One of my many roosters who had good reason to be vain.

Sunlight coming through a cherry leaf during an art class in the barn.

4′ x 5′ oil on canvas commission by George and Eunice Mossell, following the exploration of Lewis and Clark.

This is a detail of an oil painting I’ve been working on; two faces representing friendship. I’m at an age where I value friendship more than ever.My friend and I met over a decade ago, working as care-givers for folks suffering memory loss.

This model put in a hard day’s work, sitting very still and being scrutinized in all her features and all the effects of light and shadow. Six beginner portraits were created. This is mine.

I recently saw a collection of original Van Gough paintings at the Detroit Institute of Art. The docents were very knowledgable and the painting very alive. Seeing them up close made me think, ” I can paint however I want to!” He painted so vibrantly and energetically. I appreciate that I am still alive to paint at 70, when he died so very young and in such loneliness and poverty.

This new oil painting measures 24″ x 24″. I used pressed ferns and leaves as stencils and then worked them into a diffused landscape. Deep Lake is my favorite swimming hole. It’s only 20 minutes from my house. I used to take my children camping there which usually included a hike to the Devils Soup Bowl, a glacial kettle in the middle of the forest.

I took and intensive class in portrait painting. We had three different live models and spent eight hours each of three days. It was well worth it.This one measures 12″ x 18″ and is painted in oil on canvas.

It happens every year without fail; the waterspouts need to be pruned while the days are shorter than the nights.

Also, the new female homing pigeon laid an egg on Valentines Day. There is sure to be a second one and they should hatch in two weeks. This is the second clutch for her and her mate.this is a note-worthy event in my low-key life.

These folks love what they are doing – Ice Fishing! I sold this two years ago.