In beginning my personal Blog, I hope to share observations, ideas, inspirations gleaned from my life experiences.  I’ll start with this week’s plein air workshop taught by Lori Putnam here in Canandaigua, NY. Lori is an acclaimed artist with wonderful talent in teaching plein air painting techniques, and she just judged the Finger Lakes Plein Air Competition, the third annual event, in Canandaigua.  Talented artists from all over came here, took their easels and paint brushes out into the fields, parks and Sonnenberg Gardens, Main Street, etc., creating many wonderful works of art. About 18 of us took Lori’s workshop, privileged to have her work with us on the Canandaigua City Pier, a local farm, and at friend Kathy’s home overlooking Canandaigua Lake.  The weather held quite nicely while our painting guests were here, giving them the opportunity to see how beautiful it is here in the Finger Lakes. While my own painting efforts were certainly not masterful, the challenge of learning, trying – no fear allowed – was enlightening.  Hopefully, I’ll remember and put into practice Lori’s advice.  Most of us can benefit from “stepping out of the box” and doing something we may not be able to do perfectly, but that gives us an experience we learn from.  Spending time with other like-minded people, whether they are artists or something else, is also a way we can learn the joys of whatever our heart beats for.

Whether I’m out creating art, photographing nature, getting an idea for a poem or story to write, traveling to a new place, whatever, I find a spiritual connection with what I’m focusing on.  If it’s a grain of sand or a diamond, a snail or a flower struggling to bloom between sidewalk cracks, I continue to be amazed. I hope you find this in your life as well.