Painting again...a New Start!

This is a very significant painting. Not because it is particularly very good (in fact, it's more of a "warm up sketch"). But it is the first time I have returned to oil painting in 5 years, since my wife Cathy died in 2010. Cat had been the one to get me started painting many years after I had been in college. And when we lost her, I also lost the desire to paint...it was just too painful. I participated in one Plein Aire event a month after she died, in her honor...but nothing since.

Three days ago, my daughter Jenni came for a visit.  She had planned a "dad-daughter day" together. She had told me to get my paints ready, but that's all she would say about it. So two days ago, we traveled to Summerset Ridge Vineyard and Winery near Louisburg, KS. Unknown to her, I had been to this place with Cathy many years ago. Nor did she know that I had not painted with oils since her Mom has been gone, until I told her while on the way to the winery.

I was VERY rusty, and wasn't sure how I would feel, with brush in hand. But I enjoyed it...and will definitely keep going with this. A huge thanks to all my friends and family that have been so encouraging to me. smile emoticon

Then last night, I had a fun time with my daughters, Jenni, Courtney and her boyfriend Clint Hudon. Jenni and I were talking about these classes that people take where they paint and drink wine. So she decided we should do our version of that...she called it "Brews And Hues"!! Instead of wine, she picked out a variety of beers. Jen and I hit the crafts store and I made little easels from leftover boards and saw-horse clamps. A great evening! smile emoticon (And for those who know me well...no...I didn't drink any of the brews. But could have substituted root beer or tea! Ha!)

And so...for a season...I am just going to keep painting and see what happens. Now that I am retired from working at Hallmark, I've got some flexibility to explore whatever grabs me. This morning, I set up in my backyard and painted my geraniums. I don't usually paint flowers, but I couldn't pass up these awesome red blooms.