As we approach summer, what will entice you to read a blog?
Advice?
Encouragement?
Instruction?
Good news?
 
As my favorite season approaches, I think of mornings spent journaling and reading on our backyard porch swing.  I think of mornings and afternoons painting on the patio.  To me, forever bound to the traditional academic calendar, summer tempts me with the colors, tastes, and textures of lemon meringue pie and sweet juicy watermelon!
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If you are a painter, these colors are just as tempting pouring out of the tube! I am ready to set up a table of summer delights and begin painting!

As summer approaches, what nurtures your creative practice? Healthy foods strengthen our bodies, and sunlight and water support healthy growth for living things. Another crucial element for creative growth is respect.

Recently, partly due to an overlong winter, I have noted a bit of grumpiness, belittling and inconsideration creeping into creative events in which I am participating.  It’s baffling at times. How are we to react?
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In all areas of life, we flourish when we have the respect of those around us. As I Google “respect and creativity” I find a gold mine of ideas. Respect is vital in healthy day-to-day experiences. When we set out to create and develop our talents, we are seeking joy and purpose! Not all of our endeavors can be as smooth as lemon meringue pie or as tasty as watermelon, but respect certainly helps cultivate creativity.

I know I, too, can get caught up in critical behavior.  Let me make a few suggestions for the art community, using the acronym R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
 
R eview and redirect our own behavior.  Compliment before complaining!  Avoid joining in the whining and criticism. 

E mpathy -all artists young and old need encouragement and consideration.  We teach this to our young. Are we considerate when encountering an artform very different from our own?  Do we support those who are learning new skills?  Recently, I bought a piano keyboard recently, and it’s a great reminder of my lack of skill.  I am delighted with my very baby steps!

S pirit and Support – An individual’s spirit can be easily crushed.  While direction and guidance may be given, kindness is crucial! We grow hardened to heartless behavior, but we don’t expect it from our art community
Pay attention and pay it forward! Listen and speak a few kind words when we see someone suffering from harsh remarks.  We talk a lot about bullying, and some of our leaders are not modeling the best behavior. Help make your art community an encouraging environment!

E tiquette-an old fashioned word for good manners.  Let’s hope they never go out of style!

C reativity flourishes in a respectful environment.  Artists deserve dignity. We all are a little wary when someone is watching over our back—but the difference between callous criticism and loving kindness is like night and day!

T houghtfulness-Creativity is a thoughtful procedure. Nurture your own creative forces and those around you in a laboratory, greenhouse, conservatory or studio that boosts creativity.  Take your Vitamin R (Respect-no chemical or app intended) Respect yourself! Respect Others!  Respect your surroundings! 

Find a subject to paint that brings joy this summer: the seashore, a hiking path, fresh fruit or flowers, a favorite model—perhaps on a porch swing! Remember to respect the work you are doing and those of artists around you!
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And thank you to the many sweet people who have encouraged my practice and helped lift my spirits. Sunshine brightens the mood of any painting!

P.S.  I promise to post more about France and my sketchbook soon!

It’s spring and it’s easy to become steeped in busyness.   The urgent screams, but we must search out the most important.

I am pondering artists who spoke to my heart in my youth. As I pack for a trip that will include an art retreat, I need only take the minimum. At home, I collect.  Travel teaches us that less is truly more, one of the many paradoxes in life.  After a muddy wet season, we have a spectacular Superbloom.  After a mild injury, I absolutely delight in good health and recovery.  Separation from our comfort zone leads to growth, expansion, regeneration…and a few steep learning curves.
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Turning a significant age this year gives me pause. 

I find myself returning to some of my early favorite artists and that’s ok. I had an early love affair with the French Impressionists and artists rooted in their techniques. I was enchanted by the brilliant colors and patterns.  Impressionists, Expressionists, Post Impressionists caught my eye and captured my heart.  Bonnard, Gauguin, Van Gogh, Matisse... (examples follow in order)   

​Early California painters were also influenced by these mavericks and the magnificent scenes of the Golden State. As a Californian, two female painters, Donna Schuster and E. Charlotte Fortune come to mind. (below)

​At least for now, I may retrace the lives of some of my old favorites and why not?
Looking through my essays from decades ago, I found a paper on the influence of environment on painters (featuring, of course, Impressionist painters such as Pierre Bonnard, Edouard Vuillard, Edgar Degas and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec) I noticed points of interest:   Cafe Gerbois in Paris. Today, with the magic of Google map, I see it is a trendy men’s clothing store.  A footnote on Les Nabis, whose work was characterized by patches of color, bold contours and simplified drawing --- states the term is Hebrew for prophet.  I was correct, it was coined by poet Henri Cazalis comparing the new painters (active from 1888-1900) to prophets of modern art. I noted that the Impressionists, influenced by Japanese prints and philosophy, that Zen Buddhism offered the belief that “the soft will vanquish the hard” – from a 1964 book on Bonnard by Antoine Terrasse.  This may be inaccurate and over simplified definition—but it certainly illustrates my point:
Enjoy chasing the artists who first drew you to painting! Or composers (my music major college roommate was quick to point out that Impressionism influenced composers such as Debussy).
I am enjoying Chasing Matisse by James Morgan, a chronicle of his move to France and fascination with the studios and homes of Henri Matisse.

