18x24

This is a painting I did about two years ago using translucent color.  It was one of my many experiments in oil paint and I was pleased with the result.  Since then I've gone in many different directions but have always meant to explore this area more.  Well, this is the year I intend to do just that.  It just feels right.  

The only thing is ... I'm having a hard time getting inspired right now.  I know that after the holidays, the blahs can set in.  But this year life hit us a curveball.  Our dear friend, John Failla, died suddenly of a heart attack on January 3rd.  It was one of those, oh God, moments.  My husband worked closely with him for the last two years (even though they had been friends since their teen years) and his days were filled with funny stories and laughter.  I hate to be so depressing, but I really want to know what people do when life throws you a curveball.

Things like this happen to people everyday and I would love to know how it affects your art.  Do you paint through the pain?  

I've been doing some small studies using translucent color of some small landscapes and will be posting them soon.  In the meantime, I would love to know what other artists do when life throws you a curveball.