I've been productive over the past number of weeks.  I've been committed and have worked on a number of projects, including samples for upcoming classes.

I worked intuitively on these two.  It's really harder than it looks.  I find I need some sort of subject matter to start with.  I love this type of artwork, but it is a real struggle for me.

I just finished this painting today.  I've been researching sunsets & clouds to paint from, along with artists I think do it well.  I usually paint with glazing liquid, but this time I tried impasto gel to thicken the brush strokes.  I enjoyed painting in this style.  I had a focal point and I used a limitted pallette to push my mixing skills.  I'd call this an intuitive sunset.
I'm curious to see what I paint next!

It's funny.  All the while you have a career and are working everyday, your say to yourself " I can't wait to retire so I can paint all day".  Well, I've been in Florida almost a year and I've been blocked.  Blocked!  I don't know what to paint, and a blank canvas scares the crap out of me.  I have no problem making sample paintings for classes I'll teach, but I'm conflicted with my original work.  I think it's all part of the process of retiring and moving.  My identity and purpose has changed dramatically, and it will take a while to find my new self.  So, in order to be accountable to myself, I plan to paint or draw multiple times per week and post it online.  

I have to say I had fun creating these little wood slices.  I started with the mini campers and branched out from there. 
​Currently I have them for sale at the Venice Island Art Gallery.

I painted this Tuscany field today.  I followed along with artist Will Kemp to try and loosen up my brushstrokes.  I want to loosen up and be more expressive with my art.  I want to have fun with painting again and not get bogged down with perfectionism.

As with everything else, my Spring and Summer classes were canceled.  Bummer.
But I have 5 classes scheduled for the fall. I've been prepping, and am excited to teach!
My classes will be held at the Adult & Community Enrichment center at Suncoast Technical School in Sarasota Fl. sarasotacountyschools.net/schools/ace/   
​Registration has not come out yet, but I'll list the classes below:
Art Journaling: Artistic Self Discovery: Tuesday evenings 5:30-8:30pm
Brain Fit Art: Fridays 1-4pm
​Fun With Pet Portraits: Friday 1-4, 10/23

WHERE TO FIND MY ART
​I AM CURRENTLY SELLING SOME OF MY PAINTINGS AT: 
VENICE ISLAND GALLERY & GIFTS
100-A W VENICE AVE, VENICE, FL
HTTPS://WWW.VENICEISLANDGALLERY.NET/
HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/LOCALGALLERY/

The Jersey City Education Association is sponsoring myself, Michael Markman and Gregory Charles in the All About Downtown Street Fair this Saturday.  We will be in front of New York Bagels on Newark Ave between noon to 8pm, showcasing and selling our own artwork.

A select number of floral paintings I completed in Spring, 2017 are on view at City Hall in Jersey City.  They are hanging on the 2nd floor rotunda, and will be on view through September.  A closing party will be scheduled.  Details to follow.

Here are some of the photos from the Paint Your Pet classes offered this past week.  I love how each one came out so unique.  If you are interested, another class will be offered towards the end of September at Main Avenue Galleria in Ocean Grove, NJ.