On Island Time, Mon

I spent the first part of February this year in the beautiful St. John in the US Virgin Islands. My sister and bro-in-law own an amazing home there so I’m lucky that I had such beautiful accomodations in a place that abounds with so much natural beauty.

I came back from that trip with tons of inspiration. It came at great time too. I was just finishing up my Trees and Forest Collection and was looking for another theme. Island Life it is!

My first painting once I got back used the photo below for inspiration. We had hiked down a long steep trail that was a MFer to get back up - and I think I’m shape walking up and down the hills in Mt. Lebanon - ha! I can’t complain though since I love forests and this island is about 60% national park with lots of trails so to me, it has the best of both worlds.

This is at the Reef Bay Sugar Mill Ruins after hiking down the Reef Bay Trail

I stayed in one of the four King suites on the property and this suite had three rooms - bedroom, bath and dressing room. So great. I became enchanted with my view just outside the french doors of the bedroom and especially with this humungous aloe plant. I couldn’t stop looking at it. It’s the next painting from there I’m working on.

The living area and kitchen behind me here and all with doors that open for open air living - this was our daily coffee and beer spot - not bad, huh?

The Forest meets the Sea - my kind of beach!

Oil on Canvas 24 x 30

Gotta love aqua water - this was from a day on a boat where we went snorkeling

View from my bedroom - ahhhhhh

“My” Aloe plant - I was communing with this plant all week

Hansen Bay Beach - a private beach not far from the house and open to the public

The view looking left from the house (Coral Cove)

The funny thing is that I didn’t paint at all when I was in St. John. I just wanted to soak up the vibes and come back energized. Plus I wanted to enjoy time with my family too. Some of the most productive time is when we’re not “doing” anything. I’ve learned that.

I’ve also learned (or should I say, trained myself) to just go with the flow and do what feels right at the time. Actually, when I came back, I was longing to do some sewing so I actually spent a few weeks doing that before I pulled out my paint brushes. I love having the two creative endeavors to go between. Combining my art with textiles is in my future somewhere but I’m letting it percolate for right now.

Until next time, Happy Spring! See ya soon!

Love,

Kim