My most recent finished painting is this self portrait that I did while looking at my reflection in a mirror. I’d like to share with you some progress pictures, close up detail pictures, what inspired the making of this painting, as well as some of my thoughts on the subject of self portraits as a whole.

The daffodils are just beginning to bloom, and the first day of spring is just around the corner. The sun is beaming down on my hands as I type, which feels amazing. The first quarter of the year flew by for me. March always requires a little extra pushing to get things done, but I am happy to report that I have been completely glued to my easel which is why you haven’t seen too much of me around these parts. Let me fill you in on the past month:

My routine got a little rocked in the past few weeks after two big birthday celebrations, teaching, and getting ready for an upcoming portrait painting workshop. Paintings in the studio are moving along, and I completed a commission that will be on it’s way to it’s home in Texas soon.

I thought I would share with you some of the things that have been inspiring me lately.

Last weekend, Ulan and I took off for a few days to Troutdale, where we stayed at McMenamin’s Edgefield location. For those of you who don’t live in the Pacific North West, chances are you may have never heard of McMenamin’s before. They have an eclectic mix of pubs, bars, historic hotels, and music venues throughout Oregon and Washington. Edgefield is my favorite location because it is only an hour drive from Silverton and makes the perfect getaway where you can fill your cup with inspiration, and there are endless things to paint.

The sun is finally out this morning. Right now it is shining down on the creek out my window, turning the white rushing water into a warm yellow color. The frost is melting off the branches. Sunshine in the Pacific North West is rare this time of year. Overcast skies and rain pattering on the roof is the norm. I love January, not only because it is my birth month, but because it is the first month of the year and I am usually bursting at the seams with inspiration. It happens like clock work for me. I spring out of bed every morning and can’t wait to get to the easel.

As I have mentioned previously, I have many projects going at once right now. I am trying to wrap up a commission and get the ball rolling with the Davenport painting, as well as getting ready to teach a class and a workshop.

I like moving forward; However, sometimes I can work day in and day out on a painting, yet somehow I don’t seem to get anywhere. It is easy to make the mistake of thinking that all it takes to make a great painting is showing up and picking up the brush. I believe there is an amazing amount of other factors that are necessary building blocks to bringing a piece to completion; whatever completion means to you.

Happy New Year! I am happy to be here, creating these posts for you. If you have followed along each week so far, thank you for that! If you have popped in briefly only catching one or two, thank you for that as well. What I like about writing these weekly posts, is that it keeps me thinking and learning, while also keeping in touch with you on a regular basis.

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The first painting that I am to kick off the new year with, is a piece about a little local history. One of the things I love about Silverton, is the town’s love and respect for it’s History, which they proudly show in their many murals displayed around town. There have been many influential people who have made their positive mark on the world such as an astronaut, a world champion bull rider, a famous actress, and a world famous political cartoonist named Homer Davenport, who I will focus on today.

Experiences make up who we are and ultimately for me, influences the artwork that I make. I had many great experiences this year, and I thought I would break it down for you all, showing some highlights of each month with some behind the scenes pictures of the paintings I’ve created, as well as some of the adventures and experiences that inspired me.