Earth Day today. I remember when all this started back in the day. It’s when I began recycling and haven’t stopped since. I worked some more on the center petals of the dahlia. Working on the three dimensionality of the piece. It’s always true that as you get closer to the completion of a painting, it gets harder and harder letting it go. This isn’t ready for prime time yet, but we’re getting there.

My grandson, CJ Ahern, came over to take me to brunch. He gave me coupons for some breakfasts and one dinner as a Christmas gift. It’s the perfect present he could give me, time with him. We took our annual photograph of him on the garden bench. We began this in 2002 and now, a different bench, but the same kid. The garden sure has also been transformed.

These daily studio notes lead toward my 2026 solo exhibitions in New York City and  Poughkeepsie, NY.