“Can you help me?”

A medical illustrator approached me during opening night at my exhibit. She desperately wanted to paint but her attempts had failed miserably, she explained. She wished for a sense of freedom in painting.

Feeling her frustration, my heart went out to her.New~ Waterlilies 22×28 oil on canvas

“Do you wear reading glasses?”

“Yes, of course.” she said.

“Take them off.” I suggested.

Startled doubt cross her face. Understanding, I gently laid my hand on her arm.

“No glasses and trust yourself.”

~work in progress~both  unfinished~

To see the big picture, we may need to focus less on minute details.

Improved ‘vision’ arises with blurry eyesight.

Clarity, friends, arrives in all forms.

 ~NEWS-

Big new work/ small work.

Big work ~ in progress..two five foot canvas’. The lake reflection is a challenge I have been wanting to tackle for awhile, exciting to be finally immersed in it. The northern Ontario piece is inspired by my friend Julia Hargreaves paddling photo. It’s just begun, but has a great feel already.

Small work. Inspired by the 50 project paintings I created 4 new little pieces.( see details below images)

Keeping with the 50 theme this year- oil on canvas within 5×7 mat frame ( poly wrapped) 50$ CAD. Shipping 2$ within Canada. Original gift idea. :0)

2016 pricing in effect thru December.

Stop in to see the amazing December show at Hambleton Galleries in Kelowna! Lots of wonderful gift ideas and incredible array of art. The Hambleton folk are as helpful & kind as they come.

A wonderful aspect of my job is being privy to artist’s personal narratives, often not stories the public seeks to hear.

Yet in these truths laid bare, I find as much inspiration as their amazing work.

They are touching human stories of evolvement and overcoming insurmountable obstacles.

 New “Canoe & Paddle” 16×20 oil

The origin and path of an artist may offer accounts not fraught with mysticism, but rich in resilience, admirable work ethic, creative evolution, and endurance.

Their stories offer hope.

Audiences experiencing his music on the world stage, “Say I have a Divine gift” he spoke gently cradling his teacup. “I believe this has to do with practicing 8 hours a day.”

Music was an avenue to win parents attention and compete with older brothers. “I was driven to excel in competition with them.” It wasn’t until years later he found his creative voice in the guitar.

 New Collection for Hambleton Galleries.

By the time he won the most prestigious writing award in Canada he had been writing for more than 15 years. “They say it’s a calling,” he said with a soft laugh. “Maybe, but I didn’t have a natural knack for writing.” His stories share truths in history designed to better humanity. “I became a writer because I love to read and I found the power of story”. It was a decade of University education, mentor workshops and countless drafts before the award winning book came to fruition.

 “Sun” finally realized & complete.

She found her passion in clay at a weekend workshop in the midst of a successful engineering career. It wasn’t easy learning her craft. She confessed, “I cried the first few years”.

Many creative discoveries are made later in life.

handcrafted chair/ ottoman by Marc

A bright mathematical ergonomist with no creative hobbies witnessed a show featuring a master craftsman. Inspired by beauty and ergo appeal, he decided to build a chair. Thou he hadn’t worked with tools & wood, he evolved skill over years of dedicated work.

Often the case in pursuit of the arts, time & labour are richly rewarded. His creativity awakens as he develops designs fusing ergonomic intelligence and esthetic beauty.

 Marc Banning table

Thou working artist’s pathways vary, they often share a common private grievance, when their hard earned skill is dubbed ‘natural’, ‘effortless talent’. Most are embarrassed to share this with the public. “If we tell them our path was far from direct, or it is hard work, maybe they won’t buy it/collect it/publish it/ play my music.”

The real fear?

“Perhaps it will no longer be special to them.”

 Study 8×10

I encourage artists to share a glimpse of their real journey. Others can apply these lessons to their own personal struggles and pursuits.

It’s a fine line, another artist told me. “Speak of hardships and we come across as ungracious. That simply isn’t true. We are grateful for the work, our fans & supporters.”

Artists with longevity have a healthy dose of grit. They are tenacious with aspiration so deep it over- rides misconceptions, labels, including very negative assumptions. This is as remarkable and inspiring as their work.

Perhaps the ethereal mystery lies not in so-called talent, but in this deeply rooted sense of purpose. It’s in their continual pursuit to capture the essence we feel in their work.

It’s in their bravery.

Humanity united in the midst of greatness in music, story, and art is powerfully transcending. It can open our minds to possibility and our hearts to great love.

