My art journey has suddenly taken an amazing turn. I'm getting ready for my first one-man show in January at the 29 Palms Gallery near Joshua Tree National Park. It's both energizing and a little bit scary. What began some 20 years ago as a part-time hobby has evolved, especially in the past 2 years, into an obsession. Thanks to several exceptional mentors (Ray Roberts, Jill Carver, Lorenzo Chavez, Mark Fehlman and others) I am finally capturing composition, light and shadow in ways that make me happy.

Getting ready for the show has its own unique pressures. My Muse, Lady Catherine has been a huge help in clarifying what's important . . .

and what's not. When I get lost in my desert world she can pull me back to truly take stock. She has been the single greatest positive force in my artwork.

Take this cactus flower picture . . . Catherine wandered into to my garage studio a few weeks back and told me to take a break from mountains, dunes and rocks. She inspired me to change direction and paint a close-up. It was good fun but a difficult exercise. It's still a work in progress but I'm grateful for the change.

We just returned from our 50th anniversary road trip to the site of our wedding on Guanella Pass, Colorado followed by a few days in Santa Fe. Canyon Drive is always a place of inspiration.

Summer in Souther California is sometimes difficult for painting outdoors. You have to fight the heat, the bugs and the wind. But over in Camarillo there is often a respite from these things. I am always struck by how much farmland is being turned over to development these days and I found this spot which reminded me of the old days. It was a quick study, done in 2 hours. I'm still refining my skills painting from life. It's a process!