Celebration time...

Ok, this first thing isn't art/writing related but I had to share. My eldest son, Chase, lost his first tooth on Wednesday evening. He is almost eight and we'd begun to wonder if he'd ever be "snaggletoothed." He's been wanting to lose a tooth since he was four! Fortunately, he has now lost the first so hopefully the others will come in rapid succession.

Now, on to the art side of life. A dear friend and extremely talented artist, Diane Wright, has recently released an art instruction book called Beautiful Landscapes. It is one of the Walter Foster "Drawing Made Easy" series. I have read quite a few of these and honestly, this is by far the best of the series. The drawings are wonderfully rendered and the explanations are clear, concise, and easy to follow. I highly recommend it for both the beginner and advanced artist.

To see Diane's work, or to order an autographed copy of the book, please visit her website Diane Wright Fine Art.

I am currently trying to work up the courage to begin my first portrait. I'm still undecided as to whether it will be of my daughter Kennedy, or a tribute to my dear grandmother. I'm also working on two different children's book ideas, one of which I have been running past a gifted artist and illustrator, Vincent Whitehead. I hope that this project can take off and become something that my children and grandchildren can be proud of.