Amor. Acrylic and graphite on wood. 36x36". 2010.

Just finished a commission for the perfect client - sees piece, exclaims, "I love it!", takes it home! It was really fun to do since I haven't been making paintings like this in a while. I forgot how nice it is to do simple and lovely. I also miss getting to interact with clients (the easy ones, anyway). It adds so much more to my job when I get to see how happy someone is with a piece. Locking myself away in my studio pumping out work while a gallery handles all of the customer service is awesome at times, but it's easy to become disconnected and lose some of what art-making is all about. I would say that the most rewarding part for me is seeing someone walk away happy. For a while now I've been debating with myself as to which direction I want to take my work. Do I want to keep making simple pretty paintings? Actually, I do! What a revelation! I enjoy creating something that makes people happy! When I'm working, the most satisfying part is seeing the pieces come together, that "aha!" moment, regardless of what the piece looks like.

I've got some ideas in the works. I've been thinking about them for a few years now but I think I'm finally ready to jump ahead and do them. At the end of this month there is nothing on the horizon in terms of commissions or shows, nothing solid anyways. It's a bit terrifying but at the same time exciting. I'm going to buy a bunch of new panels and get started after a little trip home next week to deliver the last commission and to see my family.

Life is so exciting!