Update

Hello, again. I worked on the polo painting in a previous entry to take it to The Laurels. I came to the conclusion that it was not up to my archival standards, meaning it's longevity was in question concerning the stability of the experimental materials used. So, after taking a nice long look at it, I destroyed it. I had to make that decision for the protection of a future collector and to maintain my reputation as a reputable artist. Did it hurt to tear it up into tiny pieces? Yes! But it had to be done. Then I went to The Wheelers and determined the same thing, as similar products were used in that piece. Yes, that one is gone too. Two paintings destroyed in one day, but my conscience is clear that a collector has my word that a painting of mine will retain its integrity and value. On to the next project...

Hi, Everyone,

Sorry for the silence. I went to the NC mountains for a week of guitar camp at the John C. Campbell Folk School...lots of fun and I learned so much. I am preparing to leave for The Laurels Driving competition in Unionville, PA in about a week to set up a vendor booth where I will display and sell my paintings. Here are final photos of Barnyard Mayhem and In Bernie's Dreams. The colors are much brighter in person than in these photos. I hope they make you smile!

In Bernie's Dreams

It's almost finished and shortly it will leave to be photographed and framed. It's final title is "In Bernie's Dreams". The whiskers and claws are on, some mouse details and clouds...I'll take a few minutes to give it the last tweak and off we go. A much better photo of it will be available in the Gallery on the website. On to the next one!

Cat on catnip 6

My deadline is tomorrow! I think I can make it! I'll finish the details tomorrow...one more set of whiskers, a few more clouds, a few surprise flecks of color. The title will change...will sleep on it tonight. This piece has been a major challenge and I have learned so much by doing it. And, yes, Bernie the cat really is that fat with a head that is dwarfed by his "ample physique"! I imagine that Bernie, who is about 15 years old by now, dreams of a flying mouse fest of days gone by. Happy dreaming, Bernie!

Cat on catnip 5

Here is the surprise of the mice cavorting around the cat! The sky has its first layer. I have two days to finish this painting and get it to the photographer and framer. This is going to be tight...there is much left to be done!

Cat on catnip 4

My deadline to get this finished is approaching fast! But it's coming along nicely. I'm really trying to get the likeness of the cat, and put him in the sky cavorting and feeling frisky. Almost time for the surprise!

Cat on catnip 3

Again, I apologize for the photography and lack of white lighting, but you can see the progress on this piece. It's coming along well and I'm happy and grateful to have had this challenge. This kitty is named Bernie, and he is flying and frolicking. The background really is white, so I hope to show you the true colors later in better light.

Cat on catnip 2

Sorry for the bad lighting on this painting...but maybe you can see the progress made on the bottom right cat anyway. I think some of the postures will be changed a bit to improve the composition, but we'll see. I love the flexibility of oil pastel on generously applied acrylic medium on board. Double edged sword, however, as the painting smears easily and never dries. That's why these artworks have to be framed with a spacer under glass or Plexi...to protect the surface from being bumped and smeared. That's also why I always wear old clothes while painting..otherwise all my clothes would be stained. It's a messy medium!

Cat On Catnip 1

Barnyard Mayhem needs to rest a bit to let the paint set, so here's the beginning of the kitty I mentioned earlier. It's called Cat On Catnip and there will be a surprise addition at the end to make this painting even more fun. This is a big painting...32" x 40" on heavily prepared foam board. This is a huge undertaking for me with three kitties on one surface, but it's a good challenge and I hope it will complete the way I see it in my mind. Can you tell that I have a whopping good time making these creations? Silliness is one of my essential life elements!