In case you were wondering who has the talent in the family, look no further than my Mom. She’s an awesome, dedicated painter, woodcut artist and sculptor who has created amazing work, which only gets better. Now in her 70’s, she’s painting her best. My role model, and inspiration.

While I work from nature, Mom explores the inner landscape- her imagination takes her to worlds at which I can only wonder. She brings her vision outward and shares it with us. Her award-winning work has been exhibited nationally.

Frances’ oil painting, “Commedia”, has been juried into the Emerald Spring Exhibition at the Emerald Art Center Gallery, Springfield, Oregon. The exhibit will be held at the Center through May 29, 2009. The catalog of all the works in the exhibit will be on their website. Click on “Exhibits” and then on “2009 catalog.”

Mom is entirely responsible for my becoming an artist; as a baby I watched her work- weaving at a loom, drawing in pastels, painting in oil, cutting huge linoleum blocks and hand printing on rice paper, throwing pots on a potter’s wheel, making silver jewelry, always creating, always finding new outlets for her energy. She wouldn’t allow me to have coloring books like other kids- she very seriously told me I must learn to draw my own outlines. It was my first art lesson and a genuine gift for my future.

Mom sent me an image of her latest magnum opus: “Symphony on the Mountain” and she has graciously allowed me to share it with you. Enjoy, and Happy Mother’s Day to everyone!