update...

 This week is flying by with little time to paint. Errands, dentist appointment, washed and waxed both vehicles, mowed and trimmed yards.  I had a pedicure after a year and a half of chemo damage to my feet.  My dogs look so good...well lets say much better!  I had to locate all the items for an outdoor show and pack the suburban.  Heading out for a few days by the York (VA) River then a show in Historic Williamsburg, one of my favorite places.

Art on the Square in Williamsburg, VA 
is BACK on the Duke of Gloucester Street!
Sunday, April 28 from 10am-5pm
my space is #31

Next show is:

Checking In...

I have been putting in mega hours since Friday morning on my commission.  I am determined to finish it today; so no blog painting.  I have been stressed over this one because I know how much it means to my client and I am trying to get every little detail in; it is taking me longer than usual.

We did take Friday night off to go dancing.  A very good band, Uptown Band was playing at The Hollywood Casino in Morgantown.  We have never been there,  it was free and the sodas were free! All the tables were full and no one was leaving so from 8 to 10:30 we were dancing or standing.  It is a smoking facility but they managed it pretty well.  We had a good time though not my favorite venue, but you can't beat free!

Since I am busy and YOU took the time to read my blog... I am offering one of my older mini originals
FREE to the 1st person to send an email and claim it!
If you are a past winner you are not eligible!

CLAIMED!! 
"2016 HOLIDAY #2 " mini original watercolor, painted in 2016

value $150 framed in black wood 8x10”
- shipping available at cost

2024 Still Life #22

mini original watercolor   $225.
Another painting from Peter Wentz Farmstead in Worcester, PA.

This past Monday was World Art Day and a special client, Paul sent me a photo of his Smith wall! I am always so honored by my clients support.

2024 Tulip #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 4/19 the price goes to $225. 

More tulips...

2024 Still Life #21

 
mini original watercolor   $250. 

This little gem, a basket full of yarn is from Peter Wentz Farmstead in Worcester, PA.  I love the way the light comes thru the weave of the basket.


Upcoming Show:
Art on the Square in Williamsburg, VA  is BACK on the Duke of Gloucester Street!
Sunday, April 28 from 10am-5pm
my space is #31
My first outdoor show of the season in one of my favorite places!

2024 Tulip #3

  
SOLD!  $175 (unframed) 4x6” mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 8x10 $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 4/17 the price goes to $275.

Another fields of tulips... from Burnside Tulip Farm in Virginia.
Linda really liked this one and that's a compliment!!


Thank you to everyone who stopped at the studio on Saturday.  I even got gifts!  Thank You to Val for the flowers and to John for the goodies, I think he keeps the Amish stands in business!  I am spoiled and Blessed!


Saturday night we went dancing with friends and Linda bought some 50/50 tickets.  WE won the 1st prize of $150.  Great investment of her $5. This is getting set aside for continued fun.

2024 Tulips #2

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

Fields of tulips... from Burnside Tulip Farm in Virginia.
I can usually mix any color I need but the vibrancy I need for tulips I cannot duplicate. I may need to buy a few new colors.

Reminder... this Saturday

Saturday, April 13 from 10-4
at 4 N. Spruce St. Lititz, PA

Stop in and check out my studio.
Enjoy a little chit-chat and watch me paint.
Spend some time in Lititz!

_________________________
Yesterday's Road Trip Update:

I don't know how Linda does this, she puts together a tour that just flows and the timing worked well.  All three houses had excellent knowledgeable tour guides who gave a great history lesson.   We had a full day, driving a giant loop from 8am to 7pm.  I learned that stops 2 & 4 had enslaved peoples...  in Pennsylvania! I have lots of inspiration for new paintings so keep watching!

Stop #1  Saint Peters Village, PA
breakfast at Saint Peters Village Bakery
Excellent breakfast!  Would stop here if driving by.

walk the street: not too exciting, only one block. I think this is just a weekend thing. None of the shops were open. This has been on our list to stop for a long time but probably would not go back.

