New Instructional Book

I just completed writing this new instructional book "Painting the Red-Phased Eastern Screech Owl". It is a supplemental to the "Carving & Painting the Western Screech Owl" book. I am in the process of printing up the initial batch of books now. If you are interested in ordering this book I can turn it around within the week. The cost is $25.00 plus $6.00 for S&H. That will go out priority mail.

First Art Show for 2012

Last week I participated in my first art show for the year. It was the Western Heritage Artist Group Show held in Great Falls Montana. The show was a success in many ways. Not strictly looking at the dollars at the end of the show, but looking at the whole package.

Having been out of my mind and element for so long it felt good to get back out there and interact with people again. Being able to catch up with a number of friends I haven't seen in over a year. Discuss future projects which is always good to be looking 1, 2, even three years down the road. Work out trades between fellow artists for each others work. And simply get a change of pace to help my mind continue to move forward.

It will still take some time, but I do feel as though I'm making progress and each show, each class, each competition, and each project helps keep me moving in the right direction. I might only have the mind and energy for 50% mode, but at least it's moving now.

Just yesterday I was finally able to sit down and go through all my projects that were placed on hold over the past couple years and re-prioritize and layout the next years work I have on the books. Just doing this turned out to be a lot of fun for me as it meant my mind is getting ready to turn things on. I even worked in my studio until about 9pm painting an Eastern Screech Owl in Red coloration. I'm calling this my "Catch Up Year". Catch up on all those projects that were placed on hold.

This Screech Owl project I'm working on once done will then turn into a painting book that many people have been anxiously waiting for. A couple more weeks from no I hope to have that book available for everyone. Those who have been patiently waiting I have to thank for your patience while I get my head back in line.

Until my next posting, thanks to everyone again for your patience and support.

Jerry...

A lot of time has passed

I just wanted to drop a quick update as it has been quite some time since I've been able to do much and I'm sure many have wondered how things are going.

Many know that my wife was diagnosed with cancer in August of 2010 and since then I've been focusing on her and her needs. In the midst of all this, my mom was also diagnosed with cancer about the same time. She passed away near the end of January this past year (2011), so there was that taking my mind away from things during that time frame.

Then my wife's dad started having problems and needed help. During May and June we both went over from time to time to care for him and my wife's mom. I was placed in charge of there estate and there care. By the end of June he passed away and we then decided to move Kate's mom in with us to care for. This required me taking care of there estate and getting everything in order.

During this same time my wife (Kate) was fighting infections left and right and started going down again. Near the end of Sept. she passed away. This left me with another close loss to try and deal with along with taking care of her mom and now two estates to get in order.

The rest of the year was spent getting the estates in order, selling the in-laws home and most of there odds and ends. I was still taking care of her for as long as I was able. Later in the year (November time frame), she was noticeably worse as far as mental and physical strength. After some research I determined she had advanced with her dementia. By January this was confirmed by our doctor. She had evolved to moderate to extreme state of dementia and requiring me placing her in a memory care facility close to her family in the Portland area. My taking care of her was a 24/7 job not allowing me any time for myself nor my work.

I just completed moving her into a great place that can handle her progression without needing to move her again. I am now back home with some catching up to do on the personal matters, but will soon be getting my life back in order and yes, getting back to work and creating new sculptures again.

Some might be asking if I will be going back to Worlds this year. I made that decision this week with the help of the Ward Foundation notifying me that they would like me to judge this year. I might not have anything to compete with this year, but I will at least get back there and start getting my juices flowing again. I will look forward to seeing everyone again and catching up on the finer parts of life.

As I progress I will be posting more. Thanks for your patients and understanding during this past year and some odd months.

Jerry...