One of the most gratifying parts of what I do is working with other artists.  One of my very best friends and artist buddies is Natalie Cook.  We have produced a very simple website for her.  We photograph and post many of the wonderful paintings she produces.

Today we went over to her house and photographed her latest piece which has been selected to be in the 2009 International Show that the Watercolor Art Society Houston (WAS-H),  www.watercolorhouston.org is holding in March.  The piece can be viewed on Natalie’s home page www.nataliebarrettcook.com.  Natalie is not new at winning awards for her marvelous work.

This year the WAS-H International Show had over 420 entries from around the world.  Only 100 were selected.  Artist Judy Morris, AWS, NWS,  www.judymorris.com,  will be the Juror.  Way to go Natalie and the Best of Luck!

February has thankfully brought more opportunities for painting.  Open studio with Mary Wilbanks, www.marywilbanks.com is always great because you are at her studio where there are few distractions (depending on whether you answer your cell phone or not).

There are a few of us who have become regulars and good friends.  We enjoy the comaraderie, the freedom to paint in our own styles, starting and/or completing projects, critiquing each other’s work and, oh yes, the wine.  Simply put, we paint and have a GREAT time.

I am also very excited to be taking Virginia Cobb’s Workshop which is coming up at the end of this month in the Woodlands.  Virginia is here visiting her sister, Polly Hammett.  I was surprised and delighted to have the opportunity to meet Virginia at the Watercolor Art Society of Houston (WAS-H) general meeting earlier this month.  Virginia’s website, www.virginiacobb.com is wonderful!  I am really looking forward to the workshop.

I have to keep reminding myself that painting is part of my business and deserves as much attention as all the other “opportunities” that surface on a daily basis.  It is always too easy to put other “more pressing” projects first…..but not nearly as rewarding!

The world and technology is changing so fast and, once again, what I said I never wanted to do, I am learning to do.  Blogging?!  What?! and WHY?!  Well, as I said, here I am.  Technology has overcome me AGAIN.