Memorial Day

I just spent the afternoon at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery for a Memorial Service. It was wonderful. Way more folks showed up than they had planned, the local schools had students performing, and there were many of our fine service men and women in attendance to honor those lost. We said goodbye to 2 veterans close to us this year. Rick Kirk (that's his son with the two servicemen by the marine flag), and Lorenzy (Bugsy) Holland, (Bugsy is the one in uniform.) Words cannot express how grateful I am to all of the men and women who are willing to serve this country. Thank you. God Bless the USA and God Bless all of those who have, and are currently in service to this county.

Donations and Volunteering

I'm donating this painting for a benefit for the Saylor family. Robin & Wayne Saylor used to be neighbors of mine. Tragically, Wayne had a massive stroke and is now unable to work. There is a benefit for the family on June 12th. My daughter (whom I'm very proud of by the way) has been involved with this benefit and asked me if I might be willing to donate a painting. I was more than willing.

I've been blessed to be around friends, family, & co-workers who believe in giving when there is a need. Whether it's money, services, time...whatever. I would encourage you to donate or volunteer the next time you're asked. I'll bet the blessings will be worth it.

Using the Bob Ross Painting Knife for Mountain Snow

Ok, so many, MANY folks ask me how to get that snow to break on the classic Bob Ross "three peak mountain". What's the best advice...besides practice? Hold that knife with a very gentle, loose touch. I recommend only holding the base with two fingers and only tight enough that you don't drop it.

Happy Painting!!!

Crazy Cats

Ok, anyone else have one of these? You know a sweet little kitty who growls at your boyfriend(or anyone for that matter that's not you), knocks over open paint solvents, rubs against wet canvas (only the wet ones I swear!), hacks up hairballs right before company stops by, has wrestling matches with her automatic waterer and floods the kitchen, and of course breaks lamps, photo frames, glasses, and any object sitting around to capture a rogue fly that may get in. You know...one of those! My cat is such a riot sometimes! What would we do without our pets.

Practice Paintings

Well, we've all heard the saying "practice makes perfect". I feel like I've spent my lifetime trying to find a way around that rule. I still haven't. The fact is, if you want to get better at something, you have to work at it. Even those super-gifted people, who seem to be able to play an instrument by ear, or sing like an angel....well every one of them that I know work on their gift.

So, what am I trying to say? If you're interested in something, start working on it. Don't expect to be a master the first time you try it. Let yourself fail, then try again. Believe me, you'll learn from your mistakes.

These are a couple of my "practice paintings". (Chuckle...) You should have seen my first try's at this method of painting. (Yikes!!) Anyway, I'm hoping to look back and see even more improvement as I teach this technique.

Remember....practice, practice, PRACTICE!!!

I have the Joy of Painting down in my heart...

Do you remember that song from Sunday school, or bible school when you were a kid that goes: "I have joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart...where!...down in my heart...WHERE!!...down in my heart!! Each time we got to the word "where" I would scream it as loud as I could. (Chuckle...) I guess I still have a loud voice. Now I'm planning on using that voice & these hands to share the Bob Ross technique of painting. My first exposure to art technique was seeing Bob on tv. I remember thinking "I can do that!!!" Well, turns out I can! (And so can you for that matter.) So, I'll keep singing my song and sharing my gift with others.

As a note, the guy in the photo with me is Doug the instructor who led my certification classes. He describes his personality as "snarky". (Such an interesting word...snarky.) Anyway, I'll have to post more about my experiences there later.