Ah, what we can learn from putting ourselves out there, taking the fruits of our artistic labors and hanging them plainly on walls in good light for the world to see while it’s snacking on cheese and wine. This was my moment in the sun last Friday, at the JRB Art at the Elms Gallery in the Paseo district of Oklahoma City.

All the months of hard work and creative output resulted in a collection of works I was proud to show. There was a great turnout. I talked myself hoarse and met a lot of new people who liked my art. I answered some great questions, got a lot of good comments. My friends were there. We had excellent music and the band even let me sit in on a few numbers (banjos open up a lot of doors). I was exhausted by the time the last reveler left and the doors shut.

The John Arnold Bluegrass Band wows them at the JRB Gallery: Gary Howe, fiddle, John Arnold, guitar, Bob French, banjo

What did I learn? That I’m most productive when I have a goal in mind (read: an exhibit), that it’s good to paint in series, that it’s possible to say too much about your work (when eyes glaze over, you’ve said enough) and you never know what’s going to catch someone’s fancy.

Out of all of those bird paintings to pick from, the piece that sold was The Poodle (title: Fifi’s French Twist). A great favorite of mine as well.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to grab my sketchbook. I heard there’s a dog show somewhere around here, and I’d hate to miss the Dachshund event. In the meantime, if you are in Oklahoma City this month, stop by the JRB for a look at the show- all comments are welcome!

Fifi’s French Twist, pastel and graphite on paper, 16″ x 28″