Stop #2  Pottsgrove Manor

100 W King St  Pottstown, PA  
Looking back, this was my favorite, loved the time period and found lot to paint!  

Stop #3  PennyPacker Mills 

5 Haldeman Road  Schwenksville, PA 
A governor of PA!  Not my style to paint but very good tour. George Washington encamped here, twice!

Stop #4    Peter Wentz Farmstead   
2030 Shearer Rd  Worcester, PA

 restored 18th-century historic site and working farm, reminded me a bit of Landis Valley in Lancaster.  A lot of work was done and undone on the buildings.

Stop #5    Dinner at Basta Pasta in Skippack, PA.  Capped off our day with a bit of pasta!

2024 Still Life #20

 mini original watercolor  $225.
I saw this at my dentist office...

There will be NO blog on Wednesday, Linda has a road trip planned.

My scooping debut at Greco's went well, I was busy!  THANK YOU to everyone who came out.
I will be keeping my painting job!

Not enough time to paint today...

I did not have enough time to paint today. I had a mat to cut then worked in the yard and then off to my "scooping" gig at Greco's.

So instead, I will offer this deal, it has been a while since I did this. A bit of a thank you to those reading my blog.

CLAIMED!

FREE to the 1st person to send an email and claim it!
If you are a past winner you are not eligible!

"Beach at San Simeon" original watercolor, painted in 2011
My first real west coast beach scene. Rocky, different than what I am used to at the Jersey Shore! - value $550
UNFRAMED, framing available $60 18x14" - shipping available at cost

Tulips…

 We decided to go to Burnside Tulip Farms in Virginia.  Sold out by Saturday night for Sunday but they offered last minute tickets on Sunday morning at 6am.  Set the alarm and snagged 2 tickets and were out of the house by 6:45am.   Yes, we drove 3 hrs to see tulips!  Never dull at our house.  

Our first stop was Dolce & Ciabatta in Leesburg.  The BEST muffin.  We also brought some bread home.  Next was the tulip farm.  Pretty impressive, you get to pick any 5 tulips per ticket, not a bargain.  There will be some tulip paintings coming!

Then we went to Morven Park and did a Davis Mansion house tour, followed by a very unremarkable dinner in Leesburg. Hoping to be back home by 7pm. FULL but FUN day.


Remember… Monday is my ice cream scooping day.
Greco’s in Lititz
From 5-7pm
PLEASE stop in!!

2024 Still Life #19

mini original watercolor  $225
I know...a little off beat but I like it!

Greco's Ice Cream in Lititz...
CELEBRITY SCOOPING IS BACK!

Tell your friends, tell your family, tell your friends family. 🔥

Kicking off our 2024 celebrity scooping series is someone I’ve been honored to know for many many years, and a town favorite Andy Smith! 🎨

He will be scooping from 5-7pm this Monday 4/8

Stop by say hello, and help us kick off the 2024 celebrity scooping series. We hear the weather looks great as well!

Please stop in and let me scoop your ice cream, I need/want a HUGE turn out!

Health Update:  I had my internal this morning and nothing there but scar tissue!  So a great 6 months clear check up.

2024 Still Life #18

 mini original watercolor   $225

Check out the patina on that bucket!!

2024 Still Life #17

UPDATE: Linda did not like the way the background and the curve of the bowl met so I reworked it and took a better photo in the sunshine...

mini original watercolor  $225
Almost monochromatic...

YOU ARE NEEDED:    I will be a GUEST SCOOPER at  Greco's Ice Cream, Kleine Lane in Lititz.
On Monday 4/8 from 5pm-7pm   PLEASE come out an let me scoop your favorite ice cream.  I want to be the BEST and BUSIEST guest scooper they ever had!!  Get it on your calendar!!

Great Update:  Today was my bloodwork and Oncology 6 month check up.  Got the all clear today, after a wonky looking cat-scan and then a rushed MRI, a few frayed nerves,  all looks good.    I do not need to see him for 6 months.  Thursday is my internal with the surgeon.  

