Little did you know...

Here are 3 of the 15 paintings on their way to Anne Neilson Fine Art in Charlotte, NC.  Because one of my paintings was the first one that the gallery sold, I am honored to have a solo show there to help celebrate the 1st anniversary of the gallery.  How special is that!

So feel free to drop in any time to view the show from April 15th through the end of May. Or  you can join me for the OPENING RECEPTION on April 30, 2015 6:00-8:00p.m. at Anne Neilson Fine Art. www.AnneNeilsonFineArt.com

"American Gothic" Sheep - 36x36 Oil ~ $10,500

"Red Umbrella" - 30x30 Oil ~ $7200

"Welcome" - 48x60 Oil ~$14,750

So as you enjoy visiting galleries, art festivals, and oogling artwork in general, I'm here to remind you of ALL the hard work that has gone into each painting.  I could mention the purchasing of materials, picture taking, record keeping, marketing, blogging, facebooking, and schlepping. Oh...and let's not forget the painting.  But I will just mention that it took two of us 2 1/2 days to pack and crate up the 12 largest paintings for shipment.  Little did you know!

The "Advil" time of year

I heard a story this year at a Christmas Eve eve service. 
     "A little boy was asked if he knew what the name was for this special time of the year.
     He quickly replied, Of course, it's called Advil." 
What he meant was Advent, but there was still some truth to his answer.

We get busy ... dare I say overwhelmed with all that needs to be done and all that we think needs to be done.  There are trees, decorations and lights to buy and put up. There are gifts to buy, wrap, and mail. Cards to write and address, and send.  Food to plan, make and serve. Then dishes to wash and more dishes to wash.  AND then we get to undo everything and put our house back to "normal."



LEFT: Adoration of the Shepherds - Lorenzo Lotto
RIGHT: Detail


I hope you had a little spare time to reflect, be still and enjoy.  Hopefully you heard from friends across the miles and enjoyed catching up. Perhaps you shared a text and picture of your Christmas with someone who cares. Maybe like me you sat quietly and enjoyed the centuries old Christmas carols played on a pipe organ and heard the telling of the Christmas story once again.


I also got to experience the beauty of the Christmas story in art this season.  My friend, Sara, shared a "new" (to me) old painting that has a very special appeal.  I'm passing it on to you.  I hope you appreciate and enjoy it too.


Stay tuned...it just might become one of my paintings next year. I have a vision for this one.

Made My Mother's Day

"Tender Moment" 20x24  $3200

Today is Mother's Day.  I am reminded that it's not always a happy day.  There are many women who have wanted to be moms, but never got the opportunity.  Some who have lost or are losing a child to any early death.  Others who are estranged or fighting with their children.  There are moms in third world countries who don't have enough food to feed their children. 

I am blessed and I know it and appreciate it! My three girls all blessed me in their own special ways.  One daughter even called to tell me that she thinks that I'm such a good mom that she wants to share me with friends that are lacking one of their own.  She's dead serious and I take that as the ultimate compliment.  Made my Mother's Day.   

Please enjoy this new painting of a mom and her cute little lamb.

Easter Sheep etc

I often have "surprise" emails from friends who send wonderful and even fanciful images of sheep who have come across their paths.  They are sent for "my pleasure" but I am going to share them with you too...just for fun!

These freshly dyed sheep can be found in view of the highway near Bathgate, Scotland. The sheep farmer has been dying his sheep with NONTOXIC dye since 2007 to entertain passing motorists.  HAPPY EASTER!

Some more ...

From a store in France

Close-up

Streets of St. Tropaz

"Sheep Building" in New Zealand

Here is the piece de resistance.  Just recently, someone introduced me to "SHAUN THE SHEEP." It is a British stop-action animated children's television series starring, of course, Shaun, the sheep. 

What a hoot!  Great for kids, grandkids, and the young-at-heart.  For a sample, click on:  Shaun the Sheep - "Ewe've Been Framed"  Just google "Shaun the Sheep" to find other episodes.