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Thornwood Gallery just opened the Christmas Show Saturday night and we decided to display many of my small plein air paintings as affordable gifts for Christmas. On a painting trip I will often paint 2 or 3 of these a day, and some will be scraped down, but still, these Field sketches do pile up! Most just stand on their own as small works of art, but some end up as inspiration for a larger painting as in the case of the painting above, "Sonoma Sunrise". Actually I painted about 5 views of these California hills over the course of a week as well as many of vineyards, trees, rivers, and valleys. After looking at a wall of these framed, I had a little bit of seller's remorse which has never happened to me before. Should I hold onto these for the inspiration they can provide for future paintings? However; that brought me back around to why I paint in the first place. It's not to hold a place or a moment tight for me alone, but to share that part of my life with others. Kind of like a kid that says, "Lookie Here! Isn't this beautiful!" So, I hope you find time over the Holiday Season to drop by Thornwood and share a moment of your life with me. I would love to hear what inspires you ; what you find beautiful. 

We all have much to be thankful for, but this Thanksgiving has been truly bountiful with the birth of our 3rd Grandchild; a beautiful, strong, healthy baby Girl! Naturally, she's Way above average, which is the unique position of every Grandbaby...hence the title...GRAND-baby. Without further adue, may I introduce, Madeleine Rose Pruden. Born November 27 at 12:18 am, weighing in at 6 lb, 14oz. and 19 1/2 inches tall. She has lots of black hair and eyes of undetermined color.

 This will Not be the last you see of Her.

Now that That is announced... This Saturday, December 3, is the Annual Christmas Show at Thornwood Gallery. Please come by and sip some Champagne with me and toast Madeleine. I will be there from 5:00 to 7:00 showing lots of miniature oil paintings... Like babies, small is the Perfect gift.