As water and air are vital to life, creative expression is vital to a purposeful life.
We ask, “Are we there yet?” How many more challenges we must face in the upcoming months. I hear a lot about fatigue, weariness, stress….
No matter how much patience, self-control, kindness we have mustered this year, it has been hard.
Not everyone has time to indulge in “creative” moments…or do they?
Yes, many are kept at tasks at home or on the job---essential workers, moms, dads….  All  striving to remain hopeful.
​

​In early 2020, I chose to address an aspect of encouragement with each blogpost. We have reached growth.
Engage
Nurture
Cultivate
Observe
Uplift
Restore
Attitude
Grow
Express
Growth affects our creativity and creativity affects growth.
Developing and expressing our creative side encourages joy, luster, vibrancy and  joie de vivre. These qualities are the essence of what the Thomas Jefferson  called the “pursuit of happiness.” Even the most timid may enjoy audacious expressions of art, love and joy!
As water and air are vital to life, creative expression is vital to a purposeful life.

​Ok—I’ll jump off the soapbox and focus on guidelines for YOU—to move forward – with a generous sprinkling  of creativity in your daily life. How do we nurture creative actions in our home, on the job, in our children and of course, in ourselves? We cannot bless others unless we show grace to ourselves!
Our imaginations may be getting lost in the chaos of this new life, new expectations, neglect of healthy food and exercise, and   changing Covid practices.
Our brains react to protect us when stress appears, draining blood and oxygen from the thinking part of the brain. So, what to do?  There is good news! Our brains can be re-molded! Our brains have plasticity!  One method is to recognize your feelings thoughts. – in an activity such as journaling or saying them aloud.
As you do this, ask yourself if your thoughts are based on truth and reality?  Replace negativity if possible, with positive affirmations such as I can do this—I’ve done it before, I am good at ______________________(cooking, putting things together, gardening, encouraging people).
 Meditate on something that it uplifting to you!  Music, quotes, artworks….

​Actually, this closely follows the advice of Julia Cameron. In over a dozen books such as The Artist’s Way, her main 3 steps always include free journal writing, walking, and what she calls artist date, where you take yourself on a date to admire something or interest or beauty -- to nurture your own spirit.  It can be formal such as  visiting a museum or bookstore or simply taking a nature walk or looking at store windows.
Despite it all, show grace to yourself so you can GROW!—or slowly drag yourself--jump into a space where you can nurture creativity.  If you have a family—as much as possible, make your home a petri dish for creativity.  Allow play, art messes (within reason) and freedom for kids to express themselves without having to achieve or perform.  A Facebook friend posted a geometric mural she and her son had mapped out for painting his bedroom.  I loved that!
If possible, at home and if you have employees, go beyond encouragement and  honest listening to consider the sounds, colors, temperature and lighting. I had a homey ginger jar lamp in my classroom, and when students asked why - I told them ambience! They liked the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Make creativity  a commitment.  Schedule time for learning, practicing, painting, researching –and record your progress.  Take photos or jot notes about your progress…or just allow yourself that freedom to create and keep or toss, but enjoy the process! Don’t judge your activity by the burnt cookies!
Grow by boosting your creativity.  

Be king to yourself on this journey! 
​Wishing you all so much goodness,
       ~ Janis 

 *Note: Each month I write and rewrite my post, and usually it takes a couple of weeks to mull over.  If you are in the Midwest, experiencing a winter much more drastic than normal or Texas, or anywhere,  my heart goes  out to you. Like a plant that needs water, sunlight and TIME—be king to yourself. Let your creativity sprout in God’s time. 
​

