I spent most of the day yesterday getting ready for Pittsburg Artwalk. I'll have new prints, stickers, and even note cards, which is new. The note cards (made from www.moo.com) are BEAUTIFUL, which is so nice. It always feels like a gamble when ordering from a new printing company. I'm excited that Artwalk is on a Saturday this year, which means hopefully there will be a bit less stress in getting everything set up since I won't be rushing straight from work to downtown.

Coyote Trail

Plein air with my friend Mona. It was a VERY windy day, but we persevered.

Holy Water. Watercolor, Gouache, and Iridescent medium on Arches paper. 2025.

Sun Pillar, Crayon on paper.

Here are some experiments with painting with acrylic on a colored ground. I am not generally a fan of acrylic painting, but I had fun dabbling with a new approach. Also, obviously I'm on a mission to paint all of our pets.

Silent Night. Watercolor and gouache on Arches paper.

Wood ear

When I am among the trees,

especially the willows and the honey locust,

equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,

they give off such hints of gladness.

I would almost say that they save me, and daily.

I am so distant from the hope of myself,

in which I have goodness, and discernment,

and never hurry through the world

but walk slowly, and bow often.

Around me the trees stir in their leaves

and call out, “Stay awhile.”

The light flows from their branches.

And they call again, “It's simple,” they say,

“and you too have come

into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled

with light, and to shine.”

-Mary Oliver

The Cattle Company/Commodities. Watercolor, acrylic, and graphite. 2025.

 

These are some tree rubbings created during a recent hike. I've been on a productive art path so far this January and completed one painting... feeling momentum overall. Beyond that, I've been trying to just have some fun in life - eating good food, going places, spending time with loved ones, and trying to compartmentalize the general vibe of doom surrounding American political life. 

Test First. Oil on Canvas, 24" x 30".

 

I wanted to work larger, so I picked up a deep-edged canvas, but I have decided I really don't care for canvas as a substrate. It's too toothy. I prefer panel or Gesso board or even Arches paper.

We visited the Nelson Atkins in Kansas City... here are some of my favorites:

Tympanum
China
Tang Dynasty (618-906 C.E.), late 7th to early 8th century
Engraved stone

Stele for Pagoda Commissioned by Song Jingye
China, Stele carved in 558 C.E., Northern Qi dynasty
rubbing created about 1800s-1911
Ink rubbing on paper

Kamadhenu, the Wish-Granting Cow
South India, possibly Karnataka
15th-17th century
Stone and pigment with metal attachments

Stayed at the Elms hotel and spa:

Checked out George Washing Carver museum and Neosho Fish Hatchery:

And most importantly, enjoyed some good food:

One of my favorite restaurants, Billie's Grocery in KC