September Surprises!

Wishing you all the best for a Happy September.  In a world where we have had a lot of surprises recently, have you had some happy surprises!  Family news? Personal news?  A good health report?  I really hope so...and if nothing comes to mind, I hope I can at least lift your mood.
Yes, summer flew by, and I had a few moments when I felt like shouting or whispering, “Who stole my summer? or my life?"
It does not seem that long ago that summer meant lying on a beach towel – at the beach or in our back yard, reading a good book, listening to the Beach Boys or Stevie Wonder. Then I woke up, and realized this is now! 
Seasons change. We change. Trends change…yet I’d like to focus on some of the things that remain constant and reassuring and even surprising, in a good way!
In a world of change, CONNECTIONS  keep us grounded!
This morning I was reminded of connections I make bringing people together, teaching new skills, and introducing new places.  I connected someone giving away art equipment to a prospective recipient, and each texted back that the other person is lovely! Yes, they are!
I attended a zoom exercise class taught by a childhood friend -- a long time real friendship and technological connection across states. These are lasting connections, and despite the chaos in the world right now, they sustain us.
What connections do you value? What are you doing to strengthen relationships? Have you made recent connections?  Do you want to strengthen that new bond…?  And, honestly, you may want to sustain your relationship with yourself—allowing yourself time to rest, nurture your well-being or develop a skill.
CONSTANTS...
When I mix yellow with blue, I still get green! When I begin applying paint, I still feel joy.  When I look at new artwork- I still see color/form/texture – and feel a sense discovery!
And I did get that beach trip!  I didn't lie in the sun, but seeking what shade I could find under the cliffs or an umbrella in various coves and parks near Laguna Beach, I PAINTED! And yes, yellow + blue = green and I tried to capture the delicious, sea foam green and the light.

Woods Cove                       Crescent Park                              Heisler Park

Even the constants of seasonal change can bring comfort. September brings cooler weather and the anticipation of autumn.  My life has always revolved around the academic calendar – and, yes, I loved school as a child. I hope to share a bit of that enthusiasm as I teach others about the fun of observing a landscape, characteristics of acrylic paint, and the joy of mixing and creating new colors. Connecting old ideas to new people.  Connecting news ideas to old people!
Have you ever:  

• mixed new colors of frosting with a child?
• drawn with colored chalk on a sidewalk?    
• made a paper doll chain? Or cut out snowflakes?   

Grab a pair of scissors and some printer paper. Food coloring. Something you do not ordinarily work with and try something new!  I actually stopped writing today and made these!

And since we are not the same, I had more fun creating differences!

SURPRISE FROM FRANCE! The week of my birthday, I received an invitation to be interviewed by my favorite podcaster, Krystal Kenney who created "La Vie Creative," weekly podcast about creatives in Paris and beyond, designed to help you enrich your inner artist and tap into your innovative gifts. You can listen to my interview HERE!  Many of you know my France inspired sketches and calendars are available at my Etsy Shop, French Press. My 5th France Sketchbook Calendar is in production.

La Vie Creative         My calendar in France!         Cards available

FALL WORKSHOPS
I love teaching and invite you to register for my workshops if you are in the Joshua Tree area! Designed for beginners to intermediate painters --surprise yourself!!
Saturday, September 24th - all day outdoor painting with acrylics.  Register: Discovering Your Creative Vision with Acrylics - with the Joshua Tree National Park Association Desert Institute
Saturday, November 4th - Morning acrylic Painting class at Cactus Mart in the lovely partially outdoor green room. (Supplies provided for this one!) Register: Fall Into Acrylics
Saturday, January 14th 2023. Paint and Sip Fundraiser at the 29 Palms Art Gallery - A fun evening!  More information coming soon

From my past workshops: Desert Institute, Cactus Mart and the Palm Springs Library

Most important, I hope this finds you well. Thank you for the connection that brought you to my newsletter.  I wish you happy September and pleasant surprises!
Inspired by all of you,
~Janis