Finding a new subject to paint seems more difficult than it should be. There are multiple possibilities that provide potential for a great paintings.  Choosing  a subject at a given time depends on several variables.  My mood,  interests,  purpose,  location, feelings,capability,medium etc. all come in to play. Taking a class makes the decision a bit easier  as the subject is often chosen for me.  Left to my own choosing, probably my feelings and emotions move my final decision.  I have so many amazing photos that I would love to paint. Some would make better watercolor paintings, some better pastel or oil ( which I still need to learn!) I am now learning water color, so I can render certain scenes more effectively  ( I tell myself that anyway) . It's so much fun to experiment with all the different mediums and papers. Sometimes I just  buy paper.  I love under-paintings as well.  All different textures and colors.  I have paintings that remain in under-painting status.......maybe they are finished!

I noticed that on a particularly stressed day, I will interpret a serene, calm scene in a more active stormy manner.  The quiet still life in progress on my easel should not be touched ( I've learned)  until the stress of the day is released in a loose more abstract manner! . Consequently, I have at least 2  paintings going at once!. There are times in my life where I don't pick up a brush  for months.  Life events can be distracting and time consuming, and sometimes decrease my creative energy.  Wouldn't it be nice to escape to the the South of France to spark creativity in the slow times?

I love to paint with other people.  The classes provide structure, new tools, new ideas and conversation with others.  Some artists spend countless hours alone in studios, and  I confess I often dream of being able to do this some day!  For now, I will grab every opportunity I can.