Going Fishing

Advice is like snow; the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into, the mind.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge


After the local art show was cancelled I became very discouraged. I love "doing" art ~ I don't love "marketing" art. I suppose that's true of all artists, though. Anyway, my good friend Lynn encouraged me to keep at it. Lynn's positive, cheerful outlook on life is a gift she generously shares with everyone she meets. So, Lynn, if you're reading this, thanks for the kind words.

I started this small painting last week. I am particularly interested these days in getting the background of my paintings correct. The right mixture of darks and lights are not only key to making the figure pop out but in making him look three dimensional. I've blocked in where I want the shadows to be but now need to spend some time blending them in with the highlights in the background.

The Purple Vase

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.

Calvin Coolidge


Last year the Art Club in my development sponsored an art show. Forty exhibitors, myself included, participated. It was a lovely day and the show was very well attended. I have been looking forward to this year's second annual show for months. Unfortunately, it was just cancelled. Only 15 people were willing to put their work on display. Is everybody down in the dumps? I guess I'll just need to work harder to find places to show my art ~ or should I just stop for awhile? Anyway, I'm at least going to finish up a few pieces and try not to be too discouraged.

This little painting is a smaller rendition of a larger one I had in the show last year. Again, I'm experimenting with a looser style. The background and vase are done. The flowers, of course, will never be finished.