02/10/2026
Recently, I have been ‘playing’ in my studio. I get these visions of paintings and all I want to do is paint. Some of the paintings are nothing like previous works I have created, but I am “going with the flow” and not worrying about if I’m sticking to a certain style—-. As a former teacher who helped students enter their art into competitions, I often also helped them deal with the reality of not having their work accepted— A very REAL part of being an artist. So, here I am with a piece I recently entered in the 2026 BLOOM show at the Norton in Shreveport, LA. I absolutely love that show and have enjoyed being a part of it and other shows over the years. This piece was not accepted. I felt like I needed to share this news as well as when I have one accepted, because I am not crest fallen, sad, or feel rejected. I have crossed over to accepting what my art is and this will not stop me from continuing to create.
Look for the hummingbirds in the background. There really is a fountain in my backyard with a climbing rose bush that blooms only once a year and all though it looks ‘sweet’ and probably a little romanticized, it gives me great joy to sit with my cup of coffee and be thankful for the peace I find in the small things.
Good luck to all of the artist who were accepted, and please take the time to go see the show. It is always a great one!
