Long to explore rich, buttery oil paints, but think oil painting is toxic? With the products available today, anyone still using toxic materials in oil painting is essentially doing so by choice. I’m breaking it all down for you in a two-part article. In part one, I helped you replace toxic pigments in your paint choices. Now I’ll solve your solvent problem. Pun intended. As I’ve mentioned, I’ve been oil painting professionally for 27 years. But that is not counting the few semesters in college painting class in the eighties when I was painting in my small dorm room with mineral spirits as the thinner. Can you imagine sleeping in that room? Years later, when I thought I might want to take up oils again, I researched [...]

Do you have FOMO when you see an oil painter at work? Those rich, luscious applications of paint are intoxicating, but many think oil painting is toxic. I hear it a lot. In fact, it doesn't have to be and I’m going to break it all down for you in this two-part article. In part one, I’ll help you find replacements for toxic pigments in paint, and in part two I will solve your toxic solvent problem. [...]

Does the world need another Youtube channel--and from a nearly 60 year old artist no less? I say YES! And, by the way, why not a 60 year old artist? What do you have against people with wrinkles? I'm actually excited that soon I can call myself a 60 year old. It's like a badge of honor. I earned every wrinkle on my face and ache in body with real life experience. I've learned what really matters and what is just useless fluff or, worse, damaging worry and self-criticism. Plus, the better question is "Why not spend any remaining painting years I have left on this planet sharing what I have learned?" [...]

Its been a year of upheaval for all of us, so...   "I make art that offers you a safe place to forge a deep reconnection to yourself, to others, and to nature itself. We all have a belonging that is ancient, so I invite you to see yourself in my art and to see the wild in us all." Or, at least that is what my elevator-pitch mission statement says right now. I'm working on it.   The truth is, like a lot of artists, I am going through a transition. I am responding to an awareness that started, for me, around about 2019 when [...]

With our lives ruled by the next instant digital dopamine hit, viewing art offers an antidote IRL (“In Real Life” for us over 40’s). Anna Lembke, Stanford Medical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and author of Dopamine Nation, recons that 90% of us have some level of addiction to digital media in some form. So, no shame. It’s just how we are wired as human beings who evolved in very different circumstances. But here we are. [...]

Part of my "Archetypal Women" series exploring depictions of strong women, Elizabeth I was queen regnant of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death in 1603. She was a savvy politian and bright mind. She is said to have a fiery temper. Despite pressure, she refused to marry her many suitors. Possibly because, for one, she was not able to marry the man she loved and, two, she knew this was the only way to keep her power and possibly her head. She also refused to name her successor probably for the same reason. Her long reign is often called the golden age. I have loosely chosen to represent her at the moment she is visiting her troops ahead of the expected invasion of the Spanish Armada... [...]

I am excited to announce that I have started the testimonials page for my website that I had wanted to do for years. Now that my template for the website is updated, I am able to add categories at will! Yey! If you would like to make testimony as to the power of my art/workshop/calendar, please do. You can get it to me in many ways: email, contact page on this website, or fill out a comment on this blog post. Be sure to let me know if I can use your first and/or last name. [...]

I am excited to announce that my painting "Girl Meets Paint" was accepted into the highly respected Salon International 2011 at Greenhouse Gallery in San Antonio, TX. The exhibition will open on April 2, 2011. See their website for info www.greenhousegallery.com   "Girl Meets Paint," 8x6" $395.00   This little gem is part of a series of paintings I have done of little girls painting. It represents that inexplicable feeling that is sparked in childhood when presented with art materials. I have more of these planned. Some might even be of boys painting (just to make it fair). [...]

I am so grateful for everyone who came by the Murray Center for the Arts studio open house. We had a great crowd. I am excited to announce that the winner of my "The Blue Doors" giclee giveaway is Lauren Stufflebeam of Hanna City, IL .   Stay tuned for my 2011 full color wall calendar. I can't wait to unveil it!!!!!!!!!!! Should be out in early January if all goes well.                                   [...]

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