Here is Sarah, she is eleven.  Of course this portrait is not completed.  Her hair is blond and her skin has a lot of pinkish coral but it is still milky white.  I am hoping to finish it in the next week or two. Be sure to go back to earlier blogs to see the work in progress. Diana

I don’t know who all has checked my website but I welcome you with warm greetings. It is surprising to see so much action on this tiny insignificant post although I too really enjoy connecting with others who love art and all of natures beauty. I knew when I started this it would never be a fancy or elaborate communication. I only hoped to give others the opportunity to see and read about what I am doing. One of the things I have told you about since the beginning is the work I do to compete in local and regional shows. I have been very blessed to have been awarded often for my work. This is creating a dilemma for me now. The groups who host the shows are relying on me to always have an entry. That is flattering but sometimes I cannot finish something new in a timely manner. Also, since I love to paint large, most people do not have homes where these pieces would fit. That is OK for now since I am gathering enough of my work to have an individual show. But eventually I will run out of room to store all these paintings. My thought is that soon I should switch from doing shows to instead putting my time and creative effort into doing more commissioned work. It has always been rewarding and fulfilling to me whenever I can do a portrait for someone and see the joy they express when they are able to have the work of art for their home. Well, this is what I am thinking about doing in the next year or so. I want to continue my associations with the groups though because I have met and become friends with the most wonderful people. I would never want to lose contact with them. They are great artist and great people. They are interesting, fun and they inspire me. They make me happy too.

Hopefully, in a few days, I will take a photo of the portrait of my grand daughter. Also, I am waiting for my catleyes to bloom. I think there are three with inflorescences. Sometimes each stem holds several flowers. I will make another post when they bloom. Till then, good night. Shalom, Diana

My dear Granddaughter stayed with us for a week so we had several oil painting sessions.  She had never before used oils and she did a good job with this image of two sheep on a sunny hillside with clouds. She is better at freehand work than I am.  It was fun to hear her tell me that she was able to apply some things I taught her to her computer drawing and painting programs.  How wonderful it is to pass on skills to the younger ones and how great it is to watch them develop!

I have finished my works for two upcoming shows and I am working on a third.  Also, I have been finishing several portraits of my grandchildren.  Those have no prominent deadlines, (that sounds ominous!).  All previously mentioned projects are in the not quite done stage. For instance, the vintage/art clothing storage project, the gardening project, the cleaning my house project, etc.

I have several orchids that are getting ready to bloom.  I think they liked the tropical forest humidity we have had recently.  These are big Catleyas.. I will let you know and get a photo when they bloom.

I’ve spent a lot of hours cataloging my butterfly photos too.  I have large photo displays on our four season room walls and I have a small frame that I can use to put a few more in.  I have so many wonderful shots of butterflies that I just cannot let them go unappreciated.  I’ll pull one up and put it here.  Till later guys.  Shalom.  DianaThis is a Question Mark that was on our butterfly bush.  The tiny silver mark on the under wing actually has a little dot, along with other markings, that distinguishes it from a Comma. The butterflies in this part of the country have taken a hit because of weather and habitat destruction as is happening all around the country and the world. I do my butterfly collecting with my camera and I enjoy it so much. They are God’s jewels.