Getting Back to Basics

Found and Ground, p 92

Happy 2026 Everyone! It feels like we just celebrated the new year 5 minutes ago, and we’re into the last week of January already… The year has started at a sprint, with lots of fun and exciting things coming up. We had a fabulous opening to the NAWAFL (National Association of Women Artists, Florida Chapter) exhibit, Journey Through My Imagination, at the Morean Art Center in St. Pete. If you are in the area and have some time, it’s an excellent show - I am honored to be in an exhibition with such talented women. The show runs through March 26th. March 26th also happens to be the date of the NAWAFL Annual Member show opening reception at the Herrig Center for the Arts in Bradenton, FL (5pm to 7pm). I’ve heard it’s a beautiful venue, and am looking forward to seeing it! If you are interested in doing more than just look at art, come join me on April 13th & 14th for a two day encaustic workshop (Wonderous Waxy Textures) at the Tampa Museum of Art! I don’t know about you, but I’m already feeling like I need a pick me up, and there is nothing like getting creative - and getting your hands dirty - for feeding your soul!

The new fun thing I’m into these days are two new books I found: Drawn from the Wild and Found and Ground, both by Caroline Ross. Caroline is an artist who forages her own drawing and painting materials and teaches you how to do the same - not only from nature, but even stuff from your junk kitchen drawer! I did get some things from my kitchen drawers already, and am looking forward to adding to my finds. For one of my summer projects, I’d like to make my own encaustic paints made with foraged pigments from the Tampa Bay area. I’m excited to see what kind of color palette I end up with. It’s really amazing how many colors you can find in nature!!

Enjoy this sweater weather!

Gina