The 2023 painting season is open in earnest now. I was surprised and delighted to see the theme of the harlequin emerge at the outset. It’s always a wonderful omen whenever the symbolism of the harlequin emerges in the inner world of dreams and imagination or the outer world of the visible arts. The universal symbol of the harlequin portends a new level of freedom, fun, growth and creative expression. It’s a wonderfully optimistic sign that indicates all possibilities are open. Often times the harlequin appears after a period of difficulty or struggle. It indicates a light at the end of the tunnel, emergence from the void, a new beginning and/or a deepening and forward movement of something already in progress that may have seemed stalled or in limbo for awhile. The energy of the harlequin can often feel like a badly needed and deeply appreciated breath of fresh air…