This painting was selected for exhibition in the Southeastern Regional Plein Air Exhibit in Atlanta, GA in March.

Sorry for the long absence.  I have been incredibly busy getting ready for my new solo show.  "Simply Southern" opens at Gallery 5800, 5800 Grove Avenue, Richmond, VA, Thursday, May 6 with an artist's reception 5:30-8 PM. There will be a drawing for the painting, "Mooring Lines" at the reception.  Hope to see you all there!!!! If you can't make it into the gallery be sure to check the web site next week to view the show on line!!!!!!

I get so excited when I meet a deadline with time to spare.  I learned a long time ago about the stress waiting until the last minute can cause, but with my painting I keep thinking the next painting is going to be "the One", so when it comes to entering competitions I am always last minute. Kevin Macpherson says he believes that God shoots all of your paintings out of the same tube...kind of like the drive in teller at the bank. You have to pull out the bad ones to get to the good ones.  So again with entering shows and competitions I always think that just maybe the next one out of the shoot will be the best one. Today I sent images for this years American Society of Marine Artist's East Regional Exhibition.  I sure hope these are the good ones!!!!

Like all artists I made a list of resolutions for the new year.  One of mine for 2010 was to go out and paint plein air at least once a week. So naturally, when my friend and fellow painter Mike Rooney was here last week to teach a workshop, I jumped on the chance to get in a few days of plein air painting with another painter. Granted we had a small respite from the subfreezing temperatures we have been suffering from here on the Outer Banks.  I did not even get upset with how badly I was painting.  After all, I had not been out for a while and working from photos in the seclusion of the stuio is way different from painting in plein air. So, what really is my complaint??? Did I forget to mention that Mike is a plein air machine??? He cranks out 4-6 pieces almost every day.  At the end of 3 days, I was wasted. I am reminded of that comercial on tv...."Remember kids, don't try this at home, I am a professional". Anyway, after a little tweaking back in the studio I did end up with 5-6 pretty nice studies, so thanks, Mike.

The photo is of Mike and "Bessie" his infamous plein air traveling partner.

This piece has just been accepted into the First Annual Southeastern Plein Air Exhibition in Atlanta, Georgia. Yeah!!!!! The opening reception is Friday, February 5, 2010. The show will run until February 26. Nationally acclaimed painter, Bill Davidson will be the awards judge.  Hope you get a chance to see the show!!!!!

I want to thank the guys at Gallery 5800 in Richmond, VA for selling 4 of my "homeotwn" pieces this week!!!!!!!!!!

This little gem of a still life is at Art Source Gallery at North Hills Circle Mall in Raleigh, NC. It is a part of their Holiday Showcase "under $300"  priced right for holiday gift giving.  It has a companion piece entitled "Shades of Red".  They retail for $175 each.  Wouldn't they look great in YOUR powder room or teenage girl's room??? Hurry on over to the gallery and pick out a gift for giving and one for yourself!!!!!

I am hoping to get into my new studio on Thursday or Friday...I can't wait to get back to regular full time days.  I have been fortunate enough to have been out plein air painting with Jennifer Young a few times over the last weeks.  It is always more fun to go out with friends!!!!! Todays entry is a 16x20 piece done from a plein air sketch. The cows are located in a small field between a major highway and the Roanoke Sound. I am constantly amazed that the cows never run out into the traffic.  My brother used to have cows and they were always getting out of the field.   

Just  a reminder that my one woman show "Summer Magic" at Gallery 5800 in Richmond, VA will close on Wednesday.  If you haven't had a chance to go by the gallery to check out the show please take the opportunity to do so soon. What a GREAT turnout and fantastic sales.  THANKS to the gallery and to all who supported this show!!!!
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Hope everyone had a grand time and bought  lots of art work to benefit the  ECU Heart Institute at the show sponsored by City Art Gallery and ECU Medical and Health Sciences Foundation tonight.  Thanks to Peg, Torrey and Jeff for all their hard work getting this show together.