What goes around comes around.

I have just finished reading The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian.  Despite it's romantic-sounding title it's a horrible tale of genocide by the Ottoman Empire toward the Armenians . . . the same area that is now Syria.  The Armenians were mostly Christian (it was the first Christian country) and treated as second class citizens by the Turks.  The Turks felt that the Armenians  would side with the Russians if the country was invaded . . . sooooo, they were rounded up and killed, one way or another.  I feel so ignorant.  I didn't know.

Finally seeing the outline of a plan . . .

After a slow, slow, start, the year is finally off and running!  Life drawing classes, oil painting classes, 3 workshops scheduled, etc.  I've just finished 3 smalls that will be available for purchase at May & Co. in Midway, KY.  That's what is included here.

A little R&R . . . whether I wanted it or not!

Just as soon as the New Year turned (actually Jan. 5th), I went to a LaGrange reception for a new art show in which I was participating.  A fellow artist coughed on me while telling me he didn't want to get too close and sure enough, within 2 days I was sick . . . for the major part of two weeks. Trying to move as little as possible, I read four books in four days.

Now I'm somewhat recovered (enough to go back to drawing and painting at least).

This is an old drawing, my subject is at the left since I haven't taken a photo of my newest project . . . my friend Frieda's late husband John holding their first grand child, Maddy.  I can't seem to get the little girl mouth . . . or let's say I get it and then keep fooling with it until it's destroyed.  Here's hoping it's good enough to eventually give it to Frienda.

For thie first time -- OILS

I have finished two oil paintings since beginning my oil painting classes about 6 weeks ago.  Now I'm trying to paint one of two folks I know.  That should be harder.  I think these are presentable tho.

It's that time of Year!

I've been busy "making Christmas".  I'm including two of my smalls that are for sale in Midway.  The one here is a Yorkie - pretty obvious - and the one to the right are of two kids in a snowy setting.  I've done seven.

Portraits in oil have come along and I'm actually attempting a portrait of real people - a fellow and his grand daughter.  It'll probably take several weeks and then I'll share.

I've had three sessions of life drawing so far and two sessions of oil people painting. Interesting, fun, and totally debilitating.

The landscape is rapidly turning into a riot of color.  The fothergilla in our yard are especially pretty.  This is my favorite time of year.  It always seems like it's the BEGINNING of the year to me.  Too many years of going to school, maybe.  Anyway I love it.

A New Leaf . . .

I'm rearranging my life to become more serious about art.  On Tuesdays I'll be doing life drawing at Kentucky State University and on Thursdays I hope to be taking a portrait class in Lexington.  I feel like I'm entering a new era.  We'll see.  Meanwhile I'm preparing a few small paintings to sell.  See to the right  . . .