Bittersweet Memories

Going to a funeral is a bittersweet way to see family you haven't seen in many years. I loved the bond, the food, the friends. It was almost so great I forgot why I'd come. But I prefer to think of it as celebrating a life rather than a loss. I found that though I'm the oly family member that has pursued an art career, I'm not the only "artist" in the family.

The funeral I attended was for my Great Aunt, one week shy of 95 years old, the sister of my grandmother, Lois Russel. I've known her all my life yet I never realized how cleaver and creative she was till the funeral when the family displayed several of her quilts. She really had a knack for picking colors and putting together geometric shapes. Those who received her quilts were honored and grateful to own one. If their house were on fire, they would save their children then rescue the quilt!

Isn't that the mark of a great work of art?

My mother and her sister, also made these masterpiece quilts. I am honored to own two of them. They are treasures. Also they are reminders that I'm not the only artist in the family.

Society of Western Artists

It's a good idea for artists to join a group whenever possible. In my area there are several: Clovis Art Guild, American Association of Artists, Society of Western Artists, to name a few. To be able to get together with like-minded people, network, share frustrations and successes. I belong to the Society of Western Artist, a group of artists dedicated to representational fine art, and having art shows twice a year. Once a month we have a demonstrator who shares his or her talents and techniques before the whole group.

Saturday we had Rudy Murrietta demonstrate his portrait techniques. It was wonderful and informative to watch someone elses methods. I believe I not only learned something new but I was also motivated and inspired to come home and try some of his techniques on my own work.