Signs, signs ...everywhere a sign..

It was my plan to have a few of these signs ( shaped canvas paintings) available for each show in hopes of covering the cost of travel and lodging. They have turned into a huge demand item.

Last year when they first debuted, I inflated the price so as not to sell them before the Peoria Riverfront show. It worked, at the riverfront show I had them and lowered the price and they sold.

This year in my effort to be the Wal-mart of Art - I lowered them again. I now have a very difficult time keeping them in stock. I will be working hard this week to replenish supplies for the show in Des Moines this weekend.

The Woman has been working very hard finishing the blank canvases in the garage ( once I cut them out and get them ready she has started stretching them and giving them the first coats of gesso) giving me the opportunity to just grab some and paint. It is a huge help, and really speeds up the whole process.

Cancun

For the past week the family and I have been on vacation in the tropical paradise know as Cancun.

For the first three days at least the ocean breezes and the sound of the surf was so relaxing. I found myself sitting on the sea wall at night with The Woman and thinking that this truly must be paradise.

But , after a few days the sameness of the place began to wear on me - the same beautiful pool, the same restaurants, the same tropical breezes - it seems that even in paradise you still wish that you were home after a few days.

So the whole family is back at home - everything is getting back to normal and soon I will be gearing up for the next show in Des Moines on the weekend of the 25th and 26th of this month.

Iowa City is Awesome!!

You never know what a show will be like until you get there and do it. The staff at the show seemed to need a little help in the catering to artist's department - it is no Peoria Riverfront Show or Springfield Rees-Carilon - but it was well attended and they LOVED me.

To the point of one of the directors coming over and asking if I would like to leave some work and cards at their office and I could pick them up next year when I come back - and then leave some different things for the next year. So I guess they want me back!

I want to go back too - a great college town ( college towns love art) people where excited to see me and even bought stuff ( I love it when that happens)

It's off to Cancun and the back to the salt mine before Des Moines. I'll be relaxing with my assistant poolside for a few days.

Iowa City - then it's off to........

This weekend my assistant and I are off to Iowa City. Sort of weird but my next two shows are in Iowa. The next one is in Des Moines on the weekend of the 25th at the Varied Industries building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. ( It is really nice because it is inside and air conditioned)

But, sandwiched in between those two events is a little destination wedding for my best friends son and his beautiful fiance in Cancun. It was such an honor to be invited and now that it is almost here the anticipation is building.

So , after Iowa City, my assistant and I will be taking advantage of the all inclusive resort and the upgraded spa package - hanging around the swim out bars with our friends and family (all the kids are going too) and -oh yes - going to the wedding!!

I will be trying to keep up with the buzz of vacation and show schedule that has keep me going at a blistering pace. Right know though I have to focus on Iowa City and getting some things ready for the show.