I am happy to be part of the Fall Mississippi River Valley Art Drive on Saturday, 2 Nov and Sunday, 3 Nov from 10 am to 5 pm. I will be demonstrating painting in my home gallery. Check www.mrvad.com for a complete listings of all the artists that are participating.

Hope everyone is enjoying the advent of spring!  Of course, spring brings both good and bad.  Everything is turning green, birds are nesting (including robins on a light fixture on our deck) and the cool weather is marvelous (especially before the heat of the summer).  But with silver linings there must be clouds, so in this time of new life we also have to cope with the threat and destruction of spring thunderstorms and tornadoes.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by the tornado in Oklahoma. 

This good spring weather seems to give me new energy, so I've embarked on a major painting of Bryce Canyon, and am also working on an acrylic of an American robin and a watercolor of a dickcissel (a beautiful prairie finch that has markings similar to the meadowlark).  Will post some photos on the web page when I have something to show. 

We went to see the 3D movie "Flight of the Butterflies" at the Putnam Museum.  It was really wonderful to watch this fascinating documentary of the monarch butterfly migration and the search to find the spot in Mexico where they all stay over the winter months. The IMAX screen really accentuates the 3D effect.   It has inspired me to start looking through my photos of butterflies to start some paintings.  I have done some butterflies and one moth and you can see them in my "Other" gallery on my web site. 

Here is the link to the Putnam Museum and the synopsis of the movie and the previews.  . 

http://www.putnam.org/getdoc/c1c1765a-5afe-4a6f-961f-5ce2fddc03fe/Flight-of-the-Butterflies-3D

We had a wonderful time at the artist reception held in conjunction with my exhibit at the Quad City Botanical Center this afternoon.  It was good to re-connect with friends and patrons Barb and I haven't seen for awhile, and to introduce ourselves to those we met for the first time.  Many thanks to those who shared with us good food, drink, and conversation!

Join me at the Quad City Botanical Center 2525 4th Ave  Rock Island, Illinois on Sunday, May 12 for an artist reception from 1 to 3 pm.  Light refreshments will be available and the Botanical Center is having their spring plant sale from 12 to 4 the same day.