Oklahoma spring, for Helen Barrett

Oklahoma Spring, 9 x 12 watercolor, Fabriano Artistico, 140#

Winter brings dreams of spring.
 I am not a wildlife artist--I don't study the anatomy, spend the time with the greats, whom I see every year at the National Cowboy and Western  Heritage Museum--they are experts in a long tradition of immersion in their subjects. I so admire and envy their craft and art and most of all,  their passion.
But, as a student of landscape painting, especially of Terrence Miller Clark, and of prodding of Scott Williams and Steven Pressfield, The Art of War, and Do The Work,  and my wonderful career at the University of Central Oklahoma,  with wonderful students and professional contacts, and more, I will continue to try, to take the risks... .
So here is this Saturday's watercolor, dedicated to my dear friend of many years, Helen Shaw Barrett, journalist from Alva, who died a week ago, doing what she loved, snorkeling, loving life.
Spring always, Helen, in the Oklahoma prairie... .