Two layers of " New Zealand Rock Lobster" which I started in early June after seeing Matisse's work at SFMOMA. I started by methodically filling in the shadows and details. The completed work is black, red and yellow with bright blue accents to heighten the contrast. I continue to be inspired by Matisse as I read his 2 part biography by Hilary Spurling. I'm currently finishing "The Unknown Matisse".

Time has flown by since my last post in May. Philadelphia and environs is replete with fabulous public gardens and a stupendous museum, equally nurturing for my creativity. On Memorial Day, I visited the SF Museum of Art for my first visit to the Stein Collection show with my friend and fellow artist Erin. We were amazed and delighted at the excellent quality and breadth of the show- I am enraptured by Matisse and Cezanne and have made repeated visits. In June I saw the Picasso show at the De Young for the first time- followed by a second visit a few days later. My creativity was galvanized by Picasso, deeply inspired by the variety and originality of his work.

The completed version of the large "frogfish" painting. Now I'm off to Philadelphia for 5 days to look at lovely estate gardens.

I am extremely pleased to announce that I have sold a giclee- high quality fine art print - of "Diodon holocanthus I " today. He was included in my show at Bucci's restaurant in January .

The first,second and third layer of my large frogfish painting, the fourth and final layer still to be completed.

This is the frogfish that I painted last week, in a 16" by 20" format. I'm working on a full sheet size this week- 22" by 30". I am totally captivated by the subject and the process of painting, a winning combination.

I'm so excited about Dr. Ellen Prager's new book Sex, Drugs and Sea Slime:the oceans'oddest creatures and why they matter.I heard her talking about it today on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross. I ordered the book after checking their website for a fabulous slide show of these creatures plus an excerpt from the book. I sense a new source of inspiration !