Attitude of Gratitude

New Creative Rituals

In a recent post (Limitless Resources) I shared my collection, some would say minor obsession, of notebooks. All sorts and sizes, completely unrelated to my watercolor painting.

Since then, I decided to start putting those beautiful books to use. In early April, I started writing morning pages - inspired by Julia Cameron’s book “The Artist’s Way.” Simply put, I spend about twenty minutes each morning journaling whatever pops into my head.

My well worn copy of “The Artist’s Way.” I have had the book for over a decade but never actually read it cover to cover - and had put up roadblocks to the daily morning pages.

At first the whole idea was uncomfortable. Not being a creative writer, or having had a personal journal, I struggled in the beginning with expectations. I wanted the words to be meaningful and poetic … but what was coming out of my head was clunky, perfunctory and kind-of mean. To-do lists and ideas for lunch turned into office gossip or people I have decided I don’t like. This did not seem productive OR creative.

But I kept going.

Then a little shift happened after about a week, and I started writing about painting and watercolor journals. Through the morning pages I made the connection that around this time last year I had started posting to Substack Notes, a visual journey of one painting a day (to read about that adventure check out “The Good, Bad and Super Ugly”). So I grabbed one of my watercolor journals and made a renewed commitment to paint in it and share daily entries.

My days are now bookended - morning pages and evening painting.

In only a few weeks the writing has become a welcome resource. Instead of an account of my day or a collection of tasks, it has become a catalogue of observations and a recording of creative ideas. And my painting has been exploratory and relaxed.

My partner-in-life,

Adam Rockwell

, started morning pages about a week after me. I think mostly because he didn’t want to drink coffee and watch me write. Not sure he is as enamored with it as I am. I am also not sure if I will keep writing at the end of twelve weeks … but for now it is way more interesting than I had anticipated it being.

---

Bits and Bobs

Thanks to the generosity of paid subscribers, I was able to get some fun organizing bits and bobs for my studio. I thought it would be fun to share in case someone is looking for a similar solution to manage their art chaos. These new supplies have also been critical to cat proofing my area from our kitten, Fluffles, who recently took a keen interest in art.

MEEDEN Pro Beech Wood Portable Storage Box (stackable, I have two). Amazing to have my art supplies so accessible, I have been using things so much more!!

I also recently “ leveled up” my paint collection and needed a new way to store my palettes so they are available when I need them, and not tucked out of sight.

Ikea HARVMATTA letter tray. Each little shelf pulls out for easy retrieval/storage of my pallets. This is also now conveniently placed next to my desk so I don’t have to go digging for the palette I want.

Everything has been working out wonderfully. With one exception.

Before I realized how much Fluffles was drawn to my brushes, I had ordered a beautiful handcrafted brush holder off Etsy. Between the time I hit order, and the several weeks before it arrived, Fluffles began stealing my brushes and hiding them around the house. This was concerning. As many of you know, brushes are not cheap and you want to keep your favorites safe and close by.

When the brush display arrived it was perfect (for Fluffles to get all of the brushes she ever wanted). So I made a tough decision to move my tools into something a little more secure … my solarium.

The brush holder came from GrainWoods on Etsy. At the time of purchase it was the perfect option for holding and displaying my brushes. Unfortunately, Fluffles is a little thief, so I had to come up with a Plan B. The herbs are now unprotected on the kitchen windowsill, but the brushes are safe.

Now my space is 98% percent kitten proof. I even have a lid for my water container!

---

Inspiring Artists & Authors

Francesca Bossert

just published a collection of poems “Illicit Croissants at Dawn” and the cover art was designed by her daughter. This book is soul food.

Davin Trail-Risk

compiled some of his work into a book “Imaginary Landscapes” and he also wrote a how-to for those of you interested in doing something similar. His paintings are inspirational.

Monette Satterfield

released her “Dark of the Moon” collection through Kickstarter. This is the second Kickstarter of Monica’s that I have supported, her art is so expressive and energetic.

---

Studio Updates

I finished up some commissions in April, and am now taking a break from that to focus on studio art. Primarily I am a landscape painter, but I also love flowers. My website (klrockwell.com) has several original flower paintings featured. Below are a couple of my personal favorites that are still available.