In the summer of 2023, I embarked on a creative journey, locking in an exhibition slot at the esteemed Arts on Grand gallery in Spencer, Iowa, slated for spring 2024. Initially, the timeline seemed reasonable for preparing a body of work for the solo show. However, I underestimated a crucial factor: my preferred scale of painting. Working on a smaller scale means needing a larger quantity of pieces to fill the exhibition space. While some may perceive small artworks as taking less time, and therefore less valuable, the reality is that the time investment to create a 6 x 6 inch painting rivals ..read more

I love telling stories in my art.  I think it is why I am drawn to mixed media and collage.  I love burying little things in the background for people to discover.   Several years ago, I found an album of photos of an old scrapbook from the early 1900s.  They tell the story of a group of friends from Iowa and where they lived, traveled, and relaxed.  The young men and women in the photos have names like Ruth, Ida, Smithy, Herbert, Bertha, and Gladys.  There is a photo of Bertha’s house, Dan the dog, and a cow meandering along a dirt road.  I don’t know ..read more

With less than two weeks before the holidays, some of you are still trying to find that perfect gift for each special person on your list. Why not surprise someone with a truly distinctive and unforgettable present? Few things compare to the lasting impression a beautiful piece of art can make.   Giving the gift of art not only adds a personal touch but also makes a meaningful impact on artists and your community. A recent visitor to Artworks Studio discovered a small mixed media painting titled "Winter's Scarlet Serenade." She told me a story about her friend whose father passed awa ..read more

As an artist, I've always believed that the places we live and the experiences we accumulate shape our art. In my case, the contrast between the bustling metropolis of Chicago and the tranquil charm of rural Iowa has played a significant role in influencing my mixed media art.   A Tale of Two Cities My artistic journey began in the heart of Chicago, a city known for its skyscrapers, diverse culture, and vibrant art scene. For years, I practiced law at a high-powered law firm working long hours redistributing the wealth among the wealthy.  I grew weary of the legal hamster wheel ..read more

  Greetings from Iowa! This summer was incredibly busy.  The Bakery on Broadway in Audubon hosted a show of 30 of my mixed media paintings. The Bakery is an amazing venue and fantastic breakfast and lunch offerings, not to mention the baked good.  I enjoyed sharing my art with the Audubon community.     My, My Lookie There! RAGBRAI (The Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa) stopped in Carroll this year. Several local artists painted table tops mounted on top of bicycles for the event.  Nineteen tables were displayed in the festival area wher ..read more

I have always loved painting in the company of other artists.  I love the energy that surrounds creative people at work.  That's why I look forward to our annual Art Weekend (a/k/a "It's Too Damn Cold We Might As Well Paint Weekend") with Laura and Shari and whoever else we invite to Artworks Studio in Carroll, Iowa. This year, we included Christy.   We have been gathering for a weekend in February for more than 10 years to paint, share ideas, laugh, eat, and have fun.  Our weekend starts Friday around 4 p.m., when Shari starts hauling in boxes of art supplies for the week ..read more

In 2010, I painted a small abstract farm landscape from torn pieces of rice paper stained with watercolor paints.  The vibrant painting was inspired by my years growing up in western Iowa and driving on country roads.  The original painting was titled, "June 15, 2001," and was on a piece of 300 pound watercolor paper.  Iowa Living Farms selected that painting for its first Conservation station, a traveling learning lab to teach farmers and others about conservation.  My 11 x 14 inch painting was stretched across an 8-foot trailer that is still traveling around the state of ..read more