Here it is!- my cat having a nap on the back of the couch in the sun.  I tried to capture the warmth, and peaceful contentment she showed.  It made me want to have a catnap too.  While having a heartfelt connection to this kitty made it a bit more challenging to work on because I wanted to capture her perfectly, it also inspired me to push myself and it made the process of painting alot of fun.  

Have you ever felt short on inspiration?  I was in between ideas when a coworker asked me to paint a portrait of her family's beloved Cockapoo named "Sam".  When I asked for some pictures to work from, she was so excited about having a painting done, I looked forward to working on it.  And when I showed her the drawing,  she loved it, said it captured him perfectly and that she couldn't wait to see it.  Her enthusiasm was so contagious that I got excited about it too.  It was really fun to work on it and turned out great. 

I was so inspired, I pulled out a photo of my own cat sleeping in the sun.  It was a picture that I had taken a while ago with the intention of painting it "someday".  "Some day" became now and I jumped at the chance to work on something that I love.  It has been a challenge, but lots of fun too. When it's done, I'll add it to this post.  

Go find something that you love to inspire you!  Person, place or thing it doesn't matter- what matters is your connection to it.
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Summer time doesn't last as long as many of us would like, so make the best of it.  Be inspired in your art!  Get outside and paint or take reference photos.  Beautiful images are all around us at this time of year.  Try plein air painting.  Or you can see some of the many shows, fairs, and festivals that are going on.  Check out the @Granby Artists Association show at the Simsbury Library, July 6-31st.  Better still be part of a show or have your own. Try something new.  Take that class you've been thinking about.  So many ways and so little time.  Have an art summer!

Can't wait for spring and summer to arrive? Go there in your painting while you are waiting.  

I recently attended a spring and summer landscape painting workshop with Robert O'brien where we all painted scenes from warmer days. It was inspiring both for the painting and for the anticipation of those nice days. 

Robert is a gifted painter from Vermont, and a great instructor.  If you ever get the chance I highly recommend his work and his workshops.  

Definitely, try this at home and jump into spring.

The East Granby Library Juried Art Show is going strong with 13 years of art in our community! Be a part of Art!

Jan. 31st – Feb. 28th 
Opening Reception
Saturday, Jan. 31st, 6-8pm
Music by Pat Waltman

Entry Requirements: up to 2 original works produced solely by the artist, within the past two years is acceptable. Each entry must have the completed entry form attached to the lower left hand corner of the back of the work.  All adult works must be framed and wired for hanging. Sculpture may not exceed more than 100 lbs.  Artist must supply their own sculpture stands.   Children’s work does not need to be matted or framed. All Children’s work will be accepted.


12 adult awards in various categories and 10 children's awards in 5 age groups.

Entry Fees $20 for first entry; $10 for second entry; $10 for child’s entry

Delivery of Art All works must be hand 
delivered to the Library; 
Thursday, January 22nd, 6pm-8pm; or
Saturday, January 24th, 10am-2pm

Pick- Up of Art:
Saturday, February 28th, 10am- 2pm; or Monday, March 2,10am-8pm

East Granby Public Library
24 Center St.  P.O. Box G
East Granby, CT.  06026
860-653-3002   
For more info see our website: 
www.egpl.org

Lemons are one of the world's most loved ingredients.  Lemons are used in meals, desserts, drinks, teas, cosmetics and medicines from India, Asia, the Middle East and Mediterranean, Europe, the US and South America- everywhere there are people to love them. 

Painting lemons seems like it would be a pretty straightforward thing, right?  Not so. I used every yellow in my paint box and a lot of other colors too in order to make the painting more interesting than the photo I was working from.  Try this...get a lemon out of the fridge, paint a quick sketch of it.   Now roll it, cut it, smell it and actually put some in your mouth.  Now paint another quick sketch.  I'll bet you used different and stronger colors this time!  One of my teachers had me do this a long time ago and I still remember it vividly.

Add a little sunshine to your surroundings.  Just as the taste of lemons is a happy thought,  the color yellow is a mood lifter recalling the joyful light and warmth of the sun.
Could your environment benefit from some lemon therapy?

Come and see! Many beautiful works of art and at a winery,  you can't beat that!
Lost Acres Vineyard Art Gallery
80 Lost Acres Road
North Granby, CT
Hours: Fri. & Sat 12-6 pm, 
Sun 12-5 pm