Art Every Day Month, Day 4

I have looked forward to the point when I would have more time for all my interests, so since retiring in June I find myself busier than ever. I have been pursuing watercolor for just under two years now, mainly working on my own, but with a few lessons sprinkled in. Since mid-September, I've been taking a weekly class at the senior center and the work is developing...amazing what happens when you show up at the page on a regular basis. The class gives me a chance to play with the medium, to explore and take risks.

A teacher I admire sends out a monthly newsletter, and this month's includes a pointer to a couple of wonderful art related sites, one is http://creativeeveryday.com/art-every-day-month This is Leah Piken Kolidis' November is Art Every Day Month site. She says she was inspired by Nanowrimo and she encourages folks to do some art every day during the month of November. All creativity is allowed (knitting, cooking, baking, drawing, painting, etc.) and all increments, little to big.

So today is Day 4. I have actually been working on art every day this month and will post photos soon. I'm new to the technology of online portfolios, so this may be clunky at first. Bear with.

The other art site is www.artheals.org. Their introduction says "Arts & Healing Network is an online resource celebrating the connection between art and healing. We believe that art is an essential catalyst for creating positive change in the world. Our hope is that this web site will inspire everyone to use creativity as a tool for healing and transformation." I've only touched the tip of this site...it looks very juicy...and am excited by the monthly podcasts. Leah Piken Kolidis is interviewed, and there are also interviews with Julia Cameron AND Judith Selby Lang and Richard Lang. Judith teaches the watercolor class at the senior center, what synchronicity!

Tonight I went to hear a friend give an author's talk at our local bookstore. I already have her book, so I browsed around and picked up a book on meditating with mandalas. It's a visually beautiful book and the meditations look inviting. I'm hoping to spend more time at the intersections of art and spirit, creativity and transformation.

By the way, my friend's name is Elspeth Benton, and her book is "Crucial Time." It's a mystery, is well-written and engaging, and she makes a strong case for the importance of good early-childhood education.