My thanks to Anne Hevener and all the staff at Watercolor Artist Magazine for giving me the opportunity to share part of my process when creating watercolors.  You can find the article under the Creativity Workshop header in the Spring 2026 issue.  Also, many thanks to those that kept these POC’s so I would have the visuals for the article! (I barely finished the bird POC before it was tagged by someone and that person was happy to see it published.) The fact I usually set a match to these left me in a bit of a bind as to choice, but I was pleased to be able to share these lesser known paintings and stories. (The story for Ekman’s Enchantment can be found in a previous post.) But there's more! Having one of my favorite paintings Hashtag Harmony in the Society Showcase “The Best Paintings of 2025” was quite a treat for me as a full page image.  Asked to write a paragraph about how I painted it, instead of the narrative about harmony, was a twist for me because I am all about the story.  Even simplified to an almost graphic representation, it still took me almost four months to paint.  I’m serious when I tell y’all I am the slowest painter. You can pick up a copy at your local Barnes and Noble Bookstore or ArtistsNetwork.com.  Back to my brushes.  

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"If a story is in you, it has to come out."  - William Faulkner

My painting titled Seeking Balance will be on exhibit soon at the Mid-Southern Watercolorists 56th Annual Juried Exhibition and I thought I would spend a moment telling the story behind the Map series (a stack of four paintings as of this writing).  If you have read the painting’s narrative you know I painted this as part of a series of maps with my father in mind.  My father has Alzheimer’s, a strange state of both being here and not being here. My father was a mathematician and military man who loved puzzles and spy novels (he actually let me use his spy camera a couple of times which I thought was beyond cool). Thinking it might be a befitting way to communicate, I created this “dead drop”, a classic espionage tradecraft, hoping it might trigger memories by using the professional skills he mastered in his lifetime. Although he profoundly struggles to navigate his own thoughts, this map invites him to use his strategic mind to locate a destination - a rendezvous site. While some objects and their placement are specific ciphers, I included some leaves and seashells as organic clues. The idea to place the skeletal seahorse over the playing cards is just a simple tell as to the nature of his disease and "maps" where it is located. But for my father these cards should act as a code that bypasses traditional language and anchor him in a shared memory - so no, they are not placed as random items. I used the YD card as a playful nudge to judge if he understood the task. The dry riverbed highlights that the relationship is the only vibrant thing left in an otherwise fading landscape; but is hopefully for him a visual reminder of a beloved place. A glitch in the map, the askew crayon acts as a directional clue; but also signals the loss of the rigid, mathematical certainty my father once lived by.  All of the crayons and their colors are significant, as are the use and placement of polyhedral dice. The representation of dividers, essential tools for plotting navigation, is itself a literal seeking of balance. A tool we both have used professionally included for both direction and connection. The pinned map would be unmistakable to him, but its crumpled state speaks to my own frustration preserving our connection. Like all coded messages, the answer is only for the intended recipient, most importantly functioning as a bridge between my father’s past and current journey. I thought it significant that the viewers would be aware of the paintings purpose and recognize all the component parts but would be unlikely to know how to decipher it; thereby experiencing for a moment what it must be like for someone with Alzheimers. If anyone out there find themselves in a similar narrative, I suggest that art can be one way to connect.  Back to my brushes.  


"When sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions."  - William Shakespeare 

Hope you are experiencing joy this first day of 2026 and not a headache. I shall pick up my brushes once again after a four-month break. I have something in mind, we shall see if it works out, but I'm afraid it will take awhile. Who was it who wrote "Nature doesn't rush.  Nor shall I. "? My mantra it seems.  

