There's been a lot of exciting things cooking over here, and I have been busily painting a variety of things, but nothing gave me as much joy recently as this beautiful native pony, complete with war paint and beads.  The color tones were an experiment and a journey into what could be. 

So even if I can't share everything I'm working on just yet, it's a beautiful thing to dive into a work like this, with vibrant colors and tones and let myself go. I love him, and besides...this guy is a legit "Colorado Native".  They're hard to find these days. 

Recently, one of my painting classes focused on portraits, and so I had the pleasure of creating the above painting from an old photo of my daughter.
As with all else, portraiture can be done using acrylics, not only oils.  And using the techniques of multiple washes and layering,the soft smooth skin effect can indeed, be achieved. 
There's something so timeless and forever about a painted portrait, so classic and yet so simple. It's almost nostalgic as if you are viewing a memory through a rose-colored lens and only the beautiful parts show through. 
This lovely image was created on a masonite type canvas, using heavy body acrylics and finished with a semi gloss varnish.

appreciated the fact that I could draw or paint, even from a young age.  But this idea that is prevalent in our culture (about born talent), can do some damage. 

There's a "have or have not" mentality that doesn't take into account the fact that everyone can develop a skill like painting, and "birth talent" isn't a requirement.

everything to do with courage and a revolutionary determination to risk as they set out exploring their own creativity. 

We should never critique beginners harshly, even if the beginner is one's own self.  Instead, we remember the risk involved and the courage that it takes to try something new.  And we respect the art, for that sake alone, if necessary.

But this new group of beginners all did amazing.  Just look at their beautiful winter chickadees! It's never too late to begin to develop your art skill.  Jump into those waters, and give it a try!  Next class is February 9th.  Call the library to learn more.

Sometimes, a picture just comes to me.  An idea that tickles the back of my mind and won't go away because I like it and want to make it come alive. That was the way Jack came. 
I'd been trying to come up with ideas for a series of semi-anthropomorphic animal critters, to join Mademoiselle Flo at Cafe 13.  I had a grumpy hedgehog, a cigar smoking pit-bull...and then this little rabbit showed up in my mind's eye. 

To me, Jack reminds me of "the little guy": the miner, the blue-collar worker, the eater of humble fare who doesn't often see the light of day. He's humble, he's at the bottom of the food chain, and isn't seeking honor or glory.  But let's give it to him anyway.  Here's our salute to you, Jack.
Here's to the little guy. 

Many cultures of the world celebrate a tithe or "first fruits", where the first of their produce or harvest is set aside as a gift.  It's a beautiful custom and kinda seems to set one's heart to the right compass point, especially at the first of the year. 

I believe in giving back to our communities.  And Golden is an amazing community to be a part of, and to give back to.  So here it is, at the beginning of this new year, my gift to Golden.  I hope you all are as hopeful and excited about newness and change as you can be in 2020. 

Prints can be purchased at the website, www.welchesterwellness.com , or at the button below.