Well, what can I say...I've been busy.  I'm pretty close to finishing my latest work.  I have been working on my next piece in my spare time, completed 25 books since March and a few other surprises.  Apparently I'm a high-functioning insomniac and don't need to fret about it... much like President Clinton.  Okay - I'll take that.  And by the way, I've already finished his latest collaboration five books back.  Just saying.  Back to my brushes.  

"Don't stress out about the white space - the path you can't draw - because therein lies both the surprises and the opportunities."  - Sheryl Sandburg

I've been working on a piece and making some delicate decisions along the way.  It's been enjoyable and I like the results.  I travel back and forth, but pure hues ever call me.  I have continued with late nights that have included books by my new fav Christopher Moore, as well as James Patterson & Bill Clinton, and James Ryan.  I enjoyed each and every one and I send my thanks for the respite/entertainment.  But I have also added a new documentary to my art documentary page if you are more interested in film.  I will rest another day.  Back to my brushes.  

"Better to make a hundred mistakes than to stare at a blank piece of paper to scared to do anything wrong."  - Neil Gaiman

My painting, In Line With 19, will be displayed in the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society's 39th Annual Exhibition.  I am really happy to have this piece excepted in a show.  It is not my normal subject matter, nor part of a series, but a painting I did specifically for my eldest.  Why do I like this painting?  It has some abstract elements that were a lot of fun to paint and I think are interesting and unique.  It has some really fun placement of color, and yet it stays true to my realism roots.  A recollection of good times.  Back to my brushes.  

"I can't say as ever I was lost, but I was bewildered once for three days."  - Daniel Boone

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

It's been awhile since I posted, but I have been busy with a multitude of projects that have kept me away from my desk and the opportunity to post.  It is late, or early depending on your viewpoint, but I did want to take the time to share the news that one of my paintings will be included in SPLASH 20:  Creative Compositions!, North Light Books’ hardbound showcase of the best in contemporary watercolors.   I want to thank the entire team at F+W Media, and send my hearty congratulations to all the 123 artists whose work was selected.  The release date will be some time around July of 2019 and will be available for preorder through North Light Books around that time.  Back to my brushes.

​"Don't watch the clock.  Do what it does.  Keep going."  - Sam Levenson

I finally, finally, had the opportunity to finish watching a documentary I have literally held on to for months in order to finish it.  Embarrassing that it took this long, because it is so well done.  But, that is the way of things.  I hope you have the opportunity to watch it.   As usual you can find it at the bottom of my Art Documentaries page.  I am still drawing, but hopefully will be able to start painting soon.  Back to my brushes.  

"Love the art in yourself and not yourself in the art."  - Constantin Stanislavski

I am working on a commissioned piece and will be back to my own direction as soon as possible.   Back to my brushes.  

"It was what I was born for - to look, to listen, to lose myself inside this soft world - to instruct myself over and over."  - Mary Oliver

I have been thinking about my newest series for years.  It wouldn't gel.  It was top-heavy.  I wasn't convinced that it would convey my thoughts.  But finally, finally my inner ramblings will bear fruit.  I see my way clear and I am relieved that my musings have reconciled.  Back to my brushes.  

"Go at it boldly, and you'll find unexpected forces closing round you and coming to your aid."  - Basil King