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Last summer I spent a few weeks with my kids on an island on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. Weather is very dramatic on an island; that night was filled with crashing and banging. The next morning we went out on the dock to survey the damage and was struck with the light show unfolding before us! Quickly I set up my easel and made the small, 8" x 6" plein air below of the scene. Last week I decided to make it a little bigger and am so pleased with the painting that I am thinking of painting a much bigger piece as well. I especially enjoyed the way the light caught reflections on the rocks close to the shore. Looking down into the water everything becomes more abstract. Some artists plan on making paintings in a High or Low key as an exercise. This is clearly a Low Key painting. Maybe, next week, I should try a composition using a High Key! I'll get back to you on that!

February is often a grey and rainy month, so no wonder everyone wants to bring flowers into the home! I loaded up my cart at the local nursery a few years ago and arranged this composition of my favorite Spring flowers in my studio. When painting flowers you have to be quick so I remember rushing against time to finish each group before the flowers faded. A few pots had to be replenished before the painting was complete, but it was a joy to paint and a great way to chase away the February Blues. If you want to give a Valentine's gift that won't have to be thrown out by March, you may purchase this happy painting at Reeves Gallery here in Houston.

Most people recognize that an artist's vision reflects their unique life experiences so what they paint will be personal to them. However; have you ever considered that where you buy art also reflects the gallery owner's unique take on Art? It can be just as personal and often strongly felt. I am fortunate to be represented by 2 galleries that "Get" who I am and find collectors to share our taste. Reeves Gallery here in Houston is a Big City gallery with an edgy vibe. The owner, Matt, is also an artist so his taste is eclectic, but he appreciates the skill involved in a well-drawn and painted piece. He LOVES my Drapery series and just sold the "Big Boy" above but he was also excited and just sold "Lily Pads" below.

Mary Katherine, the owner of Good Art Company in Fredericksburg, LOVES my Texas landscapes but don't even think of bringing in a still life or even a landscape that is not Western! She is hyper focused on what she wants from me and I am grateful for her encouragement, support, and sales. Years ago I was represented by Harris Gallery and when Harrison retired I lost the gallery that only wanted flowers and still life. I still enjoy painting flowers and still live but am not sure where to find a home for them. HUM... It's always nice to send your "Children" out to someone who wants them.

Remember when you would lie in the grass and look up at the clouds? "I see an Elephant" your sister would say, "No It's a dragon, wait, now it is a man with a long skinny nose. Hahaha"! The other game was "How many colors do you see in a white wall?" Well, that kind of play is still available to you when you paint outdoors. No matter how old we are, it's good to play and Plein air painting is "Grown-up" play. Those clouds were painted from a plein air study I did one afternoon in the Hill Country. I wanted to see as many colors as possible in those clouds because nature is very colorful! First, the color of the light becomes pink in the late afternoon, but the direct sunlight remains pale yellow. Then the blue sky bounces off the sides of the clouds which is a warm blue up high but becomes more turquoise as it approaches the horizon. Finally, if the clouds are close to the ground that color will bounce up into them. In other words, a lot is going on that you will not catch in a photo. I just finished this painting last week for the show in Fredericksburg at The Good Art Company, on Saturday, February 8. Come by and see many new paintings. I will be there as well!