Berkshire Asset Management in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, is changing its logo and brand from the profile of a dog's head to a tree in every season. Ken Krogulski joined Berkshire in 1990 after serving eleven years as senior portfolio manager for the First Eastern Bank trust company. They have stood the test of time, weathering all seasons with clients locally and globally. Hence the impetus for the painting was born: a tree in all seasons, and a bridge (the very gorgeous Market Street Bridge!) 'bridging' clients near and far. Ken asked for a red cardinal in the painting to honor the clients who have passed. We agreed to add the dog's silhouette, albeit subtle.... can you find it? What a great project and so rewarding to see this 4' x 6' acrylic commission hung in such a beautiful conference room overlooking public square. Thank you Ken!

Drive or walk by Marquis Art and Frame -122 South Main Street, Wilkes- Barre and  see a new series of abstracts which were produced and inspired during the lockdown.  The overall theme is how we are all connected and our conscious and unconscious thoughts and actions matter.  If time allows, go inside to see the rest of the series!  : )

This almost third grader speaks very few words.  She speaks through her art - and my oh my..... what she does 'say'......

Most of this summer I have been working on a jungle themed mural for the Wyoming Valley Children's Association in Forty Fort, PA.  It's been a blast and I smiled the entire time, animals have a way of making me do that plus the staff and kids are the BEST!  I'm so blessed to add to the renovations! 

                            Studio view with Coronavirus Series 

                               Prep for next commission

He said:   "I saw your post about a detailed view, but haven't seen the finished piece" which prompted me to share my studio walls.  : )   I tacked up a new canvas today for a commissioned piece.  Love the bit of light (spirit!) on the floor! 

The huge blank canvases stared at me for a week.  I began.  It evolved and is evolving.  Here are two detailed views. 

                                        detail of C19 1

                                           detail of C19 2

Once upon a time,  in Wilkes- Barre, Pennsylvania, there was a store window that displayed candies like these.  Once upon a time.  

A grade school friend who cats are her 'children' commissioned me to do painting for her beloved upcoming birthday.  The piece was to be a sort of collage celebrating the cats they have had together.  Two new kittens in the center, Magic and Dawson, are surrounded by Peanut, Simon, Dori, and Koko who have passed the rainbow bridge.  Oh, and of course there's George - the  parrot... he got a spot in the painting as well. : )

                  'As Above, As Below 1' acrylic, collage on panel 30" x 30" 

               'As Above, As Below 2' acrylic, collage on panel 30" x 30" 

              'As Above, As Below 3' acrylic, collage on panel 30" x 30" 

              'As Above, As Below 4' acrylic, collage on panel 30" x 30" 

Feathers stop me in my tracks.  They exude mysticism, power and freedom.  I think about birds a lot, how it must feel to catch a 'wave of air' and ride it.  These paintings show a feather catching a 'wave of air'. 

                                                      'Ginger'

                                                    'Brady'

                                                   'Juice'

                                                         'Jazzy' 

It was the season for dogs!  And how I loved doing every brush stroke of these four legged beauties!!!  Some have passed, some soon, and some just born but I am told the reaction was the same.....utter joy, happiness and gratitude for 'preserving' their 'best friend'.  Thank you for thinking of me to do your beloved pet portraits! xxoo

He said:  "the portrait brought tears to her eyes and he was touched that someone would paint him.  On the wall it will forever hang." 

Steve Taren, the owner of Wet Paint came to me a couple months ago with the idea to give ode to the pop artist movement in the actual word ART. Along with two boys on 1970's banana bikes looking up at Mary Poppins, a young couple cuddling, cats, dogs, and spontaneity to allow for 'art in process'. I began the studies and the collaboration began. Back and forth, changes, deletes, additions, until the very end which was yesterday. The "A" was given to Keith Haring, "R" to Andy Warhol, and "T" to Roy Lichtenstein. The idea was to show 'ART IN PROGRESS' with the artist on scaffolding creating with their supplies around the scene. The 'artist' seen as a preliminary gesture study - the beginning- yet also depicted in a ghost like image to suggest the artist 'leaves' yet 'remains'. The cardinals were added at the end to represent our mothers who both have passed. They are in full color - with us every brushstroke of the way. For the past month the residents of South Wilkes-Barre walked by and gave such genuine support and gratitude for the positive addition to their neighborhood. They were awesome. This is the eighth project Steve and I have done together, and not the last!

                           'Skye and student deciding on which color to use next'

What to do when presented with a big cardboard box, paint, scissors and unlimited solutions?  After this project I reread what I underlined in "Encouraging Creativity in Art Lessons' by George Szekely : "The main thing we want students to take home with them after the art course is over in not a collection of artworks but a knowledge of how to set off on a personally safisfying adventure that may last them throughout their lives."