When my son Seth was about 13 years old he complained of pain in his shins, “Mom!” he said, “My legs hurt so much. Is there something wrong?” 

I told him I knew exactly what was happening. “You are growing, Seth. Unfortunately, your legs are going to hurt for a while. But if you eat healthy food and get lots of extra sleep, at the end of the summer you will probably be 6 or 8 inches taller.” 

As I spoke, he grimaced but by the time he realized he was going to grow, he wasn’t as worried about the shin pain. He was excited to get good nutrition and good sleep and wake up with a chance of being taller than his cousin Trevor. Seth is now 6’1”. 

Every kind of growth spurt follows this same pattern and I’m going through one myself right now. One of the people I love the most, my sister Ray, is significantly ill with cancer. She is bravely facing her treatment and has a loving circle of family and friends. Still, I did not anticipate how my concern and care for her would strangle my creative energy. Learning how to be myself, a creative being, within the new world we are navigating as a family has been very painful. After several attempts to maintain my original goals for 2022, I found myself simply unable to do so. I have to admit I began to add panic on top of an already worrisome situation. I knew it would not help, so I spent a few days soul searching to listen to my deepest guide within myself to know what to do. 

Like a soft light beginning to shine, I heard the sounds of comforting words and assurance. I understood that I am so blessed to have the kind of job that I do. I began to feel a sense of relief knowing that I can craft my life to accommodate this new reality and I wouldn’t have to abandon myself, my painting or my business or my sister in her time of need. I would simply have to adapt. No. I get to adapt. 

First, I lifted my eyes to the skies and found a little help. For years I have collected images of the skies, clouds, storms, sunsets and sunrises. I had always hoped to paint them someday but believe it or not, I thought they would be more difficult than figures and portraits so I had only painted a couple over the years and usually within the structure of a figurative work. I’m so happy to discover that painting the skies as the subject is extremely comforting. I should have known it, as one of my great friends, Cyndy Carstens has painted skies for this exact reason for decades. To have her encouragement, wisdom and understanding is a wonderful gift.  

"Rachael's Sky" 12x12 Sold

Next, I invited my beloved sister into my studio with me. Turns out she has also been collecting images of skies and has a treasure trove. She gently reclines on the sofa and instructs me to, “Make that part bluer.”and “That part should be more to the left.” I chuckle and agree with every suggestion she makes. Having her beside me while I work and while she battles cancer is a privilege. She has even begun her own first landscape, which is truly gorgeous. Rachael is the artist and I am now the one on the couch gently suggesting changes. 

"Middle of Nowhere" 20x30 Sold

Lastly, I have accepted that there are exceptions. Life is a cycle with waves of changes…some seen and some unforeseen. I have accepted this unforeseen fissure in my usually unflappable plans as an opportunity for growth. I am relishing my time with my sister, my experiments with skies and my break from the more complex figurative and portrait work I had planned for 2022. I have also reduced my teaching schedule and travel schedule. I didn’t make it to Alabama or Oklahoma this year. But Adam and I leave for Alaska next week and for Ireland, Essex and Yorkshire to teach at Rosemary & Co. Brushes in September.

Expect to see all kinds of skies from the easel for the next few months. Though some may be cloudy and other’s clear, they will all be under the new “Rachael’s Skies” series. There are a few collectors who have asked to see the sky paintings before they are made public. Email me if you would like to view the available skies before they are put on sale via social media.

And as always, thank you for your encouragement and support. 

Tina