Two fun filled days with friends that came from near and far to participate in our annual Open House.  As I reflected with many of our guest I opened the Gallery 33 years ago and this was our 28th Open House. Time marches on and I'm so grateful for the faith that so many have put into my work over the years.  Honestly I feel like I'm still learning each and every time I go out into the field or start a new painting in the studio.

It was fun to hear the many cat stories that related to this years giveaway "Peek-A-Boo".  One collector has thirteen cats, yes thirteen!  I've already had request for next year piece.  It must have a dog.  When I began to inquire breeds were offered up from every imaginable variety.  I think I'll stick with a mixed pound puppy.  Who wouldn't adore and relate to it.  

Thanks again everyone for taking time to come and see me!

We debuted our fourth furniture collection "Riverbank" to rave reviews at the High Pointe Furniture Market.  North Carolina is the ideal inspiration for the most storied collections.  We all know that our state has three distinct regions, Mountains, Piedmont and Coast.  The natural corridor that connects these magnificent regions are rivers and riverbanks are the most colorful aspect briming with life filled with incredible texture, color and vibrancy.

It was here that I drew ideas for this fantastic collection in a warm gray tone.  As you look at the oak finish you can see how the grain of these hand selected planks simply meanders and flows with highlights that are kissed by the sun and waters edge.  There are some exceptional pieces to this collection including a handsome bed with metal stretchers, dining table and chairs that have a wonderful corner cupboard.  Function, scale and pratical price points make this home collection one that you would adore in a vacation home or in your den!

It all makes it way into furniture stores across the country beginning in March 2016.

We are on the eve of another International Furniture Market.  I've had the pleasure of painting around the world but its something else when the World comes to your own backyard!  It's an amazing site and over the next week I get to participate in the biggest happening in North Carolina.  It lures manufacturers from around the Globe and highlights the greatest place in North Carolina to live.

While we will all be scurrying about from Showroom to Showroom the Carolina Blues skys will be shining above.  The weather is supposed to be spectacular just as impressive as the City that host North Carolina's premier event.

I'm particularly thrilled to debut our fourth home collection for Klaussner Furniture.   This year's debut of "Riverbank" is fantastic.  It's a beautiful finish that ties all three of my previous collections together nicely.  The Showroom is almost complete and simply stunning.  I may never come home!  

Here are just a few pictures with many more to come as the week unveils itself.

Thursday evening we held an opening at the Gallery debuting our new "Riverbank Show" and a few samples from our new Home Collection under the same title.

Doors opened at 5:30 and the crowd began to swell and swell.  The attendance was the more than I could have ever anticapted.  It wasn't until an hour into the evening that the North Carolina Secretary of Commerce, John Skvarla showed up with my good friend Tim Kent.  Unbenownst to me I was Honored and presented the "Order of the Long Leaf Pine" by Governor Pat McCory.  Secretary Skvarla did an amazing job reflecting on my forty years as an artist.

It's at this time that I would like to publicly acknowledged the tremendous blessing that I have been given.  The Good Lord truly has touched me with a wonderful gift.  One that has led me to create more than 3000 paintings, literally from around the world.  My family has been at the forefront supporting and encouraging me from the onset.  My mom was my most ardent cheerleader.  Embarassing at times!  Cynthia and the kids have allowed me to chase a dream that only a few could ever dream of.  Joy, my gallery director, friend and confidant has been beside me through some of the most colorful and challenging times.  The staff has been loyal and always there to accomodate my wishes.

But it is you that I would really like to thank.  If you have paused and looked at my paintings on the website, read an article, attended a show, purchased a calendar to being one that has admired and collected an original; I thank you.  Thank you for your confidence in taking time to meet me, come by the gallery, encourage, acknowlege.  I am truly grateful for this honor and privlege to be an artist.

Finally, to the State of North Carolina.  There is none like it.  From the Blue Ridge Mountains to its glorious Outer Banks.  Everything in between compounded with four colorful seasons truly makes it an artist paradise.

I'm so blessed to call it home, one that I champion and cherish each and every day!

Just hung the incredible story board for the Riverbank Collection.  It's filled with all of the Renderings of the furniture collection and pics of various locales and subjects that stirred my imagination.  Nineteen new paintings surround three case good pieces we brought in especially for the exhibit. 

Hope you will stop by the Gallery this Friday or Saturday and take in this special Show.  For those that catch this blog and care to join us for our reception Thursday, October 8th it begins at 5:30.  Give Joy a call to rsvp: 336.379.9200