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Sabbatical. What does it really mean? I went to Wikipedia to find out.

“A sabbatical (from the Hebrew: שַׁבָּת Šabat (i.e., Sabbath); in Latin sabbaticus; Greek: sabbatikos [σαββατικός]) is a rest or break from work; "an extended period of time intentionally spent on something that’s not your routine job."^[1]

The concept of the sabbatical is based on the Biblical practice of shmita (sabbatical year), which is related to agriculture. According to Leviticus 25, Jews in the Land of Israel must take a year-long break from working the fields every seven years.”

While I’m not ready to take a whole year off- although I know artists who have done exactly that-I’ve joined with my Cowgirl Artists of America friends again to practice a “slow down December.” I didn’t do too well last year, but have a different view this time around.

Several competitions have already been entered, results are pending. I’ve reviewed completed work, and have some in the queue that can be utilized for an upcoming show or two.

My month long “sabbatical” will be spent on education. Figure drawing, horse anatomy, slowing down the painting process and becoming more familiar with the subjects I want to feature, and maybe even throw in a study or two on landscapes. My work process will be with drawings, and painting will have to wait until I’m satisfied with the preliminary. Value sketches will prevail. 

It’s a challenge to be sure. Let’s see how it goes. 

Is this going to be a time spent on something that is not my “routine job?” Yes. Going into the new year with a better understanding of the basics is never a bad idea.

Some study references include Michael Mentler’s Figure Drawing in the Renaissance Tradition, Mitchell Albala’s Landscape Painting,  John Pototschnik’s guide to Painting Values & Color, Painting Light & Atmosphere by Joseph McGurl, and of course, studying the Hudson River School painters, whose landscapes are unparalleled. 

To start the month off, here are a couple of drawings I did in November as inspiration. Let's call them "bait." That encourages me to draw something every day. 

Stay tuned to see my progress.

In the meantime, work is available at the Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center in Post Falls, the Miniatures by the Lake exhibit at Coeur d’Alene Galleries in Coeur d Alene and through my website, www.priscillapatterson.com.