4/12/12: Spring Break inspired me to create texture and color in new ways. We took a trip to the coast and the children awakened my eyes to the beautiful colors and textures of tide pools, surf and sand. Amazing how some time with children can put your own creativity into hyperdrive! As soon as we came home there were so many new ideas in my head. I see several projects in my mind’s eye that seem brighter and more engaging than ever before. In this picture, my daughter and I are showing off the experiments of the last two weeks. We played with stamping and stenciling with acrylic and the use of gel mediums. This “art play” will strengthen the compositions of spring and summer by giving me the confidence to tackle my painting ideas – and involve my kids in the creation!