To backtrack just for fun, I am posting a pic of the puzzle we completed while celebrating the winter holidays. Seven adults and two kids and we all participated at one point or another. Everyone commented on the wonderful quality of this puzzle and the subject matter. I picked this up at my local Barnes and Noble bookstore. I'm sorry I didn't write down who made it, but when finished we take it apart after taking a pic and then donate locally.  I'm sure you could still find it if you're interested.  Only 500 pieces so it goes rather quickly.  Back to my brushes.  
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"When I find myself in the company of scientists, I feel like a shabby curate who has strayed by mistake into a room full of dukes." - W. H. Auden

Wishing you all a happy holiday season. The little creation above was the result of an art challenge a long time ago. A dear friend in Virginia owns it and brings it out every year about this time. I might give this one another version this year if I can find the time. Speaking of time, I finished 238 books this year - a refuge to be sure. So this year I gift to you the recommendation of a good read: The Art Spy by Michelle Young. May you enjoy it on the cold days ahead, wrapped warmly in your favorite blanket with your favorite drink beside you.  

"To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life" - W. Somerset Maugham

I hope everyone enjoyed a good meal and time with their loved ones on Thanksgiving this year. As usual, we sat around a table to talk and do a puzzle. Rules are that you can come and go at will and someone else will gladly take your spot. This year I got to choose the puzzle and picked one I thought the youngest might enjoy. They did! But now the darkest days are ahead, so I look forward to the turning point of the winter solstice when sunlight will start staying longer and longer. Back to my brushes.  

"I seldom use it myself, sir.  It promotes rust." - Robby the Robot

I finally updated my passport recently and traveled with my partner and family to visit one of my childhood stomping grounds.  It was old news to me, but it was fun to see their reactions to my youthful haunts.  Their favorite part was public transportation!  Hands down, the ease of getting around made for a very walkable and enjoyable experience. As always, our group of five separated during the day and met up for dinner in the evening. (Altogether I logged 80 miles walking without even thinking about it). Some of our group enjoyed going to 221B Baker Street in London which looked really fun for these Sherlock Holmes fans.  We all took in two theater productions while we were there - both fantastic.  The consensus of our group was that Oliver was the best. One of the top joys in life - the food was terrific.  The hamhock and apple chutney sandwich, still makes my mouth water just thinking about it (Edinburgh).  Yes, we even had haggis. Next time you're in Scotland give it a try. Honestly, It has the taste and texture of classic meatloaf so be brave and give it a try. My least favorite part was the lack of watercolors on display at any of the museums we explored.  I admit it soured my visits. Everywhere you go...I'm so tired of this! I understand the logistical problems of exhibiting old watercolors (which is NOT the case with contemporary works), but I don't care anymore. Prioritize a dedicated space so you can display at least 100.  It's doable! Here's a shocker, the most watercolors on exhibit were at the Imperial War Museum in London. This was on my partner's list of things to see and I am so grateful.  We visited there on our last day back in London and not only was the museum full of delightful children, but the way the museum is set up is very well done.  And I kid you not, the best art (you did have to pay for an extra exhibit, but it was well worth it). On the other hand, the V&A which touts a collection of over 7,000 watercolors only had a total of two watercolors on display and some miniature portraits on ivory.  (Admittedly that's gross, but I metaphorically hold my nose and try to appreciate the mastery of the artist in any case.)  What is the point if they aren't on display? Really? TWO out of 7,000!  Let me express that I was severely disappointed on that score. (But I did enjoy the ironworks, so check that out instead.) There were some contemporary watercolors in Buckingham Palace, but as it is only open for 30 days, I'm afraid that isn't even an option anymore. I guess I would say that if you want to enjoy watercolors in the UK, visit local galleries. Enjoyable trip though, wonderfully situated AirB&B's, and the locals were very pleasant everywhere we went. Anyway, highly recommend you visit the UK.  You never know, you might run into one of my former neighbors.  Back to my brushes.  