~

“Dawn’s canvas’s evoke a world alive with motion, resonating with life that reaches up out of the soil to the sunlight. Her images invite us to celebrate this world, to imagine that which lies on it’s outer edges, and to participate in a world moving in light” D.L

~ All work is for sale & available for purchase. I am so excited about the new work developing! New small collection will be unveiled at the Hambleton December Exhibit in Kelowna BC. Thanks to all the folks at Hambleton for their devoted work.

Canadian history is rich with canoe stories and it remains an important feature of Canadian identity.

First Nations crafted birch bark canoes for transportation. Later, Voyagers used the canoe for fur trading.

Our Prime Minister has been spotted in a canoe more than once.

Among my Canadian collectors, 95% have paddled or ridden in a canoe. The other 5% just aren’t old enough yet.

My Dad was at the helm the first time I sat as a child in a canoe. I was wonderstruck by the unique visual perspective. It was awe inspiring, perched below the water line, lake expanse before me, shorelines shimmering in my sightline, gentle water’s echo surrounding us.

“Early Morning” new 24×30 oil

Many Canadians share canoe stories rich with transforming experiences, bonding friendships, and family history.

I wasn’t surprised Kyra Paterson’s amazing photo of Algonquin was taken on her first paddling adventure with her daughter. (click on highlight text to read Kyra’s post)

Kyra Paterson photo

Thou I rarely ask to paint from another’s photos, hers begged to be explored with a brush. Thanks to Kyra for graciously sharing.

Her photo sparked expedition reflections paddling in the misty morning light, and as a child with my family.

 Dawn & Joanie McGuffin

 People often ask what feeds the art, what inspires it, where do the ideas come from?

“So much of what we do as artists is a combination of personal experience and imagination, and how that all creeps into your work is not so linear. “Diana Krall

Elements that fuel the work can be physical, emotional, intellectual, historical. Influences may be found in daily experiences and interactions, other art forms, like music.

Influences that brought “Early Morning” to life include:

Kyra’s heartwarming story & photo.( above).

The universal love Canadians share of paddling and personal trip experiences/ photos below.

Palette inspired by yesterday’s misty morning nature walk. ( with nature friends) and autumn prairie hills of home last month.

Music in the studio for this painting included:

“Huntsville” Ken Yates

“Serenity and Light” Our Abandon

“What a Wonderful World” Louis Armstrong

“Storms Never Stay” sung by my Dad.

“This Gift” Glen Hansard

“Let the Mystery In” Clarence Bucaro

“Fields of Gold” Eva Cassidy.

~

Looking for a paddling experience in northern Canada?Highly recommended Canoe North is an award winning expedition company recognized as A Canadian Signature Experience.

~“You need not leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. You need not even listen, simply wait, just learn to become quiet, and still, and solitary. The world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked. It has no choice; it will roll in ecstasy at your feet.”  F. Kafka

 New “Clouds” oil on canvas series.

Experts say the human species is ‘young’ enough to recognize our original home, the wilderness. Perhaps this is why even the most non nature buff will feel a sense of peace basking in a sunset, or hearing an ocean’s voice. “C” 6in x6in

Wilderness isn’t just a balm to our soul, it improves our memory, and intelligence. Exercising outside likely doubles the benefits. We are 50% more creative after spending time outdoors. Our heartbeats slow, and blood pressure drops when in nature. Even viewing images of nature can inspire this reaction. “L” 6in x 6in

It may be why millions are spent on ‘nature sound’ playlists, and wilderness photos coupled with motivating quotes are displayed on walls around the world. We humans have a deep emotional, even spiritual connection to nature. “O” 6in x6in

 Painting is finding that essence, and breath of life.

The art I create isn’t about self-expression. It’s absorbing energy in nature, offering it back to you. Sharing a primitive kinship in natures wonder without limits. “U” 6in x6in

Why don’t I include people in landscape paintings?

I do.

I put you there.

Nature art is an open invitation to all of humanity, without agenda. “D” 6in x6in

Have you witnessed visitors in an art museum of diverse cultures and demographics respond similarly to art? It’s an amazing thing, this connection. “S” 6in x6in

The new series celebrates humanity, art & nature connection. Each 6×6 canvas is available for collection individually, or by 2, 3 or 4, but not as a set entirely.

