Thanks to inspiration from my former student Shelby, who received the top image on this page, I started drawing again and using watercolor as well. I think I might be on this kick for a while. It is especially fun to post progress images on social media and receive feedback from family and friends. I have even had a purchase request, which is also flattering.
I am often asked about what I am working on during the school year, like I have ALL of this other time to create my own art in the midst of prepping lessons, grading papers, writing assessments, and preparing work for shows, competitions, and other exhibitions. I have the "I don't have time for that" excuse, but I do not have a lot of time during the school year to really think about what I want to make because my obligation and duty is to my students and helping them figure out what it is they would like to make and say in their work.
I love my job and really cannot imagine being better at anything else than teaching students how to create images in interesting ways, but I also am very thankful for Summer and being able to take advantage of this time to create on my own.