I started this post two hours ago and then I got on the phone with my girls, reporting about the medical procedure I had yesterday. Still unable to identify the cause of the pain I was experiencing for months. The good thing is, I went on a liquid diet for two weeks and when I went back to solid foods, my pain level was way down. I have to see the greatest doctor in Pittsburg next week. If I said his name, I am sure many people would recognize it. He saved my daughter’s life two years ago. He did a stomach surgery on me so he has agreed to consult on this problem.
I am slowly proceeding with the work in progress. I hope to get back to the miniatures of my family this winter. But already it is almost the solstice and the summer sun will be on its way back. (In the middle of our first blizzard I am trying to think positive.)

I will now try to insert a new photo. Let’s see if it gives me any trouble. I’m not the best with technical stuff.

I actually think I got a new photo inserted. With this new program it does not show up until I publish it. With the old one i could see it right away. I will say about this image that it promises to be a special one. I have only painted one other painting with this type of effect. The lighting is very descriptive and shows the mood of a fun evening birthday celebration. I am concentrating to get the festive atmosphere with the brightly lit candles, the promise of a bright future with the extinguished ones and the lingering smoky swirls and the subdued excitement of two sisters sharing each other’s moment of joy. It is so important to get the candle light just right. These are things that we, as artists, do not necessarily know instinctively. We go at it slowly so as to really observe and learn as we go. Enjoy. Shalom, Diana