WINTER SALUTATIONS!
January 9, 2021
As the temperatures drop and the sun begins its slow trek back toward the north, I just want to check in with you. As you may know, I am not a fan of winter, but I have learned to love the winter light with its long deep shadows which add drama and dimension to our Mojave landscape.
With this new year, I wish to spread some hope - and I am sharing an excerpt from my article recently published in our local newspaper, the Hi-Desert Star. 
"We reflect on our past and must have hope for the future. What are artists to do in 2021?  I suggest you be kind to yourself and pat yourself on the back when you make small progress. Keep creating.  Work small. Create several times a week rather than forcing a huge project!  Watch your health— sleep, exercise, a healthy diet,  and spiritual nurturing are crucial! Follow the Covid essentials of social distancing and mask wearing
Kindle new interests.
Learn new skills.
Teach-share what you know.
Reach out, locally and globally.
We are not only missing hugs and contact with others. Artists miss the tactile elements.  It is not easy to see the depth of brushstrokes, the thickness of paint, the characteristics of a medium, or even to  know the size of a work.  Ask questions!  Interact with artists online or with old fashioned devices, a note or phone call.   I received a Covid collection of cards this summer and I treasure them.  My Esty business specializes in notecards and paper items with a personal touch and a French flair.
You have heard enough about Zoom! Yet, a virtual meeting over a meal  contains the elements of breaking bread with another. If spirituality is part of your life, cultivate those connections. I meet weekly with women for Bible study and prayer and to provide encouragement.
Keep a journal or diary which includes gratitude.
During 2020, meditative hands-on activities such sewing masks, remodeling our rental (lots of scraping, sanding and painting) and making meals became important to me—connecting to the lives of ancestors.  I  often ponder how they lived with simple items.
As we begin a new year and confront the unknown,  how do we inspire others and remain motivated?
Despite my love/hate relationship with social media, I maintain my accounts to promote new art and to communicate. I give myself breaks. Social media is not an obligation; it can be an opportunity!   
This year I found it important to embrace the USPS! When I requested package pickups, I left  3x5 notecards saying #usps or #IloveUSPS.  My carrier picked them up! At Christmas, when  I gave her a calendar, I learned she loves the French Impressionists!  Another positive  connection as a result of Covid! 
We must develop skills such as  patience, resilience, and openness, especially to the unexpected.
Keep your life sane!
Create home comfort centers. Typically, artists collect a lot of stuff. Neaten up! Clear out!  Read for information or imagination! Place chairs, tables or baskets with your needs conveniently: pencils, colored markers, notepads, journals, inspirational  books, Kleenex….
Savor the seasons. Study changing light and its effect on your painting or other art forms
Find ways to help others. Give back!
I gifted my France Sketchbook calendars and Zoom classes.
I hope we, as creative thinkers, can turn problems into opportunity, peace of mind, satisfaction, and contentment during 2021!
I was reminded of Henry David Thoreau’s words in Walden. May we take note:  
I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived… I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms, and, if it proved to be mean, why then to get the whole and genuine meanness of it, and publish its meanness to the world; or if it were sublime, to know it by experience, and be able to give a true account of it in my next excursion. — Henry David Thoreau, Walden."  
Please, dear friends, stay safe this year.  I thank you for your interest in the arts and wish you joy with your own creative projects. And please, tell me what you are doing! Post a comment below!
Inspired by all of you,
~Janis

Link to complete page

More information available: Zoom Art Classes, available artwork, my Etsy shop: French Press (which is offering my 2021 calendars this month at 25% off) 

​

Autumn Greetings!
Even before the pandemic was underway, I had chosen encouragement as my  blog message for 2020, following my acronym:
Engage
Nurture
Cultivate
Observe
Uplift
Restore
Attitude
Grow
Express
We have reached restore, which is now very  appropriate as we enter the fall season.
In a few weeks we will turn back the clocks, but we know we cannot turn back time. We have always known we are part of a larger community, and that has become immensely apparent during 2020. Being part of community means starting with ourselves!
​

​Currently, my November calendar is a beautiful, unfilled space.
As the leaves begin to fall, I too wish to shed a few things – to see clearly what lies ahead.  I need to clear clutter from our home, activities from the calendar and activities in cyberspace that merely fill without feeding the soul.
​
Many of us know that “restorative” poses in yoga “  allow us to relearn the art of relaxation while developing the skills and abilities to self-soothe. It enhances our healing capacity through helping us regulate the stress response and re-balance the nervous system”—from yoga coach Meghan Johnston.

As we move from seven months of isolation into the unknown, as artists and creative beings, we crave the restorative season.  Think of a squirrel gathering treasure of nuts and acorns. In fact a study from professors in the Department of Psychology at University of California at Berkeley, and published in the September issue of the journal Royal Society of Open Science (2017) — claims that tree squirrels use a mnemonic technique called "spatial chunking" to sort out and bury their nut scores by size, type, and perhaps nutritional value and taste. When they are hungry later, it is theorized, they can remember where to find what they want.

This may explain the need to re-organize during this restorative time.  I plan to thoroughly sort and re organize my studio.  I work more efficiently and happily when I know where things are. Even when they do not look organized, I remember where objects were placed during the last organizing activity.

