Whenever I come back to the blog after not writing for a while (a month, gulp), I never know whether to claim it’s because I’ve been too busy, or because I didn’t have anything to show. But this morning, as I was rearranging various paintings, it occurred to me I DO have something to show now. The quality, however, is dubious. I’m experimenting.
Writing
The great news is that book 3, Balancing the Woofs, was offered a contract. This is a huge relief. As I’ve been doing things to polish it up for publication, I’ve been able to also transition to the new book. So, words are finally starting to trickle!
My First Author’s Fair
Last Saturday I attended my first Author’s Fair at the Silverton 50+ Center. I had a lot of fun, talked to interesting people, and sold some books. I also learned a lot from chatting with the other authors.
Casein
For years, I’ve been wanting to try casein paint. I first learned about the medium via Kathi Peters. I own a piece of her work and love the layered, matte finish. Then a few weeks ago, I attended a Zoom on casein, and decided to give it a whirl.
I’m having a great time. Two things I’ve learned: 1) casein paint has a smell, and 2) a lot of white is needed.
Pacific Artists Co-Op Gallery Rehang
Then, the quarterly refresh at the gallery was happening. Once again, my mangers let me down and they allowed me to go off on a tangent 36 hours before paintings were due. Those managers…
WSO
My ego is in a bit of a slump, as my paintings were “thanks-but-no-thanksed” for NWWS, Western Fed, and WSO. I’d like to hold a grudge, but I have too much fun at the conventions to do it properly. The convention is this weekend and I’m looking forward to it.
New Car
After years of hemming and hawing, I have decided to get a new, electric car. Specifically, a 2027 Chevy Bolt. I’ve spent the last week emailing dealers, etc. and I think I’ll be making the deal early next week. My current car (a 2018 Subaru Forester) is large and gas-guzzling making the recent gasoline surges hurt (gas is reliably over $5 here.) This new Bolt is only out for about a year and uses the Tesla batteries, which makes a road trip a possibility. But with a 227 mile range, it should work great for going to get groceries and take the dog to nose work. I would have liked to get a Tesla, but I won’t give that man my money (please don’t tell me he gets money from the battery system; I’m doing my best to ignore that.)
I think that’s all the news from this neck of the woods!