January Blues
How is your new year so far, do you get a little case of the blues each
year in January?
Many people do, lack of sun and colder weather keep us inside more.
After nearly a year of semi-quarantine, mask fatigue, and the political
toxicity we've been experiencing it's no wonder some of us feel a
little down right now.
I've typically been able to avoid the January blues most years simply
by planning for upcoming events and trips, and focusing on my painting.
it's usually a great time to get after those big studio paintings I've
been wanting to do. But as you know this year is different.
Winding down my Studio/Gallery is bittersweet. I'd like to think I've
created some magic there over the last 11 years. It's been a good
place for me to grow, personally and professionally. Now I'm trying to
find homes for all my 'children'. On that note, two galleries in Jerome
have graciously reached out to offer some wall space after I leave.
Thank you Chris and Mimi, I will be in touch soon.
When I broke up with my girlfriend not that long ago, she asked me not
to be dating as it would be hard for her to see another woman's car
parked 12 feet from hers (we live next to each other as many of you
know) I promised not to do that to her and I've kept my word. I've been
supportive and generous with her since the breakup, even helping her
with some repairs on her place, because that's how my parents raised me.
Six weeks later, she has a new boyfriend. I'm trying to be happy for
her, but I have to admit it stings a little seeing him next door. This
past week I think she is taking pity on me and spending more time at
his place so I don't have to see his car next door, which I appreciate.
Loneliness sucks, and I'm doubtful of my opportunities to date while
traveling, but you never know.
I'm listing my place for sale beginning in Feb. and hopefully it will
sell quickly. (thank you for letting me vent, I know a lot of folks
have much bigger issues to deal with, and in most ways I am still very
blessed).
In other news, you may get a kick out of my first camping trip.
Camping at Kofa Natl. Refuge Xmas day
Camping at Kofa Natl. Refuge Xmas day
Image 3975121
Image 3975128
Test run...
I did a test run in my new camper Christmas week in the Kofa wildlife
refuge about an hour north of Yuma AZ. A bit spartan, yet ruggedly
beautiful.
It was a comedy of errors.
On day two, the radio crapped out, and later a secondary battery
monitor started shreaking in the middle of the night. I went back to
the dealership where they spent the better part of the day trying to
figure things out. They were finally able to re-set the monitor, and
had to admit the radio is kaput, so they're supposed to be sending me a
new one.
Back to the wilderness for a couple more days. Christmas day I checked
the batteries about mid-day, 50%. But I forgot that 50% really means
almost dead with lead acid batteries. Sure enough about 8m the lights
started to flicker. I knew immediately what that meant and I used every
last ounce of juice to retract the slide out, so I could drive on the
road in the morning. Now I was squished into a very tight space and
with no heat. I spent the night freezing my tail off. Lesson learned -
more blankets!
I have since ordered three Lithuim batteries and some solar panels,
which the camper is pre-wired for. I knew I would need to do this, I
just didn't know it would happen so soon ;-) I have a generator on
order also.
The following day I decided it was time to have some fun and go 4
wheeling and explore the area more. In a narrow wash I pulled partway
up the embankment to let someone by, and gashed the sidewall of my
right rear tire on an unseen rock. Joy. Well, at least I know the jack
works, always good to test these things right?
The next day I drove north to Quartsite, (towing with my spare tire on
the truck) where I paid to stay in an RV park so I could recharge
batteries etc. And then...the hot water heater crapped out. WTF? at
this point I had not had the camper a full week. So I spent the day
testing, and tracking down a new mother board. Luckily I found one and
got it working by mid afternoon.
The dealership has reimbursed me for the parts, but geez, Lance needs
to do some serious quality control over their suppliers. The shell
itself seems well built and once I have the bugs worked out, I think it
will serve nicely.
Between a rock and a hard place 40x30b
Between a rock and a hard place 40x30 - Available!
The painting above is featured in this new online article, it's short,
have a look here
.
_____
While it has been really really slooooow in Jerome the last month (I
believe Arizona is the #1 hotspot for Covid right now) I will be in the
gallery every Saturday for the next month, and other days by
appointment. If you're in the area stop by for some free brushes and
palette knives, as well as some other discounted art supplies,
including some easels, a drawing board and more.
I've had some wonderful collectors stop in and add to their collections
in the last month which has been a real bright spot.
Thank you Ben and Lorie, Tamara, Margaret, Kay, Bill and Sarah, Gerard,
Margie, and others...much appreciated.
Speaking of paintings, I'm now offering some of my 'Private Reserve'
pieces for sale. These are paintings I've kept in my home and enjoyed
for the last couple of years. I'll be offering a couple of them in each
new newsletter so stay tuned.
Contact me if either of these speak to you - cody@codydelong.com
Cool light in the canyon 12x9 - $300 framed
Cool light in the canyon 12x9 - $600 framed and free shipping
Barracks Canyon 6x8 $300 framed and free shipping
Barracks Canyon 6x8 $300 framed and free shipping
More 'Private Reserve' paintings to come. Stay tuned!
_____
I think we have two open spots!
I think we have two open spots!
Lastly, we've had a couple of cancellations, so I believe we have two
spots open at the moment for the final artists river trip, May 17-24.
If interested contact Megan at our outfitter and she can answer your
questions and get you registered. megan@azraft.com
_____
Stay healthy and may art bring you some peace and comfort.
~Cody
_____
As always, you can see more new works at
CodyDeLong.com
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