It has been a busy art time since my last post. While I have a brief break in the action it is time to post some of the upcoming art activities in which I'm participating: The Wild Arts Festival is going on through tomorrow at Montgomery Park in NW Portland. A wonderful event supporting the Audubon Center. My 6x6 donation sold early this morning along with many others! It was very well attended with other wonderful artists who exhibit annually. Two of my favorites were Sue Allen and Robert Schlegel. I have a link to the exhibit on my website events.

I am participating in Art Media's 10x10 project "Think Outside the Box, Think Inside the Frame" which benefits a very worthwhile cause in our community, p:ear. A photo of my painting and information about this exhibit and p:ear can be found on my website by clicking on EVENTS.

The Caswell Gallery in Troutdale, OR is featuring an ongoing exhibit entitled "It's the Little Things" through the end of the year. The idea is to have pieces that appeal to Holiday Gift Giving at affordable prices. I have over 20 pieces in the show and will be present for the First Friday Art Walk event December 3rd. Everyone is invited to attend. As in November, there will be great food, wine, and music provided. Rip Caswell has his wonderful selection of bronzes displayed in this marvelous gallery space.

The Aurora Gallery in Vancouver, WA has my current work on display along with the featured artists for this month. I have a link for the gallery on my site.

I am also privileged to be invited as one of seven NW artists to display works at the Pittock Mansion's Holiday Exhibit this year. The painting above is one of the paintings on display which speaks to the theme "The Natural Beauty and Bounty of Oregon." An art friend, Celeste Bergin, has more information on her blog along with a list of the participating artists and their websites. This season is bright with original fine art everywhere for all to enjoy. Please feel welcome to join in the festivities and support the arts in our great NW.

With Gratitude

After months of Porltand's cool damp weather and indoor paining, a refreshing opportunity arose for some much needed R&R in the sun. Last week I was able to visit the Columbia Gorge with an art friend. We left our normal daily distractions behind and painted whatever suited us in the moment. Of course it wouldn't have been possible if not for some new friends who generously offered a couple of nights at their own respite. Our lodging was strategically located on the WA side of the Columbia across from Hood River, OR. The views were incredible and the weather was quite warm, 104 degrees as a matter of fact the last day of our visit. With grand vistas of the Gorge and Mt Hood just across from us, I still became captivated with this little vignette of a nearby home along the bluffs as the sun was moving westward along the river. I'm always intrigued by the movement of light as it sweeps across the landscape, kissing the tips of the foliage that reach up to greet the sun while the remainder awaits a more subtle embrace. The distant hills appeared cool yet a warm haze hung in the air mid morning warning of the heat index we would meet head on by noon. What a glorious reminder of what Mother Nature has to offer if we just reach out to greet her. It was a supreme treat to be permitted these moments of solitude: to be present, to observe, to listen, to capture shapes, patterns, and colors with paints and brushes and no other earthly responsibilities. I've come to the conclusion that while I want to think I capture a moment in time on canvas, it is the moment in time that captures me. I will always cherish this random gift from strangers who recognized an artist's longing for such an experience and generously and cheerfully provided it with open arms. With gratitude to J&D.