Happy 2024 One and All! 

I've been working on art all during the very busy holidays and, since some of it is on view at the Madeley Fine Art Gallery RIGHT NOW, that's what we'll talk about today. 

First, my crazy little bottles were well received last month and some found new homes for the holidays, so here are the ones that you will find at the gallery in January (or until they are all spoken for). If you see one you want, don't wait to purchase it. Each is one-of-a-kind and will be replaced with a completely different design when sold. For more info, feel free to call or text me directly: 832-549-1730.

Meanwhile, on the walls of the MFAG, something very exciting is happening. January is the 12x12 Art Show and Auction! This is an online auction of original artworks created by Conroe Art League member artists and can be viewed in person at the Madeley Fine Art Gallery this Saturday 1/6 thru January. The online bidding starts on January 8th, 2024, at 11 AM and ends on February 2nd, 2024, at 4 PM. All proceeds benefit the Student Art Awards! 

These are the panels I contributed (see below). Bidding starts @ 35.00 -OR- you can beat the competition to the punch by purchasing them outright for 200.00 each. What a bargain! Click the images to view them on the auction website and to purchase.
(Please, be aware that these were shot in the gallery by a busy photographer. The colors are a little off in these photos and they are not sharply focused. They are BRIGHTER and more CLEARLY detailed in person.)

Click HERE to view all the art featured at the 12x12  Art Show and Auction.

If you'd like to see more of my art (there's plenty that is not featured on this blog), or if you have any comments and/or suggestions on this content, please leave comments below. This blog is for YOU so your opinions matter. I appreciate y'all!

Have your December days been filled with a happy whir of activity? Did Christmas come quicker than you expected? If so, you are not alone. I am so grateful for all of my followers, collectors and wonderful artist friends. Before I launch into the highlights of the last 2 or 3 weeks, let me first say...God bless you all each and everyone!

Now, here we go...

December 9 was a double duty, double fun night. The Madeley Fine Art Gallery in Conroe had their members' meeting, artist demo and December Member's Exhibition opening reception overlapping Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church Art Gallery in The Woodlands Holiday Art and Craft Market. I participated in both, but didn't have as much time to get photos. Regardless, both were very busy and wonderful with amazing art, good people and fun for all! (See photos below.)

If you missed the End of Year Celebration at Studio 122 in Houston, make sure to catch it next year. Lots of talented artists, refreshments, great conversations and, of course, ART! I had fun reconnecting with the founder of the studio and former Galerie Spectra alum, Suzanne Buckland. I also met several artists that were new to me including Ruby R. Scott. She has a studio in the same building so Suzanne and I joined her down the hall to check out her newest creations at Arts a Daisy Gallery. Another 2fer!

I promise to share photos of my own art next time, but I need to get back to my family. After all, it's Christmas y'all! Have a very merry hap-hap-happy Holiday! :-D

Greetings One and All! Do you feel a little pep in your step? A little Christmas cheer on the horizon? Well, I certainly do. And, I've been working like crazy with artwork in varying stages of completion plus making plans for attending holiday parties and events. In other words, I'm in Heaven! :-D

So, here's a snapshot of what's happening this month...(Read to the end to learn more about Santa!):

I have created some fun new art bottles. They can be used for a variety of purposes: bud vases, single photo holders, floral arrangements, ect. They are also very pretty on their own. Some of them are already on display at the Madeley Fine Art Gallery with some of my small 2D artworks, but others will be offered at events around the area. Here are a few of them. Let me know what you think!

They are decorated on all sides, so you have to check them out in person to really appreciate them.

In addition to working on these bottles, I am also still creating stream-of-conscious drawings. Here's one that is in progress. So far I've used gel pens, oil sticks, Sharpie markers and acrylic paint. Tentatively, it is called State of Emergency (see below).

Tomorrow evening (12/9/2023) I'll have a table (six feet!) full of all kinds of mixed media works available for purchase at the Northwoods Holiday Art Market. I'll be joined by a bunch of local artists, so you owe it to yourself to stop by and shop. The Holiday Art Market is FREE to enter and opens at 6p., but stick around. There'll also be a concert at 7:30p. Think of it as a holiday 2fer! Art to buy for your loved ones (or yourself), good people, good music. Want another reason to join us? A portion of the proceeds of this event goes to Northwoods Unitarian Church Ministries (see the flier below for full details).

