Determination

This is the fifth image in the art prize series. He was a strong young man who was dancing very hard and fast. It was a pleasure to watch him as well as paint him.

The Things that make my life OK

Here is my buddy and his picture and the ribbon. Boy was he proud. These are the things that make things OK in my life. I won my case for disability so now I will get Medicaid to help with the health help I will need.

Discouragement

Today I am tired and discouraged. Tomorrow I will have a hearing to find out if I am disabled or not. Reality sets in. I find it difficult to accept. I want to run and scream and shout. I need insurance so I have to go through this. If I jump off a bridge will my paintings be worth more? I doubt it. Good thing No-one is really reading this crap.

Fourth Art Prize Picture.

This is the fourth picture in the art prize series. This young man was so innocent and sincere looking. I admired his dedication and reverence. Again, this is a water color pencil painting on canvas. This picture took me approximately three days of non-stop painting. It filled me with serenity.

American Indian at 2010 Pow-wow

Well it was a very fun but hectic Day. The grand kids were over and we did non-stop swimming. I didn't get to paint until after dinner. It is more difficult starting so late and being tired on top of it. I have to stop the flow of the work because I just can't get to the right place in my head were the beauty is. I painted this guy about a month ago. I say him at the spring Pow-wow. He was very interesting to me. This is a water color pencil painting on Canvas.

Captain Jason and Captain Melisa

These two wonderful people took Nathan, Zack and I fishing for walleye. It was a present from Nathan. I never had so much fun in my life. They like the picture of themselves when I gave it to them for a present. Turns out Jason has the same birthday as I do. Another Gemini in this world. He is a very good fishing guide.

Sparta Show

Had a good time last night at the Sparta Art Reception. My painting one a honorable mention ribbon. Zac got a ribbon but new it was not a first place. He handed out a business card I had made for him and was a little gentle man. We all were very hot but had a good time. He seemed to like this too.

Photo Shot

Had a professional photo shot at the Green Frog Studio today. I was very nervous but it went very well. The also had use speak to a public relations specialist, Mary Ann Sabo. VSA staff was also present. So far this is very encouraging. Tonight I will go to the Artist reception in Sparta with Zac.
This is the third picture in the Art Prize Series.

Second Picture in Art Prize

Well its a new day and here is the second picture that will be involved in Art Prize. Tomorrow I will have professional shots of the pictures and also of myself. Never really thought of doing that before. Zack, My 4 year old Grandson and myself will be in an art show in Sparta Michigan. He's a great kid with a great imagination and already quite the photographer (see the picture of the cactus above that he put in the Sparta show). I get a kick out of him because he is always telling me he has put in pictures to the kids "Art Surprise" and he always wins because other people just put plain pieces of paper. He wants me to enter this contest too. He is really excited about the show in Sparta. The people there do not think he took the picture by himself because it was framed so nicely and looked so professional. I am making a photo book of his shots for him to show off at the show.

Daane Deboer

Daane Deboer was a 24 year old Marine who recently lost his live in Afghanistan. His father is my brothers boyhood friend. I painted this picture for the family in his memory. My heart goes out to his family and his friends.

Another Year of Art Prize

Well here we are in 2010 and Art Prize is getting close again. This year I won the Legacy Trust Award so I am receiving help with all the hard parts. I already have a venue, Civic Theatre in Center City. Maybe this year people will see my art. Last Year was discouraging because I don't think many people even new some of use were out there.

This year I have decided to go with a native American theme. It is a series of paintings of young American Male's dancing. I call it Dance Into Manhood. The regalia at the Pow-Wow was wonderful which I found my inspiration in.

The picture above is the first of six. I will write about the others another day. The flow of the regalia was wild. Painting this picture was also a flowing experience. It took me about three non-stop days. I then fell asleep for a full day. It was exhausting but fulfilling.