Publisher's Notes

The March/April issue of THE PAINTING RAG is completed!   Even after producing so many issues, I am still amazed at how the final file looks once it is put together and layed out on my computer screen.   Every time I wonder if it gets better and better but I think it is just the chance to see a fresh new issue produced and printed.  I enjoy seeing all the work we have done for two months (even more, in reality) finally all compiled and organized.  This issue is the first issue that we have offered a project painted with oil paint.  It was created by Bonnie Frederico CDA and it's soft and light and very Spring-ish.   If you are a die-hard acrylic painter, it seems that it wouldn't be too hard to convert it to acrylics either.  I would venture to say that it could be easily done in watercolors too.   You will definately want to get your hands on a copy so you can read about Bonnie as well as our highlighted business St. Lawrence River Decoys and Donna Frost's article on Good things about painting.  In addition the paper has a BONUS project and pattern in it this time.  Cindy Mann Vitale worked up an adorable paper mache box with grapevine handle just for Beginners.  Good things, good things!

As for me personally, I am still working on getting my website up and running.  There is more work than one would expect to getting a website accomplished, but I'm looking forward to being able to offer my designs via the internet.   AND I have finally been painting again!  yipeeeee   My church has a large ladies conference each year (over 1200 women attend) and I created a piece of artwork for this years conference that will reproduced on to note cards that will be sold and the money given to a missions ministry for women, called Sisters In Service.  I am just thrilled about it.  I have always wanted to do something like this and really enjoyed designing and painting the artwork.   I also managed to design and paint a fish decoy that I received from the St Lawrence River Decoys.  It was fun and it didn't take that long to paint.   The painting may be hard to see but it is a lake scene with a pier and a row boat attached to it by rope, floating in the water.    

A little still life with lantern, bucket and fishing pole is in the foreground.  These fish decoys have clear eyes and you paint them from the back which gives them a great, shiny look. 

I just found out that I had a project chosen to teach for the New England Traditions Convention in October, and I am very excited.   

I have many other ideas up my sleeve, let me see what I can get finished, I'll keep you posted.............Tracy