I confess.  There are times when I need to borrow from another artist. I don't mean supplies or materials either.  Although, that is occasionally a need.  I am talking about ideas.  Ideas that may include unfamiliar materials.  While interviewing artists for "The Artist's Voice" podcast, I often learn of new materials.  Natalie Tierce, a Los Angeles artist, uses crushed pecan shells to create texture.  Alexander Morris, from Rumford, Rhode Island, ages his work with sodium silicate which causes the texture to crack.  Brooklyn, New York artist, Tucker Eason, paints with oils and speeds up the drying process by using walnut oil and mixing cold wax and neo megilp with pigment.  His paintings dry in just a few days.  Steven Stradlley of Utah saves piles of unused acrylic paint.  Once thoroughly dried, he shaves slivers off the pile and collages them onto his canvas.  Am I borrowing these techniques?  You better believe it.

Several years ago, I participated in an international art fair in San Diego, California.  Downtime included visiting gallery booths throughout the fair and stealing ideas.  I discovered a painting titled "Sorpresa."  Not being bilingual, I had to ask the meaning.  Of course, it was a Surprise (play on words).  I brought my own idea of Sorpresa back to my studio.  Does that make me thief or a plagiarist?  Possibly.  I just love to say the word as I roll my "r"'s.  Try, it right now.  Say it twice very quickly with emphasis on the second syllable.  Go on:  "Sorpresa Sorpresa"! Ah, that felt good.  

My firends, that's the story behind "Sorpresa," the original painting I'm giving away to some lucky winner.  To enter, go to https://bit.ly/3c2SCh5.  The contest will end on May 17 with the announcement of the winner on the 18th.  Good luck!

Enjoy viewing Sorpresa here.