On Saturday, another painter from my art crit group headed to Horseneck beach to paint on location.  I haven't painted outdoors since 1996.  That is, other than a day or two last fall in Provincetown.  But that doesn't really count because I was painting from the deck of where I was staying.

I love painting outdoors but had stopped because I tend to get freaked out and nervous when people watch or ask questions.  I freeze and it becomes difficult to paint.  I wish I could be at ease when I work outdoors.  I fully understand the curiosity and would love to encourage conversation and questions.  But it's tough for me to do while I'm painting.

Here are a couple shots of Horseneck beach.

Yesterday I was super-excited to paint. I hadn't felt that in months and instead have been pushing myself into the studio. Although I've had happy moments while painting, I haven't felt that exuberant drive since last February and was silently worrying about whether I really was a painter.

I know that the timing lined up with needing to get serious about finding work, and then moving to a new apartment.  I know that stress can affect my drive to paint.  But, I also do believe, as a Mentor once told me...it's been winter in my garden. Everything is cyclical.

Also, I think my time at the ocean on Sunday helped.   It's an important part of my self-care.

Yesterday after work, I walked home and didn't even stop to grab food but went right into the studio.   It felt SO good.

Photo from Sunday at the beach.

bI've been searching for a good beach so I can go for very long walks.  Last weekend I hit Narragansett and it was nice, but wasn't quite what I was looking for.   Over the summer, I've hit various beaches and realized that for playing in the water, Scarborough was my favorite.

One beach I'd yet to step on, although would hit the beach next to it, was Horseneck Beach.   Yesterday I finally checked it out.  It's exactly what I've been seeking for out of season beach going.  

It's a vast beach so I can easily do a 2 hour walk.   There are lots of waves so it feels like the wild New England ocean, not the bay.  It has dunes.   There are tidal marshes before the beach (which brought tears to my eyes when I saw them).  And it's only a 1/2 hour from home.   When I used to live on the NH coast, I used to drive to Ogunquit on Sunday afternoons to walk the massive beach.  And since I've returned to New England, I've really been missing that experience.   So I'm thrilled that I found the perfect beach. 

It's been like a Goldilocks experience.

I can't believe so much time has passed since my last entry.  Not only have I been busy, but quite consumed.   Job hunting is rough in this economy...and I've noticed it's been sapping my emotional strength.  So much so, that I have to force myself into the studio each week.

I began a new painting this weekend and here is a first capture.  Still in progress.  From "Beach" series.  acrylic on canvas.  22"x28"