Work In Progress

Work in Progress, Painting at The Mole's, Feb. 25, 2012

Work In Progress A change of scenery is always good and the good news is that I'm painting again. I'm in the "Coolest Small Town in the USA" - Cloverdale, CA. My folks live here; it's only 15 miles north of Healdsburg. It was awarded this title in 2010 and actually placed 2nd in the USA but we think it is pretty "cool". Mom has this very bright tablecloth that I can splash paint on. It covers this table that has been around since 1970. Anyway, it feels so good to paint again. I had someone question whether I'll finish the series. No worries! The flu completely depleted my energy but I'm fighting my way back! In this photo is one of my travel sketchbooks. I'll finish the painting and tell you more about it tomorrow.  

The Whole Idea

What? Paint 50 paintings before I turn 50? How much time do I have? I love to paint but never seem to be able to make enough time to do it. What better way to create a new "habit" than to exercise my strengths on a daily basis. My old graphic design/printshop days were all about making newspaper and yearbook deadlines. Throughout college and into life, goals have made me feel alive, driven and passionate. I've done a lot for other priorities in my life. Now is the time to do something for me.
The Whole Idea is to take time for myself to do what I love - PAINT. What a great GOAL! It hit me last Fall - "I'm going to be 50". Not that age really matters to me; in many ways I feel like I finally have a fresh start. This year marks 20 years that I've been creating a musically themed painting series. I've always visualized these to be more colorful, bolder and expressionistic so that you can really feel the music. In these small 5"x5" gems, I hope to accomplish that. The Other Goal is to show all 50 of them at a venue where they will all be available for sale at that time. What an Art Reception / Birthday Party that will be!