Sometimes there is the tendency to play it safe in art, to choose a subject you feel people will like or purchase. I had this thought when I came upon this little scene. But the whole reason I applied for this competition was because I wanted to be pushed to be better. Better to me means becoming authentic, as original as possible. This painting, entitled "Oriental," came from within, not from without. I mean that I ignored everything but what this scene and my heart were communicating to one another. I painted that, not boats or landmarks, I painted what I felt.
I'm humbled to have been included on the roster of 37 featured artists for the 2025 North Carolina Plein Air Art Festival in New Bern, May 11-18, and for the opportunity to paint alongside stellar artists, including 17 returning award winners from last year.
