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Well, that certainly was a stressful fall for all of us. Isn’t it wonderful that winter is about to settle in on our lives. Sure the Holidays are stressful too, but let's lace them with lots of peace, love and joy.

As an artist, I long for this time of year.... winter. It is a precious time for me to turn inward and focus time on my painting more that any other time of the year. Winter = my time in my studio. Winter also means quiet and peace. We live in a very quiet corner of Bozeman, Montana and in the winter it is even quieter. Our windows are closed, most of the birds (except for our neighborhood flock of turkeys) have flown south so even their sweet chirping is missing. Now, the snow falls quietly laying a beautiful blanket of sparkling clean white stillness. Ahhhhh, I just love this time of year. 

Under the Junipers 9 x 12 oil by Susan Blackwood OPA AIS

When I paint snow, I keep in mind that it is made up of trillions and trillions of tiny shiny mirrors called snowflakes. Snow reflects many colors. So, instead of painting snow in shades of gray, my snow is full of light blues, pinks, golds, lavenders, oranges and greens. Next time you are in snow, look carefully and you will see the many colors, too. 

If you are in the Bozeman area, stop by and see our Holiday Show and Sale

December 2 -  5 pm to 9 pm, 

weekend afternoons - December 3, 4, 10 and 11 - noon to 5 pm.  

Warm hugs and bold brush strokes,

Susan

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Ya Want Some More Hugs?

Animals, at least my animals, give unconditional hugs. That quality to love is universal in many pets, so that is why I love to paint it. I want my work to point to the joys and peace and positive aspects of our lives. Giving and getting hugs from my pets is just one of the many things I love to paint. Yes, these paintings tell stories, yes, they are even “cute” once in awhile, but yes, they always are a joy for me to paint.

This painting is of a special teenager that was in my life years ago. Like many teenagers, he was struggling with the way his life was being twisted and turned. My wonderful golden retriever, Pente, was a terrific source of love and comfort for this young man. In the mornings, Pente would often gently climb up into the boy's bed. Then, this worried teen would bury his fingers into Pente's long fur and Pente would lean into the boy's sad hugs.  Pente knew how to hug back. 

And here is the rest of the story. This young boy is now an successful adult. He has a wonderful life, career and family. The stories and love of Pente, the dog, are being passed down to his children. 

Big Hugs,

Susan

Click here for more about my new teaching video

So, the summer has faded to fall and now the fall is quickly slipping into winter, at least it is up here in Montana. Snow is coming in a few days and this time it will stay on the ground. 

I love my career; I love all the traveling that I do, all the workshops that I teach and all the wonderful people that I meet. But I have a confession….

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this time of year because my traveling stops. The National Shows stop for 4 months and my teaching workshop schedule pauses to make room for the Holidays. This year, I might even have 6 months of studio time! I love it!

During this time of year I plan and paint big major paintings. In reality, my head has been swimming with ideas all year. Now I can roll up my sleeves and get to work.

My big blank canvases are leaning against the wall. They have been watching me, waiting for me, like soldiers smoking their last cigarette before the General (that would be me) calls them into action and they charge into battle! (Actually I don’t let my canvases smoke, but you get the idea). When my suitcase is emptied, my easel becomes my focus and my passion. My hugs to the world are stroked onto my canvases.

So, get back to your passions! That is what I am doing!

Big first, I want to send you all big hugs,

Susan Blackwood OPA AIS

Click here for more about my new teaching video

So, here we are November 8th is the big day, big election. The Big Recession has had all of us on the edge for years and is sliding into the past. No matter what side of each issues you are on, you are worried. It is still an uncertain time.

A dear friend of our's, Craig, wrote to us about this very issue. You know what he said ( Not sure if this is his original quote, but it could be… ) and I quote “ Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning how to dance in the rain”. Wisdom for sure! What a great message for me and for all of us!

Do what you love, do it now! If it is painting, paint. If it is hiking, hike. If it is anything that is your passion,  DO IT NOW! AND DO IT WITH ALL THE LOVE IN YOUR HEART! For me, that is painting.  And so, my vote is in, my heart is now free to fly into the highest places and soar. That is what our individual lives are all about, that is what gives us joy, so let's all go and do that! The world will keep turning whether or not the outcome of this election is what you expected, hoped or prayed for. We will survive. Our job is to bring joy to the world by leaning into our own passion that brings us joy!

Be sure to Vote, then go out there and “dance “!

"Taking Flight" by Susan Blackwood

10x8 Oil

Available at Highlands Art Gallery

Click here for more about my new teaching video