After yesterday’s cubist self portrait, I figured I’d try my hand at a still life. Since pears are my go to subject when experimenting, I knew exactly what I wanted to paint. And I thought it would be funny if I started eating the pear before getting to the last view.

My family’s reaction to yesterday’s self portrait was a mixed bag. My youngest hated it, which I predicted. My oldest thought it was cool. And my husband and older son were both noncommittal. My mom though, thought it was good and recognized that it was of me, so that was cool.

I’m not sure that I’ll use all these as entries for the My Masterpiece show. I’m having fun experimenting and will wait until closer to the deadline before deciding which will make the cut.

As we are approaching the end of August I am finding that this year I’m not as anxious to get to the next season. Usually by this time I’m scouring the tree lines looking for hints of gold and orange, and my paintings are all of changing colors and falling leaves. Other than the Halloween pottery pieces which demand forethought due to their turnaround time, I’m feeling pretty content to just enjoy the late summer vibes.

What are your favorite things about late summer; how may you let them influence and inspire your creativity today?