The Old Truck part 3

Here is another view of my work in progress.  As you can see, I blocked in an area of the sky.  Some how I just needed to find the horizon line and gain a little perspective on the painting.

Here is a little closer look at the truck.  This painting is taking a considerable amount of  time and has a long way to go.  Although I am enjoying that process, I do seem to get a little fidgety at times.  I decided the solution was to start another painting.....and that way I can work between the two.  When one gets a little tedious I can switch to the other.  That will be something new for me...usually I stay with one painting til completion.  I just don't want to find myself taking short cuts just to "get it done".  Til next time I'm wishing......

Happy New Year everyone!

Back to the Old Truck

You may or may not remember, I started working on a painting with an old truck and jack rabbit....nice desert scene. 

This is being done on an 11 by 14 Gessoboard with Acrylics.  I have to admit it has been awhile since I have painted anything but animals.  The truck is providing some new challenges with it's rusty and fading paint and the broken glass.....but I love it.  It is great fun experimenting with what works and doesn't work, plus the texture requires a much looser style of painting then what I usually do.  There is also a multitude of straight lines and peculiar angles that must be held true...where as animals mainly contain soft curves and flowing lines.  Thank goodness for Deco Art Traditions acrylic paint....they are very forgiving as you can take a little water and a scrubby brush and lift off what you don't like...most of the time.  I have had to do that a few times, but I have also had several "happy accidents" during the painting process.  Those make me smile!

Deer in the Headlights....not quite...

I have been working on a painting of this sweet little deer.  I'm doing it on Strathmore Canvas card.....5" x 7" with acrylics.  The pose has been a bit of a challenge as has direction of the hair growth.  It seems I always struggle with which way the hair grows....I always use a reference photo, but sometimes it is still hard to figure out.  There are a lot of different "planes" in the bone structure of an animal and the hair can grow many different directions.  If you don't get it right.....it can throw off the whole thing.  It do think I'm fairly happy....maybe a few more tweaks here and there, but overall.....happy!  Next.....do I put in some type of a soft background (nothing detailed....she is the star) or do I just leave the natural color of the card?  Appreciate your comments and suggestions on that......

So there she is.....guess I need to come up with a title too.  Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season.  Me, I'm back at my painting table.....so, you know I'm where I want to be!

Merry Christmas

Ok, so I thought I would share a few holiday photos........

The lovely Yule Log I made for our pot luck here at the RV Park

Then the furballs decided they wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas in all their Holiday splendor.  Aren't they just the cutest!  I really think they like their little jingle bell collars....that is until.....Mom got just a......little......bit.....outta of control.......

Ok, so Mes and Cosmos are not happy about this at all.....but what are yous a gonna dos....sometimes ours humans dos silly things! 

So Far, So Goode

Well, we have manage to tick off yet another year of marital bliss!  Today, Dec 22, is our 31st wedding anniversary.  I love you, Billy!  You are still the man of my dreams and my very bestest friend.  I'm very proud to have those 31 years together.....and I remember being asked on more than one occasion...."What's your secret".  My secret is simple.....I love him and he loves me.  Love conquers all!  Love communicates, Love Listens, Love compromises, Love puts the other first.....and the list goes on, but I'm sure you get the picture!  And for those of you just starting out on your journey of marital bliss.....and wondering if the excitement and the romance will wear thin after a few years.  After 31 years....we still hold hands, we still cuddle close, and yes......My darling husband can still curl my toes!

Canvas Cards

I'm afraid things here in the fifth wheel have been a little busy.  Guess it is that "time of year".  Any....who.....I ran across these nifty canvas greeting cards and decided to take a break from the "truck-n-hare" painting and do a little noodling around on a card.  Here is the result.....

I have no idea what these are called...some kind of a cactus flower.  I enjoyed painting them...a little looser style than my usual painting style.  The blank cards are from Strathmore and are 5" by 7" .  They come with matching envelopes which have a very nice deckled edge....very classy!  Pack of 10 for $6.59 at Hobby Lobby.  I painted this in my usual acrylics and then sealed the surface with waterbased satin varnish.  Put it in the mail today.....hope it makes the recipient smile......

New Project

I'm back to work on another painting.  I took the photo of the truck when I was in Yuma a couple of years ago.  The image of the Jack Rabbit I have had in my reference stash for quite sometime. I used photoshop elements to place the rabbit into the photo of the truck.  That was my first time playing with my composition on photoshop elements...it really helped with placement and perspective.  Once I was happy with the composition, I printed it off for a reference.  I wanted the image bigger than 8x10 so I printed off sections and than taped it together.  Here it is......

