I haven’t done any sort of art since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, art journal or otherwise, until today. Why? In part, I just haven’t felt like it/been inspired to. And in reading comments by some other artists, I know that I’m not alone.

There’s no end in sight for this pandemic, and no real idea about when we’ll get back to normal. But more and more, I’ve had the urge to paint. Because I’m immune compromised I’m mostly staying at home, and on my occasional car rides I find myself eagerly taking everything in, sometimes taking photos. And I found myself once again feeling inspired to try to capture what I saw on paper or canvas.

So I finally picked up a brush again. This barn is at Belle Isle State Park in Lancaster County, Virginia, where I went a couple of weeks ago to meet a friend I hadn’t seen in months, to do a socially distanced hike. It was great to get out, see my friend, and to take in the green fields and the sparkle of sunlight on the Rappahannock River. Here’s my photo of the barn:

My quick little (4 x 4 inches) watercolor painting is rough–after all, I haven’t painted in six months. And it’s only supposed to be a quick little sketch. But it’s not as bad as I thought it would be.

I’m glad that I picked up that brush, and I’ll do it again soon. After all, practice makes perfect…well, better anyway. I hope.

I’ve come to realize that, for me, painting is a way to take back part of my life that I’d let go of because of things beyond my control. It’s important for all of us to find ways to hang onto those things that matter to us, even when times are tough.

Especially when times are tough.