Mary's Pizzaeria - Lugano Switzerland

I started a new painting last night..(Tuesday)... and really got a lot blocked in. It brings back fond memories of when we used to live nearby .... Varese....Italy, just 25 minutes away. The scenery and lake in this area are gorgeous.... probably one of the most beautiful places that I have ever lived!

This is the famous Mary's Pizzeria in Lugano.... the southern, Italian speaking canton in Switzerland. They have the best pizza you've ever tasted! :)

Good News!

Last night (Friday), I attend the reception for the Stems Plein Air preview event. It was a tough competition.... over 250 paintings were submitted. The winners were kept secret... so it was a delightful surprise when I discovered that "Turtle Crossing" received a 2nd place cash award and "Meet Me At the Oak Tree" received an honorable mention award. Joshua Been won best of show. He is a wonderful painter from Colorado.

There have been good sales so far... over 25 paintings were sold.... at the VIP patrons preview party which was held at the Rice Gallery Thursday evening. The paintings will remain at the Art at the Center ... Tomahawk Community Center ... for viewing thru July 11th. The ribbon awarded paintings and the honorable mention winners will be transported to the Arboretum for the much anticipated annual "Stems Garden Soiree Event, June 26th.

It will be a busy June and July! Next weekend I am taking a workshop from Phil Starke, and in July I have to have paintings ready for the Rice reception, and I will be returning to Door County for their annual Plein air event.. with two other painters. This trip has become my favorite event of the year!!! :) While we are in Door, we will be staying at Sunset Shores located in Bailey's Harbor. Thank you Judie!!!! http://www.sunsetshoresresort.com/sunset_shores.html

"Meet Me At The Oak Tree"

Here is my 2nd submission for the Stems Plein Air event. The little white specks are reflection on the wet paint.

This year there has been a huge increase in artists attending the event. There is an amazing amount of talent. The judging and selection for the Stems gala will be done Thursday. We won't hear until late Thursday on the prize awards and selection for display and sale at the Stems gala later on the evening of June 26th.

Turtle Crossing

Getting ready to turn in 3 paintings for the Stems Plein Air event Monday at the Rice Gallery. We started the event on May 22, and it will end on June 7. Judging will begin, and announced on Friday.

Here is one of my submissions... a 16 x 20 that was painted at the Kansas City Arboretum.... over a period of 3 different days.