Spring has been a season of change as I take some time to explore my other artistic roots. While it’s easy for authors to feel guilty about not having a major writing project going, sometimes change is good. So, at the end of January, I flew to Mexico to take a plein air art workshop. http://www.artworkshopvacations.com
Perched at the confluence of a river and the Pacific Ocean, the village of Boca de Tomatlan was the perfect place to recharge batteries and revive my former passion – painting. The workshop was hosted by Robert Masla and Monica Levine, an American couple who offer art workshop vacations in their colorful Casa de Los Artistas.
Harbor, Boca de Tomatlan
Painting of view from balcony
Our teacher, Jim McVicker, a noted Northern California painter, did demonstrations every day, and let us find our own places and subjects to paint. It was an inspirational stay, and I met some lovely artists from all over the US and Canada. One of the painters, Fiona Potter, who also does jewelry, later send me a pendant with the image of my book cover. Thanks, Fiona!
Pendant of book cover
In addition to painting in a number of scenic locations, eating great food and enjoying the sounds of breaking waves, some of us veered off and went zip-lining for the first time – a rather breathtaking experience.
BOOK NEWS: The Coconut Latitudes continues to have “legs” in the U.S. and abroad. I’ll be doing a book reading on April 20th, 7:00p.m. at the Annapolis Bookstore, 53 Maryland Drive, Annapolis, MD. It will be a dual delight because my Maryland cousins will also be attending – the first time we’ve been together for several years. If you have friends in that area, please let them know about it!
Internationally, The Coconut Latitudes was highlighted in January by the Caribbean Books Foundation, and a short story titled “Lost in Spain” that I submitted to “Travel Stories and Highlights” was selected for their 2018 Edition. This U.K. series is edited by Robert Fear, and features writers from all over the globe.
What’s next? I’m off to Southern Sampler Artists’ Colony 2018,
Southern Sampler Artists Colony logo
a week-long “creatives’ retreat” in South Carolina. I’m looking forward to getting together again with Bren McClain, who wrote an award-winning novel, One Good Mama Bone (which I recommend highly), and other writers, artists and creative sorts to experience art and community, Southern style. Who knows what new expressions that will draw forth from us?
May your Spring be full of renewal and bloom with lots of colorful flowers!
