Nothing says spring in Texas like the first sign of bluebonnets. They are truly amazing to see when they form an ocean of blue! I’d heard that they weren’t going to be very prolific this year in the Texas’ Hill Country, but I was pleasantly surprised with how well they were doing on a recent trip to Houston. Here is one of my snapshots, and a couple of small paintings I’ve completed.

I came across this article in our newspaper yesterday, and I find it encouraging to see that art hasn’t lost its value (unlike the stock market!) even in these tough economic times. People have begun using their art as collateral to get funding when banks won’t make traditional loans. To read more, click here to see the story dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/031409dnbusartascollateral.3bbf8c1.html

Once again, drawing inspiration from what I love, I have revisited one of my favorite subjects – looking up at the trees like I did when I was little. I think sometimes we forget to enjoy the small things – from laying on the ground watching the clouds drift by to noticing a lady bug on a blade of grass. So come join me and savor the beautiful fall colors for a fleeting moment before all of the leaves are gone.

Here is the next painting I’ve been working on this winter in the thick oil paint style. In this piece, I not only wanted to capture the beautiful texture of the aspen trunks, but also convey a sense of movement in the foliage. I love the tinkling noises the aspen leaves make as they flutter in the wind. I hope you can hear them, too!

With little over two months to go, I am getting so excited about our inaugural workshop in Venice this May! I can’t wait to get out of the studio and experience first hand the magnificent architecture, magical light and romance of Venice. Not to mention the food and wine! We have one favorite restaurant that serves the most delicious frutti di mare, seafood in white wine sauce. We have a great group of students going and I can’t wait to share with them some of my favorite locations. With the deadline approaching, May 10, we still have room for a couple of more if you would like to join us on this amazing adventure.