"Black-Eyed Susans"

"Black-Eyed Susans"

10"x10" oil on gallery wrapped canvas

I painted this painting of the black-eyed susan flowers that bloom each year at the friendship entrance to my house. I love them when they are blooming and they bring such sunshine to our side door for guests to enjoy as they come to visit. 

It was sold during and event at the Memphis Botanic Gardens called "Incognito." At this event, 80 Memphis area artists were asked to create and donate a 10"x10" painting with a botanical theme and NOT sign the front of the work. Gala attendees then bid on these paintings during the evening and at the end (after auction was over), the artists went to their respective paintings and signed them! Also, we were asked to "play along" and attend the event in disguise to go along with the theme of "buy what you like not who you know." So fun! I included a photo of my "disguise" along with my cohort (or fellow female Blues Brother!), artist Judy Nocifora. Also a photo with the happy art patron who purchased my painting.

I will have to say here that even though I looked goofy all night walking around with my hair stuffed in a hat with feathers and dark sunglasses on, I had a blast! I met other artists that I didn't know (which is always fun!) and saw lots of friends from the community who are art and Botanic Garden supporters. Great evening and a successful event for the Botanic Garden!

One Year Blog-aversary!

"Sunset on the Marsh"

8" x 10" oil on canvas panel

I wondered yesterday how long I had been blogging and remembered it was right about now last year when I "took the plunge" and started a blog. It turns out TODAY is the one year anniversary of the "birth" of my blog! Yay! I don't know why that is so exciting other than it is something I started that I actually stuck with, which isn't always the case with things I begin! However, I love to read other blogs and learn so much from other artists "out there" that share their painting journeys with all of us "out here," so I feel the need to do the same. Not that I have tons of knowledge that others do not, but I just feel the need to give back and hopefully bring a little bit of encouragement and information to someone who reads these posts. 

I also have "met" so many more nice artists and received so much encouragement through this blog. That is the main reason I keep doing it. No, I don't post everyday. And I don't even have a posting schedule like some of you. I am not a daily painter, but I really admire those who are and support them through my encouraging words on their blogs, and through my purchases of their art. My studio wall and office wall is lined with beautiful art I have purchased and I plan to continue to add to that in the coming years. 

The painting above is a plein air piece that I did in Apalachicola, FL this past October in a workshop with Lori Putnam. As I have mentioned before, I will begin a mentoring program with her next week, and I am so excited about being able to concentrate on certain goals I have for myself in relation to my art. I will certainly share my progress with you all along the way!

And let me once more send out sincere thanks to all of you who offer encouragement and advice and kind words to me through this blog. Happy Blog-aversary to Meeeeeeeee!!!!! (I wonder if this occasion calls for cake??)