CURRENT PROJECTS

Inspiration for my new window box paintings was a trip past Bayview this winter. I imagined what the cottages would look like in a few months with geraniums and petunias in their window boxes and lacy curtains peeking through the windowpanes. I love that breezy feeling of summer in northern Michigan.

April and May are busy preparation months for my summer art season. The UPS truck is stopping at my house often with shipments of packaging, mats, and art supplies. My days are filled with phone calls and event planning. In spite of my good intentions, no matter how early I begin preparation I’m always scrambling in June to be ready for the frantic summer season.

UPCOMING EVENTS

I’ve been planning a series of orchard blossom paintings, but in order to do those I’ll have to take some good reference photos. The blossom season in northern Michigan is never predictable, so as soon as my orchard informants tell me the apple and cherry trees are blooming, I’ll be off in the car with camera in hand.

Make plans now to be on Mackinac Island during Lilac Festival June 11-20. It’s always an exciting time with events planned each day for every member of your family. More information is at www.mackinacislandlilacfestival.org.

MACKINAC ISLAND MEDITATIONS

My book makes a perfect gift for any occasion—like Mother’s Day! I’ll sign and personalize a book for you or your special gift book recipient. When you order, just let me know who the book is for and if there’s a special occasion you’d like me to mention.

FEED YOUR SOUL

Sometimes you don’t have to leave home to feed your soul. Lately I’ve been thinking about getting outdoors to paint on location. I’ve figured out an easier way to carry all the gear necessary for my plein air painting sessions and am feeding my soul by daydreaming about the warm weather ahead.

QUOTE FOR THE MONTH

About 15 years ago I received a note card from a friend with this message: “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” I taped it up on my studio wall and it’s been my inspiration ever since.