During my visit with my sister last week I took a photo of this mixed media painting I did for her a few years ago. I had just started working with fused glass at that time.  Sometimes when I give or sell pieces of art I forget about it and it is renewing to see it again.

Blue Melted Bottle Fused Glass Mixed Media Painting

The portraits I intended to paint have been placed on hold for a couple of months.  With much travel and having house guests my goals have been revised.  That is the privilege of being retired.  I did start a project at my house painting my terrace walkway by hand and giving the appearance of a stone look.  I have done this before using a more squared off stone look which also is very attractive. 

I first clean the surface.  Using porch and floor paint I paint the darker base color.  Then I freehand the shape with the lighter color. (while still wet)  After that, apply the first darker color using a small roller sponge over the second lighter color.  This gives a little dimension to the shape. It is best to sprinkle a little sand in the paint so your surface will not be slippery. For comfort while painting use a little one foot stool to sit on while painting.  Unfortunately, I have also put my walkway on hold for a couple of months until the weather in Texas gets a little cooler.  The good thing is that it still looks OK even if not completed.  

Painted Patio Walk Looking from Entryway

Patio Walk Painting Looking Toward Entryway

As I mentioned before I am in the process of updating portraits of my kids, their spouses and our Grand-children.  I just finished with the portrait of my son John.  I have a funny story that goes with this painting.  First of all my style of painting has a flair of surrealism.  Many of my paintings will have something a little out of proportion such as sometimes I make the hands a little smaller.  I thought I would make these paintings a little more realistic and my kids are very familiar with my style.  The other night at a gathering some people made the comment that John seemed to have big hands in this painting.  I didn't really think so but they are used to seeing smaller hands in some of my other paintings which led to the big hands story:  John walked into a room with friends and he was holding a tiny, mini beer can. Instead of commenting on the small beer can they said "John, what big hands you have!"

Portrait of John