Back From Portland!

(photo taken by Chris Lally)

There are not enough words or photos to describe my Portland experience and if I tried it would be a book, but suffice it to say it was one of the best times of my life and I can hardly wait for a chance to go back. Chris Lally did a fantastic job chronicling the trip daily on her blog so if you are interested in better pictures and more details be sure to visit her blog.  She's an outstanding artist also and her gift for writing just adds to the beauty of her work. Her husband Tim is also an artist and both of them were outstanding hosts and tour guides.  I can't thank them enough.

Here's a little background about the purpose of the trip.  Friend and fellow glass artist Kelly Alge was invited to take an advanced week-long workshop at the prestigious Bullseye Glass Co. located in Portland, OR.  She invited me to come along since she knew I have several art friends there and I could use the time taking lots of photo references for future art. Being a glass artist myself, I was hoping to see some great local glass art (which I did).  After agreeing to come along, I became a little apprehensive as I have in intense phobia of flying.  I almost backed out.  I am so happy that I didn't.  I went to my doctor who told me that many people have this fear and prescribed something to calm my nerves.  Needless to say I slept most of the journey and didn't have one bit of anxiety. So for those who have anxiety about flying, definitely ask your doctor to help you out.  I can't believe I haven't flown for 20 years just from fear.

I'm happy to be back home and get back into painting and art before the summer show rush. I've spent the last few days catching up on housework and yard work and can't wait to plant my garden.   

Happy Spring, Workshops abound, and Portland here I come.

Flower Tiles 

It's hard to believe it's been over a month since my last post.  I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, I've just been so busy making art and new opportunities I can hardly stop to take a breath!   Great things are going on in my art life, some I can share now, some I will share later ;)  Kelly Crosser-Alge and I have partnered up to share our Inking techniques in a class we call Inks and Drinks . It's been a great hit so far so we have pre-scheduled for classes for several months ahead.  Here's a photo of our first "victims"

Finished Masterpieces :)

 Their first practice tiles

Right now the class is every other Tues eve in Findlay, OH, but we are looking to expand to other nights and locations as well.  If you are interested in a workshop in your city, please contact me for info.

More exciting news:  I am traveling to Carmel, Indiana this week for a workshop with Qiang Huang.  I've admired his work for some time now and his recent works from his China visit are so inspiring.  It will be an honor painting with him and my artist friends Gloria Moses and Laurie Mueller.   

In April, I attend another workshop with Kelly Crosser Alge with fused glass sgraffito:

piece by Kelly Alge

 my piece from the last workshop 

In May I will be traveling to Portland OR to see the Bullseye Glass Factory, and catch up with artist Carol Marine and husband David.  

I've also been very busy applying for art shows in both the Inks category and oils.  I am honored to have been chosen for the distinguished Crosby Festival of Art in Toledo, Ohio, one of the more difficult shows to be juried into.  I'm signed up for at least 7 shows this summer at this point, probably more, so it's looking to be a very busy summer season.   I will post a schedule of shows soon if you are local and would love to see you there!