

The Real and the Rare
"In the art world, any artist, anywhere, can still control her own supply and thrive with the help of a handful of caring collectors who value a unique and magical universe". This is a quote from the Painters Keys - a great newsletter written for many years by the great late Canadian artists, Robert Genn. His daughter, Sara, also an artist, is continuing the tradition, and has written this essay that I am pleased to quote to you. It's a great essay on the value of purchasing


Indecision - it stops you in your tracks!
I don't know if this has ever happened to you. You've been thinking about a particular still life that has possibilities of being really great! You've collected the items you want to put in it - everything is set up. It looks good. You're ready to start. And then ..... you just can't get started. One solution is to relax and and do some studies of different approaches. This may even spark your interest in doing a series of the subject, in varying ways. Indecision! This is my


From Our Mountain to Yours
I love the idea that art builds bridges between people. I had the experience of a company who was planning a business trip to Japan, visiting factories, and meeting with the heads of teh companies. They approached me with the idea of purchasing several original paintings of Mt. Katahdin, and presenting them to the CEO's of the companies as a gesture of good will. Presenting a gift of original art to recognize service, or to reward someone for a job well done is an excellent w


We're Going to the French Alps with French Escapade, and You're Invited!
I am delighted to tell you that once again I will be teaching a workshop with Jackie Grandchamps and Valerie Sans of French Escapade. We've gone to spectacular places in the past few years, and September of 2019 is another jewel in our itinerary! This is a small group workshop that guarantees personal attention and a supportive, caring environment in which to focus on your painting. As an instructor, my biggest concern is that everyone who comes on a workshop trip with me is


The "Beara of Good Tidings" - Watercolor in Ireland - September 8 - 15, 2018
After several years of going to Anam Cara on the "undiscovered peninsula" of Ireland in the spring, I have planned an autumn workshop for 2018. Having seen the gorgeous photographs of the fields, hedges and mountain sides in the fall, I am very excited to see this for myself. I know it will give us the most beautiful subjects for our paintings. Skies Over Coulagh Bay Plein Air Demonstration June 2017 My dream is that your time with me at Anam Cara be a true experience of time


There's More to Rocks Than Meets the Eye!
Last Saturday when the sun suddenly came out, I dropped everything and went to Reid State Park. I especially like the little inlets and coves at low tide, but it was not low enough after two hours, and so I decided to make some sketches of long, sloping rocks. When I got back to the studio, I cut a long piece of paper from the roll of cold press paper, and taped it down to a board. It's 26 x 42" and I'm excited about starting the drawing. What interests me most for this paint