometimes sarcastic) the […]
Discussing Kentucky Derby parties we planned to attend, an old friend told me about her outfit and, in particular, the bling she intended to add to it. A very creative person, she anticipated the party might be on the traditional side, so her stated goal was to be slightly unacceptable. The phrase instantly grabbed me. […]
Usually a trip to another country is required to refill my creative well, inspiring me to capture the energy and scenery of a new place that I can share in paintings. Sometimes, though, inspiration is closer to home, in sunsets over the water near my studio. And once in a while I need reminding about […]
Last month I realized I was in the middle of reading five different books. They range from fun fiction, to an award-winning literary novel, to compelling nonfiction accounts of the flood in New Orleans, girls raised as boys in Afghanistan, and the criminally insane murderer who helped create the Oxford English dictionary. Apparently, my thirst […]
It is always a challenge to give presents once people reach a certain age. While I hope you are enjoying the holidays, they do tend to exacerbate the issue. People have what they need, or they have very particular tastes, or you don’t know what they really want. Plus it’s often awkward to calibrate the […]
