The Year of Blood and Tears (sugar skull, alligators, magnolia blossoms, blood, tears, 2024 2020, NOLA, New Orleans, Lousiana, decor)

2024 "The Year of Blood and Tears" (sugar skull, alligators, magnolia blossoms, blood, tears, 2020, NOLA, New Orleans, Lousiana, decor)

The title explains a lot. This year I was robbed in January, my daughter suffered a traumatic brain injury in February, Covid-19 happened to us all in March, and so the year spiraled from there into economic and social distancing challenges. A lot of necessary and painful dental work caught up with me. An added bonus were the 6 or 7 hurricane warnings that affected southeast Louisiana, especially Hurricane Zeta. We were in the eye here in New Orleans, and damage was done. I know we would all like to see 2020 leave, but it has also meant a time of growth for all of us as individuals. There have been job changes, more time for projects, catching up on relationships (albeit long distance). Extroverts have learned introvert insights perhaps? I'm lucky to say that we have all survived and hope to see a better 2021, especially since that con artist jackbutt of a delusional fool will soon be evicted from the White House. Happy New Year!

About my creative process: I prefer to create my art in the studio from sketches and photographs. This is where I can concentrate, burn candles, and play music. I like to work with acrylic paint on canvas, distressed wood, watercolor on heavy rough paper, and sometimes mixed media incorporating found objects. Images are composed from blended ideas, so I often make sketches and transfer them to canvas before painting begins. Due to diversions (calendars, clocks, tasks, and fun stuff), I cyclically cast aside and revisit the artwork. Colors and shapes are layered during experimental sessions, shadows and highlights are added to clarify details, and much artistic license is incorporated according to whim until the artwork becomes a fully realized creation. If I don't ruin it.

Thank you for looking, and happy shopping!