A Good Painting Day is like a Good Handwriting Day

Years ago, I was chatting with my former studio mate, back when we shared the big second floor space in Building C, a former warehouse turned art studios. We were both in between our typical hours long painting sessions and needing a rest. We would decide “your place or mine?” which was pretty cute of us, considering it was just a massive drywall between us that did not go all the way up to the ceiling. I had my studio couch, she had her comfortable garden chairs, and we both had our own boxes of assorted teas to chose from for break time. Now that I work from my home studio, I miss those days where we could bounce off ideas - getting feedback on what we were working on.

Once we had our hot mugs in hand I mentioned to her that the harmony we are always looking for when we wanted a “good painting day” felt very similar to finding a favorite pen that you can always count on to give you beautiful handwriting. I want to stay curious instead of discouraged, rerouting whatever directions I can that will put that instrument in my hands and allow the message I want to give people to flow with the least amount of resistance.