Where has time gone?  My blogging has gone the way of distraction by life's necessities.....but, yes, I have been creating some art.  Right now, I am recreating my Blog.  There will be more editing, a store, and perhaps more as art lovers pass through and have suggestions to place in  Comments.   

Life has taken me on some side roads, back roads, and twisted roads in so many areas, but not without the value of each experience giving strength and more reference with which to do art and write.  And I have managed to do some art - - not as much as I want, but I think some is significant.  

Life also includes a promise at times of twists and turns, but the wonderful gift of being an artist allows one to turn all of these experiences into art if we choose to do so.

It is spring here in Pensacola and the air is warm and  inviting toward the outdoors.  Change has been the key word!   I've spent some time in reorganizing the "study/studio" and making portraits in charcoal. I have great plans, we will see what transpires.  And I promise to be more faithful in sharing art.  In the mean time I hope all who pause here will enjoy the journey through the website and bear with me as I recreate the site.  Technology keeps changing, advancing, and it is necessary to keep up but as artists, we would rather be doing art.  Hopefully you will find this new format  to your liking.  It probably will be fluctuating as I design away, so hang in there with me!

Thank you for stopping in and giving your time to the reading of my posts and viewing of my work. 

I'm back in the stream! WE are back in the stream! We are laughing with the fun of planning for a new show in September. We are painting and drawing, writing, and more.

This will be a classy AND fun Exhibit in the Vault at Artel Gallery on Palafox Street in Pensacola. The show will open September 6 from 6-8 pm for a special Reception.  Why are we all laughing?  Come to the show to see and join in the fun. 

No spooky music - but look for "Out of the Shadows" and when you come in the Gallery, head to the "Vault!"  See you there! 

Well, yes, that's me, the tallest one in the grey skirt.  We have a wonderful growing group of Pen Women, writers, artists, and musicians and the most wonderful thing is that each one is so supportive and encouraging of the entire group.  

The opening evening of Branching Out was fun, except after a very full week, I had physical challenges to get back on my feet - but here I am, at it again with grand plans, which only a portion will probably be realized. But recovery from back surgery is realized for the most part.  Study/Studio is still in process of being rearranged, I am back at my activities at the Blue Morning Gallery and its good to be with these wonderful friends again as well as being able to better take care of my home. I'm one of those people who love my home and housework, although it doesn't always show in results.

School has started and it seems I had too little time to spend with grandchildren but they have all been in and out and I love them extravagantly, they inspire me deeply with their love.  My  mother passed away in Wyoming in May and it has been a journey to become alone in that relationship here on earth, prompting a desire to write - but perhaps better held off until after the first of the year.  

So that is the main parts of life of an artist - a special walk - new inspirations sweep over me and I am anxious to pour them out - yet I read books on creation, creating, and realize there is a time to plan, to "hover" over the process before starting - the Tree of Life is the beginning of a new Series to come.  I wait for it.  Thank you all for encouragement and for being interested in the work.  Have a super fall!!!!

Hello everyone!  And Happy New Year 2013!
(a little late - but here it is!)

Art has been on the slow side since back surgery, although the work on the 20 Page Art Journal continued, was finished, and the journey recorded for all to see on this website as well as four different showings along the Gulf Coast. Two above pieces are in the process of being framed for showing.  The first one is simply called "Papaya and Peach" and the second one is called "Desert Storm."  These incorporate an usual process with both soft and oil pastels, on a sturdy gesso paper known as "Stonehenge" paper, and are large - 22" x 28" both which also have interesting textures.

Then a "lull" where I concentrated on healing from back surgery, which now appears to be quite successful, but due to continued problems with "getting around" for me translated "zooming all the time," I am informed I need knee replacements because of a childhood abnormality of the knees that has caused much damage. I have no kneecaps on the fronts of my knees.  But healing time is much quicker they tell me.  I choose to believe that.
 
Right now I am at work, prepping some pieces for a proposed showing at Adonna's Bakery and Cafe on Palafox Place in downtown Pensacola. I'm not sure when we will be hanging; when I say we, I mean the Pensacola Branch of Pen Women, a National Organization of Women Writers, Musicians, and Artists.  Also working on finishing up "Crow Woman" and attempting a special, unusual framing project for her. 

A variety of pieces have been placed in a small, but quite elegant gallery in the historic Old Railroad Depot, also known as the Crown Plaza Hotel in Pensacola.  (A plug for my friend and owner of the Gallery, Stone and Glassworks, Marilyn McDonald Dorsey.)  You can see some of my pottery, photography, and unusual pastel works as well as watercolor. Marylin has a variety of pieces, from some stunning glass work, jewelry, painting, and one of a kind innovative art pieces. The Gallery is located across from the Civic Center, also in the downtown area of Pensacola.

So here's to a wonderful year to everyone.  Even with challenges ahead we can make a spot in the sun in which to do a little "shining" in the world.  Keep on keeping on! 

Is everyone back in school - settled into fall routines?  

My routines are completely "down the tubes," as they say.

Back surgery went well, once I finally got there, waylaid by anemia a couple of times, needing treatment.  So, as I journaled, much of what was going on in my life, was reflected in my journal.  This photo of a journal page is called "Metamorphosis"  More detail resides on the 20 Page Journal tab of this website.

Trying to use pain, lowered functioning, loss, though temporary, of abilities - as a learning tool, and being boldly wise about it while often being a pain because of some whining, somehow we have made it through.  Friends, family, a new baby girl (granddaughter), kind thoughts, prayers from many I'll probably never know about, held me together. We went through a hurricane though we were only on the edges, a major tropical storm before that, trusting faith to keep us all firm and standing.  Literally. Now just need  to gain my strength back.  

Another Journal, this one for the Brooklyn Arts Project is underway - I think I will title it "Uncommon Chickens" - - more to come as I work on it, and a piece I must paint/charcoal of a young woman from the Crow Tribe, then getting art ready for Christmas displays are in the near future.  

It will never be the same again.  Have you ever crossed those kind of bridges?  Perhaps the Uncommon Chickens Journal will reflect a come back, we'll see.  We often use the word "chicken" especially when young to express taunting of someone who is in fear, or too wise to do something foolish.  I hope this Journal will be a story of uncommon chickens who show courage, the ability to have fun and try the possible and impossible, be themselves, no matter what other chickens think, and who aren't afraid to be an uncommon chicken 

Have a great fall everyone.

Must confess to lying in bed for a while working on art journal - I have not yet configured how to set up an oil painting station or sleep with charcoal smudged into the sheets.  

I have had back surgery May 30th of 2012 and am recuperating.  The recent months have watched as I journal a transformation spiritually, physically, and emotionally, along with experimenting with new papers, surfaces, and techniques to create art.  

Not surprisingly the Journal, which will be displayed in the Mobile Museum of Art in part of July and part of August, turned into a chronicle of a personal journey.  The Journey included many other artists, some finding similar outcomes.  I can't wait until the show - it will be amazing.  Hopefully I can make it over to Mobile at that time for the July 13th Artists Reception.