My challenge for you:
Who were your early favorites?  What drew you to them? Style? Color? Technique?  Geographic location?  Allow yourself to reminisce and ponder painters who influenced your early life.  If art is a new passion-enjoy!
Although technology speeds up research, do not allow a photograph to replace the real thing.  Visit museums, galleries and homes where the real art works may surprise you. 
Last year I visited the Musée Rodin in Paris—and was overwhelmed by his work…alas another study awaits. Decades ago, my visit to the Van Gogh Museum changed my perception.
 
This has definitely been an unusual season.  Weather. News events. As I study the lives of artists and compare anecdotes about them to my life, I realize we continue to carve out the creative lives that are the most important to us!

Sketching in garden of Musee' Rodin from sculpture (models who do not move!) - my watercolor sketch of one of the Burghers of Calais.

Much of what an artist does is observe. When I quietly look—whether it’s a face, an animal, a landscape, or a mundane, everyday object-- I learn more, about the object of my gaze and about myself. Writers, composers, and choreographers, as well as visual artists, carefully study life to collect material to respond and communicate with their audience.
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Last week, my world suddenly changed! Due to an unexpected fall (are they ever expected?) during our recent snow in the Mojave Desert, my hand is in a cast and my knee twisted (waiting for an MRI). Let me assure you, I feel incredibly fortunate, and this brief rest will allow me time to slow down and ponder many things.

Since this is a painting blog, let’s start with observation. Much of my best work follows careful observation of color, sunlight, small details and how they relate to each other. Yesterday, upon the counsel of a wise friend, I sat in our backyard to quietly to observe and to allow my senses to experience the surroundings. We have a view of open land and often see coyotes, roadrunners, and rabbits among the Joshua Trees as we glance out a window.

​At first, I saw no wildlife.  Clouds slowly moved indicating the approaching storm.  The warm sunlight and gentle breeze comfortably enveloped me. I heard a few bird calls and random dog barks.  Suddenly, a larger bird flew into the cholla, which I was just thinking needed to be cut back.  At first, I was fascinated that he could fly among the branches that are so antagonistic to mammals! He carried something large in his mouth, and I thought he was seeking a safe enclosure for his snack.  Soon another bird appeared, and I thought a confrontation would arise!  Soon, I realized this pair of cactus wrens were building a nest! Well, it is obvious I do not do a lot of bird watching.  However, I was encouraged to be developing my powers of observation, and although I cannot use my hand effectively, I can make mental notes for the future.  I feel like a squirrel, storing up a few kernels.  I love to journal, and without my hand, I dictated into my iPad.

 No matter where you are, let me encourage you to develop your observational powers. Our lives grow incredibly busy, and even the most innocent and noteworthy activities steal our time.

To the left is a sketch made last summer in Gourdon, France.  It was too hot to stand and sketch the view from a tower; instead I yielded to sketching the view from the cool grass under a tree!
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Today, I had been scheduled to teach and all-day plein air workshop for the Desert Institute at Black Rock Campground, part of Joshua Tree National Park. I was sad to cancel.  A bit brisk, but today is one of those gorgeous days we desert dwellers brag about. I chose to drive to the site, close to my home. What a joy to see the clouds, the shifting sunlight, and many visiting campers!  I noted busy figures, brightly colored tents, and the changing values and colors of of the Joshua Tree spines.
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Photography is quite different from sketching, yet it provides an opportunity to record, making mental notes about colors, shapes, temperature and mood. I opened my car window to experience the cool breeze, and I admit I am happy that I will not sleep in a tent tonight.  The wind is now beginning to grow fierce.  I noticed several campers struggling over sheets of nylon and poles, hoping they would magically assemble themselves!

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Here is a sketch created in France last summer.  I learned so much by carefully observing!

However, when time does not allow you time sketch or paint, mentally note small details such as the jagged silhouettes of mountains, the curve of a mouth, and the color blue of distant hills.  Imagine your pencil or brush on the surface making these shapes.  Note what colors you would mix to achieve that specific tone you see.  Encourage your kids to identify shapes in the clouds! Try to imagine the scene as a black and white study - or take a photo and change it to noir!

