It's Thursday night and I am now realizing I have not entered any news this week. It has been a very full week.

I have just completed wrapping all 18 pieces for the solo show at the Old Town Art Center; the opening reception will be on Sunday, September 12, from 1 to 5pm. Hope to see you all there!

Now I can concentrate on getting everything together for my Artist-in-Residence adventure at Acadia National Park.

My plan is to bring 30 surfaces on which to paint. I cut canvas to fit my field-study panels and when I return to home base, I will glue the canvas to the panels. This method saves on weight for trips when I am flying to my destination instead of driving.

This time, I decided to ship my easel. It departed on Tuesday. To me it felt like I was sending a child of to camp alone.  On the last trip, when I flew to Denver, our Midway Airport tried to open my easel by prying it. They broke the adjustable part that holds the canvas forcing me to tape it together to be able to do my work. A good friend fixed it for me, so with ten glorious days of painting ahead I just don't want anything to slow me down.

In my entire life, I have only done one other solo adventure. I took a trip to New York City a year after my husband died. I was there for four incredible days. Each day was filled with galleries and art museums.

It was during that trip I re-connected with my childhood dream and became determined to become part of the culture of artists, and be recognized for my talent and my ability to create.

My five-year journey has opened many doors and put me face-to-face with incredible talent, all of it fuel for the fire that burns within. I am very happy with what I have accomplished and my standing within the art community.

I know I am meant to continue along this path until I no longer breathe and with this I know my life will have great joy.

May each of you find the joy that helps fuel your spirit!

I'll be back online in 2 weeks.

Ciao!

September is going to be a very busy month for me!

Not only will I be having my first solo show at Old Town Art Center with an Opening Reception on September 12, 2pm to 5pm, but I found out a few days ago I am one of the chosen artists for 2010 to be an Artist-in-Residence at Acadia National Park in Maine!

My desire to get to all the National parks, started last fall after hearing Ken Burns speak at the Art Institute. I am hoping to have at least 25 more years of plein-air painting. As soon as my daughter is off to college I hope to visit to two or three parks a year.

Maine Coastline

I am excited about the idea of getting outside to paint. I will also re-visit Washington Island this June. There is a connection and rejuvenation I feel and receive from the Island, and with eager anticipation I am counting the days to be back there.

Don't forget to support the arts. Fellow artists have been hit hard with the recession/adjustment that has occurred.

I'm staring at a blank canvas and just don't know where to go with it.

This rarely happens.  So when it does, this creates a discord in my routIne. One of the quickest ways to get over my indecisiveness is to clean up the studio or go out into the field to paint.

I've done enough snow paintings for the year...so cleaning it is!

Why do I have so many snow paintings you ask? Because I will be having a solo show this September at the Old Town Art Center featuring the "Four Seasons."

Please save September 12 on your calendar for the Opening Reception from 2pm to 5pm. You'll be able to see the winter paintings!