Next comes the sketch........

I did enlarge the jack rabbit a bit and pulled him a way from the truck.  In the event, I paint the shadows as seen in the photo, I didn't want the rabbit to be completely in shade.  Sketching that grill was tedious and time consuming, but worth the effort. For an old forgotten truck, the grill was in remarkably good shape and still has a little bit of shine to it.

Here is the result of my first painting session.  It has been a long time since I painted anything other than animals and it took me a while to "get in the groove".  I'm really looking forward to getting into the main body of the truck.  It is going to be great fun...all those different colors and shapes.  I 'm still trying to decide what to do in the background, probably some distant mountains.
I'm using DecoArt Traditions Acrylics on a 11x14 gessoboard.  Questions and Comments are always welcome!

Pretty In Pink

Living in a fifth wheel, I figured my days of putting up a Christmas tree were probably over....not to mention the fact, that I used to own a small gift shop and I put up several trees each year.  Just figured I was over it.....if you know what I mean....well....guess NOT.....

Here she is and isn't she "Pretty In Pink".  I love pink and I just had to have her.  She is a little tall (4 feet), but she is skinny!  I found the perfect place for her....on top of my little art cart.  My Christmas present to me......
I'm also very proud of myself.....I made a "grab it button" for my blog.  Probably doesn't sound like much to those of you who are computer savvy, but for me it was a huge accomplishment.  I simply 'googled' how to make a button for blogger and up came this great tutorial.  You can find the tutorial here.  
I'm currently working on creating my first miniature painting (3 1/2 by 2 1/2).  I can't share a photo, yet....it is a gift for someone.  It is a bit challenging, my eyes (just like the rest of me) ain't what they used to be.  Still....I enjoy a challenge and it is looking good so far.  I imagine if I decide to continue doing miniatures I will eventually have to invest in a good magnifying glass.  If you all have any suggestions on what works well for you.....let me know....I would appreciate it.

Squirrel "FINI"!

The squirrel painting is finished!  Take a look and let me know what you think!  Of course, I'm always thinking something more or less could have been done.....I have to force myself to stop and be satisfied with what I have done.  I have listed this at my Etsy Store and I did a business page for "Perfectlygoode" on facebook.  Wow, so much to do and so little time.  I am really making an effort to "promote" my art and see what happens.  Any who, it would be great if any of you have the time to take a look at the facebook page and give me a "like" if you are so inclined.....My widget on my blog just looks so pitiful with only one or two likes at present.....Thanks in advance for those of you that do....and let me know if you have any problems with links.....

Squirrel Part 3

I spent some more time on my squirrel and here is where I am at today........

At this point, I am pretty satisfied with the tree bark, leaves and background.  Not to say that there will not be a little tweaking here and there, but overall I'm ok with what I have done.  Now, the squirrel has a ways to go yet.  Overall the head and body are in fair shape, but I need more work on the arm.  Of Course, I have not done anything but lay in the basic washes of color on the tail.  Below is a close up of the head area..... again comments and questions are always welcome

Squirrel Part 2

We are really enjoying our stay here in Bullhead City.  The rv park is lovey and quiet and it seems the town is just big enough.....
Yesterday, I was able to get back to my Baby Squirrel painting.  Take a look and see what you think.

Things are going pretty well, but I have decided the tree bark is getting a little to busy.  I'm just getting too carried away with the detail and need to bring the focus back to the squirrel.

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A little more work on the squirrel and I took some of the detail out of the tree.  It is a little too vague now, so I have to put some of the detail back.  I also notice that I need to establish the rest of the limb under the squirrel's tail....don't know how I missed that....LOLPlease feel free to comment.....and any questions about my technique are also welcome.  I used to teach art at an art shop back in Indiana and I do so miss the interaction with my students.  I always felt I learned more from them then they learned from me. 

Bullhead City AZ

Phoenix turned out to be a bit too crowded and we just couldn't find the right place for us.  My DH did some research and found Bullhead City.....a similar climate and more of a small town feel.  We found just the perfect place El Rio Waterfront Rv and we just love it here.  If you are interested in seeing some photos and more on our travels just check out my travel blog The Goode Life.


