Now that I’ve picked and prepped the canvas, I’m trying to decide what flower I want to paint next time. I’ve decided on an orchid, so I started to go through my thousands of closeup photos of all types of orchids. Once I pick which one I want to spend my precious time on, I’ll match it up with some inspirational images I have from the NAWA Astrology of the Day website. At this stage, all my work is on my computer using an image database and Photoshop for analysis. This stage is very creative since I have so many sources to choose from and my mind sails into the endless possibilities. Here is a perfect blending of my lifelong time as a gardener with a degree in Horticulture, my 45 years in digital imaging, my studio practice since the 1970s and my degree in fine arts. At this point I’m chugging on all cylinders with the excitement of starting a new painting.

I began this daily journal in February, 2026 as I prepared for my solo exhibition at Locust Grove in Poughkeepsie, NY, from June 5 – September 15, 2026, my work for the group show at the Ceres Gallery in June 2026, and my upcoming November 2026, solo exhibition in Chelsea, New York City