Like the leafless tree, in restorative mode, collect things that strengthen. Gather kernels of wisdom and truth, reach deeply with your roots into rich soil.
Prepare now to feed your artistic self with activities, people and provisions that will contribute to your art.  Long walks in nature, quiet reading of works that uplift, strengthening exercise.
​
As a painter, this is when I put the dictated art projects aside and play!  What images have I longed to explore.  What medium have I not used in a while?

I meet with a group each week to inspire creativity and although we originally met to paint, we are exploring the foundations of drawing, remembering my colored ink, pens and other drawing materials.  The simplicity of line and contour!  The advice from classic authors such as Betty Edwards, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain; Kimon Nicolaїdes, The Natural Way to Draw; and Robert Henri, The Art Spirit. Our meeting has become a nurturing space.  One individual is looking forward to a bone-muscle surgery and is planning now how she can prepare her space for quiet, nurturing art practice as the recovers; like the squirrel, she is planning, collecting and organizing!

 
May I suggest also helping to restore the spirit of neighbors.  Here in California, many have been devastated by fires as well as the pandemic. For example, apple orchards in nearby Oak Glen have been badly affected.  Nearby Cactus Mart in Morongo Valley, which carries my artwork , posted: “ If you’re going to @rileysatlosrios in Oak Glen for your apple cider be sure to stop at @action_true_value_ in Cherry Valley” to contribute to  a donation. Look for those in need. Often, they are silent and not reaching out.
 
Part of restoring ourselves is helping to restore our community. Creativity should spread generously to uplift others.

​Yes, it’s been one of the most unusual Julys I can remember.
​
As I write, I am nearing the close of a solo pilgrimage to one of my childhood havens, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.  I am eager to share reflections and tips for pursuing your creative practice. Quiet time can be healing.

Carmel is world-renowned for its rugged shorelines, mystic cypress trees bent by the wind, the almost too charming architecture initiated by Hugh Comstock in the early 1900s,, and Pebble Beach. In the early 1900s – writers, musicians, painters, actors flocked to the colony and established a haven for creativity.

I think it's easy to see why I am drawn: I feel especially close to my parents when I visit Carmel and relive memories, while creating new ones.

​My childhood in the 50’s and early 60’s included annual visits to Carmel. My artist mother would scope out galleries and sketch as we drove the coastline. This was an era of beginning tourism, but, for the most part, our visits to Point Lobos and along the famed 17 Mile Drive were met with few fellow travelers.  Fast forward – this week it was teeming with tourists, most masked, and in town, many cafes have moved into the streets. I remained isolated cooking my own meals.

​I cherish time for reflection and the silent birthday retreat; the time has been sweet despite startling differences from other visits.

​So – my admonition -- create a retreat for yourself.  You may not be able to escape as I did. Simulate a  beach or mountain or desert retreat atmosphere in your home or studio!  Where are those seashells?  The woodsy cabin treasures? Desert detritus you have collected? What creative activity do you wish to pursue?

​During time alone, I read short devotions and poetry, journal, take long walks and sketch.  When my own family traveled, (my adult children still tease me about bringing a dictionary when camping) I had a bottle of magnetic words for inspiration; during my retreat, I pour out a few each morning and ponder.  This morning’s random words were: book, new, release, tree, drown, yes, skeleton… I immediately began to think of the old figurative cypress trees along the 17 Mile Drive that were named, The Ghost Tree, The Witch tree...long ago fallen. 

Historical photo of the famous "Witch Tree" landmark
at Pescadero Point, Pebble Beach, September 1962.
The tree was blown down by a storm on January 14, 1964.

​Quiet time can be healing – even 45 minutes can do wonders - as a restorative gift. If you have not read Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s 1955 classic, Gift from the Sea, consider it required reading! (and it led to the title of my original blog, Desert Argonauta!) I am grateful for my physical get-away to escape the busyness of even an isolated life, Zoom meetings, mundane chores, and caring for others.

Lessons from this week:
​
LIFE

Be kind.  The world is in incredible turmoil.  No matter what issues you take to heart, some are easily offended.  Stay true to your beliefs, but in love with patience.

Be kind to yourself!
​
Remember your childhood and honor those who stood out as role models. What made your time with them special? Be that light in someone else’s life – AFTER your retreat!

PAINTING / CREATIVITY TIPS

If it is in your soul, paint, (write, sing, dance, make music)!
              
Short opportunities can be golden: a sketch, a color study, a few apt words.

If moved, paint outdoors (or from life, flowers, objects, your imagination)!

