POPPIES for days!
If you aren’t fortunate enough to live in these parts, you may be unaware of the incredible wildflower show that occurs during this time of the year in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Here’s a little example of what I’m talking about. Look at all those poppies behind me and my cute (and super happy) pup! If you’re in the area and haven’t yet–make the trek out to Grass Mountain to catch a glimpse of God showing off. If you don’t live in the area–perhaps it’s time for a trip! It really is incredible…not to mention great inspiration for art.
Last email I mentioned a 30 day challenge that I had just started (#MakersMarch) where I challenged myself to complete a painting a day. Well…it’s almost over and I’ve learned quite a bit. Here’s a recap of my take-aways if you’re interested:
- I’ve realized that it’s easier than I thought to make time for it (most days). It’s amazing how creative you can become with your schedule and medium when you have to figure out when & how you’re going to make time for art during the day. Daily art doesn’t have to be as arduous as we make it out to be. It doesn’t have to mean pulling out a new canvas, mounting it on our easel getting paint out, setting up and clean-up time etc. It can just be a little watercolor or a sketch. Something to exercise that creative muscle. For example: the poppies to the right were just a quick sketch with a tired hand & worn-out body after the Grass Mountain hike (4.3 miles UPHILL) that I added a touch of watercolor paint to. It didn’t take more than 4 or 5 minutes, but I created art…and that alone shows me that this can be incorporated into my daily routine.
- I’ve learned that I really enjoy experimenting with techniques and subjects I haven’t tried before.
- I’ve found that, like exercise, creating becomes more enjoyable with practice. I like painting more than I did a month ago. When we get out of practice, it just doesn’t sound as fun…or good for us…or as life-giving as it truly is.
More than anything, I’ve learned that if it is a priority, we will make time for it. If there’s something that you LOVE doing…that makes your soul happy….that is life-giving…that you lose track of time when you are engaged in it…do more of that! Make time for it. It will be more enriching than you know.
Here are some of my favorites from the month (if you’re interested in the seeing all 30 days visit our Instagram page):
If you would like to purchase any of these or other paintings you’ve seen, let me know. They are most likely for sale–email info@gypsystudiosart.com for prices if they aren’t listed. I’m currently working on creating an online gallery of artwork for sale.
Love + Art,
Christi
Upcoming Events
Our events calendar is filling up with fun and interesting ways to enjoy the beauty of the Valley. Check out the line-up below. There’s a little something for everyone!
Paint in the Vineyard at Gainey Winery, Saturday, April 2, 11am – 1:30pm
Still Life Painting at B*Living Store in Solvang, Thursday, April 7, 5:30pm – 8pm
Vines Into Water Charity Painting Event, April 23, 10am – noon
*Saarloos + Sons and Gypsy Studios are donating all proceeds to building wells in developing countries.
Seriously loving the artwork that is coming out of our Gypsy Students and had to share! (painting of bears above by Linda Ashby & painting of sunset below by Kerry Robinson) If you’re interested in our 6-week beginner painting series but can’t make it Tuesday nights–why not gather a group of 4 or more friends and host your own private 6-week art class? Daytime and evening availability. Email us at info@gypsystudiosart.com for more info.
Private Painting in the Vineyard Experiences
Don’t see a painting in the vineyard date that works for you on our calendar? Have a place of your own that you’d like to paint? Celebrating a birthday? Family reunion? Bridal shower? Why not book a private painting experience with us. We’ll come to you, or make all the arrangements at a local vineyard. Check out our website for more info.