Ace. Gouache on paper. 11x13".2009.

It's wonderful when a painting comes together. So many times there are loose threads in a piece that you can't resolve. This painting came from a detail of a small piece, much smaller than this. So I enlarged a part of a painting.
I'm working on a group of pieces that feature white as a dominant compositional element. I like the white in this piece; it becomes a color. It's both background and foreground; especially where small shapes of black abut it.

change is a tough road

Lately we've been discussing the changes that artist's go through, and what happens during this process, how hard it sometimes is. Especially if you've sold a body of work, and now you're onto something else. This is a necessary and painful process. If you're not careful, your work can become stuck and stagnate. But I want to remind folks that the artists' life is about creativity, not about making a "product". If you find you own a piece of a series, and that series ends, the value of that artwork has just increased. You have to be strong when you are unsure where you are headed. The road ahead is unclear, and wonderful.

Living Well

How do I really want to live?
Like my dog Belle, seems like a good idea. She 's a yellow lab, monster-sized, with a hearty appetite for the good life. First, she is completely willing for strong vigorous exercise, unless its too hot out (common sense prevails). Any food is OK. Steak is better, though. We should nap more, too.
She does not believe in holding a grudge. Everyday is a new day. Let's greet family with unbridled happiness. Wouldn't you like to be greeted each day in this fashion? Children also do that.
She does occasionally question who is in charge, just in case she should assume the post. She automatically accepts all kids as best friends, but unknown adults should be loosely scrutinized. And of course there is no sense in telling her about race or gender, everybody's the same!
And lastly, no day is complete without snacks.

summer work

There are loads of challenges for any artist, and for me one is working over the summer break, when my children are at home.So my plan is to get up super early, with the chickens, say 4:30am.Then I have several hours to work in quiet.