I've added a new series to my art documentary page, newest at the bottom of the page, as usual.  

So here's a question?  Do you paint because it's easy or hard?  Would it be as much fun if it had no challenges?  For me, it is the challenge that makes me pick up a brush.  Can I do that?  Will it work?  For instance, I began a painting that included tin cans.  Could I do it?  Would it be artful?  At the time...no.  I threw it away.  I tried again a year later.  No.  I burned it.  I tried again a year later.  Success!  Was it as I had first pictured?  No.  It was better.  There were years of experience between the first and the last painting.  So I say with authority that I paint because it is challenging.  Easy is just another word for boring.  Back to my brushes.  

"My stories run up and bite me in the leg - I respond by writing down everything that goes on during the bite." - Ray Bradbury

I started a new painting and that is always an exciting time for me.  I have it all planned out in my head, well, mostly anyway.  I have my palette reconstituted and it is bright and beautiful and I can hardly wait to dip my brush...but first I clean off the mixing area.  It's not logical and it's a terrible waste of paint.  I'm not changing my palette after all, just starting a new painting.  I suppose that's the explanation as well.  It's a beginning.  The last painting is done.  I want to be totally in the moment with this painting.  So I wipe the "slate" clean and begin.  It feels good.  I can't recommend it; but it is what I do.  Back to my brushes.  

"Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, you ought to set up a life you don't need to escape from."  - Seth Godin

If you haven't seen it already, here is the cover of Splash 19:  Illusion of Light.  You can preorder your copy now at North Light Books.  I am delighted to have a painting included in this issue.  It is always an honor to have your work chosen and along with you, I too look forward to sitting down with a cold drink and gaping, awestruck at all the paintings I wish I had done.  Splash always inspires me.  

I've been working hard and am trying to wrap up my latest painting, but it is slow going as usual.  I am happy to share that we have finally had a weekend without rain!  And we slipped right into summer and skipped spring.  It was hot today!  But who cares, that bright shiny thing was out and made me squint when I walked outside.  What a treat.  What else have I finished...oh yeah, books.  Two months - fifteen books.  Christopher Moore where have you been all my life?  Amor Towles, Jeremy Robinson and Matt Goldman - what can I say except thank you.  I was truly entertained.  And if you are looking for some encouragement art wise - Danielle Krysa might help.  When do I have time you ask?  What time is it?  Goodness, I'd best get some sleep before the sun comes up.  Back to my brushes.  

"I find television very educating.  Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book."  - Groucho Marx