It’s time for pie…
Here in the States we celebrate Thanksgiving. And tomorrow I will be eating too much turkey and pie along with most of my fellow Americans. The holiday is convoluted. It has a rather dark history that somehow has turned into eating too much and watching American football.
But I have always liked that at the heart of this holiday it is a reminder to stop and give thanks. For me it is more- it is about gratitude. Gratitude is something I have strived to incorporate into my everyday life over the last few years. It is more than giving thanks, it is a true appreciation for even tiny things, the abundance of the “lemons” (good things) in my life and what my life is and where it is going.
I find myself this year being more grateful than ever before. I am grateful for the Zoom classes that I have been able to teach that have reached artists all over the world. I am grateful that I get to wake up each day and paint and that the ideas keep flowing from a source that I finding humbling. I am grateful I have the best friends a person could ever have. I am grateful that I can write these blogs and reach artists who have truly become my cheerleaders over the years. Some days those positive comments have made all the difference… and I thank you.
But as usual, by this time of the year I am tired. I need to turn inward to find motivation for new work, dedicate time to my children and find new ways to celebrate the people and moments of every day.
So, with a grateful heart to all of you, this is my last blog of 2021. Please know that I wish all of you the very best that life has to offer over the upcoming holidays, and that I am happily making cookies, taking walks and logging my time at the easel. I have a lot of amazing things planned for 2022 including getting back to teaching in person in both Sante Fe and in Antigua.
And… big announcement… I will be having a gallery show of an entirely new body of work –IN OILS– (that no one has seen) later in the year. More information on that will be coming in the Spring.
So, life is busy. And I have a grateful heart. And I will be back soon and (you know me) I will have a LOT more to say in 2022.
Thanks for tagging along for the ride.
Christine
Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for your continual inspiration. You are a gem.
thanks!!!
Thank you for all your tips and selfless enthusiam for others. You are an inspiration to us all. Enjoy your holiday and I look forward to your return to us in 2022.
best wishes to you as well!
Please let me know when you are in Santa Fe! I’d love to meet up. I also think my husband would like to take your pastel class when you are here.
Happy Holidays! All the best.
hi! I am teachcing there on June 27 and 28th. Light and the Portrait with a model. Just send me an email and I can send you the contact information.
I am so grateful for have taken both your classes. I feel you have helped me immensely. Thank YOU so much! I think you are a remarkable artist and instructor and I look forward to your blogs and can’t wait to see your show in the Spring.
Thanks so much! I’ll be back soon!
I am grateful to have you in my life, Christine. Wishing you a beautiful holiday season.
The same to you and your family as well!!
God Bless! You are an inspirational artist and a wonderful teacher. I am grateful to be able to read your blog. I love a good cliff hanger and look forward to reading about your endeavors for 2022. Many blessings to you and your family.
Best to you as well! Yes! lots of good things to share for the new year….
We all need rest and time to reflect and recharge. Thanks for your blogs. Although human portraits aren’t my area, I have learned a lot from your writings that I have put to use in my works. Thank you!
Happy Thanksgiving to you Christine! What a wonderful year of teaching we have benefited from! I am grateful and blessed to have been so fortunate! I look forward to what 2022 holds…and all that you teach! Rest & rejoice! Life is good!
yes, life is good!!
Awe, such a heartwarming post. Best to you and your family as we celebrate the holidays and look forward to 2022.
Sounds intriguing !
Have a blessed Thanksgiving celebration.
I look forward to your blog in 2022.
Christine, have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family. Sounds as though you got a handle on the “thankful” part.
I have two favorite artist and you are one of them. Your work is astonishing. I enjoyed your “glazing” class so much, I am explaining the process at Courtney-Laughlin framing gallery on Friday, Light Up Night in Beaver. Also Small Business Saturday in Beaver. You were my instructor and my inspiration.
Have a blessed and Merry Christmas.
Linda
Awesome! what a compliment. And that is not far from me. Have the best holiday ever!