Painting Close to Home

Well, I have been trying to get back up to Zapata this week but it was not to be. First we scheduled a paint out for Wednesday but there were too many impediments; then Friday but that won't work for other reasons so I am resigned to looking again at my back yard and the surrounding marsh. I was inspired by some of the paintings in the PAAC show that could have been painted there - I had never seen the possibilities quite that way. On the way back from Denver Sue and I discussed that very thing: bringing something fresh to familiar material; trying to make something out of nothing. I think that is what separates the men from the boys.
This is a 9"x12", Marshwood.

Winner - ARTIST CHOICE's Award

The 12th Annual PAAC Show (Plein air Painters Colorado) opened at the Abend Gallery Friday night in Denver. Sue and I had a great time; the show is very good - and beautifully hung.
Awards for Best in Show, 2nd and 3rd Place, as well as Honorable Mentions, had already been made by the show judge, but during the opening reception, patrons as well as the artists voted for the final awards of - People's Choice and Artist's Choice.
My painting "On the Tracks at LaVeta" won the Artist's Choice Award and $500 cash prize. YIPPEEE! I am so honored to have had this piece chosen as the favorite by the other artists in the show and could not have been more thrilled if I had won Best in Show.
Thank You to the PAAC, to Wes, Leslie and other members who put it together and to the Abend Gallery for hosting, hanging and putting on a really nice opening.
The entire catalog of work can be viewed online at www.abendgallery.com. Check it out.