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

I went to a wedding in Atlanta and then on to the Biltmore in North Carolina recently.  We used to drive by there when I lived in NC as a kid, but never stopped.  It was worth the trip and we were lucky to have excellent weather as well.  Sixty-seven degrees in Asheville...One Hundred Three at home - Ugh.  While we were there I received news that my painting Hashtag Harmony was accepted into the 2023 NWS 103rd International Open Exhibition!  My thanks to the jurors Thomas Schaller, Ruth Armitage, and Jean Pederson.  Back to my brushes.  

"Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it."  - Julia Child

I love surprises.  I received a copy of the latest Artist Magazine yesterday and was surprised to see the heading "Special Sneak Peek - Watercolorists who are making a Splash".  The article was compiled by Anne Hevener and kicks off World Watercolor Month.  How wonderful to have my work included in the sneak peek!  So pick up a copy at your local bookstore or click this link to Artists Magazine.  You can also head on over to the Springfield Art Museum and see this painting in person at Watercolor USA 2023!  Back to my brushes.  

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"When the well's dry, we know the worth of water." - Benjamin Franklin

I'm pleased to share that my painting The Mighty Has Fallen was chosen by juror Keiko Tanabe for inclusion in the Watercolor USA 2023 Exhibition.  The exhibit is open to the public from June 10 - September 3, 2023.  If you have an opportunity, be sure and stop by the Springfield Art Museum at 1111 East Brookside Drive, Springfield, Missouri. Always an enjoyable show for the viewer as the Weisel and Kelly Galleries are large and open.  Each piece is given it's space for viewing.  One of my favorite venues in the country.  Back to my brushes.

​"Art is not a handicraft, it is the transmission of feeling the artist has experienced." - Leo Tolstoy

I'm pleased to share that my painting The Tools of Color and Line was chosen by Juror Dan Marshall for exhibit in the 2023 National Watercolor Society Member show.  The exhibition is an online event that will be featured on www.NWSExhibition.com, the NWS online Sales Gallery from May 4th through June 30, 2023.   

I also am exhibiting at the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society Member Show, which is not juried, with a couple of my paintings that are not for sale and I rarely share.  One is a portrait of my youngest titled On the Wing, and the other is Letting Off Steam which no longer resides with me. 

In other news the CALS gallery will be closing since the CALS main library will be renovated.  A definite loss for Arkansas artists since at this time there is no plan to reopen.  I'm going to call it a loss for the River Market area as a whole as well.  A real shame.  Back to my brushes.  


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"I once saw an elaborate landscape in a gallery, drawn in pencil, that took my breath away.  Then I realized the artist probably didn't have enough confidence to use a pen."  - Garry Shandling

I'm pleased to share that my paintings The Tools of Color and Line and The Mighty Has Fallen were selected as finalists by special juror, Jean Haines, for Splash 24: The Best of Watercolor.  Be sure and look for this special issue of Artists Magazine at newsstands and bookstores in July 2023.  Back to my brushes.  

"Art is everywhere you look for it."  El Greco

I'm pleased to share that both of my entries in the 3rd Annual Women in Watercolor International Juried Competition were awarded an Honorable Mention.  This year's competition had 1615 submissions from 56 countries from the best of the women in watercolor artists.  Only 220 paintings were accepted overall.  Back to my brushes.  

"Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal.  My strength lies solely in my tenacity."  - Louis Pasteur