2010 Calendar

Well, I finally finished my new 2010 calendar. Beyond the Vail features a variety of images as well as subjects. It is produced in full color and measures 11"x 8.5" when closed. Click to preview the images. Only $16.95 each!

Fears and Frustrations of the Creative Process

"Creativity" is actually a problem solving method for the mind using "artistic" materials to convey a thought. I say "artistic" loosely because just about anything "functional" can be made "artistic". Most people don't understand the behind the scenes drama that goes into making a piece. Be it a play, book or painting, the process can be a bit daunting. Think of it as a dance or like reading a book. I never like starting a new one but once you're in it, it captures you and you can't put it down. Sometimes all it takes is just getting though the first chapter and let the rest fall into place. Elizabeth Gilbert knows just what I mean.

Creative Collaboration

I can't say that I've ever really had artist's block. I am more likely to run out of time or energy before I have artist's block. I have a list a mile long of subjects that inspire me and even as I sit here, more images continue to flash though my brain. On occasion I will stare at a blank canvas wondering if I should create a close up or if I should start with a sketch or maybe just start and let the image evolve. I admit that I have paintings that I have considered completed, only to look at them and add something later on. Right now, I actually have several paintings that I've started and came to a standstill. They sit there because they are missing something and I haven't figured out what yet. To someone else they might look done but to me they are missing ... something. Several times Bonnie & I have kicked around the idea of each of us starting a painting and handing it to the other just to see how each of us would complete them. A creative collaboration of sorts for fun. The funny thing is, that even thought our processes are different Bonnie & I somehow subconsciously inspire each other. In the past we have unknowingly painted some of the same subjects at the same time without knowing.

Goodbye Summer

This has been a strange year weatherwise. I mean, there were a few snow storms at the beginning of the year which was nothing unusual but it gave way to a long damp spring. Then it became one of the rainiest summers on record. There were a few warm days but it was never enough to dry everything out and there was always a shower or two for the weekend. Actually, the mosquitos weren't even bad. Probably because most of the rain washed the larvae away. I kept hoping that I'd get to paint my deck this summer. This week I had to turn on the heat, the trees were in full color, rose bushes were still in bloom, pumpkins are being picked and I was driving home in the snow! How wild is that!

Appearance at A New Page!

For the first time, I will be setting up my tent at A New Page on Saturday, September 26th. Located I will have a variety of prints, bookmarks, mugs and other gifty items. Location details are below. But if you have time, please stop in and say hello!

A New Page

1060 Newfield Street

Middletown, CT, 06457

Phone: 860-346-6544

http://anewpage.ning.com/

Glasswing Dragon

In another couple of weeks, my wonderful step-son and his lovely bride-to-be will be welcoming in their son Jack. Unfortunately, due to conflicting schedules we don't get to see much of each other, so our usual mode of communication has been via the internet. About a week or so ago, I went on a family quest in search of the perfect crib. We picked out a really nice one that will convert into a full size bed and will grow along with him and Sammy picked out some great bedding to go with it. Afterwords, we all went back to their appartment to put it together. I had never been to their place before and I couldn't help but notice their collection of dragons. Calenders, posters & collectibles. Dragons galore. So I decided to add one more to their collection....Sorry guys, but this one is for Jack! :)

Emily

It's been a whole year already since I lost my beloved Emily. She was extremely loving, very trusting and patient with me. She loved everyone and greeted them as if they were someone special. She truely didn't have a mean bone in her body. Even when my jealous Chloe would pick a fight, Emily always let her have her way and would give her kisses. There is still an emptiness where she used to be. I think of her often. Mostly when the world is quiet and before I fall sleep. I was truely blessed that she picked me.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Bookmarks!!!

I am pleased to announce that I now have eight new bookmarks available. You will find them on my Etsy store until my new website is up. They are also available at A New Page in Middletown.

Friend me on Facebook!!!

I now have a new Facebook page for fans of my artwork to view new pieces of my artwork, news announcements, discussions, events and more. The page is a little sparse now but I have several new things in the works. Please stay tuned!

Find Your Passion

Find your passion!!! Actually, that's been on my mind a lot lately. But who says that you need to have just one!!!

Although I have always been a artist, these days painting is what most people know me for. But to be honest, painting is really only one of my passions. When I was ten, I saw a woman playing the flute & I decided that was something I really wanted to do. By the time I was half way through high school I had taken up the saxophone as well and had graduated to first chair piccolo. I was so into it I had even passed up going to the prom because it fell on a night that I would be performing with Mitch Miller at the Bushnell. Back then, I continued to take regular classes in painting but it came second to my love of music at the time. Although I don't perform at the Bushnell anymore, it didn't keep me off the stage. From there I entered the life of community theater and performed such shows as The Boys Next Door, The Orphans, Jesus Christ Superstar and countless Shakespearean plays. I know my passions. Although I paint more often that I do the other two, but I find that I do need them all. And taken in turn, each is another expression of myself.

What's yours?