You may have noticed I haven't posted for a bit. I have just completed my last week of teaching at Mt. Carmel Retreat Center in Alexandria, MN. What a wonderful group of students I have had during my weeks there. It is such a joy to introduce people to oils and pastels and see the excitement they feel when they have accomplished their first painting. It is quite a rush. I am never sure who has the better time, them or me.
Below is a poem written for me by one of my students this last week and thought I would share it with you all.
J is for jolly- she'll put a smile on your face,
E is for energetic - she keeps up the pace,
A is for artistic, is that a surprise?
N is for nature, a feast for her eyes.
   Put them all together they spell JEAN- she is Mt.  Carmel's Pastel Supreme!
Thank you Janis for this delightful poem.

A Ribbon Runs Through It

                                               A Ribbon Runs Through It  14 x 18  oil on canvas
One of my favorite subjects and colors as well. some years ago I needed a touch of color in a stilllife and added a ribbon, it is now a favorite touch to add especially to florals.  The movement  of the ribbon draws your eye around and back again. Hope this sparks your day.