Grab whatever supplies you have and go to your subject.  It may be in the backyard, from your car seat, a public bench—or climb a bluff.  Go where the sun and mood take you and be open to opportunity: a parking spot, a bench. Take what you can carry.  Take a quick hike to see if what you need: a chair (or sit on a rock, bench, stump), easel to paint? small notebook to sketch or watercolor? backpack.
              
When people see me out painting, many remark, “Oh I would love to do that! "You already know my response!

Your image will most likely never be what you imagined, but you will improve the more you paint or draw. Don’t be “precious” about your drawings; they are exercises!

Loosen up! Try new techniques: watercolor, sketching with a twig dipped in ink (or coffee), scratching with charcoal, scribbling…my quick study after a slow deliberate drawing is often more satisfying, more evocative of the subject.

Color awareness.  Not only do weather and time of day affect color, but place plays a huge role. Latitude and geography change the entire scheme. My Southern California desert palette is significantly different from the cooler grey tones of the Central Coast. Allow yourself time to adjust. Keep painting. Be patient but persist in simulating the colors you see. Imitate the appearance or character of what you see.

Each exercise is a small lesson in color, shape, value.  Imagine these as taking notes! Remember the photograph does not equal the human eye! But it offers a record.

Think design and simplify! What you leave out is more important than what you include. What is the essential quality of your subject? I think this applies to writing, painting, composing and all art forms.

Be brave: talk to local artists. Ask questions.  Listen to artists' advice, but adjust to your practice, what works for you.

• Kevin Milligan (whose wonderful plein air painting and literary history book I bought) is a purist and uses no photos, carries his large canvases (despite battling health issues) onsite in a lightweight collapsible wagon, and may spend as many as 26 days painting a scene.
• Cyndra Bradford is willing to answer questions.  I have watched her for a decade or so admiring her large oil landscapes and paintings of animals.
• Delia Bradford captures landscapes plein air in her thick acrylics.
• Painter, Kelly Steele, has turned to drawing onsite on his iPhone! A Facebook friend, I happened to catch him out sketching! His blog records much of the architecture and history of his hometown, Carmel.
• Erin Gafill catches the beautiful light in Big Sur and shares love through her writing! I look forward to meeting her in person!

My only two purchases this trip were books!  by ​Erin and Kevin!

BE PRACTICAL:
Take only what you need (and can carry), but double check: paper towels? water/medium? brushes? –and don’t draw on the back of another watercolor in your tablet as I am wont to do.

Take snacks, a lightweight backpack, and wear clothes with zippered pockets (one for my tiny zippered pocket wallet designed by artist friend Christine Lamb and one for my phone).
​
Be alert. As an older woman I feel safer, BUT I am always alert.  I use the same if not more stringent safety precautions in the U.S. as elsewhere.

MY REFECTIONS
How much is God revealing to me? How much am I listening and watching?  I think Moses of the Bible was a visual learner; God used a burning bush to get his attention! God certainly reveals his majesty to me daily as I observe, hear and smell the beauty of the sea, rocks, even my desert home.
 
Find a place where – YOU can take

Refuge

Sanctuary

Haven

Shelter
​
Find your roots

Retreat and grow!

​Look
Listen
Observe
What that sound goin’ round?
It seems like we have experienced much during the past few months, weeks, days.
My blog is dedicated to encouraging artists and the creative spirit—but there is much to ponder.
 
The last few weeks have become a surreal combination of events, feelings, and visual images. 

All parts of the body are connected to the heart and we are reminded again, that as a culture we have heart damage. We have put wealth and willful ambition in front of humanity and dignity for all. ​

In the midst of the pandemic, we recognize that we need to have sincere and long lasting self-evaluation and change.

Several months ago, I dedicated this blog to encouragement—and following my acronym for E-n-c-o-u-r-a-g-e, I am at O—Observe.

Some definitions of Observe include:

• to inspect or take note
• to come to realize or know especially through consideration of noted facts… 
• to conform one's action or practice to (something, such as a law, rite, or condition
• to celebrate or solemnize (something, such as a ceremony or festival)

How apropos as we try to make some sense…
                           and decide where our art practices may lead.

 Recently, I read an artist’s post that during these trying days, painting seems irrelevant. I disagree.
 
During these powerfully charged days, art can influence!
Art must be an ongoing tribute to creative expression by all people, created by God in his infinite wisdom.
Art encompasses many forms – the painted image, spoken word, film, dance—and our lives are changes by it.

