February reading list, and other inspiration

I don't know about you, but I'm going to be sure to enjoy the extra day we are getting this month. Because, wow, it was action packed around here. Four new paintings for the 50 Painting Project, a new class on the calendar, commissions, the start of a new collection,  and I committed to two new intensive art and business classes over the next three months. Whew. 

And, as I've mentioned before, I love to read. I love reading art books to gain new skills, to get inspired, and just to get in the groove while I am painting (audio books for the latter). I also love business/self help books, and someday, novels again. I would love any book recommendations you have! My February reading list included the books listed below.

• Just Kids, by Patti Smith

  • Ah, where to even start. I think the best part about Patti Smith books is listening to her read them. I had this book on during most of my painting sessions this month. And when it ended, I immediately started in on the next.

• M Train, by Patti Smith

  • This one hurt my heart, but also didn’t. If that makes sense.

• Fascinate, by Sally Hogshead

  • A loud business book— I would call it interesting, more than fascinating.

• Hashtag Authentic, by Sara Tasker

  • A gift. This is not a book I would have picked for myself. But I really liked it. The aesthetic, the interesting writing prompts, and the reminder to be yourself (not just your internet self), made for a very pleasant read

• Share your Work, by Austin Kleon

  • Apparently, if you don’t share your work, no one will know it’s out there. Simple enough to understand, but challenging to implement. I’m working on this, and the book has some good zingers to keep me laughing, just enough.

A Trip to the Museum

Inspiration, Fireflies on the Water
Diving into a full-time art business is definitely what dreams are made of. And. Having a home-based business makes it really hard to call it day sometimes. After three months of intensive planning--and working--I needed to take a breath. So last weekend John and I went on a luxurious, full-day adventure to Toledo, Ohio.

And it was pure magic.

No, seriously. We went to the Toledo Museum of art, and my heart melted. We had the most beautiful, filling day, and we only had to drive for an hour to get there. The impetus for getting to the museum now (and not "sometime") was Yayoi Kusama: Fireflies on the Water, and an incredible 60 second, solo experience. 

My moment alone with Fireflies on the Water