I prefer to work in a studio. Three pieces in progress is ideal for me. I like to work, paint or draw, until I feel the creative flow fizzle a bit. I know that forcing the flow can ruin a piece for me, so I stop and then move on to another drawing or painting already in progress. This is the way I work best. It keeps my creative energy open for a few hours and I make a lot of progress.

And so, it stands to reason that plein air drawing or painting is not something I feel comfortable doing. But, this week I am forcing myself out of my comfort zone a little bit in an attempt to broaden my skills a bit while on vacation.

I am with my family in the obscure neighborhood of very upstate New York, not far from Erie, PA, on Chautauqua Lake. My son is immersed in a summer ballet intensive here at the Chautauqua Institution, which is an amazing private community dedicated to sustaining the world through conservation and the arts. It only makes sense that I try to tap into some of my creative energy here, surrounded by the arts, even though I am very far from my studio.

So far I've only sketched once, and I'm reminded how much I dislike plein air drawing, but it gave me the opportunity to teach my 7 year old artistic daughter how to use pastels while enjoying a picnic on the lake. This drawing is of the Chautauqua clock tower, which still maintains a live bell player every quarter, half and full hour during the day. I hear she is a friendly lady.

When it finally stops raining, I'll venture out again today for another sketch. Or maybe I'll just get out there with an umbrella. We have just two more days here in this lovely place, but if I get the hang of it, perhaps the practice of drawing out in the open will bleed into the rest of my summer plans this season.

Happy Independence Day.

May you enjoy a very happy holiday season full of love, good health and happiness.

The decorations are up, and yes they are encroaching on my art space. Crowded, yes. Busy, yes. These cons do cause in me a reluctance to paint. Yet, there always comes a moment when I decide to make something as a holiday or thank you gift for someone this time of year. And with all the imbibing (what artist doesn't work better with a drink or two or ...), there's a guarantee that I'll be painting or drawing by the fire this season. So who will be the lucky recipient of this year's 2013 holiday Susan A. Wenz original? Oh, I think I know. Stay tuned.

My art space is also the living room. I like it that way. While a dedicated separate studio would be really great, I enjoy creating during everyday activities, and in the middle of our family life. The constant exposure to creativity is good for me and my kids.

But every year, the Nutcrackers invade.

We have a strong tie to Nutcracker ballet. My 11 year old son performs in George Balanchine's The Nutcracker with the New York City Ballet. This is his third season, and we have developed quite a collection of Nutcrackers over the years!

No, my Christmas decorations are not yet down from the attic. But the Nutcrackers were specially requested today...they have been sorely missed by my 6 year twin girls during the "off season". (The Nutcrackers are adored and played with instead of baby dolls.)

And so they march in, invading my space. But, I don't mind because I can paint and draw as the kids play at my feet, and life just doesn't get any better than that