What if there were two of me?

Well, there isn't! This is an assignment for my digital media class (a required course or I wouldn't be taking it). I had to clone myself. If I COULD clone myself, I could teach way more painting classes, would probably have a 4.o average in school, have a cleaner house, and ...well...the list goes on and on. Since I can't "clone" myself, I try to be a good time manager. Hard for an artist, but I'm getting better at it.

This week, I'm preparing for my final two painting classes of the year for here in Northern KY. I'm excited and bummed at the same time. I'll be back in April but will really miss everyone I've had in class. I hope to leave all of my students with a true "Joy of Painting".

Thanksgiving

I'm so thankful for so many things. I was blessed to spend this past Thanksgiving at my parents house with my family. One of the photos is of my youngest niece, the other is my daughter and me from Halloween. My daughter has become the family photographer, and I'm so grateful for that too! I love being able to share our memories with others and even re-live them by going over past photos.

Florida!!

Well, it's hard to believe, but soon I'll be off to teach my classes in Sunny Florida! I just got off the phone with the staff down in Naples and we're starting to finalize the details. I'll be teaching weekly classes at the River Park Community Center on 11th Street, and I'm so excited about it! The only downside, is that I'm going to really miss all of the folks from my class at Hobby Lobby here in Florence KY. We have such a great group and I hope everyone will return to paint with me again in April 2011.

My last classes of this year are December 4th & December 11th at the Hobby Lobby in Florence KY. We're looking pretty full right now, but be sure to contact me if you want to be put on the waiting list. We'll be doing some door prize drawings for everyone that attends.

Happy Painting!!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner!

Hard to believe, but it will be "turkey day" soon! My guy and I run the Thanksgiving Day 10K in Cincinnati Ohio each year. Last year, we ran it with Tom's nephew Bugsy. He had just volunteered to go to Afghanistan and we were spending as much time as possible with him. A few days after the race, Bugsy was on his way to report for duty and was killed in a car accident within site of the armory. We were all devastated. Life is so short.

This year, as we run the race again, this time without Bugsy, I'm reminded how thankful I am to have my family. The photo is from a calendar that my daughter made for me that hangs in my studio. The large image is my Mom and their dog Chloe. The two men in the upper right are my Dad & Brother. The lower right is my Mom, Daughter, and me there in the middle. I hope as we approach this Thanksgiving holiday that you consider all you have to be thankful for...and that you take the time to give thanks.

Bob Ross Method

I just wanted to take a moment to remind everyone that I teach the "Bob Ross Method". Now, the painting I have posted here is done with the Bob Ross Method...however it is not a Bob Ross Painting. What does that mean? Well, it means that I did just what Bob would have wanted. I took his method, used his brushes, and came up with my own painting. I used all Bob Ross colors except that I put a bit of cerulean blue in the sky toward the right. I hope for those of you who have taken my classes that you will feel confident enough to try a painting on your own as well.

Also for those of you who were concerned, I'm still doing my upcoming classes. My display was removed at Hobby Lobby temporarily while they did some re-arranging. I didn't find out about it until today.

This Saturday is the waterfall class! This will be a new one for many of you, so come ready to learn!!

Read, read, read....

Ok, now I realize not all of you are into reading books like I am, but if you want to better yourself as an artist, you need to GROW as an artist. How can you do that? Well, taking a class, going to art galleries, and yes .... read about the art medium you have chosen. You don't have to stick to books, the Internet is an unlimited source of information. If you don't like to read books or the Internet, see if your local library has DVDs you can check and out watch. The point is, the more you understand about the "craft" of your art medium, the better you will be able to make that medium do what you want it to. Happy painting!!!