Delighted to be a finalist in the Splash competition!  

I'm so pleased to share that my painting Twenty Thousand Stones has been awarded the Robert E. Goodier Memorial Award for Traditional Transparent Watercolor at Watercolor USA 2024 from the Springfield Art Museum in Springfield, Missouri.    

I don't normally do this but I'm going to take a moment to tell you about the process of creating this painting.  I have painted several paintings using my rock collection as the subject matter, but this time I wanted to do something really personal and different.   My goal was to share my own truth in an authentic and colorful way (unusual because my superpower is being an introvert).  I set my sights on completing the largest painting I have ever attempted; but it was the decision to use my own take on divisionism for the background that would make this painting unique.  I had access to some of the best examples of Signac's work available to me living in Arkansas and had always thought I could put my own mark on that style of painting.  But, this was going to take a level of focus and commitment that would keep me separated for a substantial part of the year. Each morning I would set an alarm and worked eight or more hours a day -  It was the only way it was going to get done.  I began this work in early Spring of 2023 working in my humid garage because it was the largest work space I had available. Asthma and allergies were my biggest obstacles in the beginning.  (Hooray for inhalers!)  I moved inside when Summer hit because the heat index was too intense. Staying true to my devotion to transparent watercolor each dot of color was made individually with a size 0 brush using mostly primary colors from my palette.  Nope, I did not throw paint at this like Pollock and I am sorry to tell you there are no hacks or shortcuts to share.  Each color was carefully chosen and delivered (again, my goal was to share my authentic self). I continued through Summer and into Fall with this schedule (less seven days for a wedding, funeral, and an art function). Most would have called it done, but I put sticky notes on areas I thought weren't quite right, and continued working.  I had struggled with pain in my shoulder from about the beginning of July, but by August the pain would take my breath away.  I considered that I had torn something, but didn't feel I had the luxury to stop and find out.  I did finally call the painting done and sent it to my scanner. (Okay, I admit I did work on it some after it was scanned but no one would notice but me.)  The shoulder pain has been so severe that I just picked up my paintbrushes last week for the first time since finishing this painting (which took six months to complete). And just some off-the-cuff advice to other painters:  keep in mind when taking on a large painting the cost of framing (which is substantial) and the cost of shipping (which is prohibitive).   

So, you can imagine the absolute feeling of delight and justification I felt when I received this information today.  I feel the narrative is revealing and authentic which was my goal, although the final wrap-up sentence was left off for length. I guess you'll just have to wonder.  Also, there is an easter egg visible in this painting for my philosophy friends.  If we meet and your personality suits, I'll gift you that info.  I won't share that here because once you know you can never unsee it.  Enjoy!  Back to my brushes.  

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"Make the most of yourself...for that is all there is of you."  - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I'm pleased to share that my painting Rock City Skyline was awarded the Doris Williamson Mapes Award at the Mid-Southern Watercolorists 54th Annual Juried Exhibition.  I remember Doris. She was always willing to tell me what needed improving in my paintings and I listened.  So for me this award holds a special significance and sweetness.  

Short story:  I painted this for an exhibit in Italy and because of Covid it got stuck there for two years.  When I got it back, its life in the exhibition world was quite limited.  I was so happy to be able to show this painting where it is the most relevant.  Back to my brushes.  


"To avoid criticism say nothing, do nothing, be nothing." - Elbert Hubbard

I'm pleased to share that my entry in the American Watercolor Society's 157th Annual International Exhibition was accepted. My thanks to the Jury of Selection: Antonio Masi, Chris Krupinski, Dongfeng Li, Bev Jozwiak, and Amid El Haddad. The exhibition dates are April 2nd thru April 26th at the Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY  10003. Back to my brushes.  

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"With an eye made quiet by the power of harmony, and the deep power of joy, we see into the life of things."  - William Wordsworth

Just a shout-out to the kind folks who sent me pics of my painting on exhibit in California. There were several of you, and I appreciate you so much. I wish I could have been there with you, I bet you all had the best time. Maybe next time? Back to my brushes.  

​​"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."  - Aesop

Today is the opening of the NWS Open at the NWS gallery in San Pedro, California. The exhibition runs until November 5, 2023 and there are various ways to view the artwork. In person is best of course, but if that is not possible you can view all the pieces on YouTube at  NWS Exhibitions. I am very excited to be recognized as a Master Signature Member this year. I hope you take a moment to enjoy my painting Hashtag Harmony. The online sales gallery is located at nwsexhibition.com if you find an artwork you wish to purchase.  There are so many great choices - a breathtaking exhibit as usual!  Back to my brushes.  

"He who improvises can never make a perfect line of poetry."  - Titian

We had such an enjoyable evening at the reception for the 2023 Annual Choctaw Art Show.  I always enjoy seeing works by my fellow artists. Some of my favorites included the marquetry and the fiber arts pieces.  But I absolutely loved the framed work using the origami cranes.  Suspended on string (I didn't count how many...I'll just say lots) it was absolutely beautiful.  If it had had the perfect light on it, it would have cast the most stunning shadows. Just beautiful, well done!  Another highlight was of course the meal.  It was so delicious!  The Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Wild Berry Red Wine Reduction, Caramelized Sweet Potato Medallions with Brown Sugar and Maple Butter, Choctaw Pecan Salad, Southern Collard Greens with Ham Hocks topped with Crispy Pork Skins, and Passion Fruit Luksi for dessert.  It makes my mouth water just thinking about it!  An exceptional experience.  If you ever have a chance to visit the Choctaw Cultural Center - do so; and be sure to eat at the Champuli Cafe as it does not disappoint.  Back to my brushes.  


"Giorgione always used to pick out the most beautiful and varied subjects he could find to put in his work." - Giorgio Vasari  (The Lives of the Artists - 1550)

What a wonderful trip we had to the Choctaw Cultural Center in Calera, Ok recently.  The weather was fine and clear, but wicked hot.  The heat dome is in full force here right now.  We enjoyed a delicious meal at the Champuli Cafe before touring the facility.  We spent an educational two hours at the center and I must share that seeing some of my ancestors on the timeline was both touching and heart-wrenching.  I would highly recommend you visit the facility if you ever have the opportunity.  You will definitely learn something and you will know me better as well.  Back to my brushes.  

"Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art." - Leonardo Da Vinci

I am always delighted to be included in The Best of Watercolor special issue presented by Artists Magazine and American Artist and this year is no exception.  I have two paintings included this year! You can pick up a copy at your local bookstore or order one at Artists Network.  Back to my brushes.

​"Amor Vincit Omnia." - Caravaggio