Many thanks to those who came to my open studio this past weekend.

As I wrote this sentence, it seemed inadequate to express my gratitude.  In the past few weeks, I’ve been working hard to paint, varnish, frame, label, photograph and hang new work.  Not to mention updating my website, learning to blog and Tweet.  And worrying about whether anyone would come.

I was excited to share my work.  As the artist, I’m giving something to the world, right?  As it turned out, I was on the receiving end.  The best part of the weekend was the opportunity to talk to visitors and get a lesson in the art of encouragement. Many of you minimize your contribution by saying “I’m not creative” or “I don’t know much about art”, but I’ve come to realize you possess the gift of appreciation.    The way you do it has some common characteristics:

• It’s personal. You relate to the subject matter from your own experience. Guessing where it was painted brings out stories of your travels.  The flowers were your grandmother’s favorite, or you use the same medium to create art.
• It’s emotional.  You express your feelings about the art.   “These paintings make me smile.”  “I feel relaxed when I see that beach scene. “
• It’s connecting.  You seek to understand the artist’s intent.  I heard someone say “You make me see familiar scenes in a new way.” What a wonderful understanding of my reason for painting.

I’m also grateful to my helpers…my husband who would rather be on the golf course, Jane whose enthusiasm for learning to paint has encouraged me to teach, Pat for walking companionship and never ending DIY assistance, and my parents who never miss a “recital” no matter how old their daughter is.

So thanks again to all of you who made my weekend with your comments and purchases.  If you missed the Open Studios, I hope you will take the next opportunity to visit an artist and share some appreciation.

Creativity is so delicate a flower that praise tends to make it bloom, while discouragement often nips it in the bud. Any of us will put out more and better ideas if our efforts are appreciated. (Alexander Osborn)

Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well. (Voltaire)