Back to the Artwork

Life goes on. After three days of emotional e-mails and phone call from folks I don't even know regarding Eight Belles - I'm back in the studio and yes, I'm still painting thoroughbred horse racing subjects. Because that's who I am and horse racing is what I love.

Another shout out from Hot Springs: In the April/May issue, author Lisa Wilson wrote a great article about my exhibit at Gallery Central during the Oaklawn meet.

Lisa and her hubby, D. Arthur Wilson are well accomplished artists in their own right. Check out their site here. I'm honored that Lisa thought enough of my work to showcase it in the Hot Springs TravelHost Magazine.

Thank you Lisa!!

The Springs Magazine Cover

I can't believe I didn't post this shout out from The Springs Magazine in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The magazine features all the art related happenings in town and is available everywhere.

My painting "The Last Race" graces the cover. I think the cover design is fabulous. This painting can be found at Gallery Central in Hot Springs. It's tiny by my standards, a 6"x12" oil on canvas. There's also a nifty little story about moi on the inside.

My exhibit is old news now although my artwork is still available at the gallery. Like any racetrack town, after Oaklawn closes for the season, the thoroughbred people pack up and head for the next gig on the circuit. It's a forlorn feeling as the traps and tack are packed, the horses are bandaged, and everyone waits impatiently for the van to arrive. Pulling through the gate at the new track promises a fresh and hopeful anticipation. "We'll do better here" is silently whispered by the die-hard intrepid.

Geesh, some things just never change...regardless of what business you're in.

Another New Painting

My dealer in Hot Springs, Gallery Central, pushed their opening reception (and art walk) back to the first week of March instead of April to coincide with the race meet at Oaklawn Park. So, I've been painting like mad in an attempt to produce fresh goods.

Back of moi's head.

I created this cool toned painting by combining complimentary colors resulting in vibrant grays that are inclined towards the cool end of the mixture. Grays of blue, violet, greens and a touch of violet red. No earth tones, no umbers, nadda. Okay, one mixture of burnt sienna and ultramarine blue deep to create a warm gray. Michael 's eyes glazed over when he first saw the painting but I assure him that someone will recognize the simple clean beauty of the piece. For lack of words to express, he's calling it an abstract.

Well, not quite Hon but it is a departure. It's how we grow as artists. This past week I was restless, uncertain and irritable in the studio. Engaging in a discussion over a large glass of wine concerning my edginess, I explained to Michael how these feelings affect creativity. I explained when artists gets depressed...Michael interjected: "There goes an ear".