"Jessica's Scarf" - A Progression

Last night after putting Cecelia to bed, I left to paint with a group of artists who meet regularly in Plano on Thursday nights, and my husband stayed home to hold down the fort. I had a blast doing this painting. I'm really hoping I can go to this art group more often. There's always great energy in a room full of like-minded people, all working to perfect their craft. And of course, there is no substitute for working from a live model!  Last night's model was one of my favorite muses, Jessica, and even though I've painted her many times before, she always manages to pull off some new look or expression every time she poses. That is a gift, folks! Anyway, I thought I'd share some of the progress shots from the three-hour session. A couple of the artists in attendance … Read more »

"Jessica's Scarf" - A Progression

The Eyes of a Child

As a woman who thrives on exploration and discovery, whether it be along the streets of Venice (ah, Europe - how I miss you!) or the mountain trails of the Colorado Rockies, I have found myself struggling lately to find meaning in the rote operations of motherhood.  Without prospects for a great new painting idea, I become complacent--like my "painting muscles" have gotten flabby--and it's an awful feeling. I've been searching for a way to overcome my frustration over life being so ordinary. There is a way. I have to stop spending so much time inside my own head, and start seeing the world through my daughter's eyes. Everything is new and exciting to her. There is nothing ordinary about anything! I've seen the way she holds up her own hand to study it, moving it … Read more »

The Eyes of a Child