We are in the midst of winter here in southeastern Pennsylvania. Outside it is pouring rain and has been for the past two days. If it was just 10 degrees cooler, we would be in the midst of a blizzard, a storm of the century I am sure, with a new name. They never named winter storms in my youth. So I guess I have aged myself!!

  During this dreary weather I have been putting together the schedule for upcoming shows this year. I have entered a few already and have been accepted into three so far. Juggling which painting to enter where is always difficult. You can't enter a painting in shows running simultaneously. And sometimes you end up with the problem of paintings being all over the place and none to sell elsewhere. Business sense kicks in for me and I start to judge which show/art might have the best chance of selling. So much work! And then painting!!!

  This year, I have been trying to expand my area of exposure. I have joined the Oil Painters of America group and hope to enter some shows nationally. Also I have joined Delaware Valley Art League, hoping to extend my reach more towards Philadelphia. And I have redone my studio area with new lighting and a bigger space to work in. Things are a little haphazard and today's job (after updating the site and show listings), is to straighten it all up and start painting again. I took a bit of a break due to parental responsibilities (my parents are 92 and 95), holidays, taxes, and the flu. It was amazing to me as I was sitting there doing taxes and thinking "Hmmmm, I feel like I might be getting sick...." and within hours I was down for the count with 102° fever. Weeks later and I still have a slight cough but finally my energy level is up again and I feel like painting.

  Painting is always on my mind. Whether it is a new composition, a new technique, where I want to paint (plein air), or what skills I need to work on, there is much to contemplate. And believe me, I feel I have a LOT of skills I need to work on!!!

  Hope to see you all at the shows! Stay healthy and happy.