Just call me a late bloomer.

Sometimes people ask me why I’ve never had a solo show during my long career. I often reply, “I never have enough paintings in inventory for a show.” That has always been true, but even truer was my belief that I was not quite ready.

But now I have at long last “found my voice.” I know the kinds of paintings I want to create, and I think I have the skills to paint them.

It will take me a year to create enough works for a show. I won’t be posting these paintings on this blog as I paint them. I want these paintings to surprise! So I will not share them with the public until the show’s opening night.

NEW WORK

*Alamo and Mingus*, watercolor on Aquabord™, 8x8 inches

Alamo and Mingus is a small painting I presented as a wedding gift to my dear nephew and his lovely wife.

I asked the couple to tell me something about their cats: “These two balls of energy and fur are each other’s best friend, worst enemy, and comfort!”

Sounds like a good relationship to me.

***Shore Jumping***, watercolor on Aquabord, 12×9 inches

I hope that Shore Jumping makes you smile. The leaping dolphin in the background is the little girl’s daimon. Both are filled with joy!

Ali Cavanaugh’s Challenges

I am a member of a Patreon created by renowned watercolorist Ali Cavanaugh. Joining Ali’s Patreon is one of the best things I have done to improve and develop my watercolor art. The Patreon features Ali’s instructional and Q&A videos, biweekly challenges, artist interviews, and studio updates, as well as a private support community. I am drinking in as much valuable information and inspiration as I possibly can.

Every two weeks, Ali offers the members a challenge that we are to complete and post on Instagram and in the member discussion group. Here is a recent challenge.

***Cassie en Camée,*** watercolor on Aquabord, 12×9 inches

Challenge #122: PAINTING AN ALIGATOR

What is an ALIGATOR? An Aligator is simply a member of Ali Cavanaugh’s supportive watercolor community. (Get it?)

We were provided nine photographs of member Cassie. Ali encouraged us to “think beyond a likeness and push this portrait in whatever direction excites you.” Frankly, I would like to approach every portrait that way! When I received the photographs and saw Cassie’s beautiful profile, I wanted to place it on a coin or a cameo. For a reference, I found a photograph of an actual old cameo and replaced the ivory head with Cassie’s lovely face and hair.

***Ice Dream Café***, 12x12 inches, Aquabord on Arches paper, *Third Prize in Painting Category*

RECOGNITION

I was pleased to receive Third Prize in the Painting Category in the 2024 Art Ability Show.