Spiral In, Spiral Out

When I am painting, I get really close to my canvas. After a while, I have to step away and see it from a distance. This allows me to take in the whole image and really see the composition. Once I know my next move, I telescope back into the painting and get really close again. Painter Flora Bowley calls this "spiraling in and out". Its an instinctual thing I do when I'm working that helps me to better understand my painting.

But spiraling in and spiraling out is not just reserved for making art. I also do it with my life. I haven't posted for over a month here on the blog. Instead of posting, I've been spiraling in. I've been planning our family move to Oregon. I've been overseeing the outdoor learning program at my son's school garden. I've attended two weddings, one of which I officiated on the California coast. I've finished a new series of 8 paintings. And I just completed my last open studio event in Dallas. Its been a big month. 

Now that my open open studio weekend is over, I'm spiraling out. Now is the time to get the big picture view. Now is the time to look, listen, and assess. Write in my journal. Post on the blog. Write thank you letters. Ship paintings. Breathe. Here are some photos from the past 30 days in no particular order. Thank you, dear readers, for this hiatus. Its so reassuring to spiral out, away from the intimacy and proximity of the painting, and return to this happy online space. More to come!