over the weekend...

I have pretty much just been sitting at the table working on my commission all weekend. Staying off my foot! Yes, I have the boot on every moment except when I sleep. I think its looking better, next check up is another week. Linda has a long list of errands to run today. I am along for the ride!  Linda is having a fit about the length of our grass, but it rains (pours) daily and never dries enough to mow.  I'm thinking we can bale it soon!

Commission update: Saturday, my client came to watch me work on her painting, she is excited and happy with it, which takes the pressure off.  I am confident enough at this point to enjoy the process

I am adding the trees


Looks better without seeing my blue tape! I use painters tape to hold the paper to my board.  I am saving the white of the paper for the farms, painting the grass and trees around them.  Suddenly there is a horizon and a the feeling of distance.  This is slow going, I don't want to get green where it doesn't belong.

todays painting

The view from the porch is stunning.  
Layers of wash to get a sunset.  Started a bit of green.


Added the flag which has light shining through.

My client is coming to watch me work on this tomorrow!

New painting and commission progress

My demonstration painting from the show at The Oaks.
"Going Out"     framed 14x18    $850.

Commission: 

I am starting with washes in the sky.  Drying hard between each layer.  Slowly building.

Commission...

No time for my daily blog painting because I have a commission to work on. I received permission to share. This painting will frame to 18x24"
Once a client decides on a budget and size we talk about what their vision is, what has the most meaning. This is a house commission however it is a corner of their house and a fantastic view. I draw the old fashioned way, by hand, and I rarely need a ruler! I draw directly on my watercolor paper and the client approves the drawing. This is the only time I can make structural changes.

Starting to paint it tomorrow.

Update:  Monday was my appointment with a wound care doctor for a second opinion on my toe. More of a specialist.   It IS healing but slowly.  Instructions for the boot are even stricter than the Podiatrist.  If my foot touches the floor the boot must be on.   New meds to put on which means Linda is playing Nurse again.  I also have a compression sock.  Take Vitamin D and stuff called Juven to promote healing.  He will look at it in 2 weeks.  It is from my chemo, causing neuropathy in my foot.  Thankfully, I do not have any pain. But it is throwing off my gait, messing with my hips.  This summer is NOT going as planned!

2026 Landscape #12

 mini original watercolor   $225.

A bit of Lancaster County countryside.

this weekend is a really good quality show in Oaks PA. Plenty of parking. Hall E

print this page for $2 off.  Tell all your Philly friends!

2026 Landscape #11

mini original watercolor  $225.
Just a pleasant view from Belle Grove Plantation in VA.

WOW...look at a clients wall...5 pieces of my 8x10 mini originals hanging in these panels!  Now I am not going to say she designed it around my work...But it sure looks perfect.  I am planning to fill that up!!  I am impressed and honored.

2026 Landscape #10

 mini original watercolor  $225
Isle of Skye, Scotland. I totally enjoyed working on the background but the sheep took a bit of concentration. They always look like they have a smile! And a little harder to make them look soft in watercolor.

I started packing for the Lititz Craft show (Saturday 10-3, I am in front of the Sutter Courtyard)  BUT, waiting to see what the weather may do.  If its sunny I can take the light pop up tent. IF it may have a storm, I need the harder to put up tent with sides... decisions, decisions!

2026 Landscape #9

SOLD!  $145 (unframed)6x4" mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing10x8". $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 8/7 the price goes to $225.

I am loving the textures I was able to get, the clumpy grass in the foreground, trees and to be able to create distance.  A feeling of a bit overcast, but it is Scotland after all...Callander, near Stirling.  Your eye is not sure if it wants to go to the "coo" or the barn first!

Busy day today, I had breakfast with a buddy, ran a few errands with Linda, picked up 3 more dozen ears of corn to put into the freezer.  Linda cleans it and I boil and cut off.  Love having fresh corn in the middle of winter.   Meanwhile trying to decide when to pack the van and IF the weather is going to co-operate for the show on Saturday.  In my younger days I didn't mind showing in rain, but I must admit the thrill is now gone!

