I’m Working, I swear...

Church Art Residency in Rawene, Jan 2026

Up at dawn to make it for morning light on the Sandbar across from Opononi Beach

The Work of Art

Make a Plan. Familiarize yourself with the area: do scouting missions. Know the lighting of different times of day. Check the weather and check the tides, know the flow of the general popolation: is it a work day, a holiday, a beach day (in Boston- are the Red Sox playing?)

Bring provisions, stay hidrated, know your public toilet situation and be ready to talk to the curious folks.

That’s the basic set up. Have it all down so you can make the most of your time. Because the important part is dropping into your observational brain to find the special spirit of the place you’re drawing.

Make a million sketches … The real work starts w/the realization that you are now sequestered to the studio. No more joyrides.

Time to go through all the sketchbooks and edit down to your best ideas and favorite drawings and figure out how to grow your seeds of thought into a finished piece.