‘Let us reflect on what is truly of value in life, what gives meaning to our lives, and set our priorities on the basis of that’. From ‘Buddhist Offerings’
watercolour/gouache – Rays of sunlight as I walked through the woods
Moving from August into September has always meant new beginnings for me. Along with the onset of cooler weather and visible changes in nature….there is also a perceptible change in mood. Children go back to school and many return to work. The world around us becomes busier. I am speaking from an English point of view. For my friends living in the southern hemisphere….there are also new beginnings – for them Spring is arriving.
Those who follow this blog will be aware that I usually go to Portugal in April. This year, I am also returning on 18th September for a workshop at the school in Olhao http://www.artinthealgarve.com The School is one of my all time favourite venues – a wonderful places to explore the creative process.
Olhão Portugal – http://www.artinthealgarve.com – watercolour
After working with a group for the first week, fellow artist and good friend Bonnie Halsey Dutton http://www.bonniehalseydutton.com arrives from South Dakota to give a course. As always we take these opportunities to spend some time together. I will also see another artist friend, Vickie Snaddon, who has a house not far from Olhao. It is Vickie who runs the beautiful lodge in Belize http://www.pookehilllodge.com Needless to say, I am really looking forward to it.
Given that Olhao is part of the Ria Formosa National Park...beautiful wildlife abounds – watercolour
watercolour
Nesting storks on one of the local churches. 
I With its courtyards, communal areas and excellent studio space, plus shops, cafes, markets, Lagoon all within a few minutes walk from the school – plus of course the wonderful Margarida and Joanna who take care of all our needs….what more could an anyone wish for.
The Pool House courtyard….I love all the levels, shapes and shadow play. 
The studio. 
The 150 year old Olive Tree that meanders from one of the courtyards up through the three levels of the school. You can see the blue of the roof top pool through the tree. 
watercolour
Another exciting development this year is that I have been invited to exhibit five watercolours at the Chongqing Museum of Art, China. This is part of a French/Chinese annual cultural exchange. I was invited by French artist Claude Lesur who organised an exhibition I had in France eleven years ago. The opening in Chongqing will be on 17th November and next spring the exhibition will come to Paris. I will write more about this after I return from Portugal.
The Art Gallery in Chongqing where the exhibition will be held.
watercolour
This has been one of the best years I can remember. I have visited places, friends and family I love and along the way enjoyed wonderful conversations and much laughter. I am so grateful for this moment in time and that I have been able to focus on what is truly of value in my life.
The magical hummingbirds have been with me all the way……
A bientot
My Life as an Artist (2) 