"Go on working, freely and furiously, and you will make progress." - Paul Gauguin

It seems I've spent a lifetime of painting furiously, changing styles/techniques a couple times along the way, to get where I am at today. And for all that work it's a good thing that I really did enjoy the journey.
It all seems to be coming together with new galleries representing my work and a full schedule of exhibition shows plus the chance to finally 'retire' from art festivals. It doesn't mean that I can't stop working hard, though - the momentum needs to be continued in order to flourish-and that isn't usually a problem with me because I LOVE spending my days in the studio!
Upcoming shows: "Lost and Found" a 3 person show featuring my mixed media paintings at the CVA in Wausau - this show's opening reception is next Friday from 5-7 pm. Opening in May is a solo show at the Wild Apple Gallery in Neenah featuring my new oil/cold wax paintings based on abstract landscapes. Then this fall I have a show on my new oil/cold wax paintings at Bindley Collections in Middleton, Wisconsin. Meanwhile I will just keep painting!
The image posted here "Running in Circles" is an encaustic painting which was just accepted into a national juried show sponsored by the "International Society of Experimental Artists". That show features 100 paintings from artists around the world and is being held at GDP Gallery in Shelton, WA.

"Creativity can be described as letting go of certainties." -Gail Sheehy

Creativity, to me some days, is like a fast moving train, you just can't stop it. Then other days it is like a heavy rock. Over the years I have learned to use this to my advantage. So, yesterday was like a 'train day'; I painted solid for about eight hours and it was going so well, I didn't want to stop. However a fun horse ride with my son on a beautiful day was a good excuse to quit. Today, though, is like a rock day and I am still working aimlessly away on non-creative projects-making the best use of my time that I can.
This weekend I plan to drop off my artwork for the season at Edgewood Orchard Galleries in Door County. It is always a beautiful ride and nice to see Nell, J.R. and the staff after a long winter. Hopefully I will meet up with a couple other artists that are dropping off work as well to see their new creations for the season.
My work this winter seemed to get a little more 'colorful' - strange how that happens, so I will be taking along some earth tone landscapes as well as some brighter colored ones.

"If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing." - Marc Chagall
So, last week I struggled and felt I wasn't getting anywhere on some large pieces that 'I needed to get somewhere with'. I took a break. This week, I'm liking them and today, I feel they are complete. They are big and will go to my gallery in Harbor Springs if I still like them tomorrow. Or they may look different-you never know.
I've been working really hard this winter and now I am anxiously awaiting spring. I am feeling winter blahs today and shouldn't be - so a wonderful cure is to get back to painting!
This image is titled 'Calm Before the Storm' and I love the bluey section - if only I could 'bottle up that process' for repeated paintings - sorry that just doesn't work. It seems many of my pieces this winter broke out of the earth palette and turned more beachy or brighter colored. Remember, always follow your heart, it's funny how that works out!

"Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can." - Danny Kaye
I just returned from a short vacation to San Fransisco, in which it rained everyday, however, I still enjoyed seeing the big city and Napa and Sonoma. Now I'm back to the studio 'throwing all the paint around that I can' and am quite lost and frustrated with a hard 2 days work. Not sure if the direction on these large pieces is where I should be headed. Throw more paint around. Still not sure. Throw more paint around. And so the days continue!
It seems that when I push myself for growth in my art or even just slight changes, or whenever I leave me comfort zone in a painting, I struggle. Somehow, though through lots of experience, I usually rise above and come to some completion on a piece that I feel is solid. Not always, but usually - wish me luck!