Less than a week to go! After last year with the in-person art fairs being cancelled, I am so excited to get to display at Arts in Central Park this year. I have some new techniques in addition to painting and marbling. I will also have some copies of my book for sale if you haven’t picked one up yet. Crossing my fingers that the weather turns out perfect, so we all have a great weekend at the park. There will be some new activities within the park including caricatures, public pianos, a public painting project, and more. And of course, lots of great artists.

What: Arts in Central Park, Decatur, IL

When: Friday, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm (must register as a VIP with the Arts Council to attend the preview night)

Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (I’ll be doing demos starting at approximately 10:30, weather permitting)

Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

For more info click: Arts in Central Park

This tea towel may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s making me happy at the moment. Of course, I enjoy things that are a little rusty, crusty, well-used and full of history. It reminds me of something that might be found covered in dust inside an old, abandoned building. And that’s what I love about it.

This is a different technique I’m working on, so it’s very experimental for me. So far, I have had some good results, and I have had some duds. I am already doing more and tweaking my method here and there. Trying a new process is always fun, but it’s never guaranteed to work, and certainly not guaranteed to sell. But I keep trying new things anyway. Sometimes I juggle too many things. Maybe I lack focus, but I enjoy learning. On one hand, I may never completely master some of these new techniques, but I am always acquiring new skills and knowledge as an artist. And more skills in my “tool bag” amounts to more resources to draw on in the future.

REVIEW:

Thought I would post an occassional book review here. If you are signed up for my newsletter,  I will try not to repeat.

Strange The Dreamer by Laini Taylor

Stories with rich cultures, vast landscapes, and mysteries are some of my favorites. I especially love books with deserts and journeys. And books about books. Strange, the Dreamer had all of that. The author’s colorful descriptions painted a vivid picture of the characters and environments, whether majestic, hideous or somewhere in between. To me, it seemed some elements were inspired from various religions and mythologies of the real world, which made it more “realistic” in its fantastical way.

The characters were relatable and complex, with flaws and preconceptions to overcome. The reader is allowed to see the motivations and fears that lead to poor decisions and prejudices. One of my main take-aways from the story is the importance of seeing individuals for who they are and why. Instead of projecting who we think they are. That being said, the humble beginnings and mindset of Lanzo Strange made me root for him as the underdog he was. Toward the end of the book, he lost some of that appeal. While I understand the author’s decision, I still liked him better at the beginning. I am interested to see where his character development goes from there.

As to the overall novel and the ending, well, it’s a good thing I already have the sequel.

 

For a limited time, the ebook version of Fearfully UnMade is available on Amazon for only $0.99. I would love to hear what people think of it, so hop on over for a copy and leave me a review!

 

 

My ebook, Fearfully UnMade, is available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, and Kobo ! And More coming soon. Publishing date is January 12, 2021. For now, the print version will only be available at Amazon, but that may change in the future. Follow the link below to find Fearfully UnMade at your favorite online ebook seller. Keep in mind, more will be added. So if you don’t see your favorite, try back later.

https://books2read.com/fearfullyunmade

We are almost to the big weekend…Virtual Arts in Central Park. Since the In-person event isn’t happening because of Covid, I’ve decided for orders over $50 placed this weekend, September 18-20, I’ll throw in a free marbled face mask (while supplies lasts). If we gotta wear ’em, might as well have an interesting one. The specific mask sent with your order will be a complete surprise. Masks are cotton, washable, and have a metal nose piece for a better fit. Again, this is while supplies lasts.

Have a great week and stay safe!