Here are some new studies for the Seeds series.

They are all 5″x7″ and will be for sale at  the Pendleton auction &

anniversary celebration for

September Final Friday. I am going to expand on one or two of

them in a larger piece. Which one(s) do you like?

Another artist once said to me, “It’s too bad you can’t put the energy of your drawing into your paintings.” I have never forgotten that. He was right. So,in these new pieces that I am developing for my “Seeds” series, I am drawing into the wet paint. I am obsessed with the concept of seeds-how they represent the faith we have in others and ourselves. “Seeds and Weeds” is another thing I am contemplating. How others affect us by their actions and words. Some people exude positive energy. Others give off so much negativity. What we accept is our choice. Find those who are sowing seeds, not growing weeds. These studies are preliminary work for larger pieces. Stay tuned.

It’s the last open studios of the summer at Pendleton Art Center this Friday August 27th! Mark and I look forward to seeing you in our studio-#315 from 6-10 PM.

I will be there for Second Look Saturday from 11-2. We hope to see you there!

These pieces, along with 3 others, were selected by Cincinnati curator and critic

Daniel Brown for inclusion in the annual LADD Fundraiser which will take place on

October 9th.  I am honored to be a part of this event. I will post details later for ticket

information.  It is being held in Newport at the South Shore Condominiums.

Thanks Daniel!!!!

Seeds are the source of everything. They are the beginning of an idea. Seeds are the source of growth and faith. Seeds are essential. We plant them to grow crops and flowers. We have to have faith to believe that the seeds we sow will bring forth a harvest. As artists we “sow seeds” by giving our business cards to potential customers. We do this with faith that we may hear from these people at a later date. Many things can get in the way of the harvest of opportunities. Just as the weather can ruin the growth of crops, the economy can dissuade buyers from fulfilling promises of return to our studios. In this difficult time of uncertainty we must hang on to our faith and continue to plant seeds. We have to remain strong and confident. Optimism is necessary now more than ever. That being said, I continue to plant seeds in my studio and with my work. This piece is the first one of a series dedicated to the sowing of seeds. I look forward to exploring the theme of seeds, be they creative or literal. It is time to be confident and plant our seeds. I can’t wait to see what the future will bring!

I am happy to report that I will be showing new work at the MAC along with Barb Chenault and Shannon Godby in late March or early April! I plan to exhibit “spring fever” work. Sounds fun-details to follow.

July 24-August 8

Plan to attend the Parade of Homes in New Albany if you are in the Columbus area. My work is in two of the homes, The Dani Home and the Tuckerman home. In those homes you will see over 150 pieces by Hayley Gallery artists. You know the saying “You should have been here yesterday”? Well, yesterday Genevieve Gorder and Frank Fontana were at the Parade. Sorry to have missed them, but, there is plenty more in store this week! Check it out and let me know your favorites!

http://www.biaparade.com/

Monday-Thursday: 12pm-9pm
Friday and Saturday: 10am-9pm
Sunday: 10am-6pm

Sitting in my garden is a morning ritual. That first Diet Coke of the day tastes best when viewing my flowers and the river. Dog at my feet, I take in my surroundings. Ignore the bugs and humidity. It’s a quiet time of reflection and inspiration. So, what if I combine the comforts of the inside with the beauty of the outside? That’s what I am contemplating right now. Here is the first piece of the series-”Garden Party”. It’s 18″x24″. I am thinking larger for the next few… just ordered some 24″x36″ canvases. If you have an idea, let me know. I just took some wonderful photos of a place at the end of the road with a lovely riverbank and overhanging trees. I am thinking lanterns, chandeliers, and of course, a fully dressed table. Stay tuned. I also see a bicycle in the works soon…and so many other things… vacation has me rested and ready!

It’s definitely time for summer fun in Cincinnati! So much to do, so little time. Pictured above is one of my new summer-themed works entitled “Michigan Summer”. I am thinking of sun and lakes and flowers… and wishing I could go to northern Michigan! Soon we will be headed to northern Indiana and in the early fall-N. Carolina. That will have to do for now-maybe next summer!

Also on my mind is a possible quick trip to Florida in early September. On the first of September a wonderful new collaborative piece of art will be unveiled at the Jacksonville Museum of Contemporary Art. It is called “Imagination Squared” and is a grid of over 2,000 5″ blocks of wood all displayed together as one piece of work. Each square was completed by a different artist. The project is the brainchild of my former student Christina Foard. She is an amazing artist in the Jacksonville area. She and a friend decided to launch the call to artists when they discovered blocks of wood that were going unused in the studio. I think all of the artists are from the Jacksonville area except me. I contacted a fellow artist from St. Augustine who I met last year at Xavier and asked her to send me a block. It was fun to surprise Christina. The project took on a life of its own and now will be debuted September 1st at the stunning MOCA in downtown Jacksonville. I am trying to work out a way to get there! Here is the website for “the grid”- see if you can find my “Flower Show Girl” on the grid!   http://www.imaginationsquared.com

That’s about all the news for now.  The studio is looking great with the addition of Mark’s “Lost & Found” furniture. Stop in for Final Friday this month to see us!

Two of my collage paintings have been chosen by designer Maria Donnelly to be on display in the brand new 5,138 foot, 5 bedroom/5 ½ bath Dani Home at this year’s BIA Parade of Homes located in New Albany.  The Dani Home is the only home at Ackerly Park, just a few blocks from Hayley Gallery, that features a modern design.  The Parade runs from July 24 to August 8 and over 40,000 visitors are expected to attend. If you are in the Columbus area, check it out! It is a beautiful community.