My prescription is to create art for the heart—and that can change the heart!
The heart as it supports
humanity 
dignity for all
self-respect
value
compassion
kindness
empathy
 
Whether your art overtly depicts images to promote racial equality or abstractly conveys emotions to promote dignity, I encourage you to keep your paintbrushes, pens, camera(phone) and creative tools close by.

I have found that I am happiest when I have a project -- preferably a creative one! And I hope that during this unparalleled time, you are finding projects to keep you not only occupied but fulfilled.
Last month I offered tips to nurture creativity.

Nurture creativity in yourself and others:
​
Look for beauty in everyday objects and nature.
Write in a journal - your observations and your reactions.
Organize and sort your supplies.
Study a new subject: I’m studying French with a free ap.
Rekindle an old hobby.
When you get a creative idea - go with it!
Do not fear opinions of others or your own inner critic.
Encourage others.

As we now move into our 8th week of isolation, we are finding the experience is definitely pushing our envelopes as we strive to remain strong, cheerful and considerate…and as those who disagree with you, whether they are across the bed, hall, town, country or world, are taking a bit more of your  determination!
I hope you are pursuing  painting, dancing, singing with gusto! In March I created an acronym for this year!  How appropriate it is!

Engage
Nurture
Cultivate
Observe
Uplift
Restore
Attitude
Grow
Express
​
Word 3: “Cultivate a sense of play!” As the world is in a serious condition, we need a sense of humor and a dose of laughter to keep us healthy, as much as we need to isolate, disinfect and self-distance.
Remember moments during your childhood when you laughed raucously! When you giggled as a toddler or...as a teen! What brings a huge smile to your face now, even if you are alone.  Do you still chuckle out loud when you read something funny?
When did you last allow yourself to PLAY?  If you have young children around you, you are most likely reading fairly takes, silly joke books, or playing silly games – just to brighten your time together.

 
US News & World Report says play can make you healthy, happy and more productive. Even during the pandemic:

• A little play can help solve big problems. 
• Sometimes the best way to learn a complicated subject is to play with it.
• Play has been scientifically proved to be good for the brain.
• Play teaches us to use our imaginations. 
• Kids (and I might add adults) do better academically when they have recess. 
• Physical play delays mental decline in old age. 
• When we get play right, all areas of our lives go better. 

In your creative experience, what brings you joy?
I think color is an important mood booster. Did you ever open a new box of Crayolas with a frown on your face?  Maybe it’s a new set of pastels or paints that brings delight today. Or nail polish?  Or food coloring!?
I have seen a LOT of creativity with colorful masks lately!
In the northern hemisphere, it is a beautiful spring!  And for the southern, autumn.  Two of the most color laden seasons of the year.
Color-mixing can be an enchanting exercise.  You can make a chart or just dabble! You may create gorgeous colors – or mud.  (But then you know how to make mud when you need it!)
​

 
Non painters may enjoy a little coloring so I have created some coloring pages to print and color—you can follow the original painting or created your own unique work of art! Here is a link to a free Printable pdf of the these coloring pages. Click here.

Many exercises and experience help us to think about color. Sometimes just looking at works by favorite artists inspires your palette. The impressionists often used bright sunny garden inspired colors. Seasonal colors have a specific palette.  One very fun ideas that I call using scent sense (and giving credit to painting teacher Pauline Agnew) is inspired by scents—from aromatic oils, fruit whatever you enjoy. Scent is also a powerful reminder of memory.  Before room scents were created, my grandmother place apple wedges on light bulbs—to create an apple aromatherapy!  Mix up the colors that the scent elicits and play with abstracts. To me, the eucalyptus made me think of sagey greens, and golden browns. Use your imagination. Interestingly, each of these abstracts began with a mental image of somewhere I knew with eucalyptus trees@!

 
Play with stokes when imagining a painting by a favorite painter—such as Monet or any favorite colors.  You may even appreciate the colors absorbed by your paper towel or baby wipe!
​

 
Play with acrylic (or other) paint on gessoed watercolored paper or canvas.  This demo turned into a work of art.

Sometimes a crazy idea or color will guide you. I awoke with this image of a yellow Joshua Tree in my head and painted it. 

Have no fear—not a painter? 
Play with collage…poetry....Tear  magazine images. Glue to a sheet of paper or cardboard with starch or a glue stick or if you have none of these—flour and water to make a paste-apply with paint brush.

Doodle....