This Saturday  August 8 is the BIG Lititz Craft Show
I am in my usual space in front of the Sutter's Courtyard at the square.
from 8 to 3.  Free... 

2026 Sunflower #1

SOLD!   $145 (unframed) 4x6" mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 8x10". $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 8/6 the price goes to $225.

I found these sunflowers at S Clyde Weavers on Monday.  I usually wait till September to start painting them but these were really pretty with a blue sky.


I spent some time with a photographer today.  I have been included in something special for Lititz which I will share later.  Lots of photos were taken and I even got to put on my bicycle kit and take my bike out to the trail for some shots!  Boy did that feel good!  I had my boot off for 30 minutes!

Monday Check in...

My newest original...

"Earthenware"            framed 21x17        $1000.

This is from Zoar, OH and was my demonstration piece at the show.
The jugs just shine!  I am super happy with the way this turned out.


I want to share a clients wall display of my paintings.  Fantastic color!
My paintings just stand out on this wall.

Health Update:  I had my 3 year cancer check up this morning and I am all clear!  WooHoo!!   I can stop the MRI and move the Cat Scans to every 6 months.  Keeping my port.  Meanwhile the past chemo has caused an issue with my big toe so I am currently in a boot. Making getting around a bit cumbersome but hey...I can get around!  Blessed.

Show Update: 
This Saturday  August 8 is the BIG Lititz Craft Show
I am in my usual space in front of the Sutter's Courtyard at the square.
from 8 to 3. Free... 


and the following week is...

2026 Still Life #28

mini original watercolor  $225.
My first painting from Zoar Village, Ohio

Trip Update: The point of being in Ohio was for a show with some sightseeing added on!  I have wanted to try this how for years but it was the same date as the Lititz Art Show.  This year Lititz moved their date to October and I was able to try it.  This was another one of those shows where every crafter is at the top of their field, so the quality is super high.  Zoar is 20 minutes south of Canton, and a bit in the middle of nowhere.  Beautiful rolling countryside.  I demonstrated all weekend.  I'll show the completed painting on Monday.

2026 Window #6

 
mini original watercolor   $225.
A nice window from Scotland...

Trip Update:   Started our morning with a beautiful breakfast... Brick House on Main owner Cathy can cook!

We had two days to visit three villages on the hunt for new subject material for me to paint.
Roscoe Village   and   Zoar Village were both settled in the early 1800's  while  Schoenbrunn Village  was from 1772 and very primitive.  A lot of history!

2026 Still Life #27

mini original watercolor   $225.

Nice crock..

Trip Update: We got back last night from our week in Ohio.  We spent 2 days at The Wilds, Linda’s birthday wish.  We were here 15 years ago and Linda wanted to go again.  The point of the Wilds is to conserve endangered species so the number/variety of animals is limited. Not like a zoo.

We stayed in a yurt.  Glamping at its finest.  King bed, bathroom and air conditioning but in a tent!

We spent the evening sitting out on our deck with this view... Kids are not allowed in the yurts and the two below us were empty so it was quiet.


Included was dinner, breakfast and a safari ride. About half way through the ride it started raining and we had to take cover.  







The end of day 2 we headed north to Gnadenhutten, Ohio and checked into our home away for 6 nights. Brick House on Main.  Cathy is a wonderful host!  Check the story on the town of  Gnadenhutten.   More tomorrow!

2026 Still Life #26

mini original watercolor. $225.
A corner from my house!


Looking ahead...Reminder to Ohio, tell ALL your friends.
I am so excited to be exhibiting with this group!
More info click here!

2026 Still Life #25

 
mini original watercolor. $225.

A crock on a great little stool.
We have a nice collection of old small wooden stools!

2026 Still Life #24

 

mini original watercolor   $225.
Love the light on this old crock!

2026 Still Life #23

 
mini original watercolor. $225.

Found this in George Masons, Gunston Hall in VA.

2026 Waterlily #2

Mini Original Watercolor    $225
One more waterlily!

