It’s Sunday night and I’m back from the Watercolor Society of Oregon convention and bracing myself to return to work tomorrow after the events of last week. I think I can do it; the trick is to keep breathing.

Friday night Sandra picked me up and we headed down to Medford for the show and convention. I saw lots of hawks on the road, but only got one picture of any note (it’s surprisingly hard to grab a photo while speeding down I-5 at 65mph).

Still, I’m a little in love with this photo and I’m thinking a tweaked version as a painting might be fun…

I arrived in Medford about 10pm and headed straight to bed. Saturday morning I was up and headed out to my Rogue River Paint Out. It was at the Del Rio Vineyard, next to the Rogue River.

I started two paintings, but had more fun just looking around and taking in the scenery. I’m toying with the idea of taking this quick little photo and turning it into a painting: “Intense Blue.”

The painters regrouped for a little critique of our work (and a little merlot) then headed back to the hotel where I attended the juror’s critique. Linda Daly Baker was our juror (she’s the one that selected “Sizing Up the Competition” for the show) and she also liked “Egret”. I guess that settles my debate about whether or not it is done!

The final stage of the day was attending the exhibit opening. It was walking distance from the hotel, and I changed into my fancy new clothes and headed on over to the Rogue Gallery & Art Center. Without a shred of prejudice I can tell you it was a stunning show hung in a great space with care and attention to detail. I am so honored to be part of it. I just wish more people I love could have seen it. In the meantime, they’ll have to settle for this photo of me next to my painting.

Sandra also got into the show with her painting “Unintentional Pond.” When we (finally) got done congratulating ourselves, we walked back to the hotel to take part in the awards banquet. Along the way, we had the briefest possible photo shoot of some of the older buildings around the gallery.

The banquet was a little long for my taste, but I sat with good artist friends, so it wasn’t too painful. Sunday morning I was up and checked out in time to head out for the WSO meeting, followed by the juror demo. From there, it was home to real life: laundry, groceries, work, and Weight Watchers.

I’m ready.