October has been jam packed month. Luckily, it's all good news. I'll start with the competitions.

My painting "Coke Carrier" exhibited in the 32nd Annual Northern National Art Competition and won top prize, an Award of Excellence - outstanding for a little 12" x 12" piece! Then, later this month, "Drinking Happy Bird" picked up 3rd Place in 41st Annual Whitewater Valley Art Competition. 

To add to the excitement, McCormick Gallery found a home for "Kik Bak Paddle Board", a painting that goes back to my first solo show.

Finally, the most exciting news, Kate and I are officially land owners! We bought 1.5 acres in Homer Glen, IL, a southwest suburb of Chicago. It's a heavily wooded corner lot in a unique 3 home cul-de-sac; soon to be 4. We are beyond excited to start building our dream home.   

Today I completed the "Royal Empress" typewriter painting, my most intricate and time consuming piece to date. I'm aware I'm not the first artist to paint a typewriter, but I must say that not only is this the coolest typewriter I've seen, it was also my grandmother's.

My grandmother grew up during the depression and had a husband serve in the 2nd World War. She was one of those strong, independent women of the Greatest Generation. As for many after the war, the 50's were a good economic time and they built their dream home in 1964. They furnished it with many mid-century modern pieces of the time - an era and style I've really come to appreciate.

Like many who lived through the depression, my grandparents kept and saved most of what they worked for. Nothing of value was tossed because it fell out of fashion. I believe this is why this typewriter was never replaced. It still served it's purpose for all the years my grandma used it. Perhaps this is also a testament to the craftsmanship of the piece.

With that said, both my parents worked when I was a kid and as a result, I spent a lot of time at my grandparent's house. I have fond memories there and seeing my grandma typing away on this Royal typewriter is one of them. No, she wasn't an author, but she was a damn good record keeper and librarian; from every receipt to book she owned, which was many to say the least.

My grandmother battled dementia/Alzheimer's for the last several years, and was forced to sell the house in 2018. While helping clean out her home, I came across the typewriter. I hadn't seen it in years - what a mid-century gem! Most typewriters are square and boxy, but this Royal Empress is sleek and curvy. It's also very large, weighing 33 lbs. I knew when I saw it, it would make a great painting.     

​Unfortunately, my grandmother never would see this painting completed. After many years of declining health, she passed away this June at the age of 93. I feel part of her will live on in this painting and I'm thankful for all the wonderful memories.

​On a random side note, it occurred to me this will be my last painting I will complete in my 20's. Ugh, 30...