What an abundant month October has been!
On the first Saturday of October, I had the pleasure of teaching a painting class for the Desert Institute at Black Rock Campground in our beautiful Joshua Tree National Park.  The weather was lovely, and my 6 students and I painted and lunched al fresco! My next class will be on March 2, 2019 https://www.joshuatree.org/desert-institute.html  In fact, several participants visited Studio 27 during the art tours; the last photo shows one who brought his painting to show me after some touch ups at home!

​

 In the Hi Desert, October marks Hwy 62 Open Studio Art Tours.  This involves not only preparing artwork but creating the atmosphere you want guests to experience in your “studio.”  Despite the wicked weather and crazy flooding that occurred throughout Joshua Tree on October 13th, I was very fortunate to escape the mud and welcome guests to Studio 27. Kudos to friends and family as well! My friend and fellow artist, Marjorie, offered to assist both days.  Previously, she and I have shown together during the tour. Lots of credit is due to my husband for clearing the “unartistic” debris! Reflexologist, Miriam Turner, was available with lots of free hand massages and full foot and hand reflexology.  https://www.miriamturnerproducts.com/Product-Reflexology.htm

This year has been one of rich opportunity. Short trips throughout California and a vacation in France have provided me with inspiration for new work. Despite many years of teaching art, each class drives me to explore new approaches to suit the experience.

I am especially excited about an opportunity to teach a new workshop at the historic and charming Campbell House Bed & Breakfast and gardens in 29 Palms January 22-24, 2019. (Tuesday 3 p.m. – Thursday noon) Believe it or not, January is generally a lovely and sunny time of year.

My Gateway Getaway: “Desert Landscape Painting in Water Based Paints,” workshop offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the Mojave Desert near world famous Joshua Tree National Park and to explore your creative side. Campbell House has recently built a modern studio workshop and new cottages, all in the style of the original historic New England style home. http://www.campbellhouse29palms.com/

This workshop will be limited by the small number of rooms available-so register early.  The deposit deadline is December 1, 2018. Please contact me at janis@janiscommentz.com  if you are interested or have questions.  $399 + tax will include:    
·  painting instruction by Janis Commentz, local artist and 40 year resident of the area
· 2 overnight accommodations (single occupancy) and breakfast at the Campbell House and Cottages                                                                                   
· Box lunch on Wednesday
· Use of the modern workshop/classroom
· Access to the Campbell House gardens/facilities 
Note:    Dinner Tuesday and Wednesday are on your own.
           Participants provide art materials.
          Taxes not included.

The Campbell House was recently featured in the Washington Post!  ​I sincerely hope this year has provided experiences that have sparked your creativity and fed your soul.  Most often, a harvest depends on planting.  Sow seeds of intention! 

In our community, “art season” is in full swing! I know a lot of artists (including you know who) are working hard to frame that last print, paint those last brushstrokes, get those hidden corners of their studios ready, taking vitamins to ward off fatigue and colds...in preparation for Hwy 62 Open Studio Art Tours.

Be patient with your artist friends!

Artists, take a moment just for YOU. Appreciate your God-given talents. The world will love your art (at least those who count!)

B-R-E-A-T-H-E!

This morning I spent time reading and reflecting.  “Be still and know that I am God,” is a favorite scripture that reminds me - that it is not all about what I am doing that counts.  I need to stop, relax, and be open to the gifts that flow through me. 
​
The song “Let It Go” from the film Frozen tells part of it. Many philosophies echo these sentiments…because they hold truth.
               When you let go, you create space for something better.
               When you let go something magical happen, you give God room to work.
               Sometimes letting go is an act of far greater power than the act of hanging on. ~Eckhart Tolle
               You only lose what you cling to. ~Buddha
​               Let go and let God.

If you are stressing out over your creative pursuits, it may be time to step back. I often forget that my creativity is a gift, a time to enjoy the dance and to let things happen on the canvas or paper.

Spontaneity is when the most magical things happen in art. You will remember the “rules” you learned about color harmony or perspective, but allow yourself freedom to break creative rules or play with them as you like.

Most inventors tell you it is when they were in a relaxed state-the invention came to them. 

An excellent film about the powerful and delightful spontaneity of creativity is the 1968 (yes it’s a bit blurry on You-tube, but worth the viewing) Why Man Creates. I remember seeing this film in school in elementary school.  In fact, Saul Bass’ Why Man Creates won the Academy Award for Documentary Film Short Subject.