Zion 2022

It's been a busy fall. Between regular family scheduling and an extra-packed art event lineup the last couple months, it feels like I haven't had much time to breathe. I enjoy being busy, but only if that busyness is balanced with a good dose of time for quiet, solitude and creativity.

Last week's painting retreat in Zion was just what I needed to refresh my outlook and recharge my batteries. It was inredible to be surrounded by accomplished and interesting artists from around the world, while painting the breathtaking scenery of Zion National Park. 

Each night we cooked a big family style meal and talked over dinner. A couple of times, even though the night air was chilly, I braved the pool and swam under a canopy of stars!

One of my favorite memories from the trip was waking up before dawn to hike to a lookout point and watch the sun rise. I love hiking, and the majesty of those moments is something I will never forget.

It took me 7 hours to drive home in a snowstorm (instead of the usual 3.5)... How fortunate were we that the weather was perfect until the last day?

Waiting out the snowstorm at a cute little coffee shop in Cedar City :)

And now it's back to flannel shirt season (How did it go from 80 degrees one day to snowing the next day!?), and trying to keep up the artistic momentum of the trip. One thing that became clear to me throughout this experience is that I need to spend a lot more time painting from life than I currently do, even if that means I'm the only model available. Nothing makes me feel more present and alive <3