Know that someone, somewhere in the world, will have a selection of this scene as collective. The series reaffirms, in some small, but possibly powerful way, we are all part of a whole.~

No man is an island / Entire of itself / Every man is a piece of the continent / A part of the main. John Donne.~

Each 6×6 canvas shares at title, individualized by a letter. 300.oo $ each.

Let’s be honest, artists aren’t usually the ‘go to’ for productivity advice.

Myths still dominate perceptions on how we work. Thou its fun pondering mythical scenerios, the truth is, to make a living in art, being productive is a critical element to success.

New Commission for NY clients.

Passion careers are not easy. Survival depends on consistent outstanding work while the world watches every brushstroke. Pressure can be all consuming. Unlike sports, there is no ‘off season’.

Yet many professional artists produce work prolifically, run their business single handedly, have a startling ability to juggle many projects, maintaining razor sharp focus.

How do they do it?

It’s wisdom worth sharing, for this universal advice can be applied to your own pursuits.

First, it’s an absolute given choosing a healthy lifestyle contributes to productivity and longevity. Hands down.

 5 keys to Productivity:

1. A daily time log is an asset to discovering how your valuable time/ energy is spent. An HONEST time log. Include the hours you spend watching cat videos.

2.   De-clutter. It’s tough to be prolific if you cannot find your tools. A clean space = a focused mind, which in turn, opens channels for creativity. Never underestimate factors that contribute to stress and distraction.

Eric Barker writes “Changing your environment is the easiest and most powerful way to change your behavior. Altering the things in your home and your office and carefully picking the people you spend time with will bring you greater and more effortless results than anything else.”

3.  Organize. It saves time, allowing productivity to flourish. Mark McGuiness agrees, offering organizational tips in his wonderful new book “Productivity for Creative People.”

4.  Deliberate Practice. Common theory is to pack in thousands of hours in practice. While there is truth to this, in “Talent is Overrated” Geoff Colvin says deliberate practice is key to understanding where extraordinary talent comes from.

5. Mindfulness & meditation. So successful in helping people achieve focus, meditation is prescribed to those diagnosed with ADHD.

Artists achieve razor sharp focus, because the very work we do is mindful. By working consistently we build a focus ‘muscle’. It becomes easier and easier to ‘tap into the creative zone’. I have known artists who continue to be productive thru enormous life challenges that would normally stop anyone in their tracks. The ability to ‘compartmentalize’ is a wonderful side benefit to having this kind of focus.

New semi plein air. 8×10

Whatever your ambitions, incorporating routine, eliminating negative energy/time draining activities, implementing organized structure, and practicing mindfulness, will pay off in spades.

Goals require  fertile ground to grow, these elements will nourish your productivity, offering space for creativity to blossom.

Note: Hats off to Mark McGuiness, who knocks it out of the park with his new book “Productivity for Creative People” it’s wonderfully motivating, & enlightening. Click here.

~More NEWS~ After 8 months of work, the 50 project is complete!

50 paintings for 50 collectors, celebrating 50 years in gratitude. My heartfelt thanks for your support of the work. Here’s to 50 more.

Today’s most effective leaders are sharply focused on developing more innovative employees and innovation-friendly organizational cultures. It’s no longer enough to have a skilled and technically proficient workforce—employees also need to be creative, collaborative, and communicative. In recent years, the use of the arts by corporations to meet a wide range of employee training and organizational development needs has grown remarkably. Why? Because artistic processes and experiences are by their very nature creative endeavours—including creative and critical thinking, problem identification and solution, effective written and oral communication, teamwork, and collaboration—are deeply rooted in the artistic tradition. ~ Leader to Leader Journal by Harvey Seifter

Art collections in the workplace offer many benefits:

• Art creates an innovative and stimulating environment. Art teaches tolerance. It sparks conversation and invites new perspectives.
• Art has science proven health benefits. It directly influences people, even if they are unaware of the art. Art is a powerful habitat vitamin.
• Displaying art exhibits the corporation’s support of the arts and investment in community.
• Creating a comfortable inviting space expresses value to the people who dwell in the space.
• Displaying corporate collections gives the public an opportunity to view amazing art they may never otherwise have access to.
• Many art collections in corporations have continued to increase investment value over the years.

Alaska- new 18×24~Sold

I enjoy the pleasure of working with corporate and private sectors who believe people and relationships are the heart of their business.

