Bouffant Blonde

It's winter in Alabama and spring is in the air. Nothing quite like a January that comes with sunny days in the 70s. Of course, that was yesterday and today. The week's end will likely bring nights in the 20s with highs in the 50s. Normal weather, the experts say. I like spring days, with the sun gazing down on us all. This painting reminds me of the beauty in this world that God created. The beautiful purple shades glistening in the sunlight, while the stem dances in the light breeze. What a perfect day.

Have you ever felt like a faceless person in what can sometimes be a cruel world? This lady haunted my thoughts for several weeks last fall. To me she symbolizes the hidden heart so many of us keep hidden in protective clothing. We're so afraid to let the world see our heart, our love, yet that is what Jesus called us to do. To love one another. That's a scary thing. Anyone who has ever had his or her heart -- or good intentions -- thrown back at them understands that fear. But God never said life would be without fear, without challenges, without anger or hurt. He said he would be with us no matter what. This painting took far longer than most. I would work on her, changing the colors and effects. She watched over me. She remained near my work table for weeks, constantly in my sights. She spoke to me then. And she speaks to me now.

Have you ever noticed how happy frogs always seem to be? They just hop around in their own little world. Oblivious to the problems that surround them. Seems to me we could all learn something from frogs. I went through a period where I painted a great many frogs. Mostly bright green with huge smiley faces. They're all painted on scrap wood. For those of you not familiar with that term, scrap wood is just pieces left over from other projects. Some I rescue from what otherwise would become ashes. I doubt any of us realize how much wood is discarded in the making of cabinets, houses, furniture, etc. As a folk artist, I'm all about using what's at hand rather that purchasing something new -- then cutting it to fit and discarding what's left. I guess the green movement influences me more than I realize. Don't get me wrong. I can shop with the best of them. I love sales. Especially those clearance sales where everything is like 80 or 90 percent off. What bargains! I do so...

Green Dog decided to head inland for the winter. Even the Gulf of Mexico gets a little chilly in the winter so he decided to put his surf board in the garage and head home to Alabama for the the winter months. In Green Dog's world the sun is always shining, the flowers are forever in bloom and orange cars run without fuel. Paradise! We hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Green Dog played football and baseball with his nephews, got tons of presents (large white teeth come in handy when opening gifts with too much tape), and ate way too much. It was a blissful event, made so much more satisfying by having Lady, Little Guy and Sunshine with him. We hope to see you all this spring when show season starts again.