I always enjoy the opportunity to add a little local flavor to my portfolio.  I did this painting, "Koi Polloi",  last year and used it to teach a workshop at the Ozark Regional Arts Council Womens Retreat.  Luckily it just fit the time frame for this exhibit.  You can see this painting on display at the Heart of America Artists' Association 2016 Illinois River Salon at 219 S. Main, Cave Springs, Arkansas.  I used a local water feature in my hometown of Rogers for my source material which is located in the Illinois River watershed.  If you get a chance be sure and stop by to see all the artwork that is on display - you won't be disappointed.  Back to my brushes.  

"It is our art that has an opportunity to leave a footprint in the sand.  They don't wrap fish in our work."  - Hugh Newell Jacobsen

I must admit that there are certain situations that leave me a little tongue-tied.  Tonight was a perfect example.  I pick up the phone and out of the blue I’m talking with Ken Goldman, President of the National Watercolor Society.  Don’t get me wrong, I know something good is happening…but I’m flustered.  Experiencing a sudden case of both excitement and nervousness, I proceed full-speed to what I would coin as aphonic awkwardness.  So Ken, if you see this, thank you for taking the time to phone me with the news, and please forgive me for making you work so hard.   Without further ado, I am pleased to share that my painting “Simple Measures” has been awarded the Watercolor West Reciprocal Award at the National Watercolor Society’s 96th International Exhibition.  The exhibit will be on display from October 22nd through December 18th, 2016 at the NWS Gallery, 915 South Pacific Avenue, San Pedro, California.  Many thanks to the juror of awards Mr. Derrick Cartwright and to the jury of selection:  Frank Webb, Paul Jackson, and Myrna Wacknov.  My sincere congratulations to all the award recipients and exhibiting artists!  Back to my brushes.  

"They teach you there's a boundary line to music.  But, man, there's no boundary line to art."  - Charlie Parker

I'm pleased to share that my painting "Koi Polloi" will be included in the Heart of America Artists' Association 2016 Illinois River Salon Art Exhibition from September 30th - December 3rd, 2016, at the IRWP Watershed Learning Center at 219 S. Main St., Cave Springs, Arkansas.  Looking forward to the artist's reception.  A relaxed atmosphere where I get to see friends and meet new ones, enjoy a great meal and cheer for the award winners. For more information visit the Heart of America Artists' Association and Illinois River Watershed Partnership.  Back to my brushes.  

"If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I'll bet they'd live a lot differently."  -
Bill Watterson