" I have often thought of an art school where the model might hold the pose in one room and the work might be done in another. The pupils would have their places in both rooms, one for observation and the other for work. The pupil could return to the model room for information. In getting the information he could view the model from his place or could walk about and get an all-around concept; he could also make any sketches he might desire to make – for information ­– but these drawings are not to be carried into the work room. Into this room he only carries what he knows."

                                                                                                                                        Robert Henri    The Art Spirit

The first time I read this, it was frightening to me. So I went out and started trying to draw and paint from memory. If I was in a cafe, I would start drawing someone and immediately they would move so I would try and finish the drawing from memory. The more I did this, the better I got. When I am on location and I see a figure that I want to put into my painting, instead of taking my camera out, I put my brush down and just try to paint the figure in my head. I then quickly pick up my brush and put it into the painting.

I apply the Robert Henri principle in my figure class on Friday mornings. The drawing on the left was done from memory. I just looked at the model for about 5 minutes and then I turned around and sketched the figure from memory. The figure next to it on the bottom was done by looking at the model. The other figure drawings are quick 20 minutes demos.

The convention was a  fantastic opportunity to reconnect with like-minded artists. I saw a lot of old friends. My new book was released and I was pleased with all the sales. We also sold a lot of our Paint Saver Palettes.

We are now following up on the connections we made at the convention.

My favorite part of this convention was the Marketing Book Camp. I learned so much and my head is spinning. I love listening to the new ideas that Eric Rhoads has about promotion. I highly recommend his Boot Camp DVD's.

Back home - here is another favorite spot of mine in Petaluma, CA. I have returned many times over the years to repaint this scene.

I have several favorite scenes that I paint repeatedly in my hometown, Petaluma, CA. Each time I set up it seems like a completely new experience.

Here are a series of paintings of one of my favorite locations, Ellis Creek. The atmosphere determines the color of the light,