"Art is not what you see...but what you make others see." - unknown

I saw this recent quote on Facebook and it stopped me in my tracks!  That is what my work is all about for all these years - I just couldn't seem to put it in words!

Abstract vs. Realism

Some people get it...some people don't.  I have found that all throughout my art path - what's to get?  When I worked somewhat realistic (although it was so loose and funky I would hardly call it that), I knew that I would eventually end up on a  more abstract path.  As I painted over the years and ended up more abstracty than landscapey, I realized YES!  this is what I want!!!!!

I recently was in a group show.  There were only two somewhat abstract works - mine and one other.  The rest were all very talented artists but it was so boring, so expected - I want to leave something out of a painting for the viewers to imagine/create on their own... they wanted to give the viewer every detail.

I know everyone likes different art, I also know that many people that saw this show 'just didn't 'get' my piece' - there's nothing to 'get' - that's the best part!

Enjoy all that abstract art out there - it's truly what keeps this art world interesting....

"You have to commit to your work." - Susan Rothenberg

I feel very committed to my work, however, summer is sometimes another story.  I just returned from 2 glorious days along the ever-inspiring Lake Superior - visiting friends in Munising and delivering work to a new gallery for me in Grand Marais.  Taking time to dip my toes in the lake and get all inspired again by this beautiful land.
So, lately I have been working on re-stocking some galleries for the summer as well as getting psyched to do a large commission for a client of the Bell Street Gallery on Madeline Island.  So, lots of irons in the fire right now with my art, and I think I love it and do better when I am busy.
However, I understand the power of play and am definitely taking time off here and there to do just that, but when I am painting, spreading the luscious oil paint in many layers, rubbing, scraping, removing - it truly is all play!!!
Enjoy your summer days....