It's late and I'm trying to finish up the last details on some graphic work I've been commissioned to do  I earned an Associate Degree in Advertising Art many, many years ago.  I worked for the State of TN as a Graphic Artist before going into teaching Art.  While I worked at the state I finished my BFA degree in Art Education.  I loved working as a Graphic Artist, it was just a lot of fun most of the time and the people were GREAT that I worked with.  It was rewarding but nothing like teaching was.  Teaching was the hardest job I've ever had and the most rewarding.  The worst part about teaching high school was I didn't have the camaraderie with my peers as I did at the State but I got to meet a lot of wonderful and talented young adults.  Several of these talented students went on to college and now have careers in Art! They were very impressive even in high school and more so today. 

Sadly, this is the only photo I have of me teaching in the classroom.  It was about 2000 at Dacula HS in GA. 

The commission piece is finally finished after two restarts. I have a pen and ink commission to finish up (I hope next week).  But if it goes as crazy as the last one, I might finish by Christmas.  I'm still having problems with my eye and I can only work when the lights are right. I have to have day light outside to shine through the window and all the overhead lights on. So it's best to work 1- 5.  I can't work at night even with artificial light.  I called an eye specialist and asked if there was anything that could be done for the PVD (Posterior Vitreous Detachment) and they agreed with my doctor,  NO! Most people get to where it doesn't bother they but mine is attached right beside the optical nerve. So I still see a black dot most of the day.  

I'm working on a commission.  A Beautiful Old WHITE Home.  So I went to mask out the areas on the house I wanted WHITE .  I worked for a while and thought, 'I think this masking fluid is old'.  So i threw it away and got out another bottle.  I went to remove it yesterday and it stained the bright white paper an ugly brown.  I needed the Bright WHITE of the  paper in those areas.  I placed I couldn't even lift it off the paper, just made a big mess.  The photos below show the brown color it stained it and the gummy mess it left behind. 

​ I started over today. .Not a happy painter.

I'll have five pieces in the Show! .

Tuesday, I worked at the DAC Downtown Artist Co-op = no studio time!
Wednesday, I went on a Gallery Hop with the Tennessee Watercolor Society = no studio time, Photo above
Thursday, I practiced with the All Strung Out Dulcimer Group, it's music,it's Art = no studio time.

I'm very proud to have received two awards last night at the 2019 DAC Regional Art Exposition.  My Pen and Ink drawing, Trees in the Fence Row took a 1st place award and my Acrylic Painting, Day is Done placed 2nd in Non Aqueous Painting. The Exhibit will be up for the Month of August at the DAC, 96 Franklin St., Downtown Clarksville, TN.  Closed Sunday & Monday, Opens at 1-5 T-F and Saturday 9-5.  It's a beautiful show with a large number of regional artists represented.  

Thank you to ours Juror, Ann Blair Brown out of Nashville, She is both a studio artist as well as a plein Air Artist.  (Click on her name to see her work)..         

It's my Birthday Week and I got off to a great start with the sale of the painting above last Thursday.  Two friends, one childhood friend who has returned to TN and one new friend surprised me with meaningful gifts (very special ).  Monday,  I visited with my youngest son and his family. Tuesday I worked in the Studio. Today, I volunteered at the Chamber and some of the Dulcimer group stopped in and we jammed for 3 hours, so fun!  I play the baritone Ukulele not dulcimer!  Met my brother for lunch and now I'm headed to CLARKSVILLE  to meet my oldest son and his family for dinner. My wonderful hubby has chauffeured me  around all week.  It really doesn't get any better than this. It's been a wonderful birthday day week!      

I thought I had finished this a while back but it needed something  So,I added DOTS!!! You might want to take a closer look!

I spent most of the day at the studio.  Two friends stopped by and I ran into another one at the gym.  I worked on a commission and finished up on two small ink and pens (6" x 9").  It was really good to be back in the studio working.  It was too hot to be outside!!!

This pen & ink is titled "Trees in the Fence Row" .  This is a pretty common scene on the back roads of Tennessee.  That"s an old gate from years gone by on the bottom left.  It's a scene from the Erin area. I love Erin (Houston County, TN).  

Here are  my Artworks in the DAC Galleries for the Month of July

 River's Gallery Annual  Membership Show - July 1 - 29th I have two pieces in the show this year. 

Spires Gallery (retail side)  I also have my  Notes Cards and Mini Canvases. 

DAC Gallery
96 Franklin ST. 
Clarksville, TN
​Open Tuesday - Friday 1-5 & Sat. 9 - 5