"The best and only thing that one artist can do for another is to serve as an example and an inspiration."  - taken from the book THE WAR OF ART by Steven Pressfield

It never fails, I open for the 10th time these wonderful and inspirational art books and BAM  a great quote uplifts me...and I want to share it with you.

I believe as artists, we have been given gifts and those of us who pursue art WORK SO DARN HARD at turning those gifts into careers.  It is a path that I would never go back from.

About 15 years ago I was very dedicated to offering art classes/workshops and then as my own life got busier, I took a 'break' from teaching for several years.  Now that my children are older, I decided two years ago to get back into the workshop world.  I offered an assortment of workshops in my studio as well as a KIDS ART CAMP...and had so much fun!

This past Saturday I had my final class that I will be offering in awhile as I need to really focus on my artwork...YES, it has been an amazing year!  The class on Saturday was a real treat and we celebrated our creative day by enjoying wine and cheese in the beautiful orchard behind my studio. What a great group!

Thank you to all of those who have taken workshops from me in the past...I hope you really enjoyed the experience and are pursuing or at least appreciating art in a whole new way!  I firmly believe that we as artists have been given a gift...and it is a wonderful experience to share those gifts as well.

                                                 Available at Darnell Fine Art, Santa Fe, NM

"A day without painting, or at least thinking of painting, is like a day without breathing." - unknown

WooHoo!!!!! Today, I finally had a day in the studio.  It's been awhile and it really does feel good to 'breathe' again!  The big show that I had been working on is up and rollin' at Edgewood Orchard Galleries in Door County.  The opening reception was Saturday night and there were LOTS of people, great comments on the artwork AND quite a few red dots, too...THANK YOU EVERYONE!  Thank you to those that surprised me at the opening (my sista's, and many friends that came from all over) it was a beautiful evening.

So, today, after getting all other items settled and under control (you know, the normal things like laundry, dog, puppy, etc), I got into the studio but I didn't just dive into a painting..I spent a glorious little bit of important time..sipping my tea (new tea from Q Tea, Premium Tea House in Green Bay), listening to music (Nicholas Gunn today), reading through my journals, reflecting on the beautiful landscape surrounding me, AND THEN I GOT TO WORK!

I am so thankful for the galleries that represent me, my collectors and my friends and family who help me every inch of the way....enjoy your day!

                                        image of large painting at Edgewood Orchard Galleries

                                                  "Sunrise" - sold immediately at the show