Mark your Calenders!

Rue de Faubourg Brasserie made it into the Oil Painters of America's Western Regional Show- yehaw! I am shipping it out this week.

I cut and paste the following info about the show so I wouldn't have to paraphrase something that is already short, sweet, and to the point.

"This year’s Western Regional Exhibition will be held at the beautiful Howard/Mandville Gallery in Kirkland, Washington, August 8 through August 30, 2009. Located near Seattle, Kirkland is a small, yet sophisticated town, offering many opportunities to explore the beautiful Pacific Northwest area. Situated on the shores of Lake Washington, Kirkland offers many prospects for enjoying aquatic activities and bird watching, as well as viewing the beautiful panorama of the Olympic Mountains.

Please mark you calendars now for the opening reception, which will be held on Saturday evening, August 8, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The awards reception will take place at approximately 7:00 p.m. A two day preview period will take place on August 6 and 7 for collectors, however, no paintings will be sold during this time.

This year’s Western Regional Juror of Awards will be Master Signature member Jeffrey R. Watts. Mr. Watts is widely regarded for his figurative work and will provide a 3 hour painting demonstration on Saturday morning, August 8. In addition, we have a full day of educational events planned including a “Meet the Expert” Q& A session with OPA president Neil Patterson and a presentation by Scott Gellatly of Gamblin Artists Colors on studio safety, environmental concerns and important tips for traveling with your paints."

Uppers and downers... but mostly uppers!

So I'm running without a camera this week. Its in the shop. (Canon has excellent customer service, by the way)

But that really doesn't matter much because I have done very little painting. I have been assembling canvas panels, cleaning brushes, trying to figure out what I did with that other tube of yellow, and sketching a lot, in a very mild attempt to plan the next painting.

And... I get to spend six weeks in Texas visiting family -starting Monday!! So I've been a little preoccupied with planning for that as well. My brother-in-law (Brad's doublemint twin) and nephew are coming up for a visit this weekend so I will probably get to paint on Saturday or Sunday. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Some really good news: I got a formal invitation today from Whistle Pik Galleries to participate in their 2009 Christmas Miniature show. The show will run for the month of December in the "Main Street" gallery, and the Show Reception/Artist's Wine Reception will be from 6 to 8 pm on Friday December 4. I will be there if anyone wants to come say howdy. I'll be posting the info again the closer we get to December.

And just when you think the deal couldn't possibly get any sweeter, it does. I get to see my family again when I go down for the show! Awesome! Its not exactly "home for the holidays," but its close enough. I haven't been in Texas in December in years and years. Maybe I'll get lucky and be there when the Kristkindl Market/festival is going on. How fun!

I get to be a tourist in my hometown! I appreciate the touristy stuff in Fredericksburg so much more now that I don't live there... aint that the way, though?