If you can't make it to The Woodlands to shop tomorrow, then you'll definitely want to hit this awesome event in Houston: Studio 122 End of Year Party and ART SHOW

Come celebrate the end of the year with our friends at Studio 122 on Tuesday, December 12, 7-10pm. This is a get together for artists, art lovers, art collectors, friends, family and the whole community. Come celebrate 2024! BYOB and bites or enjoy their beverages and snacks. Here's the address:

Studio 122
The Silos at Sawyer Yards
1502 Sawyer St., Houston, TX 77007 

Please RSVP via Facebook HERE.

And, I would be totally remiss if I did not remind you all that the Madeley Fine Art Gallery's Christmas is for Giving is happening NOW and ends 12/24/2023. We literally have the entire place PACKED with every kind of artwork imaginable including a towering Christmas tree covered in handmade one-of-a-kind ornaments. Many of the works are extremely affordable and a portion of the proceeds goes to Art Student Scholarships that will be awarded Spring 2024 (check out the flier below.)

​Not everything going on in the art community revolves around shopping this month, though. There's always something new to do and learn at the Conroe Art League and this month is no exception. They have art classes aplenty. In fact, last Wednesday the 6th I dropped in to model for their Figure Drawing Group which is held the first and third Wednesday of every month. This is a fun group for live figure drawing. All skill levels are welcome. About half the class left before I was able to get some selfies but, as you can see, we were all having a really great time.

One of my favorite things about modeling for this group is checking out everyone's sketches when I'm through. Each artist has a unique take on the subject matter. Every person's artwork is as individual as their own signatures. (Click thumbnails below.)

The next Figure Drawing Group will be held on Wednesday, December 20 from 10a. to 1p. If you want to get in on the fun, use this link for more info and to contact Vickie Nash: ​https://conroeartleague.com/event-3477132?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=12/8/2023

But, what if you don't have time for all this stuff? What if you're busy planning your own holiday gathering and need something extra special to create holiday memories that last a lifetime?  Well, I've got just the tip for you.

​Meet our Santa - David Malin, an accomplished artist, professional costume/model maker, and Director of The Woodlands Art League! If you or anyone you know is on the lookout for an authentic Santa, Dave is available for photographers and events. Feel free to reach out to him at [email protected].

​Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas Everyone! :-D

Greetings Art Lovers!

I couldn't wait a month (for a change) to share some tips about where you'll want to shop for giftable art this holiday season. I also have some works on glass to show you as well as social media news. So, let's get started!

Do you love Pinterest like I do? So many great ideas to borrow and share. Since I am a member of the Conroe Art League, and am an old hand at building websites and creating social media pages, I offered to build a Pinterest page for the gallery. They accepted, so everyday I post one new artwork from the Madeley Fine Art Gallery. There are 3 collections, so far: Fine Art, Events and the brand new Artists and Art Lovers collection that I started this evening. Artists and Art Lovers is a collection wherein anyone can post a selfie or group photo taken within the gallery. Now I need your help to get the ball rolling! You can help in 2 ways:

1) Visit the Madeley Fine Art Gallery at 127 Simonton Street in Conroe, TX.
2) Take a selfie by yourself or with your friends next to your favorite artwork.
3) Post it here: ​https://www.pinterest.com/MadeleyFineArtGallery/

I have something fun planned in January for everyone that posts to the Artists and Art Lovers collection. Stay tuned for more info!

In other news...You might be surprised to know that years ago I made ceramics. (Yes, me.) Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the process so I moved on. But, I still really like and appreciate ceramics and similar disciplines so recently I started creating original designs on glass. I'll show you a few I'm still working on and ask that you keep in mind that I have NO IDEA where I'm going with this (see below). Such is the way life goes when one is an artist. I have over 30 pieces, in varying stages of completion. Absolutely NONE of them is finished, yet. It's very primitive stuff. Let me know what you think about this experiment in the comments at the bottom of this post.

Did you know that November 26th is Artists Sunday? There is nothing more personal and appreciated that a gift of original artwork. Please remember artists and artisans when you are checking off your Christmas list. The lucky recipients of a one-of-a-kind artwork will be glad you did! I'll post a couple of gallery shopping events with dates, times and links below. Enjoy!

