My Motto

Central High School of Clay County offered an art elective this year. I consider myself fortunate in teaching this class. At this moment, we have very little money for supplies, but we are being resourceful. Teaching an art class is good for me as an artist. I am forced to plan for  and work with the classes. The one teaching is always the one who learns the most in any class, and an art class is no exception. I recently painted this for my classroom. I entitled it My Motto, for working with color does tend to lighten one's mood, certainly mine. I am truly thankful for the desire to paint and a love for art. Life would be so hum-drum without it.

Rocking Hollyhocks 22x28

Hollyhock blooms are beautiful, full and extravagant

in color and size. The thought just occurred to me that these would be a good bloom for the space behind my rock border in the back yard. I need to look them up, but I think they reseed themselves which is an unbeatable trait. I think I'll give them a try.

Restaurant Entrance 16x20

I suppose his painting would have to be termed "mixed media," for I used water putty as a base for the wall in the painting's foreground. The wall was given a lot of texture which made the surface look more like a plastered wall. Not for every painting, but I've used this technique on two which have turned out nicely. The worst thing that can happen when one tries something new is a flop. It's not like THAT hasn't happened before.

Sweet Buttercup 16x20

My neighbors have cows, and they are a continually visual feast for me. They have a lot to teach someone like me. Stress is not in their vocabulary; maybe I need to take lessons.