I recently went to an antique store here in Elk River, and found many little amazing treasures tucked in corners. When I find myself in a slump for ideas, I go to all different places for inspiration. This amazing place is three stories and filled with all kinds of things. I saw this cabinet full of tea cups and this painting came to my mind. It was a LOT of work, but I had a great time doing it. The peonies are from my garden from last year, I can grow mold, but not much else. But, I do have a green thumb with my peonies, mostly because the more you leave them alone, the better they do.

This is Tea Time,  12x18, Oil on board.

Just a quick funny...

Not to offend anyone, but we hear all of these questions (except 7) at every show.

Inspiration

I don't know about you, but sometimes I find it really hard to show up at work. In other words, sometimes I "phone it in". I woke up this morning and turned on GMA, like every day, and they started talking about Dancing With the Stars and I grabbed the remote. (No offense to the DWTS fans, but I don't think this is news). I went to CBS and saw this story about a paraplegic man who is a painter and it moved me so much that I decided to turn off the TV, go to my studio, stop whining and making excuses, and get to work. I got more done today than I have done in a while. God bless this man and his struggle. I will think of him every time I feel uninspired, or tired, or bored....I will do the work, and I will do my best. If you can, watch his story, it is well worth it.
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7404806n&tag=strip%3Ftag%3Dfacebook

I can not grow weeds, but I can grow orchids. I am sure because the more you ignore them, the better they do. This is my latest in the 60/60- #21, 22, 23...still 4 behind.