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I sometimes wonder if I could paint if I couldn't swim.  I probably could, but not as well, not as fluidly, and not as joyfully.

I am a swimming enthusiast (or fool) depending on your point of view!  I've gone swimming in the rain in October in upstate New York, at Thanksgiving in the ocean on Long Island, and jumped in the local pool when it it was in the low 60s out.   And enjoyed it.

I decide what artist residencies to apply for, what workshops to attend, where to travel, and where to paint plein air based on a location's proximity to a "swimmable" body of water - a lake, ocean or pool.   I make friends and learn of local culture at pools all over the world.  Someday I'll tell you the story of the most embarrassing moment of my life which occurred in a pool in France, but that's for another day!  Ha!

I'm so excited to be going to Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore for a two week artist residency this summer.   I'll swim in Lake Michigan at various times of day - some days in the morning to wake me up before painting, other days at lunchtime, some days at the end of the day.  After standing at an easel, especially if it is a warm day, there is nothing like swimming to remove the stiffness and fatigue. 

On a typical studio day in Lewisburg, I'll take a break in the middle of the day to do laps.  I then "restart my day" and go back to the easel refreshed and energized. 

Often I think about what I'm painting while I swim.  I'll come up with ideas for paintings or solve problems with paintings in progress while in the pool. 

If you have a favorite swimming location or "art and swimming" story, please comment.  I'd love to hear from you about it!