I am often on auto pilot driving from point A to B because my head is on a swivel as I constantly scan my surroundings for inspirational settings to paint.  I see possibility everywhere.  I guess that comes from being so in love with my landscape.  I should have a sign on the back of my vehicle that says "FREQUENT STOPS FOR PHOTOS", as I pull off and snap shots A LOT!

I suppose it can be blamed on the arrival of spring, this urge to sweep the winter out of my studio.  Honestly my whole house needs a spring cleaning.  So, I have commenced with dusting and organizing my nest.  I can't ignore the push to purge as I attempt to re-organize that storage cabinet that simply will not hold one more tube of paint, or the clothes closet stuffed with winter duds.  So, a few odds and ends of hardened paint tubes have been tossed, some canvases stacked on the bottom shelf to be repurposed and a box of clothes is ready for Goodwill.

This ritual of cleaning, purging and organizing is as important to clear the cobwebs from my head as clearing cobwebs from the corners of the room.  Walking into a ready working environment allows me to concentrate on whatever waits on the easel and other business at hand.  I have a fresh outlook and the wheels of creativity are greased.

 Looking out my studio window today I am watching goldfinch, in their full color, flitting back and forth on the feeder and the resident cottontail dining on the tender new grass.  The vibrancy of  fresh colors, the clean cool air, and the sound of birdsong all announce the arrival of spring.  

P.S. A pair of pheasant roosters, in their brilliant spring regalia, are sparring on the lawn like a couple of prize fighters strutting and dancing before the punch.

Number one in blog postings.  Some of the information that I share will be contents of my head and some will be interesting stuff from others that I feel is worth passing along.  Mostly I hope YOU will find it interesting and keep coming back.

I will try to cut a wide swath of interests to share.  Some of this will be for fellow artists and some for the art collector and enthusiast.  Hopefully a broad range of folks will find some interest in a good share of it.  I won't promise to post on any given schedule, but will make a well intentioned effort to post weekly.

One of the first shares for you is a column that I have enjoyed for some time now, from Robert Genn.  You can access it at http://www.painterskeys.com and subscribe if it so moves you.  Robert's columns seem to have a much broader thrust than just art.  But then isn't art the thrust of life?  Robert is currently in the sunset of his life as he is succumbing to pancreatic cancer.  But his column and legacy continues on through his children.  And what a rich legacy he leaves.  A little something for all of us.

As artists, we all hope to leave a legacy in the work that we produce.  But, I think that the stronger impetus for the creative individual, at least speaking personally, is the drive (need) to create.  The stimulation of the brain while creating is a euphoria for problem solving, perhaps akin to Dr. Frankenstien in the creation of the monster.   Of course not everything that an artist turns out is a fully functioning breathing monster, but the process is so satisfying.  We are always anticipating the next creation.

Go ahead and share your thoughts, questions, or possible blog topics.  Thanks for stopping by.