I have been "settling" in here....getting my chores done and making the fifth wheel feel more like a home.  I have so many ideas running through my head, I'm not sure exactly where I want to start.  I guess I need to make a list and see what inspires me most.  More than likely, my first creative endeavor will be to finish my second squirrel painting.  The first was auctioned off.....this one will be put on my Etsy site when finished.  I'll post some photos next time.

On the Road

We finally left our temporary home on the Tippecanoe river and started our journey west.  This year we will be spending most of the winter in Arizona, most likely the Phoenix area.  As long as we are in travel mode....my art is put on hold.  Most of the time we only spend one or two nights at an rv park.  That is just not enough time to drag out the tools which I need to create.  I would no sooner get my project started and it would be time to pack up and leave.  We travel in a fifth wheel with 3 slides so furniture has to be "arranged" for the slides to come in and then "re-arranged" for comfort when the slides come out.  I know sounds like a lot of work, but it really isn't that bad once you are used to it.  I love my home on wheels and traveling and seeing this beautiful country of ours.  If you are interested in the rv full time lifestyle or our travels, please check out my travel blog...... The Goode Life


In the meantime, I am working on my website.  I'm hoping to have that finished and up loaded sometime this week.  Once we get to Phoenix, I will be back into painting and sewing and beading and embroidery......or whatever else my creative energies turn too.  Yes, I carry a sewing machine, all my painting supplies, beading supplies, and embroidery supplies along with me in my fifth wheel.  Storage space is limited.....so I am very selective of what I carry.  I don't have those normal creative "stashes" that a lot of you do.  I tend to only have what I need for a specific project or two at a time.  One definitely has to have a "use it or lose it" attitude when living in 400 square foot.....which you share with a husband and two crazy fox terriers!

Squirrel paintings

Here is the final finished portrait of "Braveheart" the little squirrel who fell from our tree.  I am going to donate this to the auction in support of the wildlife center here in Delphi.  They did everything in their power to save this little guy, but it was not to be.  At least they were able to save his two sisters.  They are doing well and will be released back into the wild sometime in the spring.

This is my second painting.  I have just started laying in my initial washes of color.  If I get it done in time, this will also be donated to the auction.   I know some folks see these little guys as pest...who raid their bird feeders and such...but I just love them! 

I think I'm done.....

No new photos of the latest art project....Braveheart.  I do think I am finished....it is perched up on my window where I can occasionally look at it.  I will leave it there for awhile....I like to "live" with my art for awhile before I call it "finished".  Soon, though, very soon I will post a final photo.  I will be starting my sketch for the next squirrel in this series.  This one will have a young squirrel sitting on a tree limb.....eating a nut, I think!  I have also been reading this fabulous book......I'll promise to share the title and some more info on that next post.....gotta run....thanks for stopping by

BraveHeart Painting

Here is a photo of the leaves I collected to use in the painting of Braveheart.  I decided that I needed some good reference material and I am so glad I did.  Even though you think you know what a leaf looks like......I found, at least for me,.....that you can quickly forget some of the most important details.  Besides which, mother nature does a much more impressive job with colors, texture, and shadows, then my little artistic brain can do....LOL!

Here we are....Braveheart.  I have a ways to go, but I'm feeling pretty good about the painting as a whole.  The leaves are coming together, but I am concerned that they may overpower my sleeping Braveheart.  We shall see.  This is painted in acrylics on gesso board it is a wonderful surface for fine detail.  Also, I like to work in transparent layers and the board lends itself to that very well.  The color "sits on top" long enough to work with, but dries quick enough not to frustrate me.  I can, with a little scrubbing, lift color for highlights and other effects without damaging the board.  All in all.....gesso board is a great choice for me!

Braveheart Sketch

Here is my sketch of little Braveheart.  This is how I want to remember this little guy...safely nestled among the leaves....dreaming of....well, dreaming whatever happy little squirrels dream.  He was such a sweet little boy.  I did spend most of the day painting yesterday.  I have to say I really lost myself in painting and enjoyed watching this little fellow slowly coming to life.  The leaves are a struggle....leaves are a personal demon of mine.  I just seem to struggle so....but I'm trying to take deep breaths and when the struggle gets overwhelming I take a break and that does help.  Fresh eyes....ya know.  My goal is not to let the details of the leaves overpower little Braveheart.  I want some to be sharply in focus, but others to be more abstract in nature.  I will share some more photos next time....till then, enjoy the day

Fall is in the air.....

