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Recently a friend asked me what is my muse. At first I didn’t know what to say. I did say that I just always wanted to do something like this; it wasn’t until I was twenty I knew it was painting. But I can’t stop thinking about the question, especially as I paint. And as I can’t stop painting, what keeps me going! And going and going and going. What is my muse? People are often asking me what is my inspiration. I usually say painting. One painting leads to another, spawns a d

After eight packed days in Ottawa, I came here to NYC for some rest and entertainment. Last night I went to see a Broadway play: Hamilton. It is pertinent, a message for today. And it is fun, good music, great acting, wonderful choreography. My daughter won four tickets in a raffle. Second row seats, quite the treat. The show was right in my lap! My best memories of going to Broadway plays was when I was young, probably around eight to ten. My aunt Paula would take me. I reme

“I Think I Might Be Dreaming, no. 5″; 48″ x 48”; oil & collage on canvas Several years ago I read that Michelangelo on his deathbed said: “It is a pity I am dying when I am just beginning to know my craft.” He was not young, had been working at his art for a long time. I have an old, worn paperback book about him and his sayings, yet I still wonder how so many pithy statements managed to be saved in print. I am grateful they were. It is all so pertinent to the mind of an arti

I certainly feel lucky when I look around me, look at my life as it unfolds its daily trek to the unknown. I have a beautiful house on a beautiful piece of land, amazing neighbors, wonderful children, friends, a great dog and have made a career doing exactly what I want to do, painting. And very important: it’s not what I have, but how I feel. I feel lucky. I was talking to a friend the other who said he didn’t believe in luck. It is just hard work that pays off. That you are

P1040353, originally uploaded by leyaevelyn. Often, usually, after I post I think of lots I left out. So here are a few thoughts about my mother: First, she was a mass of contradictions, loving and critical, talkative, friendly and angry. I think I am the perfect blend of my parents. I have my father’s reserve and my mother’s craziness. We differed greatly in that she wanted to be an actor, even tried to start a drama school with one or two of her sisters, but it fizzled out.

Rainbow over Five Island Lake, originally uploaded by leyaevelyn. A few weeks ago, I had some friends visiting, staying overnight. We were sitting around the breakfast table chatting. They had to get back home, about a three hours drive away, for a doctor’s appointment that afternoon. I said I hope it’s nothing serious. No, just routine. I’m getting old, I’m seventy, he said with a look mixed with pain and surprise. She said, I’m seventy-one. Again, with pain, and maybe a tin