It's been a bad month for many people. The ice storm in Northwest Arkansas was unprecendented. I lived through a similar event in the River Valley in 2000 but that was 3 days without lights. This storm was a week without electricity and heat. Two weeks ago, the first day of the ice storm, I slipped, fell on my back (I am still recovering). I also landed on my new iphone and the hours of figuring it out are for nothing. There wasn't much I could do about my back but remain immobile and order my kids to keep the fire going.
Next our computer was smashed by my brother-in-law; I'm looking through a spider web of cracks.
Then the worst news---we lost my dear father-in-law. This has absorbed our thoughts and energies, and the world will forever be empty without him.
We still don't have heat, hot water, or internet and I have realized how we are spoiled! The spring will bring new thoughts and a stronger back....here's to hope.
As for my painting plans; I have much to work on the Choctaw; it's been three weeks since I"ve picked up a brush!
I am donating a portrait to a school in Houston needing money. Connections in Houston would be great. I have no pictures of anything, but after what we've been through I forgive myself! I'll be back in the swing of things soon.
Finally, I am back in the saddle. The recent back injury during the ice storm really affected everything. It was hard enough to get the basics done much less paint. The is in stage one, and I couldn't get the blue tint out of the photo, but I think it will turn out interesting. The canvas is smoother than I am used to, it makes the oil paint slide around like watercolor. I think this will turn out interesting; I'm excited to get further into my subject-Choctaw. The more I paint these horses the more creative I can become.
I am painting this small series for a private school in Houston. The next one will be a black and white painting of "Emily." This is oils, 20/16" I would love to do more of these! 
