Winter is beginning to loosen its grasp so the world feels like it’s opening back up again.
Here is a sampling of the out-and-about arty goodness that’s captured my eye and consumed my interest since my last post.
My life drawing group
Siouxsie ©2026 Elizabeth Fram, Watercolor, 11.75 x 16.5 I am regularly asked about the sketchbook I use during our drawing sessions. It’s the largest one I could find — a Moleskine hardcover with watercolor paper. It only comes with cold press paper, which is a bit of a disappointment as I prefer hot press, but considering this is the second one I’ve bought, I happily recommend it.
Playing in the studio, thinking about pattern
For example, this
became this (in detail). It’s nothing to write home about, but offered lots of micro discoveries along the way.
Working small (this one is 6″ x 5″) allows me to unearth valuable insights and to make mistakes without too much investment. I can then carry what I learn on to the next one.
Jug & Vase ©2026 Elizabeth Fram, Gouache, 7.75″ x 5″ Not addressing stitching yet, but there’s a lot about this that I love: the looseness, the luxuriousness of the paint, the cropped design. That said, it’s just one more step on my road, not a destination. I still don’t know what’s waiting around the corner.
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Leo Twiggs
My friend, photographer & quilt artist Roz Daniels, recommended I look up the artist Leo Twiggs in light of a separate discussion we were having. I found a wonderful documentary called “Arriving: Leo Twiggs and his Art”. In light of my explorations with pattern above, his wisdom is exactly what I need to hear at this particular juncture. Here’s a brief quote:
“Art is a journey and it’s an adventure. And you don’t really know where you’re going. There’s no navigation…you have to find your way…What you do is arrive at places…you can’t go there. You have to arrive there.”
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Lots of new exhibitions have opened and it’s been a treat to see some of them in person. A few highlights from each show:
You’re An Animal
Sculptures by Jennifer McCandless
Soapbox Arts, March 12 – April 25
Modern Romance © Jennifer McCandless, Ceramic, 17.5 x 9.5 x 9.5 photo: from Soapbox Arts website
The Work of Paper: Juried Show 2026
Edgewater Gallery, February 28 – March 28
Leaving Behind ©2021 Ania Gilmore, Hand-written letters exchanged between family members separated by continents, are woven into a five-meter tapestry-like memoir.
Leaving Behind, detail, Ania Gilmore
Brimming: Mary Hill and Betsy Chapek
Studio Place Arts, Second floor gallery, March 11 – April 18
Pip © 2025 Mary Hill, Acrylic, Mixed Media
Book Lab: Collaborations
Studio Place Arts, Third floor gallery March 11 – April 18
The Conference of Birds ©2025 Marcia Vogler, Mixed Media
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And lastly
Dense with indispensable information. I am slowly making my way through this library book. It’s so good that I’ll likely add it to my Kindle library.
And now I have to ask – what is Spring bringing to your neck of the woods?
Before I forget, I will be away from my desk for a bit in the coming weeks, so my next post will be April 23rd. Until then.