I just love this time of year.....the temps over Labor Day weekend were very fall-like.  That cool, crisp, snap in the air just seems to revive my very soul! I finished up a sewing project and I am anxious to start painting.  I have been "dreaming" my painting these last few nights and I think I'm ready now to put pencil to paper for the first sketches.

I will be starting my "BraveHeart" painting this week.  Here is a rough idea for the painting.  I think I will be doing 3 small paintings which may be hung together or separately.  The first will be of Braveheart curled up and asleep in the leaves.  The second will be of one of his sisters.....peaking out of a hole in the tree.  The third will be the second sister.....perched on a branch eating a nut.  As soon as I get the sketches finished, I will post them here for you to see.

I have also been thinking of making some marketing plans for my art.  I have been looking into imagekind.  Imagekind will make fine art prints from uploads of your work.  At first I didn't think I could get a high enough resolution to make that work, but I have been doing some research and I think I can.  I let you all know how that works out.  And.....any of you that have done this and have any tips....please let me hear from you.....

My Heart is Sad Today

Today I received an update on the three little squirrels we rescued a few days ago.  The little male, the one who had fallen from the nest, passed away yesterday.  The folks at the refuge did all they could, but they suspect he was probably injured internally in the fall and he just couldn't hang on.  At least I know he was well cared for and felt safe and warm and loved for the few days he had on this earth.  I also know he was one brave little guy; for if not for him leaving the nest, his sisters would have surly died.  The "girls" are doing very well and have even been started on some solid food this week.  As I mentioned, the refuge has ask that I do a painting for their auction in October.  I'm going to call the painting "Brave Heart" and it will be of that sweet little male squirrel.  I'm also going to include the "story of Brave Heart" in a packet on the back.  Brave Heart may have been small and frail, but this heart was brave.......and he will be remember forever......in the hearts of animal lovers everywhere.......

Playing with 'Blogger' and New Project

I am trying to re-design my blog.  Things may get ugly......but hang in.......and hopefully I will find something that works.  I have to admit I have not spent much time here in blog land and not much time on my art.  Life just keeps getting in the way of things.....I get determined to make a change and then "whoops!" procrastination.....that age old enemy of mine sets in and everything goes to......well......you know.  I have struggled with that enemy my entire life.  I'm not big on popping pills, but I'd sure sign up for one that would put an end to that nasty habit......."never do today, what you can put off til tomorrow"......I need a new mantra!

Ok, so what is on my artsy mind today.  I do have an upcoming project.  A few days ago, my husband and I manage to save 3 baby squirrels.  It seems mama squirrel was not coming back and the babies would soon starve.  We rescued them and put them in the competent hands of Wildcat Creek Wildlife Center.  I think all three babies have a good chance of survival.  The Wildlife Center asked me if I would be interested in donating a piece of art for their upcoming fundraiser auction.  I said yes.  A few years ago, I donated the painting you see below.

Red Tailed Hawk

I'm sure you have guessed what my subject will be......baby squirrels......as I just happened to have some very cute photos for reference.  The auction, I think, is in October.  I will post some photos as the work progresses.  I'm in that 'thinking' stage right now.  I have to visualize my ideas in my head......I especially like doing that right at bed time.....if I'm lucky I will actually 'dream' an idea for the painting.  Sounds weird, I know......but then I have been kinda weird my whole life.  Us 'creative types' we just approach life a bit differently than the rest of the world......and that is 'ok' by me....in fact, I kinda like it that way.......

Studio Space and Polar Bear

I am still working on the mural and I will share some more photos at a later date.  For now, I would like to share with you a bit about my studio and my latest painting.

This is my studio space.  As most of you know, I live full time in our fifth wheel and travel.  I have been trying for quite some time to crave out a little nook where I could paint and not have to 'break down' my studio everyday.  I think I have found it here.  I have a large window to my back which lets in lots of natural light.  The cabinet to my left holds my art supplies...it is on wheels so it is easily moved when necessary.  My easel is collapsible and tucks away into a nice carrying case.  But....now that I am tucked back into this little corner I can leave my 'studio' in tack while I work on projects....and I am out of the way and most importantly everyone is outta my way....LOL!

This is my latest work in progress.  This is done with my acrylics on canvas.  I'm doing this one for my Grandson.  He loves polar bears and especially liked that 'blue tongue' sticking out on this particular bear.  It has been great fun painting this guy.....and I am almost finished.  Comments are always welcome......

