Every Artist I know has dealt with that one person who just can't seem to keep their negative opinions to themselves. For whatever reason this particular breed of individual missed all lessons in class, social propriety and never saw Disney's Bambi. While I tend to abide by the rule, 'unless you have something nice to say, don't say anything at all,' not everyone has tact.  Even after years of exposing my work to the scrutiny of the public eye, I still need to remind myself not to be hurt by someone's negativity.  

In general my bubbly and fun art is accepted by most, ignored by others, and some just shake their heads.  I appreciate that not everyone is going to like what I do, and that is perfectly okay.  Still,  every once in a while, I will come across an individual without class, and I am not talking about an educated art critic with a valid opinion....  This happened recently at one of m...

Rain forced me into a cafe down the street from my hotel near the Place de la République.  Through the large window, I watched people, heads down, umbrellas clutched tight, dodging from building to metro, metro to bus, taxi to building...; I was overwhelmed with the ascetic of these people.  The women are meticulously well-groomed clad in classic lines, bold reds, mustard yellows and Prussian blues. A cacophony of bold color streaming through the cobblestone streets. Even the children are well-dressed in miniature Italian boots, herringbone jackets, argyle sweaters and striped scarves. People often ask me what inspires my work, and, quite simply, it is scenes of life like this one.  

I watched a well dressed grandma with her grandchildren waiting to cross the busy street.  The little boy was wearing a plaid scarf with his miniature trench coat.  I was overwhelmed...