Devout Nun

Gentle light. Gentle reflection. A penny for her thoughts. I like this one especially. It felt so good to paint. I love these chocolate nuns anyway, but this one seemed very special. A quiet strength I think. I have been thinking about this series, the paintings and the blog. I set out to come up to speed in oils, to use a smaller format, and to talk about the work while offering it for sale. It was a Santa Fe friend's suggestion. Before I set out, I did my research. Any one who knows me, knows about my notebooks. I was sent to look at Duane Keiser, and Julien Merrow-Smith. Both incredibly fine painters. They were using this new venue to offer up themselves. Touched by the caliber of their work, I read what they were doing. It is like having a very public studio, almost a dialog. It is all about the process and the ability to say, here is not only what I do, but some of who I am. The studio is richer, the skill set hones itself, and all the art collectors get a privileged front row seat. But one very important thing is not so obvious. The exchange is a two way street. You bring to us an appreciation, a friendly support. A caring that is culture enriching. It gets amplified. And that is really what art is about. It is a dialog. It is that call and response. I like this public studio. It keeps me on my toes. So gratitude goes out to Duane, Julien, Jackie, and to all of you. For helping me to find a path. A road home to myself. So this little one is smiling I think with humble gratitude. A peacefulness of quiet reflection. As happy to be painted as the artist was to paint.