One of my goals this year is to take time for mini excursions or what I refer to as “artist dates” and “filling the well”. Working from home so easily leads to hermetic habits. But an important part of the creative process is taking time to explore.

Today I visited the lovely courtyard of my local library to paint a little plein air watercolor study and experiment with my new camera. Painting out in the open where passersby might see can be intimidating, at least for me. I worry that my humble sketches will appear to be nothing but a muddy mess - a worry that has proven to be unfounded. Many curious passersby are fascinated and have offered kind words of encouragement. It feels good to face my fears and push myself outside my comfort zone from time to time :D