 
Whichever project you embark on this week, I just hope you stop, take a recess for your soul, and play. A we know, play can elevate our emotions and dispel anxiety!
Download my FREE coloring pages here.
Stay healthy!  Love to you all!
​

​ This Tuesday will mark three weeks of isolation.
 
For me, this year was transitional as I began an online business and scheduled workshops. Just three weeks ago, I was packing new art supplies to teach a painting workshop. As I watched the news and received a caution letter from UCR regarding cancellation of Desert Institute classes, I began to understand….
 
With isolation, we are experiencing classic phases of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. They do not necessarily follow a single order, and we haven’t been grieving very long.
 
In this health crisis, my goal is to encourage others - and myself. I remain pragmatic.
 
As I wrote recently in my last blog:  Mind, body, spirit and soul are connected. Every aspect affects our creative life.  For me, reading my bible, poetry, inspirational travel journals, watching short creative video clips of friends watercoloring, walking and gardening has kept me grounded. Spirit connects us with God, and our soul is where we express our passions. (janiscommentz.com)
​
Acronyms help me to discover new ideas. Mine reminds me of how to encourage.

Engage
Nurture
Cultivate
Observe
Uplift
Restore
Attitude
Grow
Express
 
 
What am I doing?  I keep a schedule and start the day with positive reading or movement.  I have never cooked or cleaned my kitchen so often.  I’m eating better than usual.
 
I am making art about what I want - not what sells or what others think I should paint.  I love the desert, but my heart is drawn to the Impressionists. I am painting and sketching purely for my own taste.
 
As I paint, I listen to upbeat music or uplifting movies. I set a timer for 20 minutes to limit listening to news.  I keep in touch with good friends but have cut back on social media.  I have participated in Zoom groups, and that is a revelation.  Our lives will be forever changed in some ways.
 
I have tried filming myself painting and even made a little screen test (by myself) to perhaps share on virtual workshops. We do not know how long we will be isolated, and I like to plan ahead. Currently the virtual world is filled with art - online classes, free virtual museum tours, and images.
 
On another note, part of me enjoys the more leisurely pace. All of us were on a mad go-go-go trajectory. My creative juices do not turn on and off like a faucet. The grief process affects them.  At first, my denial kept me packing for workshops, thinking we could just meet as a small group.  When I heard the Indian Wells Masters tennis tournament had been canceled, I knew it was enormous. We have all experienced anger during this time.
 
Surrounding myself with beauty and quiet helps.  I urge artists to gather the tools they enjoy—brushes, pencils, paints –materials many have been hoarding for years.  Create order.  Many of us have created photo libraries to paint from, and, here in the desert, we still can take peaceful walks.  I don’t remember looking out my back window so often- and almost every time, I see a bird, bunny, coyote, squirrel, hiker or off roader. I have a wealth of visual inspiration.
 
I am not pressuring myself into making art. We need to be gentle with ourselves at this time.  Some of us have aging parents or others who still are dependent on us. Finances are worrisome. Just figuring out to shop for food is a challenge. Keeping up appearances is a bit harder-with non-essential services, such as routine dental appointments, stopped.
 
I think a lot about the lives of my ancestors and how they existed in a quiet world.
 
My advice to artists - and I said I would move to the 2nd word in my acronym, nurture. Nurture creativity in yourself and others:
​
Look for beauty in everyday objects and nature.
Write in a journal - your observations and your reactions.
Organize and sort your supplies.
Study a new subject: I’m studying French with a free ap.
Rekindle an old hobby.
When you get a creative idea - go with it!
Do not fear opinions of others or your own inner critic.
Encourage others.
 
The paintings I’m working on are all to suit me, all not quite finished, but my inner critic is a little more forgiving these days.

As the entire structure of our daily lives has turned a corner, I reach out to you with a voice of encouragement.  At this point, we are inundated with advice, news, and badly timed humor. I listen less to grim news, and the news is grim, and more and more to inspiring words.

My life, as has yours, has taken a completely different path this month. Yet I feel compelled to set my sight on hope.
  
Mind, body, spirit and soul are connected. Every aspect affects our creative life.  For me, reading my bible, poetry, inspirational travel journals, watching short creative video clips of friends watercoloring, walking and gardening has kept me grounded this week.  Spirit connects us with God, and our soul is where we express our passions.
​
Let me share the encouragement I am gathering and some of the tips I’d be sharing if you attended one of my painting workshops.

