IsabeauxStudio

Ok, so I survived the latter half of 2007.  It was touch and go there for a moment.  My "busy season" at work lasted from September through December and included managing the department with all its craziness through my boss's trip to China, her vacation, the development and launch of our fall line, a MAJOR client meeting and its aftermath, a week long parent visit, and of course Christmas all wrapped up in a continuous blur of 11 hour days.  It nearly did me in.

I had done almost no artwork in that period of time.  I did do the workshops one Saturday a month, and the painting in the previous post, however there has been zero consistency.  It was very frustrating.  Now that it is the new year,  I am trying to start it off on the right foot.  Matt & I are taking a much needed vacation and we are going back to Maui.  This time,  while Matt is out body boarding,  I plan to take my "plein air" painting gear, and paint.  I can't wait.  I have never done plein air painting successfully before as I get a bit self conscious, but I am hoping that more exposure and more practice will get me over this hump.

 I have spent the past month acquiring the gear needed to paint outdoors.  Lightweight easel, small & portable everything (why couldn't I just be happy drawing?? It would be much simpler...)  Last time I brought my watercolor gear to Hawaii it was stolen from the trunk of our car... thankfully that was before I started purchasing good brushes, and good paints.)  I have photographed my "kit" for insurance purposes, just in case.

 Packing for vacation is not something Matt & I do well.  We overpack to the point of embarrassment.  Admittedly we end up using all the gear that we bring,  but traveling for us is never just about throwing a few swimsuits, shorts & tee shirts into a bag.  Matt comes armed with his two body boards, fins, snorkeling gear, and I come armed with my painting kit and books.  That doesn't include our clothing.   Hopefully I can come back with some nice pieces and the schlepping all of that stuff will be worth it.  Regardless,  I plan to spend a nice week drinking drinks with umbrellas and spending time on the beach painting.  Nirvana here I come.  I will let you know how it turns out.