2026 Still Life #2

$145 (unframed) 4x6 mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 8x10. $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 2/26 the price goes to $225.

Little parts of things where your eye fills in the rest.  You know what is there; a window, a cabinet and a basket.  All there but not complete.  This was fun to paint.

An artist buddy came to paint with me today.  Great conversation while our brushes were working.

I unpacked the van and tonight we have couples date night!  More later.

2026 Still Life #1 and commission Update...

$145 (unframed) 4x6 mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 8x10. $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 2/25 the price goes to $225.

Gunston Hall, VA .  This is unusual paper, called Indigo Art Paper, it is thick pulped paper which gives heavy texture.  It also does not allow me to move water around, tends to lay on the top.  Very hard to work with.   
I am focusing on some still life paintings.  Working on these AND some larger ones.

The first show of 2026 is behind me.  Set up went well, we are like a well oiled machine!  Each knows their job.  A full 12x12 booth up in 2 hours!  I do this show as a support to Lititz.  Not my best selling show but my booth looked great and I saw a lot of friends.  Closed early on Sunday so we packed up in some drizzle and went to the Bulls Head with another artist and his wife before the snow started.

Commission Update:  If you scroll back to the 15th you can see where I left off.  I had thin yellow washes.  Again, taking my time to build the fabric and folds.



Even more washes of yellow,  I am pleased with the way that is looking.  I also started one sock AND I drew in the unicycle (free-hand) and planted her feet..

2026 Bird #10

SOLD!  $145 (unframed) 4x6 mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 81x10. $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 2/20 the price goes to $225.

An Oriole...

I am getting to the end of my bird series.  

Van is packed and ready for the weekend.

A reminder: A client is selling her "Andy Smiths" on Facebook Marketplace.

Here is her info: The artwork can be found on Facebook with or without a Facebook account. Simply search for Facebook marketplace, click on "marketplace", change the location to "Ardmore, PA" (remember to click the Apply button), then on the search bar put in "Andy Smith."  All seven pieces will show up on the results page.    Facebook page is "Artforyou Art." 

2026 Bird #9

$225.  A nice little finch on the bird feeder.

Time to pack for our first show of the season!  That means gathering our show supplies, restocking the show box, and packing the paintings.  Knock the snow off my panels!! Tomorrow I pack the van.

Lititz Fire & Ice ~ Makers Market
held at Linden Hall Gym, 212 E Main St. Lititz
Sat.  2/21 from 10am to 5pm
Sun. 2/22 from 11am to 4pm
free admission!   parking!

2026 Bird #8 and Commission

 $225.

Yes, I took artistic license with this bird.  I just needed a change from the pretty little bird as a focal point. I added a scene from my street.  We have been having the most beautiful sunsets lately.  I feel like the cardinal just stopped in for a quick visit.

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I spent all weekend working on my commission.
Commission Update:

Working deeper into the blue, now the folds and the shading look real.  Notice the shoe and  the yellow that is starting on the left side.



OK, NOW I am having fun!!  Same on the yellow: slow build of washes,  Paying attention to the folds and sway of the material.  She is starting to come alive.

Teaching note: Personally, I do not think there is a correct way to approach a painting. I change it for different subjects. For me it is where/what I want to tackle first.  On this one I did a little face work because I knew it was my hardest area. The start to bringing a personality into the painting.  I was in the mood to finish the blue.  I could have done overall light washes first.  Just have a mental plan before you pick up the brush!

WE took time off for a  Monday afternoon date.  Went to see Solo Mio.  I am putting it on my list of favs with Three Weddings and a Funeral and Love Actually!  I am a sucker for a good romantic comedy.  Then a bite at Micks.  Back home to my painting.

New Commission...

 I had a most unusual request to paint a special childhood memory.  A teen girl in clown costume and a unicycle.  NOT my usual!   I knew what it was going to take to accomplish a good painting.  Skill and patience.  I put it off...I procrastinated. I finally bit the bullet and I started.  I have permission to share.

