I just finished our first art crawl post-pandemic restrictions. Everyone registered to come to the studio building and wore masks etc. It was a surprise to me that it worked out so well and so many people showed up.

My work has changed quite a lot recently and it was noticed. There are many reasons why my work has changed. I started using oil paint again. I’m older and was ready for a change. I could go on and on. I shared different reasons with guests in my studio all weekend.

The real reason though. I quit drinking.

Since I quit drinking nature has been an anchor in my life. I often get up early (5 am) and go for a walk in silence. It’s my favorite part of the day. I listen to birds, watch the light start the day. The color of the trees and sky amazes and entertains me. I simply adore the beauty in nature. Something else happens when I can be quiet in nature too. Peace. I’m able to just be and enjoy what is around.

When I would even have one drink it seemed like life was going fast. My mind was racing and I couldn’t hold a thought. I would race through my day and not even know what season it was. I wasn’t connected.

So recently I took an early morning walk in the woods by our house. It was light but the sun was just starting to peak through the trees and over the horizon. I took a few pictures for a painting but forgot to take more and just walked in silence and enjoyed.

!

Here is the painting. The Woods. So very dear and important to me. The blue cool underbrush slowing being taken over by the pink sun creeping down. I swear trees are a different color in the morning, the light is different, they are warm!

I never would have noticed all this before I quit drinking. My art was chaotic and loud.

Today I need softer things. I need spring trees with young leaves shaking in the morning breeze. I need warm trees and early morning light. I need silence and softness. Room to breathe and be.

Just be.

More than just a walk in the woods – The Woods.