Hello friends,

You probably thought I disappeared. Well, I guess I sorta did. But, miraculously, I’m baaa…ack! (I couldn’t resist.) Yes, amazingly, here it is summer of 2024. A few months have gone by. (So much for good intentions.) No promises this time. Life happens.

In case you might like a little summary of the last three months, me too. I’m trying to remember. Oh yes - seven different dental appointments and opinions. Yes, seven - in four different cities! Crazy, I know. And you all know how much time can be expended in scheduling, waiting, xrays, tests, exams, etc. In the end, the best course seemed to be Palomas, Mexico (a two hour drive) for two dental implants which were finally done end of April. I’m pretty sure that was, unfortunately, my best choice. Oh, and then the dental appointments propelled me into assorted other doctor appointments - just to make sure the everything else is in good working order. Thankfully, it seems so, as much as doctors can really tell, which I doubt is much. But I trust my intuition most, and that tells I’m good to go for a few more years.

In-between these various appointments, I can’t forget to mention that I grew some very healthy chard (we both love it) and basil (for pesto sauce) in our backyard garden. Plus, we had a much needed backsplash installed in our kitchen. Now this only took three tries to get someone who could/would do the job - but hallelujah, it’s done. Background matters since every everyday life is context for our work.

Oh, and I forgot to show you my exhibit at the Big Picture in Las Cruces (February and March). Here’s a few glimpses.

Then, in April and May, I and several other local artists, enjoyed some live figure model sessions at my house. Finding and coordinating models was my role and that took some doing, but worth it. For me, drawing from live models is what I imagine playing scales is for a musician. Live figure drawing trains my eye. It’s challenging, and I enjoy a challenge.

So, I hope that bit of history catches you up. In that vein, I thought this newsletter would focus on the topic of context. For me, and maybe most of us, both history and place are the foundation of context. I suspect both influence all of us more than we often realize, and in particular, the place where we live. So, I thought I’d share some images that convey Spring in our desert home. I’ll leave you to discern if or in what way this place influences me. Certainly, gratitude must be one aspect.

In this lovely setting, I am grateful to be comfortable and inspired. Here are some in-process images of recent pieces in my journal. These and more new pieces are now on my website.

Her Face Acrylic Ink and Pen 6.5 x 6.375

Gazing Acrylic Ink and Pen 6.375 x 6.375

Empowerment Acrylic Ink and pen 6.375 x 6.5

I am happy to be sharing with you again. If there’s anything in particular that you’d like me to write about in months to come, please let me know. I’m wishing you all a lovely summer and thank you for your interest.