My thoughts are with those devastated by the storms in the central part of the state last night.  My family members were not touched by the storm other than taking shelter when it came through their respective areas.  Back to my brushes.  

"Not the cry, but the flight of the wild duck, leads the flock to fly and follow."  - Chinese Proverb   

Started new painting today.  Yeah, going very well so far.  I love trying new things.  Back to my brushes.

"The Earth has music for those who listen."  - George Santayana

If you have never made a black & white value chart of your palette, I encourage you to do so today.  It's a good place to start and it is one of the most useful tools you will ever produce.  Do yourself a favor and make it on the paper you usually use instead of sketch paper as I did when I made mine.  (I'm sure you have some scraps laying about, or use the back side of a failed piece.)  Just line up your colors side by side (no need for spaces) and then take a photograph.  Use whatever photo altering program you have and change it to the black & white setting.  Knowing the light, mid tones, and darks that you use on a daily basis is very helpful and can be a surprise when you see it for the first time.  This is my palette - the core colors I use daily.  I have many other paints in my fishing tackle box, but I rarely use them.   I keep this and other studies in my notebook for easy reference.  Back to my brushes.  

"The only creatures that are evolved enough to convey pure love are dogs and infants."  - Johnny Depp

I believe this painting is finished, but I will set it up against the wall and study it for a couple of weeks to make sure nothing about it bugs me.   Ready to begin anew.  I added another art documentary review - kinda short.  Happy Earth Day!  Back to my brushes.  

"When we heal the Earth we heal ourselves"  - David Orr

Despite the dreadful lack of natural light today, it has been a great day!  Brushes in hand all day and I am about to successfully finish this painting.  Nearly at that wonderful point where I can remove the masking tape from the edges.  Wonderful sound and a very satisfying moment in the life of a watercolor artist.  Back to my brushes.  

"It's easier to teach a poet how to read a balance sheet than it is to teach an accountant how to write."  Henry R. Luce

While perusing through the Egyptian antiquities at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, my youngest (a huge "Doctor Who" fan) pulled me over and said "Look….it's Peter Capaldi"!!  Hysterical.  Though I have to admit, it does bear a strong resemblance to the actor.  Back to my brushes.


"When we lose, I eat.  When we win, I eat.  I also eat when we're rained out."  Tommy Lasorda

I am very pleased and honored to share that my painting "Revolutions of Five" will be included in North Light Books’ hardbound showcase of the best in contemporary watercolors: SPLASH 16: Exploring Texture.  I'm honored to be included as one of the 121 paintings chosen out of 1700 entries for the book.   Look for it at your local bookstores around July, 2015.  Back to my brushes.


"Courageous people do not fear forgiving, for the sake of peace."  Nelson Mandela

I did get the opportunity to meet Stephen Quiller (a very nice gentleman) at the exhibition late Thursday afternoon after a rather long jaunt to Tiffany's in SoHo to exchange a ring for my youngest.  The kids enjoyed SoHo and Greenwich Village the best.  A wonderful crowd at Washington Square included music and dancers.   Had a great lunch in Greenwich Village where our waiter said "Did you just say 'ya'll'"?  When offered an alternative 'You's Guys'", he said he preferred ya'll.  Quite entertaining.  There were some really awful saxophone players at Times Square, but the acoustic guitar player under the bridge in Central Park was AMAZING!  Riches were exchanged…music from him, money from me.  Back to my brushes.

"My formula for living is quite simple.  I get up in the morning and I go to bed at night.  In between, I occupy  myself as best I can."  - Cary Grant

Arrived home after an exhilarating trip to NYC!  We took our children with us this year and enjoyed great weather the whole trip.  We sent them to see a show while we attended the American Watercolor Society awards banquet Friday evening.  As has been my experience in the past, it was a wonderful night.  If you are wondering, YES, my three-year quest to meet Antonio Masi was finally accomplished!  I will add that I wasn't disappointed - top notch gentleman.  Among other exhibiting artists I enjoyed were Frank Eber, Qian Gao, Ken Call, Bob Noreika and Dennis Short.  I was excited and delighted to see Linda Gramatky Smith and spent some quality time with her - such a dear lady.  And I will close with a shout-out to Isabel James who befriended my partner saying she "knows what it is like to be a non-artist at this function".  Unfortunately we could not tarry after the awards because President Obama was in the theater district and with all the added people, traffic, and security, we knew it would be a stretch to meet the kids after the play.  Back to my brushes.  

"It's the one night of the year when we all act a little nicer, we smile a little easier, we cheer a little more."  - Frank Cross

Spent a wonderful day with friends George, Peter, and Rolf at Crystal Bridges today.  Delightful company and conversation.  Very happy to be invited to share a day with three accomplished gentlemen.  Be sure and make time to see the William S. Paley Collection currently on display at the museum.   You won't be disappointed.  Back to my brushes.  

"My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person:  he believed in me."  - Jim Valvano