Last weekend I ended up driving to Scottsdale to drop off a new body of work at Bonner David Gallery. I had a great time getting a chance to visit with one of the owners, Christi Bonner Manuelito. I was surprised to find out that she knew my art back when I was painting Roosters and has been watching my progression since then. Also we share a favorite artist, Milt Kobayashi whom she has had the chance to study with. I really like Christi and Clark and am looking forward to working with them both.

The photos are an example of what it felt like I was looking at for over 11 hours on the drive. It was funny because I saw this little boat on my way down and almost stopped to photograph it then but decided I would catch it on the way back. So on my drive home... around every barren corner I kept looking for it not remembering where on earth I had seen it. It reminded me of Liz Trans ships which you can see on her website http://www.liztran.com/. While driving I started thinking about this little boat, (and believe me I had plenty of time to think) about how many times I have felt like I was a boat in the middle of the desert with no water in sight. I thought about how sometimes you question if you should stay a boat or change into something else... something that might fit into the landscape better. Then I thought of the power of believing in yourself as a boat, having faith that you were made for the water, and then one day waking up to find yourself immersed in a beautiful ocean. That describes the journey I continually find myself on as an artist. I remember feeling like a boat in the desert, sometimes I still do... only now I know that it is by believing... (even when there is not a cloud in the sky) that the water will come.

I just finished this painting today and I am so excited about this particular piece. I originally had the chair in shades of blue which I left a remnant of on the left arm. The gold and brown color combination was inspired by a painting I saw at Heather Barron's show last friday.

As some of you know my good friend Heather Barron is one of my favorite artists. I am lucky enough to own two of her paintings. Just wanted to let you know that she is having a show this coming Friday, June 6th at the Ogden Railway Station. The address is 2501 Wall Ave in The Gallery at the Station from 6-8pm.

Here is yet another painting of my daughter Aleah. Obviously she is one of my favorite subjects. This painting was so fun to paint. I tried something a little different with this one. Instead of using my daughters actually drawings and writing in the painting I drew them in. This painting is currently a part of the Utah Arts Council "Untitled" show and will be on display at the Rio Gallery at 300 South Rio Grande St. for the next few weeks. The show is part of gallery stroll on Friday night as well as the "300 Plate" show at Art Access Gallery which I also have work in.

Saturday night was the opening party for this years Spring Salon at the Springville Art Museum.

The top photo is Justin Taylor holding a newspaper that I have yet to see. It was a complete surprise to me to see my painting in the paper advertising the show. I have to admit I couldn't help but stand by my painting the night of the show to listen to what complete strangers had to say about it. It was kind of fun. If you have a chance to make it to the museum there is some outstanding work in this years salon.

Here is my third and final plate for the VSA Arts 300 plates fundraiser. I just got invitations and will send them to those of you who have requested one. I have about 5 more so if you want one let me know.

My studio is finished! Ironically, it was finished over a week ago but in the transition I lost the cable to my camera so I couldn't download these photos. It feels so good and so different from before. My favorite part of my studio are the walls. I love Aleah and Eve's writing and drawings on the walls it really feels like a part of a painting. Finally, a studio that is me. Now I need to get to work!