Focused on the good!!
I’m sitting here reflecting on my many reasons I have to be thankful. So I thought I would share some of the highlights here on my blog. I hope to inspire you to find the positives in your life as well. The more time we spend on all the good, no matter how small, the more good will happen.
Next Event and last event of 2024!
This will be my third time showing at Covenant Health’s Artsclamation. It will happen on Dec 7th, 2024 from 9am-4pm. There is also a preview party on the 6th if youre interested. You can find all the details on the website: Artsclamation2024
Winning a gallery contract.
My most recent thing to be thankful for is being in an exhibit and winning a gallery contract. As you know I’m still sort of new to the Knoville area and I’ve been looking at opportunities to show my work. I was made aware of The District Gallery and that my paintings might be a good fit for thier space. It just happened to be around the samer time they had a call for art for “The Big Tiny Art Show.” I submitted four paintings and was juried into the event. When my wife and I showed up to the event we were pleasantly surprised to see my award.
The great thing is you can also visit this show online too! Click here: “Big Tiny Show” Please check out the quality of art that was in this exhibit. I was blown away by all the talent. I know I’ll be going back to spend a little more time looking at the work. It’s nice to have a packed gallery for the reception, but it’s hard to see the work. Good problem to have:)
A look at some of the patrons at The District Gallery’s Big Tiny Show.
Hiking in the Smoky’s
A second thing I’m gratefull for is being so close to the Smoky Mountains. Tracy and I love to hike and try to take advantage of being close to the mountains. Just a few weeks ago we hiked up to Mount LeConte. This was one of many hikes we made to the top. Only this time we didn’t get to stay the night. It just happens to be the 100th anneversary of the Lodge at LeConte so we went up to get a t-shirt. The only way to get the t-shirt that says I hiked Mount LeConte, is to buy it at the lodge:)
One goal Tracy and I have is to hike all 900 miles of trails in the Smoky’s. Right now we have close to 100 of those miles done. Seems like a long ways from 900 but we know we can do it if we just plan our hikes and stick to a schedule. I’m sure this will encourge me to create more outdoor themed artwork.
“Mountain Memories” 18×18″
On our way to LeConte on a cold rainy morning.
The Drawing South Podcast w/ Mike Mitchell.
I’m so thankful for all my creative friends. I’ve been lucky enough to meet a lot of great people over the years. Mike Mitchell, (aka: MikeWindy or Cowboy Concept) is one of those. Mike and I have done several things over the years. I won’t go through that long list, but I will reccoment listening to his podcast. I’ve been on Drawing South once before and just the other day he visited and we did a second, and third. I’m sure he will release those last two here soon. The thing I love most about his podcast is that it’s not an interview with artist. It’s more like youre easdropping in on a conversation between two artists. I’ll also note, the conversation covers a lot more than just art. That’s what makes it so interesting. You get to see how regular life events effect art and the maker.
Please go check out the Drawing South Podcast on all platforms. Also make sure and look up Mike and see all his talent. He’s and educator, musician, podcaster, artist, and the list goes on. Here’s a link to his website that has all other links: MikeWinndyArt
Mike hanging out at the house in the morning light.
Mornings on the porch.
Aside from makinng art, two other things to love do is drink coffee and sit on my porch. For a while now I have it a point to take care of myself. I want to grow older being healthy. Both physicaly and mentally. I have made time each morning to sit and enjoy the sunrise and just take it in. The view from my back porch makes it even better. I’m just amazed at how different every morning can be. Even when the clouds and fog cover the rising sun I still love how peacful I feel beinng in the moment. I highly recommend giving yourself an hour to just sit and think. Leave the screen alone and let your mnd wonder. It’s been life changing for me.
A quick list of other things I’m thankful for:
- John and Talbott withThe Copper Fox Gallery for sharing my work with thier customers in Leipers Fork, Tennessee.
- Don Cartwright with Kore Gallery for sharing my work in Louisville, Kentucky.
- Vienna Coffee Company: Maryville Vienna Coffee Housefor allowing local artists to show thier work. I’ve enjoyed seeing other artists work and sharing my own.
- Podcast and books! I have a long list of these that I love diving into. I’m going to share just a few here. Top Three Podcast: Drawing South w/ MikeWinndy, The Knowledge Project w/ Shane Parrish, and the Huberman Lab. Recent Books: Art & Fear (I’ve read this several times), 101 Essays that will change the way you think by Brianna Wiest, The Practice of Groundedness by Brad Stulberg.
I could go on for days, but one last, but not least, You! Thank you for following my journey. I hope the art and the thoughts I share bring value into your life. I’m am forever grateful for all my family and friends. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family. I’ll see you again soon. RLP
“Drawn to the Bloom”
14″ x 11″ x 2″