"Take only memories, leave only footprints."  - Chief Seattle

I'm pleased to share that Juror Paul Jackson awarded my painting Hashtag Harmony the Kenneth M. Shuck Memorial Award (First Place) in the Watercolor USA 2025 Exhibition held at the Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin, Missouri.  The reception held last night was well attended and I met some new artist friends and reconnected with longtime friends as well. One of the highlights for me is reading the juror's statement featured in the catalog.  It's not often that you feel your painting is truly understood, but this is one of those moments.  Paul wrote:  "A few works in particular stood out with extraordinary clarity:  L. S. Eldridge's "Hashtag Harmony" is a love letter to function - a symphony of utility frozen in time.  Tools are the instruments of creation and repair, and here they're given the reverence of stained glass. Each one was painted as if it had its own story, its own scars, its own rhythm.  The reflections, shadows and overlap aren't chaos - they're choreography.  A still life that's anything but still."   So beautifully written, thanks for that Paul.  Also, attended the WHS dinner afterwards where we saw a presentation about the WHS 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Robert Lee Mejer.  He was aware he would receive this honor in summer, but unfortunately passed away after a short illness.  It was quite touching to hear Carole Hennessy speak about him.  If you are in the area, make the short trip to Joplin to see Watercolor USA 2025, you will be rewarded by the quality and beauty of the paintings and sculptures by my fellow artists.  Back to my brushes.  

"Sometimes that lasting impression came from impeccable technique-but more often, it was the soul of the painting that lingered."  - Paul Jackson

A pleasure and distinction to be included in The Best of Watercolor: Splash 26, presented by Artists Magazine and American Artist (Golden Peak Media). The digital version has been released and the print edition will be available in July.  Pick up your copy soon!  Back to my brushes.  

"To consciously reveal my inner truth is a new reality for me."
​  - L. S. Eldridge

One of my favorite venues,The Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock, has collaborated with the Arkansas Arts Council (Department of Heritage) to present Small Works on Paper: From the Permanent Collection.  This limited retrospective exhibition features 40 selected pieces chosen from the 2006-2023 annual Small Works on Paper tour and opens on Friday June 13, 2025 and runs through Sunday, September 21, 2025.  My painting The Patterns of Home is included in this exhibition.  If you are in the area I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy the artwork and this wonderful museum. Back to my brushes.  

"One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful".  - Sigmund Freud

I'm pleased to share that my painting Ekman's Enchantment was selected by Mathew Bird to receive the Maurice Prendergast Award of Merit at the annual exhibition of the Transparent Watercolor Society of America held at the Kenosha Public Museum in Wisconsin.  My thanks to TWSA, Mathew Bird, Brienne M. Brown, and the exhibition chair Sheryl Fletcher Coon.  

So those of you who know my work may be a little surprised by this painting since it is not realism. At the request of my friends and acquaintances I am trying to be less shuttered, and towards that end I will share some information, a story if you will, about this piece.  

I will preface this by telling you that I have lived on both U.S. coasts and lived on an island as well, but I am not a coastal or inland sea person. Let there be no mistake, I am of the river. The goal of my latest painting was to continue telling the story of the relationship between me and my grandfather with our visits to the river as the stepping off point. As a child I was mesmerized by strange river currents and my grandfather encouraged me to research anything that took my interest. I discovered the tale of mathematician/scientist Vagn Walfrid Ekman. Ekman was intrigued by odd ocean currents and his determination to explain them spoke to me on a different level...exciting both visually and oddly tactile with spinning water and waves. I explained to my grandfather what I had read and he cocked his head at me when I told him that Ekman was "enchanted". (I was an avid reader of fairy tales, so explaining enthusiasm in this way was not unusual for me.) Fast forward to the present when I was getting ready to start my next painting but wasn't convinced the composition would work. My plan was to use Ekman's moving vertical spiral, as I envisioned it would appear as seen from above in this new painting. So I do what I always do, I paint the composition with just shapes to see if it works.  I have no expectations of these paintings so they are quite liberating to paint - fun in fact.  But when I have the information I need, I throw them out. (Not that I think geometric abstraction isn't great, just that for me it is redundant in these cases).  But this time a family member literally begged me on seeing this painting to enter it in something. Since it is related to the subsequent painting but doesn't perfectly relate to the river, I thought it would be appropriate to honor its muse instead. Thus Ekman's Enchantment  became a "real boy" and did not end up in the embers. So imagine my delight when it received this award! (I will add that the person who begged me to enter it is so smug right now.) Thus I send my sincere thanks out into the ether to the enchanted Mr. Ekman - you sir, are still an inspiration.  Back to my brushes.  

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"Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again." - C. S. Lewis