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I recently challenged my newsletter subscribers with an offer they couldn't refuse. I wanted to be able to give them something to smile about during this time of Covid and the fear and isolation that it's generating. I asked if they would like to send me a photo of something that makes them smile so they can see what it would look like as a work of art. That newsletter soon turned into what I called The Smile Project.

Eleven people responded with images of things that make them smile, and I, in turn, attempted to paint each of those images in one hour or less. My thought process was that I needed something to kick-start my motivation, and to practice painting lightly and loosely. The last thing I wanted was to agonize over the process. It also gave me a chance to try some new techniques. The results were astounding! I used bigger brushes, for the most part, and focused on painting shapes, not "things." If you look closely, there are shapes to be found in everything, even an eyeball. By concentrating on finding the shapes, the small paintings turned into jigsaw puzzles that took form as the pieces were connected.

This Friday, November 27, at 6pm Mountain Standard Time, I'll be drawing a name from those who submitted an image to the Smile Project. That person will win their painting! And because this was done in an attempt to bring smiles to all of us, the remaining paintings will be available for purchase at a drastically reduced price, just to be able to pay some of my expenses. I'll privately email those who participated after the drawing with details on how to purchase their painting and with a digital image that they can use as they wish. You can view all of the paintings in The Smile Project from the link on my home page: www.kathleeneatonart.com. (Can you guess which one took a little longer than an hour?)

I've definitely learned from this project, and I can't thank you enough for your support and encouragement, and for the smiles you provided! I hope to do this again soon! And, if you haven't already, please sign up for my newsletter there as well!

I hope you and yours are staying safe and well. Happy Thanksgiving to you all! Let us give thanks for the blessings we have, and look forward to the day when we can enjoy the company of family and friends!