The showroom was packed when Ted and Charlotte and I arrived at Corse Gallery & Atlier in Jacksonville, Fl Nov. 20, 2009. There were exquisite appetizers and drinks served by the attentive hosts of Corse Gallery. The artists wore identifying badges, so as we mingled, we were able to introduce ourselves more easily with one another. I really enjoyed meeting so many faces behind the names of paintings I had long admired. The show winners were annouced sometime shortly after seven, and it was exciting, as the speaker asked, "May I have your attention?". This suspense created a surprising silence from the former din of happy chatter. Nancy Howe (see below inset, I just had to share) won $4000.00 and the prestiegous gold medal hanging from a multi-colored ribbon, (I felt, similar to the Olympics) for "By Hand"28"x22"  $28,500.00. (This is one of a series of paintings she is working on to help the women and children of Kenya.) To view all of the pieces in this exhibiton please visit http://www.corsegalleryatelier.com. under "OPA Exhibitors". (For a complete list of winners in various categories, please go to www.oilpaintersofamerica.com.)

The demonstration and lecture given by C.W. Mundy was very informative, and I learned many new things or new ways of thinking of things I thought I already knew, in the three hours as we watched him paint and talk, and answer pertinent questions. The talk later given by Neil Patterson, President of Oil Painters of America was very good as well, as he focused on several subjects of interest to all working artists.

I came away with wind in my sails from Jacksonville, having enjoyed my first visit to the eastern side of Floridas shores, and the first glimpse of being in a nationally respected exhibition.

My painting has been accepted "Jump For Joy" into this year's 2009 Eastern Regional Exhibition at the Corse Gallery & Atelier in Jacksonville, Florida., November 20th through December 23rd, 2009.

The Eastern Regional Juror of Awards will be Master Signature Member C.W.Mundy. These paintings were selected from the Eastern Region of this continent for this important exhibition. There will be $11,500.00 in awards for different categories given out with a "$4,000.00 Best In Show". I am signed up to attend the Saturday morning painting demonstration by C.W. Mundy, to see how he thinks in real life. Great things to witness, I feel sure.

Oil Painters of Americas President Neil Patterson will be speaking on Saturday from 2:00 to 3:00 with a question and answer session included. It should be lively and truly informative for everybody. I'm pretty excited about it all. I hope my twins can come along with me, who have given me wonderful input from time to time, as they have watched my progress. I am also looking forward to seeing some of the painters works I have long admired, in person.

(Corse Gallery& Ateliers quote from Facebook:)

It was a great time had by all! The Fieldstone Clubhouse is an elegant spacious facility great for any occasion. It is located at the intersection of Post Road and Elderfield Lane. It is the first of hopefully many more events that I may be invited to participate in. It was attended by well over one hundred people with a $10.00 entry fee for the wine sampling. There was live guitar music played by David Craver, and everybody had a favorite song he masterfully played, on the backdeck overlooking the huge pool and the gorgeous Maxfield Parrish sunset over the lake. I exhibited with Blaine Watson who has talent way beyond her years. I can hardly wait to see how she progresses. I had the opportunity to meet Amy Mitchell, the other artist exhibiting and it was fun finally meeting the face behind the delightful work that I had seen in VBoggs Gallery in Suwanee. My cousin Stacy Preece who lives in this community had cooked up this event and I do say "cooked up" as she is a successful master chef who has owned a restaurant in Buckhead and now owns her own catering business. Along with being an excellent chef, Stacys' creativity for coming up with ideas and inspiring others; and organizing! cannot be outdone. Stacy already has the Fall event on the "burner", and I do hope the horse rides offered by Kates Ponies, and dog show earlier during that day come back too.

The experience of having your own painting commissioned from start to finish can add a happy memory to the final piece. I can work from existing clear photos; but by getting acquainted with my subject, I carry away with me something extra that marinates in the back of my mind. I start with a feeling about that particular animal, and as I study the pictures taken, I explore the visually unsaid as keenly as the said, as I pour over the photos. The whole experience from the first introduction to the final portrait is a happy exciting one.