pic above: A friendship that spans 35 years (whaaat???), stretching from the banks of the Red Cedar (Michigan State University) to sunset beach picnics in Mailibu (California) to 12,005 feet above sea level. Thank you Amy and Troy (behind the camera) for our proper introduction to The Rocky Mountains.
Summer is officially over, which makes me a bit sad, as I love spending the warm days outside and taking long walks with the dogs. But I am also feeling conflicted, because autumn ushers in a season of reflection and restoration and lots of family celebrations.
Here’s a peek at what I’ve been doing the last 14 weeks:
hung an exhibition with The Thursday Brushes (my critique group) at Starkweather Arts Center. I exhibited my mixed media monoprints and drawings amongst a body of work we all contributed to via critiques and conversations during the last year.
took an amazing family vacation to Puerto Rico, where we hiked the rainforest up into the cloud forest and kayaked bioluminescent waters in the moonlight. We also ate the most amazing food and walked the beach daily.
hosted backyard barbeques, out of town guests, and thoroughly enjoyed the yard and garden.
expanded my dahlia and rose gardens and planted about 200 crocus bulbs. It was worth every bit of work - I am currently considering which dahlia varieties to add and excited to see the crocus pop up next year.
hung a two person show at Mirada Fine Artin Denver, Colorado, and was able to travel there for the opening. The opening was so much fun (love the staff and ambiance they have curated) and my new body of work was very well received. While in Denver, we also spent time with old friends and some of my cousins, hiked in the Rocky Mountain National Park and checked out the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
also while in Denver, got to meet none other than Kate Dardine, a fellow painter turned friend whom I have admired for years but never got to hug in person until now.
celebrated the engagement of our middle son to the loveliest and most delightful soul - I get another daughter! - with a backyard party.
saw Sarah MacLachlan in concert under the stars for the first time since Lilith Fair.
moved our oldest son and his wife into their first home. Such a treat getting to witness them setting down roots.
moved The Princess and Bean into new digs, too, and then tearfully accepted our empty nest. (Also learned the word “momancholy,” which totally sums up my emotional state over my kids having launched into the adult world.)
taught an in person workshop for the first time since the pandemic. LOVED being in a group of like minds doing nothing but drawing and painting together for days. Thank you ISEA for this opportunity.
started learning oil paints in anticipation of taking an in person workshop with one of my heros next spring - you can bet I won’t stop talking about it when the thaw approaches!
I have no pressing large projects on the horizon, a shift from the last couple years when I’ve hung solo shows around this time. I am savoring the chance to slow down, reflect, recalibrate and settle into a new creative routine that includes continuing to evolve the Talisman paintings (which have been ongoing since 2020), a return to the drawing and printmaking that consumed me last winter and spring, and continued exploration of oil painting. Also, super excited that my two high school besties will be here in Michigan at the same time this fall - true friendship is such a gift to celebrate.
Meanwhile, online instruction remains ongoing through my student membership (guess who received the dry run of the in person workshop, adapted for online study, in August?! yup, these peeps!!) and the intuitive painting workshop available via Kara Bullock Art School. I’m developing a new online course for her in 2025, too, and have plans to teach in person in southern California next fall.
There will be no twiddling of the thumbs as the days shorten, that’s for certain. I have plenty to keep myself busy and challenged. I wish for you the same - a warm glow inside your heart and hearth.
Thanks so much for your interest in my artwork.
Love you, Kim
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