The best laid plans......

iYou might remember at the start of 2014 I was all set to celebrate my 80 year mark .

Well, lets review the highlights and lowlights so far. Cant believe it is September already.

Spent an enjoyable week in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta with long time friends, Fran and Wayne, who live in Mexico half time and Canada the other half. High livin' in amazing resorts as their guests.

Taught a couple of classes in Feb. Planned to take a break but little did I know what was in store.

My husband , Jack, had a stroke while driving. Fortunately he stopped before anything serious happened. No one hurt, minor damage to our car.

After several days in hospital he came home with me as caregiver and do everything person.

At that point outlook was rather bleak. However with care and lots of help he did a good job of recovery. Except for pre existing back problem.  That continues to be a problem.

During March I had to adjust my plans for a show in April. Not time to do as I had planned so looked at what was on hand and put together a mixed media group of twenty or so pieces. That seems to be where my work is going these days. Show was a success . Lots of friends and clients at reception and sales   were good too.

These are two self portraits done with Myrna Wacknov , master painter and painter of hundreds of self portraits in this unusual  and amazing method.

Yes these are me!

Watch out Picasso!

Moving right along but not finding much time to paint .

Then came the month of May and our 58th anniversary. Wow!

At this point I went for a CT scan, following up CT and PET scans over the previous year.

New Exhibit

Delivered seven pieces to the Firehouse Art Center in Pleasanton CA. They will be on display until October 9, 2012 on the Memorial Wall of the Pleasanton Art League.
I am delighted that the Pleasanton Art League will be holding their Annual Membership Show during this same period. I will also have a painting in this show.
An artists reception will be held on September 15 from 1-3pm. This will offer art lovers a great selection of artwork from around the area.
My paintings are a combination of watercolor and collage as well as watercolor on YUPO in the PAL SHOW.
I find that more and more I use a mixture of media to achieve my goals. A little like the way I cook. Always adding some variety.

Impressions and Icons of Umbria

Working hard to put this event in motion, so pass the word along.
In July Kathleen Mattox and I will teach for 2 weeks in a delightful part of Italy..Umbria!!
Many of the towns we will visit are small(pop.) under 500. The people are charming and there is a new view around every corner.
This is a terrific value with all ground transportation, tuition, accommodation and most meals included.
Non painters will love it too and photo opportunities abound. Then there is the food, wine , markets and unique shops.
Go to laromita.org for more details.