Yesterday as I walked along the trail, I thought about my current interest in painting. I have but a finite number of years left as a painter. I have learned in the last ten years to paint what I truly love and what really speaks to me. I no longer think about what people might or might not buy from artists. My only regret is that I didn’t learn this many years ago, when I was desperately trying to figure out what art would sell.  Painting what you truly love makes you the best you can be.  I have loved farm and ranch ..read more

  I’m off tomorrow to my much needed week long painting residency at Fair Oaks farm in Evinston. I am so happy.  I get this privilege once a year.  I live in the guest cottage on the farm. It is adorable. It has all the modern conveniences too, including a large tv with all streaming channels.    I have painted on this farm for 20 years now. It is truly my favorite place on this good earth. I explore every acre while there. It is prime old Florida. The diversity of upland, forest, and wetland is wonderful. There is a great scene to paint in every ..read more

My bird feeding morning chore never fails to make me smile.  This morning there were the 2 woodies, red winged black birds, blue jays, tufted titmouse, black birds and the regular murder of crows waiting impatiently, talking trash.  I love to watch them zoom in for breakfast. The woodies and blue jays are pigs, gobbling up 3 or four at a visit.  The crows like to eat on the ground.  I often stand on the porch to watch them.   As I carried my coffee to my design table in my studio I heard hundreds of birds out the window on the west side of the yard ..read more

I learned something at the Chili Party Saturday, from a little girl who came with her aunt, uncle and brother. She is a Girl Scout with her own business cards. (WOW) I told her I would buy some cookies, using her biz card online.    I discovered on the website that one option is to purchase cookies which will be delivered to homeless shelters and food banks for those in need. What an excellent idea! I need these cookies like a hole in the head, but I was able to purchase 4 boxes to go to families in need. A win for the ..read more

  I have finished the birdhouses for the Fair Oaks Foundation fundraiser on February 15th. At Fair Oaks Farm in Evinston. I hope to see you all there.   Last week I did a commissioned birdhouse that went to live in Alabama. I used a birdhouse that I really like. It is a simpler construction, sleek in design and good looking. She asked for a blue roof. I did a nest with a blue egg on one side and a blue bird on the other side. She was thrilled.   All of my bird houses are one of a kind, and individually designed art pieces. They ..read more

  I have been gradually learning over the years in business. An important axiom is to ignore things you can do nothing about. That sounds simplistic but it is important. Every moment I waste worrying about situations I have no control over is a wasted moment indeed.    We artist live with a precarious business. We are going to have the rug pulled out from under us in January. Funding will be cut for all cultural organizations. The people in charge are about to go to war against the arts. I began to worry about that and then I stopped myself. Instead I made ..read more

    Now is the time to support small businesses and artists in your community. It is the time to support agencies who work hard to protect our civil rights, our land, and wetlands.   Many often wring their hands in despair at our political decisions, thinking they can do nothing. Not true. Support of what you believe in is a big step in the right direction. Marching in the street does little to change anything and is almost instantly forgotten. Support for those who need it is a much better choice. The ten bucks you spent on going to a march or making a ..read more

  Fair Oaks farm has been a significant part of my life for fifteen years. I happened upon it by accident at a fundraiser. One of my farmer friends asked me to go with his family. The moment we turned into the long driveway, lined with ancient, moss draped live oaks and cabbage palms, I was hooked for life.The old house stood on a massive front lawn, shaded and full of flowers for the occasion. Tables with white linens were scattered around. The huge front porch held a blue grass band in full costume. Eventually the steward of Fair Oaks got around to our ..read more

Over the last 50+ years I have heard countless people say "I wish I had talent and I want to paint like you." The fact is that most artists who are long time professionals got that way through endless hours of hard disciplined labor in front of an easel. I work seven days a week and paint 7 days a week, fifty weeks a year.    Few people have the commitment to be a successful artist. Many, who express this desire, will never be an artist nor do they have the real desire and commitment to do this. It sounds very romantic to be a professional ..read more

  It seems to me that it has become more important to do business with people we trust and have a comfortable relationship with. As the world becomes less personal and less one on one in business, I crave a more meaningful interaction with people. I begin to notice the good service I get at a restaurant, or in a store more than I used to,perhaps because it is rare.  I think the same applies in any relationship you have with an artist. Art is a serious and joyful investment. A fine painting is something you will display with pride. A painting serves ..read more