Thursday I have PT in the morning then we are off to help a friend for several days. I plan to paint while Linda is caretaking!  So keep watching the blog. Then, home to repack and head to Ohio!  We have a few fun things planned which I will share later and then the big show.  I am pretty excited to be included in this show.  Ohio, come see me under the Artisans Tent!

2026 Landscape #8

 mini original watercolor   $225.
This landscape is from the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe.  Love all that green.

2026 Waterlily

SOLD!  $155 (unframed) 4x6" mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 8x10". $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 7/8 the price goes to $250.

This little gem is from my own back yard pond.

Today was my final hand and finger check up.  All good. My nasty cut healed nicely. My finger is still a bit swollen which he said would take months.  I am trying to do my usual daily activities and chores however, I still have a good amount of inflammation and ache in my lower back and hips.  Walking still looks ugly! Time...and PT.

2026 Happy 4TH #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 7/7 the price goes to $225.

Another downtown Lititz, "Happy 4th" painting!

2026 Happy 4th

SOLD!   $155 (unframed) 4x6" mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 8x10". $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 7/4 the price goes to $250.

A bit of celebration from my town of Lititz.

2026 Water #1

 mini original watercolor  $225.

I needed a little change... so I went back to my Scotland photos for a little water scene from Anstruther-Cellard. Anstruther Lighthouse is located on the west pier of Anstruther Harbour.  Also named Chalmers Lighthouse, it was built in 1880 as a memorial to Dr Thomas Chalmers, a mathematician, political economist and leader of the Free Church of Scotland.

Daily Bread

This morning at 7am I helped Linda hose off the front porch so its dirt free for the 4th.  Then at 9am I had PT.   I started a painting but will not get it finished in time to post.  So here is another new larger painting you have not seen.

"Daily Bread"         framed 18x14                 $900.
This wonderful painting is from the kitchen at Stratford Hall, VA.
Fresh bread and a bowl of veggies on the table.

Also if you are into antiques, we are downsizing our collection and there are a few things on Marketplace.  Just search my name!

4 Week Up Date...

 Tuesday is 4 weeks since my accident.  I am doing very well.  I have my 4th session of PT. Working on my lower back and walking straight and stamina.  I was able to start driving on the weekend!  Woo hoo, I feel like a free man! We had lots of errands today including a trip to Costco and I managed!  Pushing a cart helps but I did it!  I am hoping to start tomorrow painting Blog paintings.  Abbey gave me this fantastic new paint set for Fathers Day. Kremer Pigments.  They are the fantastic, loving using them.

I did manage to finish another larger painting.

"More Treasures"  framed 14x18    $875.

Day 12 Update...

 After a lot of discussion I decided to cancel the Guild Show at the Foundry in Lititz held this weekend. June 20-21.  I struggled with wanting to go and actually being able to sit there for 2 days.  I simply had to recognize it is too soon.  I look pretty good on the outside, well I am still purple on my shoulder! It is my  lower back and groin muscles that are still screaming!

I started painting.  I can sit at the table for an hour then need to take a little walk.  Then another hour and then hit the lazy boy with my feet up.  You do not recover the same at 73 as 37!!  Thank you for all your words of encouragement and prayers.

Update...

 Update...    Yesterday I rode in the car (Linda drove!)  all the way to UPS 2 whole miles. AND I (slowly) went inside and mailed a box.  For 8 days I have had baths from a bowl, today I took a shower, it might have been the BEST shower I have ever had!  I feel almost human.   Linda changed the bandage on my shoulder.  The road rash is healing.  Woohoo!  These are no small accomplishments!  AND I painted for an hour.  AND I am actually reading a book. "The Art Spy" by Michelle Young.  I am totally enjoying it.

I appreciate everyone who has checked in on me.  

update

 Update:  I am better... Yesterday the Ortho looked at my hand and decided to let it alone, no cast.  Just don't use it!  No lifting anything heavier than a coffee cup.  ( SO, packing the van is out) He changed the bandage on my finger, checked my stitches and checked for feeling.  I get the stitches out on the 17th.  My whole shoulder is a lovely shade of purple that I do not think is in my paint palette!  Back spasms have stopped but I am sore head to toe!  ( SO, sitting in a hard chair all day will not work)  I have not tried steps.  I am walking short distances without the walker.  I AM better and grateful it was not worse.