Hard to believe it is almost Thanksgiving. How time flies! In this blog post I'll try to hit some of the ART highlights in my studio and all around the area for the last couple of months. Here we go!

On the first rainy Saturday after a very long drought, I drove out to visit my old stomping grounds in Houston, TX. First stop: The Silos at Sawyer Yards. I visited multiple studios and viewed literally THOUSANDS of artworks. I've posted a few below in no particular order and included links to photos and QR codes where possible. I would love to write about each studio and give more time to each artist. But, due to the sheer volume of artworks, I'm not able to do that this time.

​I highly recommend that you visit The Silos at Sawyer Yards for yourself and plan to spend an entire day. 

In addition to visiting galleries and artists' studios, I have been busily working on some new projects - some on paper, some on glass. I haven't worked on the second medium for decades, so I thought I'd make a stencil for one project, but I liked it so much that I colored it in and framed it instead! Check out how this piece progressed step-by-step below. The frame for this artwork is really cool. It can stand freely on a mantle or table and can also be hung on a wall. It looks MUCH better in person, so go check it out at The Madeley Fine Art Gallery. It will be on view until Saturday, December 2, 2023 (unless someone purchases it before the end of the exhibition).

"Gelato"
7"H x 5"W x 2"D
Sharpie Marker, Colored Pencils
79.00 framed

On the first Friday of every month, the Conroe Art League hosts Artists in Action from 4 - 7:00p. at The Madeley Fine Art Gallery in Conroe, TX. On one particular Friday night in October, yours truly and several other members of the Conroe Art League created our artworks LIVE for visitors to the gallery. (See photos below.)

​If you'd like to come and chat with me while I work on artwork or bring along extra creations for a Mini Show, I am up at the gallery two or three times a month. This is my November schedule:

Saturday, November 18 / 1:30p. - 4:00p.
Saturday, November 25 / 1:30p. - 4:00p.

October 21st saw Conroe Art League alum, Jeff Lung, showcasing his art at The Woodlands Pride Fest. I was busy working a booth for Unity of The Woodlands with fellow church members at the fest. We were creating a different kind of art: Face Painting and Glitter Tattoos! We also handed out bracelets and HUGS. It was a great day of fun. If you missed it, you'll have to check it out next year. Lots of booths and fun things to do for absolutely everyone! (See photos below.)

Gosh, so much to say about art this fall, but there's just not room for all of it here. At least I can show you a few more artworks I completed. These were created using Sharpie Markers, colored pencils, gel pens and Sharpie oil paint pens. Joy Vortex is on paper, the other two on cardstock.

"Euphoria"
7"H x 5"W x 2"D
Sharpie Marker, Colored Pencils
SOLD

​Before I go, you'll want to know about the very BEST place to find artisan goods and artworks for holiday gift giving. Tuesday, November 14th sees the opening of the Fine Arts & Crafts Market at The Madeley Fine Art Gallery which runs through Saturday the 18th. Twelve artists (including myself) will have everything from Christmas ornaments to fine jewelry available. Prices start as low as 10.00 and go up. Shopping local has never been this much fun! 

​Happy Holidays Everyone!!!

Working on a project this evening that will be donated in January. I'll let you know how it turns out as it progresses. G'night all!

Good Evening Art Lovers!

I hope you all had a nice Labor Day weekend and are recovering from your first full day back at whatever your usual routine is. I was busy making art both Saturday and Sunday. Monday I caught up on a lot of busy work. While we usually think of the recent holiday as the close of summer that's just not the case here in Southeast Texas. In fact, it is 98 degrees as I write this at 6:33p. Staying indoors in the A/C working on biz stuff suited me just fine yesterday. Today, let's talk about ART!

My last post saw the beginning of a small artwork which is now finished. To give you some idea of how deceptively difficult these little stream-of-consciousness drawings can be, the bottom portion of "Drip" (see below) took over 3 hours. I think I spent about 7 or 8 hours total from start to completion.

The entire artwork is created with Sharpie markers and colored pencils (of varying brands). The bottom portion of the drawing is made up of hundreds of tiny 1/16 - 1/8" marks in six different colors. There are eight blended colors used in the background with a total of 19 different colors used in all. I can't really charge what this piece is worth, but that's okay. It was an intricate labor of love. 

