Even though I explained what was going to happen to Miss Mocha multiple times throughout the week, she still didn't understand this morning when she didn't get her breakfast soft food at her normal time. As a result, she chose to sing me the song of her people at maximum volume for an hour. #cats

Florence Mills came to fame during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920’s. When offered an opportunity to perform in the Ziegfield Follies she declined. Instead she took a role in an all-black production. She did this to “give my people the opportunity of demonstrating that their talents are equal.”

The new view from my couch. Post-flood I decided to shift some energy by moving furniture and art. These three pieces were done specifically for this space. They make me happy every time I sit on the couch. It will look rather jungle-y during the winter when my outdoor plants come inside. #abstract

A friend asked me to do a drawing of her daughter. She sent me a number of photographs to work from, but the one this is based on drew me in. It’s a beautiful picture of a beautiful woman, commissioned by her beautiful mother. #charcoaldrawing #charcoalportrait #portrait #portraitdrawing #kcartist

You never know where a commission will come from. The storms a few weeks ago not only flooded my house, they also did minor damage to the roof. The new roofer and I were talking art and he asked if I could do a drawing for him. Of course, the answer was “yes!” On The Reservation

Three days in on this drawing. A series of incidents beyond my control are forcing me to take this one slow but I am intrigued by where she’s going. #charcoal #charcoaldrawing #portraits #sanfranciso #artist #kcartist #figurative

Three kids outside playing in the sprinkler. Mom talked Daddy into getting in one of the photos. Of course, the baby chose that moment to try and run away. Fortunately, both siblings grabbed her for all they were worth. Anyone surprised that I’m the baby, raise your hand. We’ve Got A Runner #art

A friend gave me a 3-word prompt: 1890’s, San Francisco, Chinese. When I entered that prompt in Google, a photograph named The Shoemaker, taken by Arnold Genthe around 1896 popped up. I then learned Chinatown was a segregated area, as thoroughly segregated as black districts of the South. #art

My mom, surrounded by her three children, poses in the front yard. We are all dressed in our Easter finest. I even got to wear a fancy hat. Each person in this photo reveals quite a bit about themselves and where they were in life, you just have to know the stories. Easter Memories

A friend always suspected her grandmother was of mixed heritage. She is also pretty sure that when her grandmother moved away from eastern Virginia, where many people were of mixed race, it was easier to present as white rather than deal with racism. A recent DNA test confirmed her suspicions. #art

what a visual

Looking at the reference photo it’s hard to be sure what the relationship was: Were they friends? Were they relatives? Were they more? We may never know, but in that era, female couples were accepted by society as long as they presented as roommates or friends. I hope they were happy.

Enough shock and shame for one day. I'm calling it a night.

I decided to see for myself and started checking my SSI account to see how accessible it was. Two days ago I could sign in but my account information was unavailable. Today I could no longer access my account. When I went to sign in it directed me to the page with the below message #socialsecurity

A good friend recently took a spontaneous picture of me in my studio space at Zhou B Art Center. I love this space and all the people in it. Come see me on any given First Friday, or I am there most days and would be happy to set up an appointment time. #artistlife #art #kansascity

I have laundry to do, errands to run, and I need to get to the studio to paint. However, that all has to wait until Mocha is done with her nap.

People ask what I mean when I tell them I work with a limited palette; this is what it looks like. Two reds, two yellows, one blue, and white. Also in the shot are the brushes I use. Even on the 30” x 40” piece I am currently working on.

The photograph I worked from for this painting was taken in 1905. I have no idea what sort of life was ahead for this boy, but I do know that his future was limited by the attitudes and restrictions of our society at the time. Stairway To Nowhere, oil on canvas #art

“Anyone can love the mountains, it takes a soul to love the prairie. – Willa I recently went back to painting the calming Kansas prairie. I had forgotten how challenging this can actually be, but yesterday I looked at it and decided “I’m done.” #landscapepainting

A sketch from the time of the Russian invasion of Ukraine 🇺🇦. This American still stands with Ukraine. #standwithukraine

If you spend much time hanging in my studio with me, you will eventually hear me say, “I really need to sketch more.” I enjoy sketching, but I have so many paintings to create. Last weekend when a friend asked me if I would do a sketch for him, I was happy to make time. #charcoalportrait #sketch

The amazing thing is that eight years later I hesitated to post this on Linked In because I knew former coworkers might read this and be offended. Eight. Years. Later. I posted it anyway.

This is the first Ray of hope I’ve felt for a while.

For those who are playing along, I just saw that one of my diabetes medications, which was already exorbitantly expensive, tripled in cost from when I filled it earlier in the month. Wonder what changed? #diabetes

SHARE WIDELY. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. With mass deportations starting today across the country, it is vitally important - for both citizens and non-citizens - to know your rights. You have the right to remain silent. Assert it. You have the right to a lawyer. Ask for one. (1/3)

In a small café in Paris, near the Musée d'Orsay, I was fascinated by the woman sitting at the table across from me. While not classically beautiful, her features intrigued me. I could hardly take my eyes off her. Coffee and Light in Paris   #paris #cafe #oilpainting #oiloncanvas #kansascity #art

Philando Castile was pulled over by the police in July of 2016. Despite communicating clearly with the officer what he was doing, he was shot seven times at close range. The officer was later acquitted of all charges stemming from the shooting. #philandocastile #sayhisname

Tomorrow night, Saturday, January 18th, is the closing reception for the “If Only For A Moment” group exhibition at The ZhouB Art Center in Kansas City. This is a great show featuring work from all of the studio artists at the art center. #art #gallery #exhibition #oilpainting #kansascity #kcart

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."--Ralph Waldo Emerson #newyear

These are South African dancers from the musical Mkhumbane from Durban 1960. I love the joy in this piece, and due to things going on while painting it, I also feel the resurrection of claiming that joy. Jubilation and Resurrection Photographer, G.R. Naidoo. Dancers Greta Dladla and Eric Dludla

When Louis Lindley, Jr. dropped out of high school at 16 to join a rodeo, he called himself “Slim Pickens” so his father wouldn’t see his name on the entry lists. He spent 20 years as a rodeo bronco buster, trick rider and clown. In 1950, he switched to the more lucrative career of acting. #artist

Atatiana Jefferson: shot to death in her home by police in Fort Worth. Police arrived after a neighbor called stating that Jefferson's front door was open and requesting a welfare check. Atatiana went to her window to see what was going on. Within seconds she was killed with a single shot.