Cici - Artemisia, Painting

My friend Jenny took a picture of this owl in the ravine behind her house where we used to play as children. She gave me permission to paint it. At first, I thought maybe I'd bitten off more than I could chew. It took months... I almost gave up several times. But I stuck with it, and glad I did. To be clear: I did not work on it daily for months. I don't have that kind of discipline. I have to step away regularly to let a painting form itself in some other dimension. Anyway, it finally came clear, and this spirit of wisdom sits forever in the forest of our youth. Jenny's grandchildren play there these days.

This is the sycamore tree in my parents' backyard in Ohio that kept me sane while I was taking care of them both after mom's stroke. I set up my easel in the basement and painted every chance I got. This tree rises in all its glory out of the chaos and challenge of that time. I don't regret a single moment. And I'm grateful how art and nature saw me through...

I have a view of the top half of Mt. Adams from my round house in Lyle. The native name for this mountain is Pahto. The storm was a great mover of energy.