Serious Summer Fun
It’s summer. “Going anywhere?” people ask.
“I’m here for most of the summer. Just one short trip.” August will be a scorcher. It usually is, and so many seek the mountains or the beach away from the city. But I’m sticking around in the quiet city streets, I’m already playing tourist, revisiting the botanical garden and zoo for sketching, and trying out new cafes. Going to the local museum exhibitions and dinners out. I like watching the tourists as I walk. Their enthusiasm for the old buildings and winding “calles” (streets), and their awe of the modern architecture and parks, helps me appreciate this city as a summer holiday destination.
And being here, I have time to retreat away from the tour groups biking past or the lines waiting for a table for “almuerzo”(lunch), and I go home to paint. Each weekend I meet with friends to paint outdoors, and alone, I sketch in museums. Twice each week, I continue with semi-intensive Spanish classes to boost my level of Spanish so I can chat more, network with local artists, and navigate the language and culture.
What, not traveling, Marti?…
What are you doing?
So this summer is all about summer fun at home, but the kind of “serious” fun that comes with creating and growing with art and my art business. The kind of fun that is about experimenting, learning, reflecting, growing, and enjoying the process. I hope you enjoy your summer and check out my art in the portfolio/links available here. Perhaps you’ll see something that sparks joy, happy memories, or new growth for you.
It’s summer. I have time to pet sit with local “mascotas”(pets). I have time to add paintings to my online portfolio for sale. I’m closing the print-on-demand shop portion and simply selling original works. Take a look at my updated portfolio, as I’m starting with watercolors and gouache pieces. I have time to write for my blog, social media, and the monthly local poetry writing open-mic night at a bookshop. I have time to illustrate a book and learn to digitally design the book.
Who needs to travel?
Summer is a time for all these art projects, but it‘s also cool nights reading fun books, strolling through the streets. Everyone comes out at night in Spain’s summers. While midday grows quiet with the heat, evenings are for gatherings, shopping, and even doctor appointments!
So this summer is all about summer fun, but the kind of “serious” fun that comes with creating and growing with art and art business. The kind of fun that is about experimenting, learning, reflecting, growing, and enjoying the process. I hope you enjoy your summer and check out my art. I hope you’ll see something that sparks joy, happy memories, or new growth for you.