"Drip"
4"H x 6"W
Sharpie Marker, Colored Pencils
59.00 (framed)

Here's another little artwork that I recently completed (see below)...

​"Intersections"
4"H x 6"W
Sharpie Marker, Colored Pencils
49.00 (framed)

These STUTZ artworks and several more will be on view at the Madeley Fine Art Gallery beginning Saturday, September 9. I'm not sure how many other artists' works will be on view during this month's group show but, from what I've seen today (I was up at the gallery for a bit), the variety and quality is second to none. I am humbled and honored to be among those represented. Join us for our Opening Reception on 9/9 from 6 - 8:00p. Light refreshments will be served. Here's the 411 for your GPS:

Madeley Fine Art Gallery
127 Simonton Street
Conroe, TX 77301
​936-756-9572

In case you are not able to make the show this weekend, stop by and have a chat with me during the week! I'll bring a bunch of my drawings in addition to those already on display this month. You can catch me from 1:30 - 4:00p. on these days:

Thursday, September 7
Thursday, September 14
Thursday, September 21

You can also visit the gallery any Tuesday - Thursday 11:00a. - 4:00p. and Friday & Saturday 11:00a. - 8:00p.

Hope to see you there!

But, wait...There's more...

I would be remiss if I did not mention Magnolia's newest art destination: Tartaglia Fine Art. I stopped in and had a lovely chat with it's founder, Danna Tartaglia, a couple of Sundays ago. She features not only her own creations, but also the offerings of several other local artists. The artworks are of the highest quality. Most are representational oil paintings, but also some ceramics and jewelry. If you have little interest in contemporary abstract paintings, color field studies and the like, no worries. You'll find none of that here. But, if jaw droppingly beautiful, traditional masterworks are what you yearn for, make the drive to Tartaglia. (See photos, below.)

You can view these works and so much more by visiting the gallery in person:

Tartaglia Fine Art
905 Honea Egypt Road
Magnolia, TX 77354
805-844-0908

I have a couple of other tidbits before I go.

First, if you are an artist that is new to the area and you're not quite sure what opportunities would be a good fit for you, I highly recommend reaching out to Suzanne Buckland and ask to be on her mailing list. Somehow she seems to know everything that is going on art wise in Houston and beyond. I receive her newsletter and I'm always amazed at how many artist opportunities are listed!

Also, you can reach out to me personally by leaving a comment in the box below (just click the link). I'm happy to show artists and art lovers around to all my favorite art haunts and am always exploring new venues. Let's stay in touch!

Greetings Art Lovers!

I'm taking a break from drawing this evening so that I can post a brief update before turning in.

But first, and just for grins and giggles, take a look at a small work I started right before taking my break...

I think collectively we're all wishing for rain so perhaps that's what came through on this little stream-of-consciousness drawing. I'll be sure to post again when it is all finished.

​In the meantime, if you'd like to see a whole bunch of my tiny artworks in one place, you can stop by the Conroe Art League. I'll be there in person from 1:30p. - 4:00p. on these dates:

Wednesday 8/16
Thursday 8/17
Thursday 8/31

In addition to the work that is already on display there, I will bring a dozen or more of my own works arranged in a mini show at the front desk.  But, that's not all! There are 54 other artworks by CAL member artists. Drop in, enjoy beautiful art and have a chat! Here's a sneak peak at just a few of the artworks that are available to view and purchase this month (see below).

BTW, CAL is rebranding. Going forward all posts on social media and elsewhere will read: Madeley Fine Art Gallery home of the Conroe Art League. 

In other news...

I heard a rumor from a couple of artists that some of our local galleries in The Woodlands had closed recently, so I spent an afternoon investigating. Here's what I learned:

 Studio in The Woods is sadly no more.

