When I was a young artist, long before social media, I worried about exposing myself to too much art. Can you imagine? I didn’t want to be influenced! But learning from others is wonderful. Think exploration and homage, rather than “ripping off.”

Oooh! What medium?

Pets and chin scratches.

“You’re so talented!”

True. I’ve recently retired from teaching art, pre k through 6, and got up every day at five to paint before school because after the bell rang I was a mess.

I think my work is hilarious!

160 down, twelve million nine hundred ninety-nine thousand eight hundred forty to go. Should take about 222 years and how much $$$?

I’ve been at it for decades and gave up the idea of a career years ago. I still paint every damn day. My work is better than ever imo, but it’s a secret! Shhh! Carry on, if only to please yourself.

I get up at 4 or 5 and go straight to the studio. I’m fresh and everyone else is asleep. Feels so illicit.