It’s taken me some time to sit down and write this. I’ve been quiet, and I appreciate the patience and understanding of those who’ve noticed my absence. Today, I want to share the journey I’ve been on lately, both in my art and personal life.
As many of you know, my mentor and dear friend, Camille Przewodek, passed away recently. Camille was more than a mentor—she was a guiding light in my life and art. For over 25 years, we shared not only a studio but also a bond that went beyond teacher and student. She challenged, inspired, and ultimately, in many ways, shaped me into the artist I am today.
In May of this year, I had the privilege of spending four final days with Camille at the Plein Air Convention in Asheville, North Carolina. These were the last days of her relatively good health, and I cherish that time we had together. We painted together, and walked through the humid, damp landscapes as faculty field painters for the PACE attendees—soaking in the atmosphere of an area that has since sadly been impacted by Hurricane Helene. Reflecting on that now, I can’t help but think how close we were to what later became the center of that storm. Those days, though, were calm. There was something magical about them, a quiet understanding between us, though neither of us knew it would be the last time we’d share that space together. I felt honored then, and even more so now, to have had that time with her.
Camille’s passing has been a profound loss for me. Grief is a complex emotion, and processing her absence has not been easy. After losing her, Al Tofanelli and I made the difficult move out of our shared studio space. In the earlier days, especially, our studio had been our sanctuary, a place where creativity flowed and where the boundaries between art and life often blurred. In the coming months, I hope to re-establish a new space of my own. It’s a bittersweet transition, but it’s a necessary one, a way to keep moving forward while holding Camille’s influence close to my heart.
There’s another chapter of my life tied to Camille that I’m ready to close: the house we shared in the south of France. It’s in the village of Soreze, which was once a place filled with memories—of quiet mornings painting under the French sun, deep conversations over wine, and inspiration drawn from the landscape surrounding it. I’m trying to sell the house, a decision that comes with its mix of emotions. As I step into this new phase, I ask for your good vibes and positive energy to help support the sale of our 400-500 year-old stone and mud house. It’s time for that chapter to close so that new ones can unfold.
In the time since Camille’s passing, I’ve found myself in a period of reflection. Creativity, for me, has always been a source of healing, but there are moments when the weight of grief makes it difficult to do creative work. I’ve taken this time to step back, to honor my feelings, and to allow myself the space to process everything. But I can feel the pull of the landscape tugging at me to be painted again, that quiet nudge that tells me it’s time to return. I know Camille would be lecturing me to get back to work, to not waste a moment and continue exploring the boundaries of light and color, and to carry forward the lessons she so dedicatedly shared with the art world.
As I emerge from this quiet period, I want to thank you all for your continued support. Your messages, thoughts, and kindness have meant more to me than I can express. The art community is a place of deep connection, and I feel fortunate to be part of such a caring network of friends and colleagues.
Moving forward, I’ll share more updates on my work and the exciting projects I’m working on. Camille’s influence will forever be woven into my art, and I hope to honor her legacy with each new work and creative project. There’s still so much more to discover, so much more to create, and I know she’ll be with me every step of the way.
Thank you for being here with me through this time of transition. I look forward to what’s next, both in life and in art.
Below is my tribute post to Camille from my Instagram page.
