I am feeling a little bit caught up, and relieved. The sun is shining, and though it is bittercold, my heart is lifted.

Today I am preparing a couple of painting panels, getting ready to deliver work to Childhood's End in Olympia, Washington. I've heard so many things about this gallery over the years, and they represent some artists I know and like, so I'm looking forward to meeting the owner, Richenda, and having her see my work. Here is one piece I'm bringing.

teapot roses

13 1/2" x 13 1/2" oil & wax on birch & pine cradleboard.

I've been working on with a little bit different media these past couple of months. We've been doing some work on our house, and after producing close to seventy paintings last year, I confess to needing some down time. These little wax paintings have been making me very happy. This medium produces a very matte surface that holds a strong compact color, and holds every brush mark.

My teapot sits bravely in the face of the dark. Her roses and fruit, (both sweet and sour,) are her strong defense. The velvet darkness is singing to her, the spinning stars are waiting.

She smiles, she watches, she wonders and waits, but she will not go into the darkness.

not yet.

not yet.

a few of my friends have spoken to me about my blog recently, and here's the thing.

The holidays have passed and the New Year is well begun.

I'm trying to prepare catalogs for this year's line of greeting cards.

The 2009 calendar designs are due early next month.

The sales reps need new samples.

My wonderful Alaskan distributor is waiting for new 8 x 10 giclees, (past due.)

I have paintings due this week at two galleries.

More than one friend is waiting patiently for work I've promised long ago.

More than one Chrismas gift is lying on my kitchen counter, undelivered.

I'm still missing Autumn.

18" x 24" oil on aluminum