SO, WHAT'S THE POINT?

I create paintings that inspire people. I paint things people believe in. Things like home, family, and the beauty of nature. We live in a crazy world and so much bombards us continuously! Life is just too complex. We have chaos all around us! Through my artwork, I want to remind you of the simpler things in life – things worth believing in. I want to give you a glimpse of serenity in the quietude of a meadow, an ambling country trail, a mountain capped with snow. These are images we all relate to because we all have those secret places in our heart we all dream of. Places we can feel at peace. Turn on the evening news at night – it’s a guaranteed formula for anxiety.

Turn off CNN for once, tonight, and turn on some serenity. Spend some time with someone you love. Curl up with a book that inspires you. Take a moment and look at one of my paintings and find some serenity in this chaotic world.

MUSEUMS, A TREASURE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD - REVISITED

In an earlier posting, I shared with you my passion for local museums - I especially love going to art museums in midisize cities. You never know what treasures lie within - a special collection, a piece from a favorite artist that you otherwise would not see, amazing local talent. The Indianapolis Museum of Art was no exception! I found a little known Hopper, as well as Church - even a Normal Rockwell. Pieces I had only seen in a book right before my eyes. Loved it!

INDY EXCITEMENT

The Study for the Studio Masterworks was used as the cover art for the Gala's commemorative Program Book. What an honor! My Studio Masterwork of Indy Excitement, 100 Years of Racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be the cover of the 2009 Indy 500 Program Cover! The artwork I unveiled at the Gala - on the cover for 350,000 fans to see! Another amazing honor!

How can I even describe being with all these motorsports greats? A. J. Foyt, Al Mears and Rick Mears on stage and recognized for their contribution to the history of the Speedway and the Indy 500! Everyone was so gracious and loved the way I captured the Speedway - what an amazing compliment - I'll always treasure their words.

And, what a hoot! We had a photo taken with the “founders” of the Speedway with the trophy from the 1920’s – imagine being the winner and having to pick that thing up?! It was an incredible evening and an honor to be with them all.

When Dario came over to our table to get his book signed, both Nanette and I were thrilled! A great guy - his passion for what he does is so obvious.

Click here for more photos from our recent visit, plus news and updates on my Studio Masterwork release.

INDIANAPOLIS - WHAT A JEWEL!

Established in 1909, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has long prevailed as an icon of motorsports excellence. Beginning in 2009, the Speedway will celebrate its Centennial Era, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the facility in 2009 and the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race in 2011.

I had a great time during my visit. What a gorgeous city! It's like a little jewel sitting in the heart of our nation. I rose before dawn to snap some photos before my early morning TV interviews - seeing the early morning light on the state buildings and monuments made getting up so early worth it!

It was so much fun to be in studio and talk to the news anchors about the significance of the Indy 500 and the Centennial Era celebration. With all of the news we hear today, this really is an amazing good news story! 100 years - through wars, depressions, recessions, booms and busts, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a beloved icon of American culture that has survived and thrived! It's history and impact is a part of Indianapolis, a part of Indiana - but more than that - a part of America that is truly legendary in the world.

The whole Gala celebration was an event not to be missed! I can only imagine what it will be like in May When the city floods with people - each excited to see their favorite driver and experience all the festivities. We want to experience it all! When we ride in the Festival Parade in May, will we get to pick the car, I wonder? There are some beauties - each one a story on their own! If only the cars could talk....Here is a 1949 Jaguar XK120 - THIS is the car Nanette wants to ride during the Festival Parade!

More on our exciting time at the Gala in my next post...God bless.