Life gets in the way.

It amazes me how easy it is to become a total slacker when it comes to posting. Life sometimes gets in the way is my usual excuse.

Life did get in the way last week. A very dear friend suffered a stroke and eventually passed away from the episode. Al Wadle was his name and he was one of the finest men I will ever know. He was the owner of Wadle Galleries Ltd. in Santa Fe, New Mexico. http://www.wadlegalleries.com

He took a chance and was the first gallery to accept my work and hang it on a wall. This was way back in 1981. I have been showing with them since that time. This was a man that trusted me enough to only require my word and a handshake. He treated me better than I deserved. He encouraged me, told me the truth about my work even when I didn't want to hear it, paid me quickly, promoted my efforts, and generally was a fundamental reason I have had success selling my art.

Unfortunately I was not able to make it in time to see him before he passed. I was able to attend his funeral. I was able to spend some time with his wife and will try and keep in touch with her as time goes on.

I love Santa Fe. This trip however was very bittersweet and emotionally draining. Usually I will spend a day or two wandering the galleries, enjoying the food, and marveling in the quality of the light. This time, I just didn't have it in me. It will always be a special place but has fundamentally changed for me.

For those that do not know my gallery work, I am posting several examples. I work in oil on either panels or canvas. Most of my work is smaller than 24 x 36 inches and the majority is less than 18 x 24. I paint the figure as if it were still life. I love painting skin and fabric. Quite honestly, in 30 years of painting I am now just learning how to do it.