Getting the Most Out of Your Summer

Early morning painting along the shores of Lake Michigan inside Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

The English say there is no such thing as bad weather, just ill-advised clothing. So true. Six and a half years ago, a furry little peanut named Muchacho Libre came into my life, and he proved the above statement true. He’s very active, and he makes me get outside rain or shine, cold or hot. And I thank him for it, because in the woods, it is always beautiful. It’s healing. It inspires.

Muchacho Libre is as Found of plein air painting as his Mom. But he asks for a lot of ball time in between brush strokes.

But painting outside was always hard for me. I painted in acrylic for years and it would dry in the sun. My easel was always blowing over. It was just unpleasant. But still, the idea persisted in my mind that as much as I did not like painting outside, I wanted to. It’s a bit like the weather: You need the right gear.

On location in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

I got a pochade box, a good tripod to hold it. I switched over to oils, which don’t dry in the sun, and I discovered wet paint carriers. It all fits in a backpack, making me very portable.

Life is good. I can’t believe now that I wasn’t getting outside to paint more. Nature, after all, is the best teacher. Do I miss the studio? A little, but when the weather is this good, I feel claustrophobic inside. I live in Michigan, so I know the weather will bring me back inside again, and I’ll be able to cozy up in the studio with long hours of focus. The seasons are magical that way. And each day is different as the Earth turns around the sun. Little differences can be picked up when you’re outside every day. June is different from July, and August has a different light. Fall has the best light of all: never harsh, always warm. And so it goes.

At the same time as I’m letting nature teach me as never before, I’m taking as many classes as possible. Last week, I studied with the incredible David Westerfield. He reminded me how much I love color, how as an artist I can exaggerate that color if I want to. I needed a reminder on that. Next week, I’ll be studying with Henry Yan, possibly the most gifted figurative artist of our time. So very excited about that.

Each class inspires and gives me more tools for my toolbox so to speak — it expands what I can do. And as an artist who values change and growth, that’s important. Learn, grow and get outside: that’s my 2017 mantra. What keeps me inspired and alive.

How about you? What’s your inspiration? What classes have you been taking that are expanding what you can do? Come tell me about it on Instagram and Facebook.

My fur baby hating selfies but loving painting outside with Mom.