I was just thinking back on the time when I used to post a new blog, almost every day. I wonder how I had that much free time! Now, I have to really work at finding a few hours so I can write a new posting once a week! There is a reason for my shortage of time, and only one reason and it is spelled PAINTING!

David Gross in studio

When I decided it was time to either give up painting or paint until I learned the things I needed to learn,  I chose painting. I searched for a studio and found one in Paola, Kansas, of all places. The small town atmosphere, the quaint town square, the great rent prices (!) all helped me make my choice. But the truth of the matter is this....David Gross and Claud Davis are the reason I am there.  These two gentlemen are my studio mates. We paint together, in our studio, 7 days a week, rain or shine. I have discovered this decision to join them has been one of the top 3 choices of my life. I can't put a value on what I have learned from each of them. David is an amazing painter who is an experienced teacher.  After a week or so, he figured me out; It seems I need to be "shown how to" because his terminology is so different than mine. I couldn't figure out what he was asking me to do! Once that was figured out, we became good friends and my painting has changed dramatically.

Claud working on painting

Claud, on the other hand, is not a teacher, but he is a painter! Standing a few feet away, I can watch Claud working on incredible paintings...UPSIDE DOWN! He doesn't sit when he paints. He stands before his easel for hours at a time, working on the most detailed paintings you can imagine. His attitude and work ethic is truly inspiring.

Okay, enough about how I spend my time.

Now I want to extend a personal invitation to you. David, Claud and I are having a group show along with several of our fellow co-op members. Our opening party is this Saturday evening at For Art'sake at 10 South Silver, on the town square in Paola, Kansas, from 6 to 9 pm. Please join us for our celebration and the unveiling of our latest paintings.

 I am anxious to show you Ponte Vecchio and my just completed Somerset Autumn on Wea Creek. And for fun...a few abstracts.

Hope to see you there!