I have decided that I’m finished painting this dahlia. After signing it a while ago, and again returning to it, this time I’m truly stepping away. I took out the original model I based this painting upon to see how far I journeyed. I guess I could say that it was a long way from the original inspiration. But that’s one of the wonderful things about being an artist, you create your own vision, your own reality. Shortly after I began painting, I stopped looking at the model and went in my own direction. At a certain point in time, I felt that the painting itself was in command of its outcome and that I was only holding the brushes. It’s a wonderful experience being in the “Zone”.

This is a daily journal of my creative efforts as I prepare for my June 2026 solo exhibition in Poughkeepsie, NY, and my November exhibition in Chelsea, New York City.