I draw well and this drawing STILL took 8 hours.  I erased, I studied, I drew, I erased... ALL my paintings have a "by hand drawing".  No tracing, no use of anything but my hand and pencil. 
Teaching note: Spend time studying your subject so you understand the light and dark areas.  Take your time, a painting is not a race.  If it was a race, think of it as a marathon.
NEVER start with paint until you know the drawing is correct!  I forgot to photo the drawing until after I started painting!  The paper size is 11x15" fitting into a 14x18 frame.

I start with washes, saving the lighter areas.

Slowly building.  Notice all the values of blue, how I created the folds at the bottom, giving it dimension and movement.
Teaching note: Remember to dry hard with each wash.

There is a pressure that comes with each commission, even after 47 years, I feel it.  I am confident in my skills but there is more to it.   You are fulfilling a clients dream.  Their idea of what they want the painting to look like.  I  have only a photo to work with, not all the memories that go with it.

2026 Bird #7

SOLD!   $145 (unframed) 4x6 mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 8x10. $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 2/14 the price goes to $225.

A beautiful female cardinal.
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If you are looking for something to do.
My show season is starting!  See you soon.
Lititz Fire & Ice, Makers Market (free)
held at Linden Hall Gym, 212 E Main St. Lititz
Sat. 2/21 from 10am to 5pm
Sun. 2/22 from 11am to 4pm

Open Studio (free)
March 21st from 10am to 4pm
Held at 4 N Spruce St. Lititz PA
Stop in and watch me paint, ask questions...
enjoy the studio with lots of prints and originals.

Historic Trappe Early American Fair
This is a small boutique show by invitation to exhibit!
I am proud to be included with this group.
Saturday March 28 from 10am to 3pm
Held at St Lukes, 200 W Main St Trappe PA

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Meanwhile...Another busy day.  A quick trip to Costco, not sure that is a thing. Then to Giant. So grocery shopping is finished.  Drop off Aleve for a friend. drop off flowers for another friend.  Return the rental car and pick up the van at the garage  THEN...paint a cardinal!  Just another day in the life of an artist!

2026 Bird #6

SOLD!  $145 (unframed) 4x6 mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 8x10. $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 2/13 the price goes to $225.

Another one...


My little Winsor Newton travel paint set broke and Linda bought me a new one. It arrived early this morning and I enjoyed myself unwrapping 14 new tiny paint cakes and arranging them in the set. I'm easily entertained!  I used it to paint todays bird. 

Then I had to spend a little time on the road; picked up a rental car to get us through a few days while both vehicles are in the garage. Took my suburban to the garage.   So a lot of running around. Luckily I had my little bird drawn last night so I could concentrate on painting it. Meanwhile, Linda was booking hotels and air BNB's for several shows.

2026 Bird #5

SOLD!  $145 (unframed) 4x6 mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 8x10. $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 2/12 the price goes to $225.

He is pretty cute!  I have been enjoying these.

2026 Bird #4

SOLD!  $145 (unframed) 4x6 mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 8x10. $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 2/11 the price goes to $225.

A male cardinal

We had a busy weekend.  Started with Friday morning breakfast with friends at Stone House Cafe. A small family run business and worth supporting. Friday night we had tickets to Mickeys Black Box in Lititz to see Yacht Lobsters.    They were fantastic!  If you get a chance to see them...go!  Then Sunday we went for lunch with friends to Marmalade.  Very good!  Monday, back to painting.  Linda finished organizing our taxes, they are ready for the accountant.

Meanwhile, Linda says things happen in 3's.  Our van needs some work and it is scheduled for the garage this week.  Meanwhile a "light" came on in our car...I need to have it towed.  So to make life easier, we rented a car for a few days.  But, this morning our upstairs renter called with a water issue.  So our plumber was called and he came right out.  That's my 3 issues for the week!  Life can settle down now!