Because of the pandemic in 2020, I was able to find time to finally start working on one of my resolutions: learn to paint quickly! And more spontaneously! For several years I wanted to go back to the basics, move away from elaborate paintings, take a hard look at my techniques, and whip something out even if I wasn’t happy with it.

Part of that was getting better at capturing the essentials, so after a full day of teaching art camps I would come home, sit on my deck with a cold drink, and paint. I really enjoyed these moments of relaxation after work, being outside at the end of the day, and starting this new “journey to simplification.” It’s still a work in progress, but a lot of hydrangeas came out of it!