Acronyms help me to discover new ideas, and here is mine.
I will write about each letter separately in a post.

 E ngage
Nurture
Cultivate
Observe
Uplift
Restore
Attitude
Grow
Express

ENGAGEMENT

​An engagement can mean a promise, assurance.  In think a promise of reward can be very important right now—the promise of beauty, hope fulfilled, pride.  We are creative beings made in God’s image.  We were made to be creative.

Consider your personal toolbox and gather your personal tools:

• Beautiful pens, sharpened pencils, a pad or journal, your laptop, a favorite, comfy chair
• Brushes, your favorite palette and paints, a receptive surface, an easel in your tidied studio or cleared dining table
• Your favorite score, a ready and tuned instrument, a comfortable corner of your home
• Ingredients, organized utensils, a beautiful serving dish

*Add a beautiful mug for coffee, your favorite tea or a stemmed glass for wine. Play some of your favorite, most inspirational music, especially if YOU are the musician.

​If you were attending one of my painting workshops, I would talk about your intentions and observations.

Intention

What is your intention today? (This is geared to painting, but you’re creative; adapt for your activity.)

• To see
• To draw
• Mix colors
• Things to think about: 

         What is it that draws you to paint the desert? Or flowers, or a certain scene or person?
         Or to paint at all? To express yourself? record a moment in time? Therapy? To apply color and create           a desirable image?
         As with other activities weaving, sewing – one experiences the tactile joy of the materials.

Set intention.
Painting—is a practice much like yoga or baseball.  Each time you show up to “play,” your brain becomes familiar with a pattern of activities.

I would encourage you to write one statement in your notebook:
         “I came today with the intention of ____________________________________.”

Observation

What is it you are drawn to looking at?

• The unique layers and profiles of hills and mountains in the distance, each fading in color behind the other?
• Variation of plants-Joshua Trees reaching out like arthritic figures?  (you may be looking at an entirely different landscape, or home scape)
• New blossoms in spring
• Backlit silhouettes of cholla, the ancient creosotes, sage (or whatever plants are in YOUR area or items in your home)
• Notice the variety of greens! Think about paint chips in these colors.  In the desert, you rarely see Kelly green! We more often see a mixture of sages, golden “olive” shades, blues, teals, ochres, and light umbers. What greens do you see?  Even indoors?
• Consider the weather—and season.
• LOOK AT THE SKY - pale at the horizon, deepening toward the heavens. What are the cloud shapes?
• If you see rocks and geological formations, what are their shapes? 
• From what direction is your light source and where are shadows?

 
I hope this is enough to inspire you and get you moving.
​
This week I have been painting from a photo I took of a close friend in her beautiful non-desert garden, picking cherry tomatoes.  I only work on this painting, when my spirit is lifted. If watching corny romantic movies or listening to music helps, consider them tools!  It is still IN PROGRESS, as am I. Watch the slideshow below.

You may have your family around you. If so, consider doing these activities as a group! Gather the children and ask them the workshop prompt questions about intention and observation. 

I leave you for now with some words of inspriration:
 
If I can stop one heart from breaking – Emily Dickinson

If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain

Dreams - Langston Hughes

Hold fast to dreams 
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
 
For I know the plans that I [have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 
 
Let’s get started. 
My prayers are with you all, and I wish you comfort and encouragement as you stay within the confines of your world and create.

Inspired by all of you,

I am delighted to announce that my new online ETSY shop is open featuring my Spring Collection of stationery, notecards, sealing labels tablets and more.  And to think it all started with a trip (or two) to France, carrying my small set of watercolors and a watercolor pad!
​https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtbyJanisCommentz

Today, as I look out the window, I see over 100 Joshua Trees, and gratitude spreads over me like the sunshine on our beautiful Mojave!  We expect a high of 67°F today. If you live in a less temperate zone, I hope you have your February creative vitality flowing!

Weather changes, but our creative spirit can be nurtured in every season! Last year, on this date, we had snow! Beat the winter blues with creative choices.

With a number of ongoing projects, it has been essential to reevaluated my practice and reset goals this year. For me, it means fewer outside commitments and new personal directions. Each of us may need to re-focus on a different aspect of our art practice.
​
As you approach spring, may I suggest some spring “cleaning” and a review of your resources?

