Old Friend/ New Space

An old friend came into my studio recently - "Wow! Do I know you?"
Actually, it was this painting - purchased over 10 years ago by our local hospital for their conference/ education wing.
At that time I was ecstatic but could not afford to have it framed - so it appeared like a large picture window looking out into the woods - and thus named "Into The Woods".

This past Spring the curator of the hospital collection notified me that it would be the feature piece for the new Oncology waiting room.  I felt very honored, to say the least but it was also my chance to do a little restoration and have it framed properly.
Having this piece back in the studio was fun, and interesting - looking closely at something that I had put all I had into - back then.
Also interesting, was how compelling the desire to change or "fix" it;
 maybe a little  update, bringing new skills to bear  . . .

Except for minor restoration and varnish, I let it go untouched.
I see it like a moment in time, my time - but for the folks viewing it for the first time- it is a whole new experience.
Over the years the hospital foundation has purchased many of my paintings; I am so grateful for their support, and grateful to be a part of the community of artists represented there.

Thanks to the San Luis Valley Health Foundation for supporting ART in our valley, for the purchase of REAL art, and for recognizing it's importance to the health and well being of our entire community.

PLACES and SPACES

February 14th was the reception for my solo exhibition
"Places and Spaces" highlighting work of the San Luis Valley.
Whew!
And that big one in the photo - it has also left the building - THANKS to collectors in Kansas.

It was all so much work, but a pleasure to show in my home town - something I try to do every 2 or 3 years.  The ARTrium Gallery space, located inside our SLV Hospital is also one of the most beautiful venues in southern Colorado. I was able to show about 35 pieces during the 3 months that this show hung, and I sold over half of the work - including the one in this photo.  It was especially gratifying that buyers came to the reception from as far away as Denver and Santa Fe - and carried work home with them.
Thanks to the SLVHRMC Hospital Foundation for providing such a great ART space and one that is also enjoyed on a daily basis by doctors, nurses and many patients on their way into surgery or back to recovery. The SLV Medical Center owns several pieces of mine - as part of their permanent collection.
- another reason why I love this place. Thanks so much friends.

Winter Dreams of Summer's End

This plein air painting, done at the end of last summer is a part of the solo show that I hung at the beginning of December here in Alamosa at the San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center ARTrium Gallery. This solo exhibition has been the major focus of my year and I felt real relief as it all came together.
A huge "Thanks"
to the San Luis Valley Medical Center for creating such a beautiful dedicated space for art in this community and for all the encouragement from the staff.  I am thrilled that 4 pieces sold right after the show went up.  The reception will be February 14th - save the date;  paintings will hang until the end of February.
I for one am happy to throw myself into the Christmas Holiday and do a little quiet non-painting meditation before heading into the new year.
Thanks to my galleries; it has not been any easy for those in the way of fire and flood here in Colorado. This is one year we are ready to see come to an end.
Thanks to folks who purchased paintings this year, from me or from other artists. Thanks for supporting art and the people who make it.
Thanks to all my students; you keep me honest and keep me on track.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, a blessed holiday season.
See you in January.