WOW !!

Just got back from a "worldwind tour" of the NW corner of Oregon and into Washington. What a place ! Such diversity .... I really can see why people move there. Granted, I was there under postcard perfect weather conditions, but still the water, and mountains, and trees, and ocean, all different from any I've seen. Having said that, though, parts of it did remind me of upperstate Maine, the dairy farms of Vermont. But, the people are friendly and courteous, the waterfalls are amazing, the ocean changes from day to day, and they have pirates ! Four days of travel and sightseeing was way too short. I took 700 photos and I'm still sorting through them, but I definitely will be planning a longer visit in the near future. Like New England, Autumn and Spring must be spectacular. If you ever have the opportunity to go to that part of the country, do not hesitate. Around every corner, you'll be saying "wow" !

Time for a shift

So .... I've gotten juried into another gallery exhibition. This is encouraging, but slow progress. One piece at a time. I've decided that it's now time to start exploring all my avenues with renewed vigor, as the politicians would say. I've recently upgraded my camera and have resolved to take my art to the next level. I'll let you know when I find out what and where that next level is. At any rate, my curiosity and desire to improve and experiment with my craft has been restored. It's been a busy summer, and I've learned a lot (and found that I have so much more to learn), and it's been exciting again. Tomorrow, I'm sharing an adventure in Oregon with my wife. I've never been there, but have heard so much. The opportunities for new sights and new ways of looking are unbounded. I can't wait.

no such thing as coincidence

who would have thought .....I know, my wife did from the start.

Just by chance, I discovered that an art gallery in Maine was having a "call to artists" for a juried show. "coincidence" no. 1; the gallery is in the same town that our very dear and close friends live in.

"coincidence" no. 2; the juror of the show happened to be the former director of the phoenix art museum (now living in Maine).

"coincidence" no. 3; that another show I submitted to in Flagstaff, AZ was listed on the Maine Commission of the Arts website.

So... having only one week to prepare, I scrambled around, developed two images for submission, put together the materials, and on the sunday before the day to mail the pieces, I found a giclee printer who did a marvelous job. Bottom line, not only did the two pieces get there in time, but one of them (the one shown here) got in, and was judged third place ! Yikes !! who would have thought ? So, I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all those that have had faith in me, and supported me. ESPECIALLY my wife !