Today I gave a speech and a slideshow for my opening. I was amazed that the students  – at least all the ones who asked questions – could speak English well and had very intelligent questions and comments. Tammy did a fantastic job translating. I got an interview with a local newspaper. All and all, a great day. Afterwards I went to a Greek restaurant and then went by myself (there was one other single guy at the 3pm showing) to see Underworld; which I thought was fantastic.

I fielded a great question today. Someone asked me why, since I paint a lot of Christian, Buddhist and Eastern religious icons, I don’t also paint Islam. I struggled for awhile – I said I wasn’t that interested, or didn’t know enough about it… but then I finally realized the answer. (Ok, it shouldn’t have taken me that long but I’d never thought about it before and I was tired.) Islam actually keeps the commandment against making images, as do most Jews. For you Christians in the audience – take out your Bibles and read the 10 commandments. It’s the …

It’s up! Giving a speech at the official opening tomorrow.

Here’s 7 paintings that are almost finished; I have to finish them sometime tomorrow, and then hopefully varnish everything. With my portraits, I have almost 50… there are about 5 more that I won’t have time to finish, but at least I’ll have something new for the next exhibition. And geez, I have a lot of paintings. Good thing this gallery is so big. Now I just have to sell them to make room!!

I have a little more than a week before the blue truck comes to take my paintings to the gallery. I just checked my studio: I have 4 half-finished paintings, and 7 that I’ve only sketched or outlined! Crickey! I busted out these three today. The little girl with the sign (I think I’ll call ‘guilt trip’) that says “buy this painting” is going to be great – I love the beautifully depressing gray background. I went for a heavy shadow on my shower man (maybe I’ll call it ‘conservation’?)… I know it looks funny now, and I hope I …