Inspiration for Creation

This is Ha Long Bay in Northern Vietnam. It is extremely touristy there and did not have the hit in the face magic I was expecting. As I distance myself from the experience though, I realize that the three days I spent floating, hiking and kayaking through this area has made itself known in my heart and brain and isn't going to leave.  

These beautiful forms were stoic, otherworldly, quiet, solid, seemingly ever-present limestone formations that will be gone one day, destroyed by the same processes that created them. How can they feel so powerful and permanent but at the same time so intangible and elusive? The floating village, also fleeting, was colorful, moving, fluctuating, human, and alive. Seeing the two co-exist in such stark contrast made the other that much more magnificent.  

Why are the most important things in life the hardest to define and understand? 

Off to paint with this on my mind.

Finding Inspiration/Losing Guilt

Hi Friends! 

I really like to go places and travel and explore. Sometimes though, I feel guilty leaving my studio for a long weekend - like I'm a neglecting my children (paintings). Like if I was really serious I'd be in my studio all day everyday, with no friends, no travels and eating stale cheerios because that's all I have in my pantry and I can't make time to go shopping. Shopping?! I can't shop! I'm painting damnit! 

BUT...

I have found, and a wise soul helped lead me to this path, that while I may not be in my studio putting paint on canvas, I'm still working. Because really, what is more inspirational and thought provoking than this:

Sorento Harbor, ME (pictures don't do it justice)

This past weekend I went to Maine with my man friend Dan and saw the most inspirational sights. We climbed, hiked, canoed and walked and everywhere we went I saw things and thought about how exciting it would be to paint them - or at least derivatives. I am positive that when I get into the studio today, this weekend will make itself known (much like a camping trip in the White Mountains did here...)

A few more:

 Our shadows at the top of Beehive Mountain in Acadia National Park, ME - one of the funnest (hardest) hikes I've ever done - with an amazing reward at the top.

At the top of Black Mountain which provides a 360* view of the grandeur of Maine at sunset.

I have many things in the works which I will be sharing with you soon, so stay tuned my friends, stay tuned. And hey, you're awesome - thanks for reading.

PS - It seems I'm not alone. Check out the post Joanne Mattera did on her blog about the "guilty vacation" and read her readers comments. 

PPS - Do you ever feel guilty for not being in the studio? What inspires you?