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"Liberation"
3" x 4" acrylic on canvas

For years I have wanted to have the ultimate freedom to paint in the abstract. I just wanted to be free to put paint to canvas without the constraints of what is considered "good" or "bad" art. I know what people think when looking at a piece like this, "This isn't art. My kid could paint that!" Really?
When I was a much younger artist, trying to find my "style", I tried my hand at abstract painting. I failed miserably. I knew too much, or so I thought. I couldn't let myself go and let what I know as an artist just flow out. And like so many people, thought that art had to be representational, and so it went against what I thought I had to do.
Finally, I came into my own as a mature artist. I just let myself go and put paint to canvas, unashamed and unfettered. I was liberated! Now to anyone else it may look like a big, hot, mess, but to me? In my eyes it is absolutely beautiful! It's beautiful because it is expressive, has good composition and the colors dance and flow on the canvas. The beauty is in the very fact that I did not have to force it or really give much thought to it. The content flowed naturally from my very soul. My love for painting grew ten-fold at that moment and I knew that I had finally "arrived". Whatever that means.

So, in celebration I decided to celebrate this new found freedom with a beer and my absolute, favorite cigar. Ah, I know this might seem quite shocking to most people, but I like cigars. Not all the time, just as a small, indulgent, luxury now and again. My husband gets them in the city as a little gift for me. Most of the time though he orders them by mail. He has a lovely humidor that he lovingly tends and keeps full.

My favorite cigar of all time is the modest little handmade, Cusano P1, from the Dominican Republic. It has a lovely rich flavor that is all too fitting for a woman. It is in my mind a beautiful blend of chocolate, vanilla and amaretto. It is smooth and intoxicating and gives me the most cozy feeling. It burns evenly and not too fast. I never have to keep relighting it while trying to smoke it, but if I have to leave it and come back, it does not burn up.
* You can order these beauties from The Cigar Hut at very reasonable prices.

As for my beer? Beer is pretty much beer. I honestly like a beer like Miller Lite with my cigar, so as not to interfere with the flavor. I once knew a man who said his secret indulgence was fine chocolates and a beer. He said they blended beautifully together and I trust him on this one. I am not big on beer as a first choice for drinks. I usually settle on a good white zinfendel for my drinking enjoyment. I know, I know, it's an old lady wine. I beg to differ, I was drinking white zinfendel long before it became popular.

So, here is where we begin this crazy adventure. I hope to be able to indulge in some more cigars, drink wine and paint, but not necessarily in that order. I will probably review more cigars, but it will definitely be directed towards what a woman would like in a cigar. I am no professional, but flavor and taste is subjective and I figure if you like something why not share. This goes for libations as well. The paintings are just an added indulgence.

Salud!
kat