Amazed at the incredible scope art has, recent diverse inquires illuminate the powerful benefits of art in the workplace:

“It’s an extremely high stress field. We have been studying ways on how to decrease stress in the workplace for our staff. Art is a powerful way to do that.” –NYC Hedge Fund Managing Partner

“Patients love the painting you donated! We have located it to an area in the hospital where both staff and patients benefit”.

“I had a little boy who is quite autistic visiting my office. He went right up to your painting ‘Sunset’ and just quietly stared. I gently asked him, “Tell me what you see.” Without taking his eyes off of it, he replied, “The beach.” It was a special moment, and certainly affirmation for me that the Arts have the ability to cross all academic divides and social barriers.” ~Educator.

“The founding presidents established an art gallery within the main office. We as employees enjoy the art that is displayed throughout the building. I have been fortunate to be surrounded by people who share ideas and promote others. While seeing your work )(I pondered how many corporations would like to have your artwork in their offices.” -Dofasco

“We host an event twice a year for those overwhelmed with a diagnosis, care givers, charity workers, grieving, depressed, needing support or time to heal. A musician plays classical music and we put a picture on a slide before meditations and prayer. The breath of life in nature.  That’s hopefully what I’m trying to connect for folks, their soul to something larger — without definition — the mystery. Your artistry touches something very deep in me and obviously others and you get to reach people I’ll never be able to. “~  Minister

The company commissioned a painting for the lobby from a famous artist. The painting was unveiled at a catered staff luncheon. Employees were surprised with gifts of individual prints of the painting.~ Client

A waiting area feels like a library with cozy chairs, books, soft lighting and beautiful art. The surgeon suggested to me offering patients a comfortable space instills relaxation that can be infectious among patients in the common room. A relaxed patient is easier to treat, the experience is more positive for all.

Creating healthy, pleasing, stimulating, or relaxing working environment directly affects humanity and may produce a surprising lasting impression.

A study on professionals who spent their lunch hour in an art museum had surprising results. They exhibited lower resting heart rates, and blood pressure. The unexpected result? They performed more random acts of kindness.

Nature’s vibrant colour emerges with autumn upon us.

In the gentle hush of fall, light softens as daylight shortens. Crickets chirp as the busy hum of summer fades to the quiet rhythm of fall.

 Autumn 8×10 oil on board.

In Canada, focus shifts from outdoor to indoor pursuits. Garage sales pop up as houses are purged. Nature’s influence is ever present when homes are “spruced up” and refreshed. This time of year, dwellings often undergo home improvements in preparation for winter.

My Auntie Beth lovingly called it “nesting”

.“Winter Trail” 20×24 oil on canvas

Fall is also the season when artist’s studio phones ring non-stop.

 In recent weeks over half a dozen clients all in the midst of reno’s have been actively seeking art and advice. Projects range from new builds and major renovations, to minor ones. I commend them for including art collection in a renovation budget, too often art is an afterthought.

 A few tips in preparing your space & adding to your collection.

• Fresh wall paint will renew the space and enhance the art. For great palette options for your art collection, click here. Favourites for showcasing the work I do are: #3, #5, #7 & #10. (Keep floor colour, lighting and room size in mind when choosing wall paint.)
•  iArtView makes it possible to peruse and exhibit art digitally on your own walls. Click here to read about this remarkable app.
• Define your spaces. What experience do you want to emulate? Ex: relax, entertain, dine, etc. Communicate this to the artist/ dealer.
• .Cut paper to size of your canvas options, (adjust size if adding a frame) tack to the area on the wall and interchange to get a feel for the size.
• Consider what else is in the room.Ie: are there fancy fixtures, mouldings, patterned rugs, ornate furniture.The more competition for our attention and senses, art experience is less restful or engaging.
•   If it’s available in your community invite the gallery dealer/ artist to view your space and offer suggestions.

 ~ With more paintings leaving the studio these days, I have been re-arranging art and implementing my own nesting. Among changes is an unfolding look to a large northern painting. It’s really risky, sanding down a large painting and beginning anew.

Like some changes, it can be well worth it with dramatic results.

Note: My Auntie Beth was a full participant in the idea of nesting. After harvest she retreated from her amazing garden to bake bread and can in her homey kitchen amid busy family farm life. Auntie made the best rice pudding ever, and understood the need to purge the old, and begin anew. Long ago, instead of storing my apartments contents, I sold everything before traveling. She said “Great idea! Everyone needs to unburden sometimes and have a clean slate.”

