I have had several wonderful projects over the last few months: I faux finished the exterior of a 12,000 sq foot house, have completed dining room, bedroom, and media room murals, and have done several bedroom murals. Below is an oil portrait I did of a Sheltie named Conner. He is a famous agility dog who has won many awards, and they don’t come any cuter. I call it “Anything You Want”. The original has sold, but prints are available. Please contact me if you are interested in having someone dear to you painted.

Thes are pictures of my most recent mural, of the Japanese goddess Kwan Yin. She holds a willow stick which represents being strong but flexible, and a vase so she can pour compassion on the world. When she is shown with a dragon, she is bringing prosperity to fishermen. The mural is on a curved wall that is roughly 13 x 13 feet.

This mural was painted this summer in a foyer in a high rise condo. The mural has a carefree theme that does much to brighten an otherwise dark space. The owner was going through some major changes in her life, and this mural helped to underscore her determination to not allow life’s setbacks to define her. The entire condo reflected that in the playful theme she had chosen.

Anyway, when is the last time you checked out downtown Fort Myers? There are new restaurants, clubs, and it all feels fun and festive. I see new art galleries opening, new funky clothing stores – please go down and support them, and more will follow. I have been single for about a year now, and have ventured out for a meal alone in downtown Fort Myers a couple of times, and have always had a good time, and have stories to tell later. We have a special place that we need to take advantage of.

I promised to post my cockatoo painting, and here it is:

Rosita

I will be bringing the original and some prints to the Saturday Art Fair on October 8th. (11-4 pm) My booth is across the street from Starbucks on 1st Street. Hope to see you there!

"Jackson"

If you explore my earlier posts, you will find the preliminary drawing of Jackson. Here is his finished painting.

My son, Jackson.

This is the preliminary drawing of my son, Jackson, who is 18 years old, and has joined the Marines. He leaves in December, and it is my goal to capture him in this moment in time. He may look like a man, but he still has a trace of a boy in his face.

Martha, Natasha, Amy, Dean

I need to get out more. Too much work and no play makes a dull artist. My art reception at Harbour View Gallery at the Habour Marina went well, fun was had by all. I later enjoyed dinner with friends at “The Joint” a nearby restaurant in the Harbour Marina, and listened to live music in the courtyard afterwards. They have music every Tuesday night, I am told, and an outdoor bar called Longboard’s - great place to meet people – had several people strike up conversations with me. I felt welcomed and comfortable and wished I could have stayed longer.

Can you believe the next time I can show there is March 2013.

I sold a few paintings already,  and had to run some more out to the gallery. Hopefully I will sell out – just being optimistic!

I just finished an oil painting of a cockatoo - will post it soon.