These activities do wonders for stress levels as well.  As we move away from the blue screens of our computers and spend time in God’s grandeur – or even a crowd observing the movements of figures, our spirits and minds have time to take a short restful vacation. Spend some quiet time observing! Thank you to my good friend for your suggestion!

So, what’s in this for you?

Living near Joshua Tree National Park is a perfect laboratory for looking at rocks.  I wish I had a stronger background in geology, and no matter where you go, the rock formations on this planet are incredible and unique.

In "Rock Scramble” I reflected on my own experiences scrambling over the granite boulders; hikers often leave the dirt path to scramble over the large round rough surfaces.   I stippled and splattered paint. I used the favorite texture technique:

 1) I paint on a  soupy layer of paint mixed with acrylic medium
 2) let that sit for 30-60 seconds
 3) squirt with a gentle burst of water allowing a few medium sized drops to lay on the surface

 4) wait another 30-60 seconds
 5) apply a paper towel to the surface and press lightly 
 6) remove the towel and voila! There should be a texture where the water drops removed the first layer of paint.

Below are images of the painting in progress and of a participant, Lynda, during a mini "rock" lesson at the workshop.

Above, close ups of three of my new paintings, "Confronting Space" 24x24; "Looking Up" 36x24; "Perched" 24x8-acrylic on canvas.  Below photos from the workshop: 3 Brush-ka-teers; catching that golden hour sunlight, my demo plein air sketch of the eclectic surroundings.

After nearly a week of rain, I am ready for some sunshine. Although we know we should not find glee when dark clouds follow others, I smiled to see that Paris will have rain all weekend, while we finally have sunshine!

What inspiration can we find in the gusty cold of winter?  Looking through my journals I found what I want to share as an artist.

In November, I wrote the following (and have added a few revisions):

As I approach 2019, my goal is truly to set priorities.  In many ways 2018 has been a very good year: travel, workshops, refining my work and realizing how short time on this planet is. 

For 2019:   Set goals, schedule time with thought and be a blessing.

Tonight, we turn back our clocks. We know we cannot turn back time, but we can be in charge of our future. Although we are a part of a larger community, ultimately it is only ourselves we are in full command of.  So much clutter has appeared in my life, and as the leaves begin to fall—I, too, wish to shed extra things in my home, in cyberspace, and time-consuming tasks that lead to nowhere.

Instead— (I want to) strengthen my core being—a winter tree is not dead; it is in a restorative mode.
What a great word!   re-store

Restore relationships, health-exercise practice, recharge my heart attitude and seek worthwhile plans. Seek less ego.

Strengthen:

• Family bonds
• Which friendships
• Hearth and home-ambiance as well as material stuff
• Volunteer tasks
• Heart’s desire – painting, writing, creating​

Like the leafless tree in a restorative winter mode, I am collecting the things that strengthen me, gathering kernels of wisdom and truth, reaching deep within my roots for nutrients, and sinking my roots into rich soil.

I could not resist an acrostic:
Real - the relationships to air, sun, wind, and  rain are intense; with no extra baggage, the real me is exposed.

Energy - quiet, stillness, to absorb

Soul - store up, nurture, conserve

Truth - shed the excess, seek reality - for me,  faith is real: Hebrews 11:1 says,  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Open - to elements, ideas, God, true friends

Read – reward, revitalize

Epiphany – eureka! light at the end of the tunnel, springtime 

As an artist, I am again deciding to embrace the winter light: the clear, crisp, casting shadows from low in the southern sky, but illuminating the darkness. In embrace the quiet restorative time.  I’m not a leafless tree, I am storing up nutrients and wisdom.

Use this time to reskindle energy, knowledge, friendships and creative habits! I know many of you have busy schedules and it is hard to create a space, time and the resources for a restorative practice. As in restorative yoga, which typically involves only five or six poses, supported by props that allow you to completely relax and rest, your activities should do the same.

Happy Holidays!

I sincerely hope that throughout December you will have time to nurture your creative spirit, wheather it's painting, making cards, baking cookies -- or mixing colors in your bubble bath! 

Despite the busy season, I have some projects to continue and need to make painting time a priority--even in short spans! As we know, good habits must be made a priority, and one must make the daily decision to push on!

Painting directly from a scene is wonderful, but often I paint from a study or photo.  Today, I am painting from a photo I took in Paris last summer.  The day was delightful, the light was perfect, and I like the subject captured in the Orangerie at Jardin Du Luxembourg. It conjures up fond memories.  One of the three artists exhibiting, Nicole Gaulier, took time to chat and tell me about each of the artists; I appreciate that she shared enthusiasm for the others as well as herself.  The paintings in this scene are by Hans Bourman.

