So, the black walnut is reminiscent of my younger years and I still love the flavor of the nut. The fun is getting the meat out of the shell because it can't just get cracked with a nutcracker..a hammer or brick works every time.  Great memories!!...healthy eating.  This painting is oil on canvas and I cut it out to give the painting personality.  Its hanging on my wall but could be used for a place mat too...(later in 2017)

I call this one simply "HorSEY".  Its oil pastel sticks on a cardboard thing used as a cover in a coffee maker package.  It made a perfect frame for him.  I think it shows I'm trying to come back to painting.  School took the drive away for a little while but its in me so I'm at it again.  Being 71 tho, well, I hope you enjoy my work.  Times have changed for sure. (02/2018)

These are "Chickie" and "Diva" respectfully.  Both were finished in the later months of 2017.

So now we are into the year 2018.  Today is the 9th and so far so good.  I have applied to the U of M to work on my MFA.  I applied in December but found out I won't hear back until February and school will start in September.  Lordy!!  I thought I would be in there by now but this means I have lots of time to prepare. I'm excited actually because I made this decision and I'm going to see it through.  I'll be close to 74 or 75 when I'm done.  Amazing isn't it?  Maybe I will finally get to share the work I do on a level that matters.  Who knows...but as I said, I'm excited about it.

2018 came in and so far it feels good.  Time will tell.

I have been painting a little and I will share so with that...thanks for being here.

Update: U of M MFA did not work out so on to the next thing whatever that may be.  (03/2018) I will keep you posted...

Here are a few more I've been playing around with since 2015.  I thought I had quit painting but I guess I haven't.   Its a part of me and now its a part of my daughter.  Mr. Brice, me and now her.  Life is good!!!

                                                        This one is simply "friends".

This is "Elle".

                                                    This one is called "The Visitors".

June 13, 2017

In a few days I'll be 71 years in age.  71!  I am still me on the inside but sometimes I have to do a double take when I see my image when passing a window or in the mirror.  Its all good tho, all good.  I now have a new mouth so to speak and yes, my speaking should improve because my appearance surely has.  I think I'm happier and more confident just within the last week which is how long I've had this new adjustment.  These days I am in a flux because I don't have a direction, a real purpose.  I figure I do but I haven't figured out what it is.  My conclusion is to get past this birthday and maybe find a place to volunteer to get me out of here and then maybe find a little parttime something or other to boost my income.  I don't think its going to get to the point of greatness simply because I am the age that I am and this world does not recognize too many old people in the employment world.

Well, I just spilled my guts this morning and maybe I feel better putting it out there.  Whatever!  I'm two days shy of being 71!

This is my latest art piece. 

70

I'm 70 now...life is what it is but its all good, so far!

We are leaving 2016 in a few weeks.  I am 70 years in age at this writing and eager to see what lies ahead for me.  I did get a BA degree in May 2016 and my thoughts are to continue for an MFA or something.  I'm just not sure right now.  My painting has been put aside.  I decided to pour everything into studying because basically I was doing nothing worthwhile.  Life had taken a turn and it wasn't all bad but it wasn't all good either.  Now I am painting again and I'm thinking this is my gift and I should use it because its what I am, its what I have and really, its not so bad.

With this, I will be back in 2017.  Happy New Year!