Seems like that is the mantra across the nation for January. We got the deep freeze here with below zero temps, my hometown of Chicago saw snow. Lots of it. But there is a good side to the cold weather season.

For me, during the freeze, I hunkered down and went through old journals--art journals and personal written words. A time to look at the years behind and give ourselves some credit for how far we've come. I read about my equal parts anticipation and anxiety of returning to Colorado after 4 years in the DC area with my family. That took a lot of courage, but ultimately the right step for me. Reliving my transition from bedroom art studio to my spacious studio at Lakewood United Methodist Church. Lots of moving and a lot of creating these last few years. Taking quarts of gesso to canvases that no longer please me or express my best work.

There's a book by Katherine May, Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times. Difficult or easy, winter is the time to reflect, retreat, and reset as we prepare for the creativity of spring. Well worth the read. During this time, I'm beginning to look at my art in a new way. What do I really want to express this year? What subject is the canvas calling to me?

Here's a sneak peek of what may show up this year:

Journal Pages - A series of mixed media art on wood panels incorporating my actual journal pages over the last several years. An under layer to the emotion expressed in paint and collage.

Loving the Landscape - From time to time I journey into landscape painting. This year I explore the abstract landscape, real and fantasy, to delve into my connection with the tradition of landscape painting and where I need to push it into my own expressionism.

Art Book Club - Education never stops. There's so many artists I don't know about. Making a concerted effort to read (yes, I prefer paper bound books to electronic screens), perhaps you'll join me in discover new artists and delving into deeper understanding of familiar names. Interested? Email me at kathyoart@gmail.com for details.

Will I accomplish all this in 2024? Will anyone see it or respond? Who knows? What I've learned is that creating is the most important part. What happens afterword is part of the great mystery.