TIME - Each of us has only 24 hours and 365 (1/4) days per year. A portion of your time may be obligated to work and family, making your own creative moments even more precious.  Are you giving away time?  Are you volunteering?  If so, examine this activity.  Volunteering is a wonderful activity that can build friendships and share ideas.  It supports the culture of your community.  Plan your schedule carefully and reserve time for your personal creative practice.
ART SUPPLIES - If your creativity involves the visual arts, supplies can be expensive. Take inventory.  If your medium is acrylic, you may want to try gessoed watercolor paper, a lovely surface for all water based mediums! Watch for sales.  Whenever I hear of someone clearing out art supplies, I jump and have been gifted paints, mediums, and more.  Although working large can be freeing, working small allows you to travel outdoors being inspired by what you see.  When traveling, I carry a small kit of watercolors, a small watercolor pad, 2 favorite brushes, 2 mechanical pencils and a fine point sharpie. I am learning to keep my plein air painting kit more compact so I can carry it easily. Talk to friends about art supplies.  You may even want to host an art supply swap.  One person’s trash is truly another’s treasure.  Have you learned to stretch your own canvas? Interestingly, I find very few do this today.  In my youth, my dad built wood frames and I stretched canvas - using a staple gun. Consider other do it yourself art supply projects.
​
ENERGY – How much can you effectively accomplish?  Often less is more. (That being said, stretched canvas may well be worth the cost.) A trip to a gallery, library or museum can be well-spent visual inspiration.  A walk outdoors or a drive into beautiful surroundings can trigger creative ideas.  Plan time in your studio (even if it is the kitchen table or small closet). Unplug the phone, eliminate distractions, feed the pets, or wait until the kids are at school.  Don’t expect a masterpiece! Allow yourself to play; enjoy color and design. I must complete project commitments, but when I start painting just because the paint on my palette looks so delicious and an image pops into my head, the real magic happens!  
 
PAINTING PARTNERS - As in many realms of your life, with whom you spend time is important.  Some friends encourage.  Others leave you exhausted and drained.  The energy created by a group of joyful, enthusiastic creatives can act as a positive cheerleader. Choose carefully.  I love people, but I have really learned to enjoy solitude and getting to know myself. Do not hesitate to let your creative guide be yourself!

SPACE – The key to a good creative space is organization and careful choices. This does not require pristine neatness, but an orderly plan. As you work, supplies are tossed around or grabbed quickly.  Create your workspace: the kitchen table or a desk in a closet can serve beautifully.  Collect needed items and move the rest to another area.  If you must, place items not required in a hamper.  Remove it from distracting sight. Locate good light—next to the window or a lamp. I like carefully staged inspiration—a painting or print, a scented candle, an item reminding me of an artistic loved one. At the end of each session, clean up! Clean your brushes thoroughly.  For acrylics, I find plain water to be the least wearing on brushes, but I use a scrub brush and get ALL paint out!  Neaten up your creative area making it ready for your next session! If you must pack up, place items in a carrying container (a bank box, basket, hamper, tool chest) and create your own traveling studio!

​This month, the famous groundhog predicted an early spring, and although I appreciate beautiful winter light, my mind is moving ahead to spring! Each season provides something to anticipate – just as each season of our lives and art practice help us to look forward!
​
Remember advice for the New Twenties:

Nurture your creative practice!
Plan new experiences and exploration, ever seeking inspiration!
Let your inspiration drive your art! 
Remember to encourage others!

Wishing you all the best for an artful year!

.Workshop News 2020:

​March 21 at Cactus Mart in Morongo Valley, CA (currently sold out, but you can sign up on the waiting list)

Desert Institute Field Class in Joshua Tree National Park: April 4th, Black Rock Campground, Yucca Valley
Capturing Joshua Tree landscapes with Acrylics (beginners welcome!)

Art Groove - Camp4Grownups! August14-19  Landscape Painting as a Creative Process. I am delighted to teach this summer at Camp de Benneville Pines summer Adult Art Camp!  My class will be one module at a full 6 day art camp experience in the beautiful mountains near Angeles Oaks, CA. Sign up early! Description below.

October ​Desert Institute Field Class in Joshua Tree National Park - date TBD

​New Online Shop  Last, but not least, I will be opening my new ETSY Shop on March 1. 
Ooh La La! I love the new items soon to appear on my online store, including these adorable stickers to match notecards! ArtbyJanisCommentz: French Press, will feature my first spring collection! After many years of painting and teaching, I fell in LOVE again! With France.  Everywhere I traveled, I discovered beautiful buildings and villages to sketch.  I want to share the beauty of French design with these lovely paper products and to invite you to bring a bit of France into your home.