I am thankful for...

Pine Glade

Once again it is the season of giving gratitude for the abundance of blessings in this life. I am going to put an "art" spin on what I am thankful for this year, so here goes:

I'm grateful for the Art Community, both in a wider sense and close to home...

• Outdoor Painter  who publishes the PleinAir Magazine, organizes the PleinAir Convention, has several free podcasts and articles, and has, on the whole, elevated and promoted representational painting/painters in the art world.
• All those amazing artists who take the time to create instructional videos, books, YouTube channels, etc,  that have helped painters like me continue to grow.
• ​Our local artist organization here in Nashville, The Chestnut Group, and all the good and kind friends I have made there!  The supportive atmosphere and integrity of this group is unsurpassed.

I am grateful for the Wonderful and Generous Teachers I have had along the way...
   *Jo, Christy, Mary, Roger, Anne, Richard, Colley, Frank, Kevin, Marc, Marcie, Jim, Pam, Hayden, Ingrid, Morgan, and Calvin*....so many! Learning to excel in any endeavor takes time and money, as well as patient endurance!

I am grateful so especially for my Patrons who support me in exceedingly more ways than simply buying paintings. They have trusted me with their cats, dogs, grandchildren, homes, cars (a few of the subjects I have painted). Their financial investment has allowed me to buy paint, canvas, workshops, videos, books, join professional organizations, enter shows and competitions. Not only that, but their belief in me has spurred me to improve, take risks, get brave. And so in no specific order, they are:
   *Betty  *Sandy  *Gay  *Ray  *Suzanne  *Lynne  *Teresa  *Marcia  *Kelly  *Tim  *Ted & Lindell  *Vicki  *Charlie & Eban  *Naomi  *Nancy  *Rebecca  *Ann   *Renee  *Mary  
*Loi  *Kathy    To each of you, and those who purchased from shows and exhibits, you have my deeply felt thanks!!

Finally, and most precious, is my gratitude to God who called me onto this path of painting in very clear and specific ways, who is always present and faithful, who I call on when I'm in a painting pickle and don't know what move to make next, who fills me with joy and receives it back as I express it...and to my wonderful Husband, Warren, who has let me pursue this passion wholeheartedly and come along for the ride (quite literally when I'm hauling paintings to a show). His support knows no bounds and I know what a lucky, blessed lady I am!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL YOU ALL!!!