I realized a few days ago that I haven’t blogged in quite some time. I’ve been busy filling Etsy orders and taking time off with the family over the holidays, and even getting back to painting, having been bouyed by my Urban Suburban experience. It’s been three years since the last Kansas City Jewish Arts Festival when I didn’t exhibit and decided just to volunteer instead. This year, with Hannah working at the JCC and on the Festival itself, and feeling like I need to be going back to the basics of painting, I am going to be applying to show. Which means that I need to have paintings, if I’m accepted of course. So, I’m dipping my toes back into the paint, only figuratively, and slowly getting started. It’s been quite some time since I’ve been in full-festival-prep-mode, so it will take time to build up steam, but I’ve taken the first step. If I can really get going, I might even try to do the Boulder Jewish Festival in June, but I’ll need to have quite a bit accomplished to make that happen.

In the meantime, here’s a peak at what I’ve been working on. I’ve tried to let go of the fear in painting something out when I’m not happy with a direction. And, both of these paintings have layers underneath that aren’t visible any more. No regrets either! I’m pleased with the direction both have taken in the detour, but I still consider them in progress.

Tentative title: Light Comes from Within

This is a small one with lots of texture and VERY simple compared to what I’ve done before. I’m still trying to decide if it needs anything else… words, images…..?

In progress: Shalom Hamsa, 10 x 10, acrylic on cradled wood panel

Revisiting the popular Shalom Hamsa on this painting, I’ve worked on a cradled wood panel and tried a bit of letter-stamping, too. This, too, is a work-in-progress, so please comment here if you have thoughts about these paintings or other subjects you’d like to see.

Sending belated wishes to everyone for a Happy New Year filled with peace and creativity.