Here is the image that has won second place at the Allied Artists’ of Johnstown show at the Pasquerilla Center on the campus of UPJ in Johnstown.  I was thrilled to find out that this painting got the Jurors attention.  There are a lot of wonderful artists at this show. (The reception is September 1st. and the show hangs from Aug. 23 until November.) This painting is a simple image of a really beautiful girl whom I know.  Her name is Leah and she graciously posed for me so that I can paint her.  She has classic beauty and the lighting here makes this a winner.  I have learned that painting a simple head and shoulders can be quite rewarding and make a lovely portrait.  As I said, the artist must get a good composition and the lighting makes an impression

Today I finished a class at the local art center in Johnstown, called the BottleWorks.  Each student did remarkably well.  All the students seem excited and are eager to have the opportunity to study with me again. I have found that teaching is almost as much a blessing as painting is.