Now more than ever, my easel is my source of joy and renewal. Last September I spent a month in an art residency on Boston’s north shore. This extended studio time has allowed me to dive into my reference materials from that time. The ocean instantly calms me: our human problems seem so small in comparison. “A Light Note” captures both the light and the dark: deep dark shadows still anchor the water but early morning light dances off the spray and lifts the spirits.