Fuel  and preserve passion for work by taking a healthy break from it.  Even artists need a vacation.

This was my intention, leaving paints & brushes behind on a recent journey retracing our roots with my brother & father,

Yet surprisingly, my artistic history emerged in remarkable ways.

Read about this and the inspiring, influential place that helped shape me as an artist, in a future post.

 New “Inlet” 22×28 oil on canvas

While traveling, I have been reading “Rising Strong”  (Brene Brown) and  “Talented is Overrated”(Geoff Colvin) in the midst of watching inspiring Olympics.

Remarkable similarities exist between sport & art with notable parallels how athletes & artists approach training, commitment, and development. Science continues to prove benefits of creativity within humanity, in sport and otherwise.

Brown’s work expresses creativity plays an important role in coping with failure and obstacles in “Rising Strong”. Colvin makes a convincing case for deliberate practice, in “Talented is Overrated”.

Reflections on these subjects and the story of my journey to follow soon.

Meanwhile, requests for northern shore and canoe paintings flood in. Fortunately, subject matter I never tire of. :0)

New “Ancient Shore” 6inx8in oil /board

Watch for these developments on your social networks. Now on Instagram(@Dawnartworks), Linked IN, Twitter. and FB.

Creative juices infused from my adventure, it’s a flurry of activity in the studio these days.

May summer journeys invigorate you & renew your sense of self, perhaps with a few surprising discoveries along the way.~

Note: The Canadian north is a popular subject among painters & poets for good reason. It’s breathtaking.

In northern Ontario, rocky shorelines forged by powerful windy lakes cradle windswept pine.

For lack of a better word, the landscape feels brave. It’s unapologetic & awe inspiring.

Years ago, plien air painting on a frosty day in winter, I created two little pieces that encompassed technical freedom I have been yearning to capture in the work. It was due to absolutely frozen numb hands, limited frozen paints and one overused brush.

Ever since, I have been trying to evolve the work to exhibit this kind of passionate rawness.

Think of it as getting to the point with fewer words.

The landscape painting is less illustrative, focusing on how it feels to be in the midst of that power & beauty.  The new northern paintings have elements of this ruggedness, mood & power. I am so pleased with this new work & hope you are too!

Food just tastes better outside.

 The Pottery Cupboard.

Dining alfresco among butterflies in the afternoon summer sun, I pondered expressions referring to the great outdoors.

“Breath of fresh air.”

“Stars in your eyes.”

“Outside the box.”

“Sky’s the limit.”

“Every cloud has a silver lining.”

“A voice in the wilderness.”

“A ray of sunshine.”

“Colour outside the lines.”

Referrals to nature may infuse our language, but experiences outside are becoming limited. Several recent articles suggest children spend less time outdoors than the average prisoner.

Fresh air feels better in our lungs, but research states we will spend 80% – 90% of our lives indoors.

I suppose then, it shouldn’t be surprising to hear inquires concerning nature’s hues.

“How do you feel about taking such liberties with colour?”

“No land is that red.”

“I love your red trees. Do you always paint trees in autumn?”

The flavour of colour influences our emotions similar to music. We recall unsung lyrics hearing the first notes of an old cherished song playing on the radio, drawn back in time by the familiar rhythm.

Adventures in nature are emotionally fueled. Colour (in art) offers a powerful connection and clarity to experience.

Fascinated with light & shadow, I take nature’s cue for colour inspiration. My friend Susan’s photo is of a land I once wandered. Crimson tundra does exit in bold beauty.

Finding sources of existing palettes in nature is kin to discovering a four leaf clover, witnessing a sun dog, or fireflies on a summer night.

It’s magical.

Paintings can censor the noise of a landscape while illuminating nature’s breath of life.

Art and wilderness share the same language.

They both speak to our soul.

Luminous essence of the wilderness in art conveys a universal language we can all appreciate.

Landscape art is also an open invitation to wander out of doors.

Peaceful, engaging, awe- inspiring beauty beckons us to revisit.

Nature always welcomes us back.~

Note:

I once delivered paintings a rural forested home of a client who was very ill. A nature lover, she had wandered her grounds daily during times of good health.

As we sat quietly on the edge of her bed, looking at her new paintings in full view of her perch, I heard her sigh.

Gesturing to nearby glass doors opening to a ground level terrace surrounded by wilderness, she whispered softly, “You are reminding me what it’s like to be out there, and that’s a beautiful thing”.~

Cycling 100 miles offers plenty of time to reflect.

