Discovering the Artist in Me

Late last year I scrolled through the offerings at Mabel Dodge Luhan Inn in Taos, New Mexico.  I’d been to this magical place before with the incredible Nancy Hill.  I attended Nancy’s retreats twice in this setting, and I wanted even more.

Looking at the winter workshops, this one caught my eye:  “Rejuvenate Your Creativity in the Magic of Taos!”  Yes!  I said and signed up.  The event promised new ways to access your creative voice and make it a greater part of your life.  “If you don’t think you’re creative,” it said, “you’ll have proof that you are. If you’re a writer, you’ll find a new flow…. If you’re an artist, you’ll find out how easy it is to discover words…you’ll discover new freeing techniques.” There would be daily yoga, drawing, painting and writing.

I’ve always been a writer but drawing and painting—ugh—I’ve been blocked about those since 7th grade.  I couldn’t do it and I gave up. And yet I registered.

About a week before the class, I emailed Jill Badonsky the instructor and told her I’m dreading the art portion.  She wrote back: “You’ve signed up for the right workshop.” 

I didn’t buy all of the recommended art supplies because I told myself I wouldn’t be drawing or painting in Taos or anywhere, so why bother. I had high hopes for writing, meeting inspiring women, eating delicious food at Mabel’s, and being creative. I had low expectations and anxiety about drawing and painting.

I can’t explain what happened. I drew and painted with watercolors in that February workshop. I overcame my resistance and somehow did it. It was partly Jill’s cleverness, encouragement and tools; it was somewhat the magic of Taos, and it was in part me, opening myself to this little miracle.

I’ve fallen in love with drawing and watercolor painting.  Jill also taught me how to use Snapseed and Waterlogue, two photography Apps. Here’s a little gallery on Pinterest from this beginner artist.

If you’re holding yourself back from something, be gentle with yourself. Take some deep breaths. Open up even just a little bit and give it a try.

For me, this new outlet brings me joy and greater confidence. I’ve registered for a program this summer to sketch Madeline Island’s landscapes, flora and fauna and create a botanical sketchbook. If you’d asked me about this six months ago, I’d say you were mistaken; you can’t be talking about me!

I hope this little revelation of mine inspires you to open yourself up and discover your own miracles.