The April Offering Project painting is inspired by springtime and accidents. Springtime, because it's is like living in a painting with all of the bright blooming flowers, and the green haze of the budding trees everywhere. Accidents, because as soon as I thought this painting was "finished," waiting for it to dry, I spilled my black tea with milk and honey all over it. I knew if I wiped up the tea that I would smudge and ruin it. As I thought about this, I noticed the beautiful shiny puddles that the tea created. I decided to incorporate the tea into the painting in the end, with a clear gel that creates a shiny finish. I love when something seemingly disastrous unfolds - inside the studio or out - into something glorious that I couldn't have planned. This reminds me of the Miles Davis quote, "Do not fear mistakes. There are none" 

Written by Alexis Wheeler and edited by Frances Beebe.