I am painting on a lovely natural dark beige linen that comes coated with a clear primer.  As I often do, I began with  a pastel pencil sketch on the canvas—easy to change as I go. Many artists use charcoal, but it will leave a black smudge (sometimes a desired effect) unless you seal it.  I like to seal the pastel with acrylic medium and move it around in brushstrokes as I go.

I also create a file of photos with a version in color, black and white, posterized and with high intensity values—to flip through as I paint, using my monitor to view the  images. I do not aim for photographic likeness; I want to convey the light and color effects from the scene. 

By the way, I find it much better to paint before I check email or the news!  Try to create  a schedule that works for you!   I am dovetailing activities (a term I like because it refers to a woodworking skill!)

My steps:
(I began yesterday with a very quick sketch) – step 1) 

• Sketch in dark pastel pencil
• Add white pastel
• Cover these areas with matte medium, allowing brush to thoroughly cover the area and create brushstrokes.
• Add a bit of color…I added ocher, vermillion, brown and some green.
• Cover layers with matte medium.

Watch the slide show below.  The changes are subtle.
 
I’m not finished, but will stop for today. I've made progress and am on my way!
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I wish you all success in your pursuits this week. Set priorities.  Enjoy family and friends.
Remember the love of the original Christmas!  


Inspired by all of you,

​It is no secret that doing what one loves can help during tough times.  Creative projects can help you and those on your gift list feel comforted this Christmas or Hanukkah.

Although I have been blessed throughout my life, I know that during the rough  and stressful times, breaking out the art or creative supplies has always yielded comfort.

My mother grew up during the depression. She spent hours painting, drawing with pen and ink, designing and sewing clothes, playing the piano -- uplifting her spirit. I taught at-risk teens for decades, and art class was like a balm for many.

Today, as I Googled the phrase “positive creativity helps us through tough times,” I found numerous articles. This Christmas, many of us are reeling from recent tragedies and seeking the comfort of the familiar and natural beauty.

I urge you to think of the creative on your gift list.  Consider:
            The gift of time
            The gift of encouragement
            The gift of space
    and of course,
            The gift of art supplies! or music lessons....

My go-to web sources are Dick Blick, Jerry’s Artarama, and Cheap Joes Art Stuff – and recently, Amazon.  (And, believe me, I receive no benefits from listing these).  Knowing what to buy may be trickier.  Good paper, paint, brushes, pencils, are a personal choice, and you may have to do some snooping and careful investigating. Does she really like that brand of paint?  Does he like the brushes he is using?  Perhaps an artist friend or other family member can help. Does your giftee have a favorite source?

Can you prepare something for the artist? My dad and husband both cut wood for me, sheets of Masonite or wood planks for a painting surface. They have framed my work as well.
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I have even discovered I love using belt sander and a small palm sander when preparing surfaces. AND I have discovered the electric screw driver.

​Don’t forget your LITTLE artist!
  When I was 3, my dad painted door sized Masonite with blackboard paint. I spent hours drawing with colored chalk AND learning my letters!  Make sure it is hung horizontally so little hands can reach. 
Other ideas include tempera paints, a small easel, a roll of butcher paper (or paper of any sort, the larger the better), inexpensive brushes, watercolors, crayons, colored pencils.  For OLDER children – acrylics (remember they do NOT wash off),  chalk, markers and art aprons make wonderful gifts. Pinterest is full of ideas. ​

​Of all the articles I found today, this one struck most: “6 Simple Ways to Find Comfort in Tough Times” by Holly Lebowitz Rossi. 
Here is a summary of her tips with my annotations:
Comforting Smells - Scents such as lavender signal your brain to relax. I find scents can even inspire art!
Childhood Objects  - a blanket or stuffed animal that soothed you in your younger years may do it again! I often set up an inspiration table with beautiful objects that were my mother's or I have collected.
Nature remains steady through change. Feeling awed by nature can help you make positive decisions. A walk outdoors or bringing nature inside can inspire - flowers, fruit or even a bundle of dried pods and weeds.
Reliable Reads - Cozy up to books that you have read again and again. What authors comfort you?  For me it is often Madeleine L'Engle or a a travel log and always, the Bible (try the poetry of the King James or a modern version like The Message). My mother read Pride and Prejudice 17 times! 
Instrumental Music can soothe. Whether you listen or play, it can comfort. I recently bought a keyboard--and my elementary scales bring me comfort.
Soothing positive Self-Talk can remind you that you are loved, safe and strong enough to weather life’s storms.
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We need help through both the cold winter and tough times. And if you want to give  someone a HINT- you may want to print this blog and leave in an obvious place—for Santa’s helpers!

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!

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 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. 
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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.