Happy New Year!

Sometimes in winter the cold is so biting that one says, It is too cold; what do I care if a summer will follow, the evil far surpasses the good. But with or without our permission, an end to the bitter frost comes at last, and on a certain morning the wind has turned and we have a thaw.

Comparing the state of the weather to our state of mind and circumstances -- subject to changes and variety like the weather -- I still have some hope of a change for the better. . . . 

---Vincent

A warm, happy, fulfilling, and bountiful New Year to all my friends and family.

This morning

Today's winter colors are muted, softened. Clouds are violet in the distance, yet they hang not there but in my head. And for the rest of the day I'm so very cold.

Yes, It's Winter

Looking out over the mountains this morning, the distant sky was darkly violet.  Warm gray clouds covered me with stillness. Animals moved slowly, contemplating their feeble lives or wondering "What's for breakfast?" Winter scenes will be my subject this day. Is my palette up to the subtle colors needed for the subdued muted grays of winter?

San Miguel de Allende sketches

Just got back from Mexico. I traveled to San Miguel de Allende and taught a drawing class at El Charco del Ingenio, the botanical gardens. San Miguel is a beautiful town of colorful colonial architecture and cobblestoned streets. Everything is beautifully and lovingly preserved by the local people. I spent my free time between classes sketching throughout the town. Here are some of the watercolor sketches.