I always considered my self a figure painting!

That statement may surprise some of you since I been doing mostly landscapes in the last few years.  This is mainly due to lack of models.  I really like painting from life, not photos.  Cameras cannot capture all the nuances in value and color.  I turned to landscapes because material is literally EVERYWHERE.   I love trees when they're bare and you can see all the great shapes in the branches.  I love when they're leafed out and you can see how the shadows work.  They're never quite like you think they are.  I love all the colors in my garden.  And anyone familiar with my work knows my love for color.  Too, I can step out on my back patio and do "plein aire", and still have all the comforts of home.
Lately I have trying to capture more in my trees.  When an artist tries new ways it isn't as easy as it sounds, or should be.
In the meatime, age and cancer have come to our house.  One does not necessarily mean the other, but combined they increase the problems in the situation.
I hope to do better.  I guess an artist is seldom satisfied that the latest painting is the best.  It is always hardest to satisfy yourself.
I remember when I painted mostly about social realism.  I felt I did a good job.  Landscapes are pleasant and often more popular but I find it harder to please myself.  Would my work be better if I used less color?
Is my subject matter relevant?  Is it trite?  Have I lost the ability to be creative?
My cat is sleeping on the lounge next to me.  How contented he looks.  His sister is in the doorway looking at the patio  Does she see the gorgeous red amaryllis? Actually she is probably looking for lizards to catch.  Should I try to paint them?  Would anyone care?  But me, of course.
I have a mirrored hanging in my garden and love to watch the light bounce around.  But no painting would do it justice.
What is relevant today?
What work would make a difference?
Can I produce a painting that would sufficiently capture how i fell when I look at anything?  Does anybody care anymore?   Our lives seem rather superficial.  Do my viewers want beauty..or relevancy...or emotion?
Wow!  Boring!
I you're still reading maybe this will give you a clue to the artist's dilemma.
I guess I want to do all of the above.  Probably not possible.
If anyone is listening to my internal debate....tell me what you think.  Painting is a lonely occupation.  Even small feedback helps.  Let me hear from you. Pose for me!  Argue with me!  Tell me how you feel!  Help!

Life Gets in the Way...

As time passes sometimes unexpected and unavoidable things jump into our life without notice.  Over the past two years so many things have hit me and mine that it's been hard for me to catch up.  Anyone who is still watching this, thank you.  I plan to do better in the future and perhaps a little more behind the scenes.