Liberty Bird show

Yesterday I was notified that "Diamond" and "Overcoming the Seeds of Doubt" were accepted into the Liberty Bird show at Liberty Town Arts. The theme is art inspired by literature about birds.
The show opens with a reception this Friday night from 6 to 9 p.m. and will hang through August.

My sister and her kids have been here since Saturday. It is already Wednesday and a holiday weekend at that. More friends in for the weekend ahead and the 4th of July festivities....

Would anyone like to name the latest painting? I have been unable to settle on one.....

I started a commissioned painting today and have a handful of painting on the working list....
On the easel:

New Painting on the easel....

On the easel:



Mice. Not sure where the mouse imagery is originating, but there is something compelling about their innate ability to go unnoticed and generally influence an environment underneath the surface......I think of Galadrial's words:

“Even the smallest person (or "creature" in my economy) can change the course of the future."

On the easel

I wonder if I should give up fine art painting for interior decoration.....just kidding. In the last few weeks I have thrown myself into painting my house and love it. Priming those walls are like covering a canvas with gesso. And laying on those coats of color almost as exciting as seeing something come to life on canvas. I even love trim work (what the hell is wrong with me?!...) The house has indeed become a work of art to me. Replacing knobs and outlet plates.....love it. People talk about how much work having a home is, but I love every minute of it.
But I have been painting in the studio and meeting with new artist friends here in the great arts community of the 'Burg. as it is called by locals.

I have been working on this one for some time and it has been a real challenge technically. At first I wasn't sure where it would fit in to the New Mythology story, but as I go an identity is unfolding. Who is this and what will be her great purpose?......


24" x 30", oil on canvas

Physical Therapy and on the easel...

Last week was my first visit to a physical therapist. After a three hour assessment, I went home with a stretching routine and a bit more peace and education over a long-standing neck and shoulder issue. Along with daily stretches, a few changes need to be made, namely, I must go back to a desktop and learn proper typing. I type with four fingers and have to look. For now, there will be twice weekly sessions of PT.

Balancing my time between new home and new studio is falling into place. Even as I type (with four fingers..) I am sitting on my deck looking out over the woods that leads down to the river. There is wildlife abounding. My kind of living. Our neighborhood red-shouldered hawk has begun the afternoon announcements like clockwork.

I have several proposals on the docket, so plenty of paperwork to do over the next few weeks. Tomorrow morning, I am meeting for coffee with an artist and president of a local co-op gallery.
Katie is coming down from Lorton Sunday night for a dinner and a look at a few galleries

Currently on the easel.....




"Carolina Chickadee"
oil on panel
5" x 7"
$250 framed

On the easel

"Red Bellied Woodpecker"
5" x 7" oil on panel

Small oils

More neck and shoulder problems lately. I am (slowly) working on adding to the "New Mythology" body of work and small oils count. My hope is to have 20 or so of the panels for Artomatic, but they are flying out the door. As far as I know they are still looking for a building for the 2010 show.

I have to say I love being a home owner. I enjoy repairing, updating and painting..nesting. We are getting settled, painting walls and endless trim, working in the yard and dreaming up cool things to do in the house over the years. And patio furniture comes Wednesday......yee-ha.

If you are interested in a 5" x 7" framed oil, just say so. Here are some new ones.


"Tree Swallow"


"Mourning Dove"

If you have an specific animal in mind as a subject, I can do that for you, too.