Home from vacation...

Ever summer we go to Bethany Beach, DE for a week of sun and fun. This year was terrific. We rented a beautiful condo on the boardwalk with an ocean view that was brand spankin' new. It was right in town and we had perfect views for people watching and ocean watching. My grown kids were also there the same week- which was a lot of fun! They rented their own place about 4 blocks away, also on the beach. One night we all went out for a great dinner and had wonderful crab and shrimp...yumm!

We had a nice mix of family time and time by ourselves. All in all a great vacation!

This was the first year that I did not paint or do any artwork at all. Most years I do a fair amount of painting and drawing on the beach when I am there, but this year was total down time. I did bring all my paints, but they sat unused the entire week! Most unusual! I guess I just needed time away from art too!

...down time...

late summer flowers

This time of year is my down time. I usually don't make much art at this time of year...the summer is winding down. I look to the fall and new art making. I nest...gather...read. I do a lot of thinking about art. I do a lot of cooking. I plan. Rest...relax...renew...

I fill my cup...

relax...reflect...renew...

4" x 5" acrylic on watercolor paper with stamping

Isn't this what vacation is all about?

Last week I went to Boston and Gloucester with my sisters. In Gloucester we went to the artist colony on Rocky Neck. One of the artists there is Sigrid Olsen. Her work is calm yet colorful. I made these small works yesterday á la Sigrid Olsen.

I carved some simple stamps to use with the painting. I am making more today- using watercolors instead of acrylics and even more with collaged papers in them. Time to experiment and play!