I've been neglecting my blog, which is something I'm notoriously bad about doing. My sister is the writer, not I. But I do have lots to share, so I am determined to not let my posts stay floating in my head or lost in my desk on the post-it note I made of topics I first want to cover.
But sometimes the life events that inspire these posts come all at once and instead of finding time to write I am packing 25 hours into the day living new experiences. Like a plein air painting event I'm in the middle of right now. It's a strange mixture of local folk festival, high-profile art, and reality show timed challenge. First I had to prepare for the event: collecting supplies and making them portable, finding frames that didn't cost me the arm and a leg I don't have and prepping them for use. Yesterday after checking-in I felt the pressure of time all day, and I dreamed about what I wanted to paint as I half-slept last night. Not in a stressed way, but in an I-can't-sleep-because-I'm still-5-and-super-excited kind of way.
In addition it has been a good challenge to stay focused on my style, my point of view, and not compare my work to everyone else's. Learn to appreciate the other styles while staying true to your own, no matter how unique. And I met a gentleman who very much loved my exhibited piece and wants to buy it!
I met a nice lady from LA who came all the way back after winning third place last year. (I figured this achievement out on my own; she is a lovely, humble artist, a taint more artists could embrace I am discovering, and one I resolve to never forget to be.)
It has been quite the experience already and I've only been at this for a day. Time to go get ready for today's painting! I can't wait to finish my two pieces. Tonight is a timed 2-hour "paint-off" with live models too. Tomorrow is the grand finale auction. Time to go get ready for the day!