I was painting this last week and I wasn't really certain what it was about, but I have painted this girl leaving before.

I painted this picture a year ago or so, and in both pictures I intended to paint something totally different when I began painting.  So, I was scratching my head, wondering why I paint this over and over.  When I saw the Illustration word "launch", it occured to me that these paintings are about launching my kids into the world.  I've always thought of them as little boats that have to be sea worthy.  Perhaps a little bit of a strange idea, but I was carefull to try and fix their leaks and set them on the right course so  they could sail off successfully.  Time will tell whether I was successful.  I'm hoping they are all happy little boats!
If you are a father, Happy Fathers Day!

Here's my newest little ACEO!  It was inspired by this months challenge word for the Melange Etsy Team, "Growth".  The rocky looking background was created using Citra-Solv.  Once you do a National Geographic magazine with this product you have a great supply of very interesting paper.  See their web site for instructions if you want to try it.  The end result is worth the mess!

My latest ACEO was inspired by the Illustration Friday word, "Swept".  After thinking a lot about brooms, I began to think about being swept away.  What do we get swept away by? ...Love....Music...And making Art! 
Have a great weekend!

She looks like a little girl, but inside she believes that she is a bear.  You can tell by her shadow.
I used to think I was a horse, or a fish (if I was swimming).

I was delighted to find out this weekend that I have two peices published in the latest Somerset Studio Gallery publication.  It's quite an honor to be in with so many talented mixed media artists.  Many of my team mates from the Melange Etsy Team are featured.  In fact, it is because of them that I found out I was included.  Normally I devour these magazines.  However, having just paid some huge car repair bills and taxes, I thought I'd better stay out of the book store for a few weeks because I'm always prone to walk out with an armful of Stampington publications.  Luckily some pointed hints from my teamies sent me in and there I was on pages 134 and 156!  That will teach me to pay more attention!