2024 Still Life #16

SOLD!   $145 (unframed) 6x4” mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 10x8 $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 4/3 the price goes to $225

I found these on a shelf in the kitchen at the Bonnet House (Fort Lauderdale FL). The light just sparkled off the glasses and the shelf was a different color than the back of the cupboard. It just moved me!

I spent Friday working on the drawing for my next house commission and I'm waiting to hear back. I know there are a few changes before I can start painting. Its a gift so I cannot show it for a while. Over the weekend I finished this 14x18 painting. Not framed, titled or priced!  I am living with it for a while.

Info: If you live near Lititz and are in need of a plumber... I highly recommend John. He put in a new hot water heater for me.

2024 Still Life #15

mini original watercolor     $225
Another still life from Glendale Flour Mills.

Kinda busy here; dental cleaning yesterday, MRI today, then this afternoon I cracked a tooth so emergency dental tomorrow. Linda was on the phone twice with our CPA; I am SO glad I did not have to answer those questions! But then a bright spot, our friend Jacki dropped off these flowers. For no reason!! We have the BEST friends.

2024 Yellow Tulips

SOLD!  $145 (unframed) 4x6” mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 8x10 $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 3/28 the price goes to $225.

These tulips were setting in our kitchen and simply looked like a painting. Featuring a new hand made pottery vas we got at the Fire & Ice show.  The colors are so harmonious and it feels like Spring.

I have painted several pieces from Glendale Flour Mills and received a nice note from the owner...
Let me tell you, when I see your paintings I can literally smell the place and feel the floorboards under my feet! Amazing work.  That's high praise, it doesn't get any better than that!

2024 Still Life #14

SOLD!  $145 (unframed) 4x6” mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 8x10 $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 3/27 the price goes to $225.

I went back to Glendale Flour Mills in Boyertown, PA for some antique inspiration.

I finished this one... 14x18  also from Glendale Flour Mills.
It is not titled or priced.

2024 Still Life #13

 mini original watercolor    $225.

More interesting pottery at the Bonnet House (Fort Lauderdale FL)

Saturday "OPEN STUDIO"
Saturday, March 23 from 10-4
at 4 N. Spruce St. Lititz, PA

Grab some friends and head to Lititz!  Spend some time with me and then head into town for lunch and more shopping.  Lititz is a wonderful town to walk around.  See you Saturday!

2024 Still Life #12

SOLD! $145 (unframed) 6x4” mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 10x8 $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 3/22 the price goes to $225.

I enjoy the old things...

Linda is busy hanging some originals in the studio for my
Saturday "OPEN STUDIO"
Saturday, March 23 from 10-4
at 4 N. Spruce St. Lititz, PA

Stop in and check out my studio.
Enjoy a little chit-chat and watch me paint.

2024 Still Life #11

 mini original watercolor      $225.

I found some interesting pottery at the Bonnet House (Fort Lauderdale FL)

Eye Doctor check this morning, all good.  I have had controlled glaucoma since my early 20's.

2024 Cat

 mini original watercolor       $225.

If you have spent any time in any of the Caribbean Islands you know the stray cats are a bit scrawny! But I liked this ones face and how it almost blended into the background.

OPEN STUDIO - this Saturday
Saturday, March 23 from 10-4
at 4 N. Spruce St. Lititz, PA

Stop in and check out my studio.
Enjoy a little chit-chat and watch me paint.

We had to go stove shopping today at Martins Appliance (Brownstown PA).  Thank You JR Sirotta for patiently answering all our questions!  Our 20 year old Amana (an original Amana before Whirlpool bought them) finally bit the dust. I also finally found a garage that still does bodywork. Actual rust repair! Not easy to find these days. My old Suburban is looking better!

2024 Water #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 3/19 the price goes to $225.

This big guy was spotted in Fort Lauderdale, FL

We had several hours after getting off ship and flying home so we returned to our new favorite coffee shop, Kay Rico and then took a self guided tour of   Bonnet House.  A bit of preserved history surrounded by sky scrapers.