Little by little, bit by bit.......

I'm slowly working on the bedroom mural.  We have done a lot of travel and attended an rv rally the last month.  We are currently in Mt Vernon, Ky.

Here is a little closer look at the background.  I decided to deepen the mountains and increase the size of the distant ocean view.

Here you see the 'jungle' coming to life.  Lots of leafy things growing, the bird I purchased at a gift shop and I think he has found a new home here in my jungle mural.

Bedroom Mural Two

Ok, here is step one.  I have the bed and the top platform moved back out of my way.  Now I must prep the wall.  What you are seeing is typical wall board used in trailers.  I washed everything down and now I am applying a coat of Kilz.  Once this dries, I apply two coats of my basecoat paint......which is nothing more then regular wall paint in a robin's egg blue. color.

This is the first coat of glaze.  I applied various washes of blue, green, yellow, and brown.  While the glaze is still wet I applied saran wrap.....remove the wrap and then soften the remaining texture with large, soft dry brush.  I then go back and very loosely add some foilage.....again softening with  a soft dry brush.

I know it does not look like much.....yet.....but I am pleased and tomorrow I will start sketching in some of the middle and foreground areas.

Let the Mural Begin

Today is finally the day.  We made it to Dallas and we will be here for another two weeks.  Time to get started on the bedroom mural.  Today will be spent moving the bed.....I know sounds easy, but when you live full time in a fifth wheel....nothing is easy.  Our bed rest on a platform and in order for me to paint the entire area....I have to not only remove the bed, but also part of the platform.  Don't worry I will get some photos for those of you that are curious.  Once the bed is out of the way, my goal is to prep, prime, and get a basecoat on the wall.  Hope all this dries in time for us to put the bed back together to sleep tonight.  Since all the more decorative elements will take place above the height of the mattress, I'm hoping we will not have to remove the bed and platform tomorrow.   Fingers Crossed!

We have been having a great time here in Rockport with our Rv Dreamer friends! 

Yesterday, I did a little shopping and found a little something special that I will add to my planned mural in our bedroom.  No, I have not got that project underway......yet....we are having too much fun visiting with friends.  We leave here on Sunday and on to Dallas.  There is where the 'magic' will begin......so stay tuned.  I plan on giving a "step by step" accounting of the bedroom mural.  It is going to be a tropical design......lots of foliage, a parrot or two, and maybe even a lizard!

Faux Brick!

Well, so much for 'tomorrow's post'....here we are several days later! The above is a photo my 'butterfly' that I painted above the faux brick in my kitchen.

Here is the finished brick to the left of my kitchen sink above the stove area. I love French Country so I just had to add the harlequin pattern as a finishing touch.

These last two photos show you how I started the process. Below you see my base coat, which was a mixture of gesso and raw sienna. I brushed mixed this as I applied it.....blending wet into wet. After that dried, I penciled in my design. Next, in the photo above, I started applying my glazes. I used burnt umber, raw sienna, black, and pearl. I used crinkled saran wrap pushed into the wet glaze to add texture.

I just kept building the layers until I had the look I wanted! It was really an easy project....just a little time consuming and a little hard on my back....LOL! BUT, I love the way it turned out and I can't wait to get started on the bedroom mural! Unfortunately, that will have to wait awhile. We are heading to Rockport, Texas tomorrow and meeting up with friends. I doubt I will be able to get my paint brush out til we hit Dallas in about 2 weeks......

Kitchen BackSplash Project

Well, the rain has forced me to start a somewhat smaller painting project. I was just itch-in to paint something so I decided to do a faux backsplash of brick in my little rv kitchen. Yesterday was spent removing the wallpaper border put on by the manufacturer of the fifth wheel. I hate wallpaper! As usual the paper comes of fairly easily, but leaves behind most of the glue. I had to use goo gone to soften the glue and than scrap with a putty knife. That process had to be repeated several times and then finally rinsed the wall with vinegar and than water. It took most of the day, but I finally got all the glue off and applied the one coat of Kilz for the primer. Today I paint and I will take photos for tomorrow's blog.....til then

Sewing Station

Thought you might like to see my "sewing station" here in our fifth wheel. Before Billy and I started traveling I had my own workroom complete with a 1000 square foot warehouse. Now, I have roughly 400 square feet of total living space. Yes, it can be a bit of a challenge to carve out a niche for myself to work in. I tried setting up at the kitchen table, but then I have to 'tear down' every evening for dinner. This way I can leave the 'sewing station' up and running for a few days without encroaching too badly on my poor hubby's space. You can see from the photo that my 'little helper' is always near by!
Here is my 'ironing station'. I used to set up an ironing board, but again it just took up to much room. I found one of these pressing pads that also has a cutting mat on the flip side. I love it......easy out, easy away, and with the cutting mat on the otherside.....well, it just works!

