​Last year, I picked "JOY" as my word for 2015. (You can read about it here and here.) Now it is January again I have been looking for the right word for 2016. The year I am feeling the dark and cold of winter. The words that come to mind are things like "comfort", "cocooning" and "cocoa". I'm a little embarrassed by these words. As a facilitator who helps people be big and break the rules, I should pick a word that reflects big aspirations for 2016. But the truth is that the big, sparkly, fertile words aren't resonating. 

As I struggled to find the perfect word, I gradually recognized that my inner critic had taken over the process. (The word "should" is usually clue that the critic is in charge.) If this word search was a painting, I would know what to do. Recognize and honor all the desires of this moment. Paint the part that wants to be small and safe and then paint the part that wants to be big and bold and risky. They are all me.

And then I found my answer, not in a word but in an image. The image of the flame. Or rather a kaleidoscope of images, ranging from the small flame of a candle, the comforting flame of a camp fire and the ranging fire of a supernova.

Have you found your inspiration for the new year? If not, maybe it will make itself known in your next painting. 

Happy 2016!

​Gratitude 
I have been leading process painting workshops since 2012. Almost one hundred different people have painted with me. (97 to be exact!) Some came just once, but many of you have returned again and again.

I appreciate all of you and the opportunity to be part of your painting process. I love watching when you take me up on the invitation to be big, be messy, have fun and break the rules. Watching those magical moments is a pleasure that never gets old. Thank you. 

It is also a moving experience to be with someone when they are painting deep and complicated feelings. It is not easy, especially in a room full of other painters. If this is you, I am grateful for your trust and your willingness to be true to yourself.

And for those of you who have not yet attended a process painting workshop, thank you for your interest. It is nice to know that there are people that I have not even met who are curious about what I am doing and interested enough to read this far into the newsletter.

Happy Thanksgiving! I look forward to painting with all of you in 2016.