We all came home with a bit of a cough while Linda's became bronchitis.  She got meds and is doing better. 

This past Friday was the passing of  Mr. Donecker, owner of Doneckers in Ephrata.  Linda was a Donecker Girl when we met.  If you knew the store you understand what this means.   She worked there in the late 70's early 80's. and there was a fun core of young people in their early 20's working that are still friends today.  Linda always credits Mr. D. with teaching her about the customer, who is always right and business ethics.

2024 Water #3

SOLD!  $155 (unframed) 4x6” mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 8x10 $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 3/16 the price goes to $250.

I had such fun painting this one. I spent a lot of time on the water in the foreground.

2024 Water #2

mini original watercolor  $225.

A dock... It is simple subjects that intrigue me.

We both enjoy cruising. Chilling all day, I paint, Linda reads and entertainment all night . We often do not even get off the ship. We have toured many of the islands in the past. Usually we leave out of NY and this time we left out of Miami. I missed sailing past the Statue of Liberty!  The ship was very much geared to Latin music. Our first (and last) cruise in March. Lots of kids and lots of 20 yr olds on spring break, very few wheel chairs and walkers.  A different experience.  We were both so careful washing hands and using sanitizer and we still brought home a bad cold/cough.  Linda is worse, she has a doctor appointment. Tested negative for Covid but it is a nasty strain.

2024 Coconut Tree

mini original watercolor   $225.

Coconut tree.

Our 1st stop is Roatan. It is hot and I love the heat!  We took a fantastic tour. Learned a lot about the Island,  culture, family life and food. I got to hold a sloth.


Great photo with our travel buddies, Mark and Betsy,  Check out that view...

2024 Water #1

mini original watercolor  $225.

The Port of Miami, a view from the ship.

We have been away for a week on another adventure. Started with a walking food tour in Little Havana, Miami FL. Loved it, learned a lot, music everywhere, surprised at how little English was spoken here.
Check out my new hat.

I want to give a shout out to a fantastic coffee shop in Hollywood Fl. Kay Rico, the owners are 2 brothers and they know coffee. They turned a quick stop into an experience.

Next up is our cruise. Norwegian Joy with stops in Roatan, Belize, Costa Maya Mexico and Cozumel.

2024 Window #1

$145 (unframed) 4x6” mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 8x10 $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 3/1 the price goes to $225.

Love the chippy paint on this old window.

My next blog will be March 11. Linda has some fun planned!

2024 Still Life #10

SOLD!   $145 (unframed) 4x6” mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 8x10 $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 2/29 the price goes to $225.

Glass...

A beautiful day, we actually got outside and spent a little time in the garden.  I cut one of the grasses and a butterfly bush.  Linda trimmed the lavender.  It felt so good.

2024 Still Life #9

mini original watercolor    $225.
More from the antique shop.

Over the weekend, I had my first show of the season at Lititz Fire & Ice Makers Market, all went well. This morning I took my suburban in to get some bodywork done, took Linda for breakfast and then back home the rest of the day to paint.

2024 Snowman #3

mini original watercolor    $225
My last snowman for the season! Now I am ready for Spring!
Thank you to the Benjamin Family for the use of their photo. 

Linda was filling out show apps all morning. So glad I do not have to do that!

Packing for my first show of the season.  I do not have far to drive!
THIS WEEKEND:
Makers Market at Lititz Fire and Ice
February 24-25 from 11am to 4pm
Held at the Linden Hall Gymnasium
Free admittance!   New ice sculptures.

2024 Snowman #2

 mini original watercolor   $225
Thank you to the Wardells for the use of their photo. These impressive young 80 year olds built a snowman! He is leaning a bit but pretty cute.

Tree Commission FINISHED!  I will be honest, I was not confident I could pull this off to where I was satisfied.  To have the tree stand out in the middle of the woods among the other trees.  It is a "tree portrait" and my client loves this tree. So I put extra pressure on myself.  But I framed it today and I love it!