Mossrock Studio & Fine Art Gallery, on the other hand, did not close. It is still open, but not keeping their regular hours. It's a great gallery, but if you want to go there, call first: 281-684-4411

Just down the street from Mossrock is Frame Craft Lampros Gallery. They are definitely still in business! I was not allowed to take photos which means there's nothing to show here, folks. However, I can tell you that there are many high quality artworks on view at this establishment. I spent a very pleasant hour chatting with David and looking at art. He could not have been nicer. Vickie, the owner, said that their website has not been updated in a long time, so I'll leave you all with their info in case you want to stop by:

Frame Craft Lampros Gallery
26106 Oakridge Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
281-367-6526
Monday - Saturday: 9:00am - 6:00pm

I also heard that the Glade Cultural Center (see February 2023 blog post) had closed. I can neither confirm nor deny this. Their website is down and their LinkedIn page has not been updated in many months. I also have not had time to stop by. If anyone knows one way or the other, feel free to post in the comments below. 

So, what the heck is happening around here? Well, the area is growing. Things change. Some of our cozy little art niches have been here a long time. Owners move on to other things. Fortunately, there's an abundance of creativity in this region. And, guess what...?

While I was at Frame Craft Lampros Gallery I learned about a NEW gallery that just opened! Expect an update in the next post after I visit Tartaglia Fine Art in Magnolia, TX. I cannot wait to check it out!

​'Til then, g'night all!

"Searching for..."
4"H x 6"W 
Colored Pencils, Sharpie Marker, #497 Pencil
SOLD

Good Evening Art Fans,

​What a fun couple of weeks it has been! I'll do my best to hit the highlights about recent happenings as well as those that are coming up soon. Here we go!!!

On Saturday 7/15, I attended Ardest Gallery's "Abstraction" opening reception. It really was my intention to slip in quietly, check out the show and leave. But, I ended up meeting the nicest people, having some laughs, great conversations and, well, I couldn't resist taking a few photos before I left. If you weren't there, here's a sliver of what you missed. (Click the photos for links to 2 of the artists personal web pages.)

The middle of last week saw me doing something I've never done before. Conroe Art League hosts figure drawing and portrait painting groups several times a month. So, just for grins and giggles (and 50.00) I offered to be one of their models. This group looks for all kinds of body types, but since they need models to hold poses for up to 20 minutes over the course of a 3 hour period, folks with experience in yoga, dance and similar disciplines are preferred. (That's me!) It was a real joy to hang out with these artists while I offered a variety of yoga, Thai Chi and a couple of sitting poses. Doing what I enjoy while the artists do what we all love. How fun is that? The only way it could have been better would have been if I brought my pets...but you can't have everything! ;-P

If you are interested in joining this group or being one of their models, contact Vickie Nash: [email protected] / 713-249-2956 

When the modeling was over I took a photo of myself with the group. Then I took individual photos of each of their sketches. What I find most interesting is how each artist has a completely different take on the exact same subject matter. Isn't that cool? (See below.)

Hey, BTW, remember that little drawing I started right before I participated in CAL's Artists in Action? Well, I finished it. Let me know what you think about it (or anything at all) in the comments box at the bottom of this blog post!

"(We are all) Black Stars (thanks, David)"
6"H x 4"W 
Colored Pencils, Sharpie Marker
45.00 (framed)

Art always looks better in person, so before I wrap this up I want to post some upcoming events. Get out there, look at art and have some fun! :-D

Ardest Gallery
25200 Grogan's Park Dr.
The Woodlands, TX 777380
Saturday, July 29 / 6pm

Ekphrastic Poetry Reading with Dave Parsons, 2011 Texas Poet Laureate

Dave Parsons will read and discuss the ekphrasis process and his and other poets’ poems in response to the artwork that includes iconic paintings of contemporary artists and those of some of the masters such as Gustave Courbet, Auguste Renoir, and Van Gogh.
To register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/679127357207

Conroe Art League
127 Simonton Street
Conroe, TX 77301
Saturday, August 5 / 6 - 8pm

Member's Show - Opening Reception

We always have a broad variety of artworks in different mediums and styles. I'll have several new works of my own on display that I guarantee you have not seen, yet. We also have a new sculpture garden to show you. Bring your friends!

Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church
1370 North Millbend Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Saturday, August 12 / 6 - 7:30pm

Local Artists' Show - Opening Reception

Sadly, I can not link to the church's website this time because some meanie hacked them. But, I can assure you that there will be beautiful artwork in the form of wall art, ceramics, jewelry and more! A concert will follow at 7:30p. Call Northwoods for more details: 281-298-2780