September has come and gone in a flash. I felt like I was wading through quicksand with each passing day. Every day, I would step into my studio to work, but the demands of life would find ways to interrupt the oh-so-elusive flow of creativity.

What I loved about the class was having so many beautiful creative souls making art alongside me. We drew, painted, stitched, collaged, and chatted. Afterward, everyone said they loved the format and that I should do more. So, my friends…

Whenever I create a class, I always ask myself why? In the case of my new art class, Book of Flowers, I wanted to share some of my favorite techniques that may inspire you to find new things in your art-making. But it is more than that! I love creating with people. I love that beautiful creative energy that floats through the air, the positivity, the support we give to one another, and the beauty that flows from our hearts into our art.

What is my art diary all about?

 It is a space where I can try everything and anything without feeling compelled to "fix" things or even "make art." It is a space where I add leftover paint, copies of my artwork, write, make messy sketches, tear drawings from another sketchbook, tape or staple interesting papers, cards, fabrics, etc.

A few weeks ago, I decided to give myself a little assignment that could be done while drinking a cup of coffee and taking at most 15 minutes. I take a single flower and create a few contour drawings within my allotted time and in pen. I want to see all the searching lines and imperfections in my drawing. I want to become more aware of the visual details of my subject and find elements that I can translate into my paintings.