Spring and New Starts

Spring has been slow in arriving here in the Chicago area and trying
to find some fresh approaches to my work has been a slow process
recently as well. But I have a few new works started that are hopeful
beginnings so maybe the work and the weather will improve together!

New Works In Progress

Illinois Watercolor Society Exhibit 2009

Friday, January 16 2009, was the opening reception for the Illinois Watercolor Society 25th Annual Open Juried Exhibition 2009. This year the exhibit is at the Next Picture Show Gallery in Dixon, IL. Our juror of selection and awards was Tom Francesconi and he also did a painting demo at the gallery on saturday morning. The reception was very well attended and thanks to the staff of the gallery and to the people of Dixon for a wonderful experience. As a member of the IWS Board I know how much work went into to putting this show together and the result was worth the efforts. IWS Executive Director, Tony Armendariz, worked hard to make this years show special. The photo shows a painting by Tom Francesconi in the center and it is flanked by one of Tony's work on the left and my painting, Strata#15: Gold glow on the right. The exhibit is up until February 24 so if you find yourself in or near Dixon you should stop in to see it.

Now I have to get back into the studio and get some new work underway. Hope to have something new to post here soon!

Illinois Artisans Mailing Card

My watercolor,"Heavy Snow",was chosen for the image to be used for the
Holiday mailing card for the Illinois Artisans Shop located in the
Thompson Center on Chicago. The card was recently mailed to advertise
an upcoming Holiday Art Spree, December 10-12, in the Thompson Center
Atrium. I also have some of my work available for viewing and sale in
the shop on the second floor.

A View of My Display at Artisan Market

It was a busy two days at the Streeterville Artisan Market! I got to
visit with the other artists and had the chance to see some old
friends and meet some new ones. Thanks to all that supported my
efforts, especially friends Chris and Steve!

Streeterville Artisan Market

I will be a part of the first Streeterville Artisan Market, November 7 & 8, 2008 at the Northwestern University Lurie Center Lobby, 303 E. Superior, Chicago.

Friday night is the Arty Party from 5-8pm, tickets available at the door, includes food and drink. Saturday is free to all and the doors open at 10am and close at 5pm.

Discounted parking is available. I will be in booth 49 and will have a wide range of my work available for viewing and purchasing. I am looking forward to a great experience!

Recently Completed Mural

It has been years since I have done a mural but I just finished this
ceiling mural for a baby's room. The parents to be are my son and
daughter-in-law so this will be our first grandchild! It was fun to
work on something so different and all seem pleased with the result.
It includes airplanes, a hot air balloon, a blimp and clouds. I may
add things to it in the months to come.

Quincy University Exhibit

It has been a busy 5 weeks with 3 trips to Quincy Illinois! First I delivered the work and then I returned the first weekend in October for Alumni Weekend. I was honored to receive the Father Tom Brown Service Award and recognition as an Outstanding Art Alumnus at the dedication of the new Graphic Design Lab on the morning of Saturday, October 3. That afternoon was the reception for my exhibit in the Gray Gallery of the Brenner Library on campus. It was well attended and provided the opportunity to visit with many old friends, faculty members and classmates. Bob Mejer, Art Department Chair, did a wonderful job hanging the work and arranging the reception. It was a very busy weekend and yesterday I returned to Quincy to pick up the paintings to bring back to Chicago. Several paintings were sold and new connections were made as well. All in all, it was a wonderful experience and I look forward to a continued relationship with Quincy University.

Show Opens in Quincy

Friday night I was in Quincy to deliver 24 paintings for my exhibit.
We planned the placement and spacing and Bob Mejer was going to hang
the work on Saturday. It officially opened on Monday. I will be back
for the artist reception on October 4!

Exhibit Announcement

I am pleased to announce that I will be having a Solo Exhibit of my watercolors at the Gray Gallery, located in the library of Quincy University, Quincy, Illinois. The exhibit will run September 15 to October 10 and there will be an a reception form 2-4pm on Saturday, October 4. There will be 24 works included in the show. Shown with this posting is Strata #15: Gold Glow which was used for the postcard mailer. Of course, I am very excited about the show. I will be delivering the works to QU on September 12 and I am looking forward to seeing Quincy and old friends again soon!

Painting at Skinner Park

A lovely break in the weather last week allowed me to take a few hours
out of the studio. I walked a few blocks west to Skinner Park where
the luxury of a bench in the shade with a view provided a chance to
work in comfort! I

Studio Work In Progress

It has been too hot and humid to venture out to paint, at least for
this painter! So my studio painting response?...a little snow and ice!

Painting Accepted in National Show!

Good News! My painting, Strata #17:Tuscan Texture was accepted into the Taos National Exhibition of American Watercolors XII. The exhibit will be at the Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos, NM from August 16-September 30. Only 50 paintings were chosen to be included in this show so I am very excited to be a part of it. I have already shipped the painting and it is now in Taos. 

Yesterday afternoon I was able to get outside to paint for a while.  I did not have a lot of time so I went to the courtyard outside the restaurant across the street from our house and painted the umbrellas and flowers. 

A morning spent painting in the Lurie Garden at Millennium Park, Chicago

Working in Taos, New Mexico

Altho it was a short trip, I did manage to work on a couple of small
pieces. Weather ranged from warm and sunny to rainy to storms with
hail. The skies were incredible!