Grey Garden , 2014 – Michaela Harlow – Pastel on Cold Press, Deckle-Edge Paper, 20″ x 16″ 

 Yesterday afternoon, I had my annual meltdown about the diminishing daylight hours. This seasonal temper tantrum is actually a couple weeks past due. I do not like these dark mornings, but I also realize that as soon as the clocks fall back, we’ll be sacrificing the afternoon. There’s no way to win this. I accept the coming cold and snow, but natural light is key to my work; losing it makes me testy!

I spent my rainy, morning hours working outside yesterday. There are many chores to finish before winter and I’ve fallen behind. It was a productive day in the garden, but I paid the price in studio time. This piece was near finished when darkness ended my day. Growl. The grumpy artist retreats to her wood stove and pours a glass of red wine. It was 7:30am before I could start my day in the studio and complete my work. Time to rethink the schedule and create winter studio hours.

 A grey day out in the garden is even more grey inside the studio

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