During Saturday’s century ride over rolling terrain, I recalled purchasing my first adult bike 15 years ago.

Trading a commissioned painting for a new red bike made returning to cycling extra special. My thoughts wandered back to that painting and commissions I have completed since.

  “Summer” new 14×18 ~750$

The subject of commissions is a popular and complex one. My last post ignited so much curiosity!

A science professor inquired (correctly) if I applied new methods while working on the large painting.

Embodying a consistent formula may be restrictive, and stifle the spark of creativity. One of the joys of an artist is discovering unfamiliar ways to adapt in a specific painting.

The commission in my previous post was unique in process.

To clarify, I rarely pre-sketch and have never under- painted a monochromatic composition before.

Why it was necessary:

1.The size.

Working closely on a big canvas distorts vision. The ink sketch provided a ‘road map’ of sorts.

A monochromatic under- painting loosely portrayed the ‘map’.

I don’t paint on a grid form, or paint one area first. I work on the painting entirely at once, so it’s important to ‘see’ what’s going on in the whole piece.

2. Cost. A large custom canvas is very expensive and timely. I needed a plan.

Here is where it gets tricky.

Once I had the ‘map’ in place, I needed to forget about it.

It’s critical to maintain a divisional line between planning and creative expression.

“Road” 18×24 ~1000$

To influence creative flow, I didn’t pre mix, or pre- plan colours. (I never do.)

I created the palette spontaneously, adjusting the composition instinctively, as I went along.

“Boreal” 4ftx2ft~ 3300$

Those who work in various creative fields wrote about the difficult task of explaining creative freedom to prospective clients. “Commissions” they wrote, “are a headache because often clients believe they can dictate the painting.”

It’s a common problem. That’s why it’s important to communicate expectations, and understand what you are hiring the creative professional for.

Earlier this year I received a letter from a new client for a commission.

He wrote most eloquently:

“Today I was introduced to your work by a friend.

My wife and I met here. As the area has grown on us, my wife has expressed interest in a piece of art depicting the area. Our goals in life will soon make us depart this northern city, we want something to take with us to commemorate the city we met, were engaged and spent the early years of our marriage. We have spent many days out (in nature) I proposed to her on one of the trails.

I admire you hold strong to your style and values and will not do commissions that take away the artist in you. When we were looking for a wedding photographer we told him l.. we just want our wedding to be fun! We did not lay out strict guidelines and format every image he was to take. So I would hope you would feel the same freedom!”

He had two requests. To complete a painting of the area, any size within his budget.

“My father collects art. He was explaining his enjoyment that every piece links him to a place he has been. It trickles memories of a vacation, a road trip and the events that led him to find these creations. We have not started a collection yet, but this is part of our inspiration to start! This will be our first original of hopefully more pieces from the adventures ahead! I appreciate any feedback or ideas for this piece, and if you are interested this would be great! Thank you for your time!”

My fellow artists would agree, this is a dream client.

Our plan evolved, after scrutinizing photos, I had a request.

I asked him to forget every photo he had sent. His painting would be an original. It was necessary for him to have an open mind.

He graciously complied.

He wrote: “I was asked today “What if I don’t like how it turns out?” .. The door has been left open for you to use your own talent and style. This is part of the joy of it! … this painting will be completed with .. meaning for my wife & I. I basically love everything on your website…I feel that no matter how you use your brush (or brushless!), I know we will love this work!”

Later: “You have made this process so enjoyable!”

When the painting was successfully delivered, a letter arrived in the mail including something I have never received in my career.

A gratuity.

He wrote: ”We are so excited!  She absolutely loves it!”

They had already framed it and found a perfect spot for it.

“We are both happy to have this incredible work to take with us and remind us of our days here.I have enclosed a small gift. The whole purpose of this was to create a memory of our time here. Now that we are moving, the timing couldn’t be better. Thanks so much for everything.”

“Sunset 8×10~415$

How enriching to have such incredible people celebrate the work, all it embodies, with deep respect for artists and creative process!

Like the thousands of cycling miles I have ridden since that first red bike, I am so grateful to have built a foundation of amazing clients who make a difference in my life, and in turn, continue to infuse the work with love & joy.

This year, I celebrate you. ~

The 50 project is well underway. 50 Collectors, 50 paintings, celebrating 50 years, in gratitude.