The window treatments in the living/kitchen area are done and looking pretty good. I'll share some photos next post. Yesterday, I also hung my chandelier! Yes, chandelier in my fifth wheel. I have to take it down when we travel, but that is easy enough to do.....more on that later.

I'm getting ready to start the painting process of one of my bedroom walls. Just waiting for some warmer, dryer weather. I really need to be able to open the windows to speed the drying process and help with odors. As I said, this is our bedroom and the bed has to be practically taken apart in order for me to get to what I need to get to....again one of the challenges of living in a fifth wheel. BUT.....I wouldn't change a thing.....love the rv lifestyle!

Making it my own.....

We are finally settled here in Brownsville, Texas for the month of February. We had a blast in New Orleans.....it was all I had hoped it would be.....you can check out my travel blog The Goodelife for photos and such.

I am looking forward to staying in one place for awhile. I'm so ready to get back to my art and my sewing. I'm in my Designer mode right now.....wanting to make our fiver my own. Ya know, my colors, my fabrics, my DESIGN!

First order of business is to finish my valances for the living room and then move to the roman shades for the bedroom. I'm also going to be doing some painting.....wall painting in the bedroom. The inset where the head of our bed lies is going to receive a coat of soft blue paint. Then I am going to do a mural with soft ferns and some kind of wild life. Yes, I am on a mission. I want to have all this done before we move on to our next destination.....probably Kerrville.

So.....do staytuned.....I'll be posting more frequently and with photos......

We are in travel mode these days so not much time for painting or sewing. We are currently in Mobile Alabama, but will be leaving today for New Orleans. We plan to spend about a week in New Orleans......maybe I will have time to do a little painting or sewing. I have never been to New Orleans and I'm very excited to see the place. We will be staying at a nearby state park......

Here is a photo of the lovebird painting I did for my cousin's open house. This is done on Gessoboard and I used Traditions Acrylic. This is my first time painting on Gessoboard and I LOVED it. The smooth surface makes putting in all the details a breeze. I just really like how it felt under my brush too. Traditions is a new line of high pigment, professional paints brought to the market my DecoArt. I have done a lot of decorative painting over the years and DecoArt was always my paint of choice. So, I was interested to see how the Traditions were different. You can look up all the tech-no stuff on the web.....I'm just here to tell you that I liked working with them. My favorite thing is the ability to 'lift' the color once it dries. You can also seal each layer as you go, once you are happy with it. If you have not guessed, that is how I work... lots and lots of layers.

That's about it for today.....we are moving today. Moving our fifth wheel to a new location, my Uncle's marina here in the Tampa area. We have an on demand hot water system that seems to be on the fritz! We need to get that fixed before we head over to New Orleans.

Doubts

Here is the copyright free photo I'm working from for my flamingo painting. I'm afraid I have not gotten very far on the painting. In fact, I finally had to set it aside. You know sometimes you just get to a point where nothing is working and that is where I was at with this painting. Just when I had convinced myself that I would never paint again....a new project presented itself. My Aunt and Uncle's youngest son bought a home and I was invited to the Open House. I decided I would do a painting for my cousin and his girlfriend. The painting is of two love birds and I will share a photo in my next post.

In the beginning, the painting did not go well and once again I was sure I had lost whatever artistic talent I once possessed. My husband was doing his best to reassure me and reminded me of how long it had been since I picked up a paintbrush......a good 6 to 7 months. BUT, painting is like riding a bike.....you never forget....right? The next morning.....I began again....and this time the my creativity flowed easily from by brush. What had changed? I have not a clue. All I know is... I'm back.....the artist is again at her easel and happy. I finished the painting yesterday and I could not be happier. Oh, it is not perfect. There is always room for improvement, but it is what it is and I'm happy with it. I'm looking forward to giving it to my cousin and hopefully he too will find a smile on his face as he gazes upon it! After all, that is my biggest reward.....when another finds my work pleasing....

I can't wait to get back at my easel and back to that flamingo painting......I am more determined than ever and with a renewed sense of my artistic self......