March 15th, 2023

​After an unusual four days of show here, spring is finally making an appearance! I hope this newsletter finds you well!  I am reviewing my own advice from my last letter!
     Be still.
     Give yourself room to breathe.
     Expect the amazing.
     Very best wishes for 2023! There will be valleys to accompany our mountaintop experiences, yet I invite you to greet the new year with sincerity and intelligence and expect joyous moments.
Although I did breathe and took time to be still, January and February proved to be very busy, serving up two art exhibits, and I taught two workshops!

29 Palms Art Gallery - Hope in Sight -10 Women Artists; Pilates and Arts - Solo Exhibit - Desert Driven; 29 Palms Art Gallery - Paint & Sip Fundraiser; Desert Plein Air Association Festival 23 - Featured Artist ​

​I am glad my exhibit "Desert Driven" at Pilates and Arts will continue up through April 4, and we have a second reception with an art talk on Saturday, March 11th.  You are invited to attend my art talk, “Joshua Tree, Art and YOU” at 5 pm before the 2nd reception, 6-8 pm. Join us for an evening of discussion, conviviality and art.

The lower desert near Palm Springs is already displaying an array of wildflowers. Today, I took a hike in the lovely Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, an internationally-recognized birding site.  https://www.bigmorongo.org/ where I will be teaching a half day painting workshop in April. I saw signs of spring – even a vermilion flycatcher (vibrant red migratory bird – so I am told!) 
For those who have been asking about my next classes, I will be teaching two half day painting workshops in April in Morongo Valley, CA.
Cactus Mart - in the lovely greenroom – half day – April 15th.  This class is for anyone who wants to learn to paint or would just like a painting getaway. All acrylic painting materials will be provided –$60.00. Bring a friend! Register now at Workshops - JANIS COMMENTZ California Painter.


Big Morongo Canyon Preserve – half day – (tentatively) April 22nd.  Celebrate Earth Day painting outdoors!  This plein air class will be for beginning – intermediate painters.  I will provide canvas and acrylic paints—but you are welcome to bring pastels, oil or a medium you would like to use. You will also want to bring an easel or clipboard and outdoor chair.  Registration will be available soon at  https://www.bigmorongo.org/ (Tentatively $65.00)
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​Big Morongo Canyon Preserve; the Greenroom "Classroom" at Cactus Mart; two past Cactus Mart acrylic painting participants

So much of our lives are in flux.
While we begin to see spring, our neighbors the San Bernardino mountains are experiencing unprecedented and dangerous layers of snow.
Thank goodness we have the promise of each new season!
I wish for you ~
     The joy of spring
     Creative play
     Listen to music you love. Today my Pandora station is Bossa Nova Radio!
     Time with those who “get” and appreciate you
     Nourishment of mind, body, soul and spirit
Recent art/gallery gatherings have reminded me of how art has drawn us together in this dynamic, vibrant community – geographically and virtually!

​I also want to salute women artists during Women's History Month!  Who are some of your favorite women artists? I'd love to hear. Below art works by some of my favorites: Beth Lowe of Kommetjie, South Africa; Linda Christiansen of California, and Marie Laurencin of Paris. The first two are contemporary-Ibelieve in living history!  The third is a lesser known, but fascinating Parisienne (1883-1956).

​I invite you to visit my Etsy Shop​ where you can browse and purchase prints, cards, invitations and now a few original paintings inspired by things I love: travel sketches created in France and, of course, our lovely Mojave Desert!

Happy Creative Spring!
Inspired by all of you,
​Janis