Wrapping up 2017

At the end of the year I always contemplate where I have been

and where I plan to go.

This year I have focused on retiring, not quite accomplished, but almost.

When our art instructor retired at the Art Center, I was thrown into turmoil which I think

has pushed me into some growth.  Although I had trended toward the abstract, I hadn't 

specifically studied it.  I did that this year.   It is a tough stretch for me.  We will see what develops in the coming year.

Left on my own, I have painted more in a political direction the past couple of weeks.

#ME TOO

Collage and faux encaustic.
I have been so happy to see this #Me Too movement evolve.  I worked in the
construction industry (selling new homes) and I have seen a few scum bags in action.
It isn't just the high profile world, this happens in ALL businesses.
And on a lighter note, this was painted for my two angels, my mom and my sister.

A big thank you to Eva and Kristin for keeping this artsy family together on a weekly basis.
Happy Paint Party Friday

Cattleya orchid

I hear that monkey again

Danny Gregory came up with the perfect name for that noise in our head that doesn't like anything.

He referred to it as a "monkey".

Well, the monkey has been raging in my head lately.

Nothing is "right", what ever "right" is.

So be it, I am a happy camper when I am painting.  The results just aren't "right"

This is the fourth layer...I am serious, there are 3 paintings under this, along with

collage.  The surface is all bumpy.  I have promised myself that I will not bury this.

I have to make it work for something.

This one also has a couple of pictures underneath.

Hopefully when the Holidays are past my usual positive countenance will return.

In the meantime, I will NOT let myself bury any more work until I am in a more positive

state of mind.

Wishing all a Happy Holiday Season 

This beautiful 15 year old orchid blooms every year at Christmas.  The blooms are about 7" across and the plant usually has about 30 blooms by the end of it's blooming.

Spectacular isn't it?

Happy PPF

Decisions

This is my latest abstract attempt, a diptych.  Since I will never frame them,

I show them here on my floor.  

And with these two, I have decided to move on from the very abstract.  My brain just has to work too hard and I am never satisfied with the results.

I got one of my paintings on yupo framed and was delighted with the results.

This is one of the old dogs that I pulled out from under the bed and reworked.

I am quite happy with the results.

We have had a quite spectacular November as far as my orchids are concerned.

I have blooms everywhere and was even able to give away a couple of plants that were duplicates from last years repotting.  I love to give my "babies" away.

Wishing you all a stressless Holiday Season
and Happy PPF