After the Gallery Hop showing of “Summer Celebrations”, I have a great sense of fulfillment. When an art lover says they noticed my art from a distance and were pulled in, then became engaged with the details and dimensions within the frame, I know I am successful.

A steady stream of visitors looked deeply at the 16 paintings and conversed about feeling uplifted by the art. I am grateful for all the new friends and especially longtime friends from far away and collectors whose Interest in the trajectory of my art practice sustains me! And thanks to Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center for hosting along with all the other events of the evening. For a country mouse, it was a fun night in the city.

Summer Celebrations friends and collectors

The most important thing was that my son Basil was able to see the show while he visited from Colorado. I reminisce about these enjoyable happenings of the summer season because the equinox is in a few days. Somehow the idea of celebration, to celebrate was the ingredient that sustained me during the heat and other challenging times. It was the idea imbued in the first series of summer June Celebrations. The four paintings were like a diary and flower calendar;

Cut and Come Again, June 1,

Day and Night, June 6,

What Was Lost Is Found, June 14,

Clear Seeing Place, June 22.

Then came the invitation to exhibit with Marianna and the need to title it. We decided on Summer Celebrations.

During this transition towards the autumn’s show traditions, I decided to keep with this theme of celebrate for the 18th Annual Autumn Open Studio and Illuminated Nights at Pleasant Hill. That attitude makes me feel lighthearted and happy. That is what I translate into my paintings. After hearing comments at the reception, I am assured that this is what is conveyed, communicated to the viewer. I couldn’t be happier as an artist to hear this.

This show was the first gallery exhibit in six years due to covid and switching mediums. Few people realize how vulnerable it is for an artist to change direction and then share it. Maybe the biggest gift was when Josh commented that it was all so new and different, but obviously Kathleen O’Brien. To be recognized by Josh and others in this way affirms that my direction is always in the right place at the right time.

DJ, Josh, me and Jeanne, Murmurations

It is the most joyful feeling to be surrounded by staunch art and life supporters, sharing the journey on the long path. For my art to become a beloved and influential part of their environment and clear space completes the artist’s journey.

Marianna McDonald, Lissa and Clive

Mario and Jeanne

Lauren and me looking at Vesuvian Gardens

Vesuvian Gardens

Lissa and me with Murmurations

Get in the mood with “Celebration”