Remember how I said I was bad at blogging? Yikes. I can't believe it's been since September since I updated. For those of you who prefer brief, more regular updates, I do post fairly frequently on my Facebook page. For those of you who like my longform posts, read on.
Back in September, I had just started my job as the art teacher at a local K-8 Catholic school. 6 months later, I've taken a program that was formerly comprised mostly of black and white sketching and turned it into a colorful, multi-media art extravaganza. Okay, maybe not an extravaganza. But we have fun. I do, anyway.
When I was done scooping my melted heart off the floor, I was able to snap this cute photo of two kindergarteners exploring the school's annual art fair. Let me tell you, putting up roughly 480 pieces of art is no joke.
Working as a teacher means that I often come home happy and inspired, especially after a great day in the art room. Other days, I come home exhausted, unwilling to stand for even one more minute. And sometimes I get too sick to even go in to work. The latter two are not great for my painting practice. I lost a big chunk of time in the studio recently because I just couldn't get myself to do it. That's the thing about creativity, or at least mine anyway, I can't force it. If I do, my paintings usually end up a mess, and so do I.
But the great thing about working at a school, besides the kids, is that we get breaks. Spring break was great for me in the studio. Not only did I finish a couple of pieces that have been long in the making, but I also found out that I got into the Triton Museum of Art 2D Competition and Exhibition. 1450 pieces were submitted, and they took 120. And I'm one of them! I'm humbled, and beyond ecstatic. If you're in the Santa Clara area between April 22 and May 29, stop by the museum and check out my Fedoras painting. I haven't seen any of the other pieces in the show yet, but I'm sure they're fabulous!
These guys still aren't quite done, but they're getting there!
A commissioned piece of the patron's grandparents' house. Can you spot an early sketch of another one of my pieces in the background?