"Lazy Days"

9X12 oil on canvas

$175

A few thoughts about the New Year…

As I’ve written before, I have somewhat unorthodox views on New Year’s resolutions (I know…there’s a shocker). I only believe in making resolutions that are highly attainable, such as resolving to eat more ice cream. And the last time I wrote about this, I stated that I would resolve not only to eat more ice cream but to dance more…to dance a fandango with great abandon, though I don’t really know what a fandango is or what it entails. One hopes it does not involve any poles.

But I’m resolving to do a few things differently this year, including some changes to my blog. For the most part, I will be writing shorter posts, but with more frequency. My first online auction went well and was great fun, so I’ll probably have more.

You will notice that I now have a PayPal on this blog. This can be used not only for purchasing work, but also to pay for deposits on workshops.

About workshops…I’m hoping to do more out-of-town workshops, so please contact me if you would like to have me do a workshop for your art league, or if you would like to get together a group of your own choosing. I’m also offering private lessons for those of you who have very busy schedules, or if you think you want more intense one-on-one. I can offer a private class for one or two people, and the cost will be $100 (per person, in the case of 2 people) for a 2 to 3 hour session…in my private studio.

And I’d like to explain a little more about my CafePress store. I hope that you’ll check it out (http://www.cafepress.com/maryhortmanfineart). But in addition to what you see on the page, I can custom make any item that CafePress offers (they offer hundreds of items in addition to the ones on my CafePress page). I can also custom design items with any painting of mine…as long as I have a digital photo of it. For example, if you have a favorite painting that you would like as a mouse pad, you can just contact me, and I’ll set it up.

Wow…I’m tired just reading this. I probably should go have a bowl of ice cream in preparation for the fandango that will shortly ensue.