All that to say I will NOT be at Parkwalk in the Lititz Springs Park this weekend.  My spirit is willing but my body definitely is not.

I am going to try to hold a paint brush with that sore hand later today.

Wee mishap...

I am UNABLE to attend the Lititz Quick Draw on Friday..
Tuesday evening I had a wee bit of a mishap on my bicycle.  I did not see the car and the car did not see me and we collided. Actually, I am not sure what happened!  But I had a fast ride from Ephrata to LGH in an ambulance.  My 1st ambulance ride!  After poking and prodding and many tests the bottom line is a finger with 8 stitches, a broken bone in my wrist area of my painting hand, and a very nasty road rash on my shoulder.  I was having bad bad muscle spasms in my back, I am using a walker... BUT feeling very blessed it wasn't worse.  YES, I had a helmet!

A huge thank you to the Ephrata Ambulance crew that saved my bike clothing rather than cut them off me!  A thank you to the Ephrata Police who kept my bike indoors at the station until Linda could pick it up.  Thank You to the trauma team and the staff in the ER at LGH for 10 hours of care.  Thank you to our friend Betsy who drove Linda in and stayed hours and hours and hours.  Thank you to Linda for the hours of perfect care at home.  I know I scared her to death and I will probably have to beg to ride again!!   I have an Ortho appointment on Monday for the wrist.  I'm feeling a lot better today, off the oxy but still need a walker.  Resting and healing.  We DO NOT need anything!  I just will not be painting for a little bit.

2026 Still Life #22

 mini original watercolor  $225.

This is a really nice still life, there is even wax drips on the candle.  It is painted on some funky hand made paper called Indigo.   The photo exaggerates the paper lines, they are not so prevalent in the actual painting.

We were originally scheduled to wake up in London today for 15 days of touring.  Sadly one of our group found out she has breast cancer and is having a double mastectomy. She could not risk picking up Covid and then postponing the surgery.  Linda is one of her caretakers so we all decided to postpone the whole trip till next year.  That means I am now home to participate in...

Taste of Lititz Quick Draw
this Friday, June 5 • 10 AM - 12PM  I will be painting plein air!
My plan is to be near the Mueller House on Main Street.

01:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Display, Judging and Sales begin.
Artwork is on display/for sale as part of the Taste of Lititz Block Party. Event organizers will monitor and handle sales.

02:00 PM
Prize Winners are Announced

05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Taste of Lititz Event (click for more info)

All that to say...come to Lititz, watch me paint, buy my painting, and then enjoy Taste of Lititz!!

2026 Window #5

 mini original watercolor  $225.

Great little window...

Over the weekend I finished a larger painting.  All part of beefing up my stock for the Zoar Show in Ohio in July.

"2026 Mixed Textures"     18X14       $900.

Save these dates, share with friends, come see me! June 13  Lititz Parkwalk   from 9am to 4pm  FREE!  rain or shine Held in Lititz Springs Park,  Rt 501 June 20-21  Fine Craft Fair  (PA Guild of Craftsman)  from 10am to 5pm    Held at Foundry 48   100 W. Millport Rd  Lititz Aug. 8  Big Lititz Craft Show   8 to 4   FREE!  I am on the square! Aug. 15-16 Bedminster Traditional Craft Show  Oaks, PA  Hall E Sept. 5-6   Heart of Lancaster  Manheim PA Nov. 20-22  Annual Open House in Lititz PA

At home for the weekend:  Linda put a few items on Facebook Marketplace.  If you want a FREE old juicer...its out on our curb!  She is also struggling with what to do with an antique iron crib, it served her Mom, Linda and our daughter; three generations. Not legal to sell as a crib, thinking about taking it apart and using parts as a trellis in the garden, OR... Free to a good home!

We spent some time in the flower beds and a Summer planting in the big planter box off the kitchen.  We needed tall plants to help distract from our neighbors unfinished house.  Joys of living in town!