Do artists stay inspired all the time? Maybe some do. But my process resembles more of an ebb and flow. I have periods of great productivity followed by periods of contemplation. Below you will see the most recent palm frond painting I completed. I had been visualizing this painting for almost a year before I began it. Finally this past spring I was able to bring it into existence. The scale of it is rather large, at 3′ x 8′, and it could possibly be the most complex painting I’ve attempted.
![Tangled Up in Blue is shown. It is an acrylic painting of abstracted blue, green, and white palm fronds.](http://creativepinellas.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/tangledupinblue1-scaled.jpg)
This project took so much concentration, and over an extended time period, that when it was finally complete, I needed to step back and gain some perspective before I knew what I would work on next. Ideally, I would jump right into another painting just like it and crank these out of the studio like a factory; but, it takes time for me to generate the energy needed to produce another one of this grandeur.
So, in the meantime, while I am waiting for the energy and inspiration to regenerate, I focus on other tasks such as marketing, networking, and applying to calls for art and murals. I attend music performances and art shows, appreciating the passion and talent of others. And, I spend time and effort to exhibit work that I’ve already created.
![A dance performance, a portrait by a fiber artist, and a pastel-colored beach sunset are shown.](http://creativepinellas.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/events-scaled.jpg)
Recently, I had the opportunity to display some of my paintings at an artist “Meet and Greet.” My artist friend and colleague, Harriet Monzon-Aguirre of Bahia Studios, invited me to show alongside her at the Tides Market in Safety Harbor, Florida. Wine and charcuterie were provided to guests on a Sunday evening in early June, and together we presented our artwork in this warm and welcoming place.
![Photos from the meet and greet with artists Elizabeth Barenis and Harriet Monzon-Aguirre at The Tides market in Safety Harbor, Florida.](http://creativepinellas.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/thetides-scaled.jpg)
Certainly time spent producing artwork in the studio is of utmost importance. But also, taking a moment to reflect, appreciate others’ artistic expression, and share my existing work is a vital part of continuing to embrace and fuel the passion of creativity.
“It takes a long time for an idea to strike. Then I have to think about it for a long time. I don’t start painting until I have it all worked out in my mind. I’m all right when I get to the easel.” – Edward Hopper