Silver Linings Sketchbook

Many people are struggling during this quarantine. It's not surprising....Some don't like being stuck in close quarters, even with those they love. Others are out of work and anxious. still others are just bored with the routine of it all. I have to say that I feel blessed because I have not experienced those feelings, other than the fact that the sun is out, and it feels like summer. Who wants to be stuck in one place all summer? Hopefully we won't have to be. My point in this is that with all of the negative feelings about this quarantine, I have had some blessings bestowed upon me. I do tend to be a "glass half full" person, who tries to see the upside in most situations.

My two big art-related blessings are

1. My Daily Bird Painting fundraiser. Just over a month ago, I started painting birds on 4 x 4 canvases....one every day. (actually sometimes more). I offered them for sale for $15 each, with a pledge to donate

proceeds to the San Diego Food Bank. The birds are fun to paint, and most artists know tha

t painting every day, improves our overall painting technique. Practice, practice, practice! The birds have been a great success. I have sold close to 30. And I have received several special orders too. It has been a great way for me to get my art in front of other people, who will hopefully spread the word. And a great way to help a deserving organization.

3. Zoom (or teleconferencing in general). The first time I became aware of its usefulness was when our family got together with some other families and played trivia games. When all this started, we wondered how long it would be before we could socialize again, and this Zoom experience allowed us to feel like we weren't all that far apart.

The greatest Zoom benefitI I have received was finding out that my two favorite art teachers from Key West are offering courses over via teleconference! Mike Rooney and I had a private lesson yesterday over Zoom....just like old times. Maggie Ruley held a workshop today on Facebook Live. A slightly different arrangement, but the information is conveyed well over either platform. The whole idea that I can take classes from anyone, regardless of where they are based, is just phenomenal. I am seeing all kinds of opportunities presenting themselves. And I feel like I am going to improve my craft substantially due to this new communication dimension.

So when I get bummed out that I cannot go out to a concert or a nightclub with my husband, or a pool party at a friends, I remind myself of all that I AM grateful for. Those blessings are the silver linings in an otherwise frustrating situation. Cheers!