Back in Bloom

As we all try to “normalize” life in this partially-post-pandemic world, some adjustments are easier than others. I still find it difficult to trust strangers to do the right thing. Since they can’t tell if they’re carrying the virus, I can’t tell who’s vaccinated, and nobody can control sneezes with all this pollen around, I’ve […]

Art Therapy Indeed

Painting is certainly therapeutic for me. The news today seems consistently negative, from name calling, bullying and threats, to innocent people mowed down, shot, or blown up. Art provides a counterpoint to all that, a reminder that there is beauty in the world to which we can choose to pay attention, vs. all the nastiness. […]

Wishing for Warm?

On the muggiest August days I remind myself to enjoy it, because we'll soon have February's cold. Now it's time for vice-versa – winter has its pleasures, too. There's sipping Scotch or a warming Malbec in front of the fire, and enjoying a novel when snowy roads mean no guilt about missing events. Not to mention making stew, […]

Au Revoir, France!

Fresh inspiration struck this month during a wonderful visit to France! I’m now reviewing literally hundreds of photos to determine where to begin a new series of paintings. It will be a tough call because we covered a lot of territory. Starting in Paris – my favorite place in the world! – a trip to L’Orangerie reminded […]

Lamp Posts, Arches and Umbrellas

Many people have commented on my use of vivid color, and a very observant few have also noticed certain elements that show up regularly in my paintings. Besides city scenes and street fairs (the energy!) and sunsets over water (the colorful energy!) I seem to have a bias for interesting architectural elements. These include impressive arched doorways, ornate […]

Romance Language Paintings

There is something intriguing about the Latin-derived languages.  I love traveling to places where they are spoken, like France, Spain, Portugal, Chile, Argentina and Italy.  I usually find great food and architecture, friendly people, and inspiration galore for paintings. Perhaps you share my fascination with the places, sounds and tastes of what are called the romance languages. […]

Kayaks, Pilates and Painting

It may seem odd to consider those subjects together, but humor me for a minute by following an admittedly convoluted train of thought.  Last weekend we went kayaking under less than ideal conditions, into a strong current, with high winds.  It would've been great for sailing, but we didn't have enough time, so kayaking it was – good exercise […]