It finally happened. It fiiiiinally happened...I went out to paint. I spent some quality time with my painting tools and myself. It was nice. I forgot how nice it can be to stand for hours in the same spot, in solitude (not counting the curious passersby here). To slow down and breathe. To really look.

Sometimes, I paint fast. I become hyper-alert and decisive and just slap it on. But this time, I was in the mood for some observation and for slow pen lines. I felt refreshed, even though I got very little sleep the night before. In short, I want more!

Maybe I will do the Plein Air at the (California State) Fair this year, now that I'm in Sacramento and all. I did one at the county fair a couple of years ago and it was fun (albeit not very competitive). I even got a first place ribbon and a symbolic monetary award, which almost covered my entry and parking fees.