Happy New Year! Welcome 2015!

I have had my blog quite messed up, so I'm kind of starting over.  I'm going to use my blog this year as more of a journal of an artists life, rather than a promotional tool.  I will post new paintings, but hopefully it will be more personal - the where and the why's - than it has been.  There are always trials and tribulations in this world of art.  We put on our best face and show the world the positive and confident side, but there are tough times as well as the amazing ones.  We are sensitive beings, we are for the most part quite spiritual in our own individual ways, and our outside life gives meaning to our artistic life.  Maybe this is more for me to get that out than to have an audience, but if another artist can relate to my story and feel a greater sense of community, then all the better for it!  Please feel free to add comments or share your ideas!  And here we go, my favorite painting of last year...

The reason this was my favorite painting of the year was a few different ones.  First and foremost, Marco and I took a trip to Bozeman, MT and it was a very special trip.  It has been a long time since we have been on the road together.  Marco has been sick a lot lately and struggling a bit.  This was the two of us together, looking at the beautiful world again and enjoying our private time together.  I truly didn't know what the next day or days would bring so I was living in the moment in every sense.  This is also such a beautiful place, the headwaters of the Gallatin River, just outside of Yellowstone National Park, one of the most beautiful places in the West, and we arrived just as the moon was rising and the light was racing across the distant valley just about to disappear.  It was just an amazing moment!  The last reason for this being a favorite was I believe it was a turning point in my abilities and vision, exceeding my expectations and surprising me with the results.  And of course, it found a home the first night it was presented and that is always a good thing!