Beckoning Path

Beckoning Path, 12 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

SOLD

St. Simons is a barrier island connected to the mainland by a causeway and bridges that cut through the marsh. The causeway has great views of wide open marshland and ever-changing waterways; and it's a favorite place of mine to paint. 

A New Road and an unexpected detour

A New Road, L. Daniel, 6 x 8, SOLD

Some new directions beckon like a siren song... we see the road and long to follow it. But some paths take us on unexpected detours we would rather avoid. I am currently on one of those life detours....


One week before Thanksgiving I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Although this was a really scary news to receive, it was stage one, easily removed and totally treatable. Early detection made ALL the difference. I know I am fortunate - I am going to be completely well soon and am very grateful. 


Things move fast in the cancer world, and that's a good thing. But long story short... I had a lumpectomy on December 1, took a few weeks to heal from that, and had a wonderful Christmas with my family. Then, right after Christmas, I began radiation treatments - five days a week until February 17 (no chemo needed, and I am thrilled.) So far I am not experiencing side effects, but typically fatigue sets in about halfway through. I am generally pretty high energy, but I know it will hit me at some point and have adjusted my schedule accordingly. Meanwhile, I picked up my brushes this week for the first time since the diagnosis and it felt really good - THAT was a victory. 


I thank God that this detour will be a relatively short one for me. And here's the thing... trials have a way of leading us to personal growth. They help us adjust our perspective and priorities, and demand that we remember our affinities. I am trying to embrace that reality and grab onto the lessons being offered. 


Is it me, or does the sun seem to be shining just a little more brightly these days? Happy New Year to us all! 


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Follow

Follow, L. Daniel, 6 x 8, SOLD

This dirt road winds it's way through old and dense evergreens in the Pacific Northwest and it certainly cries out to be followed! I was quite taken with this area of the country and can see why folks rave about it. It seemed to me that there was a painting in every direction and I hope to go back for more! 


PS - I am now back from the Weekend with the Masters and will share some of the lessons this week. :)


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Clouds Rolling In

Clouds Rolling In, L. Daniel, 8 x 6, SOLD

A dramatic sky gets me every time. On this particular day, I was just finishing up another painting in the other direction when these clouds emerged. I couldn't stay, but I memorized the scene AND snapped a picture (you know, just in case I should forget something.)

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Sky Plumes

Sky Plumes, 6 x 6, L. Daniel, SOLD

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Oooooops! Yesterday I promised to post the larger version of "Rosy Billows" but apparently I never photographed it. This means I will not be able to do it until I get back to Austin next month. I will post both again then. So sorry (I thought I was so organized). Meanwhile, here is another small sky study. We have arrived in Georgia and I can't wait to get painting here!

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Stormy Weather

Stormy Weather, 6 x 8

Rain and cold have been the norm around these parts for the last few weeks. We have had to cancel several outdoor painting excursions due to what the weatherman calls a "wintery mix". Yes, we are wimps for complaining at all, but today the sun finally came out and it was quite wonderful. AND we have water in the lakes again - so good!

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I also want to thank Julie Davis and Roisin O'Farrell for giving me the Sunshine Award for positive and creative blogging. Thank you both so much, I am very happy to receive this!