And the winner is...

"Primarily Fruit" I sent out an email to family and friends and after all the voting was in the fruit painting won by three votes.

Thank you everyone for your kind comments and your help in this decision. Next week I will stop in and see how my art compares to the other local artisans.

Next up - Converting "Merry Effin Christmas" to a Holiday card. My favorite comment I got on this painting came from my sister-in-law. She wrote:
"...it seems to be the raw emotion felt by so many this time of year as they try to live up to some Holiday Standard that only Harriet, Mrs. C or Martha Stewart could achieve. Where did the Commercial Christmas come from anyway and how do we make it go away to concentrate on the relationships between ourselves and God and our fellow man."

She's wise that way, my sister-in-law. It delights me that something I created stirs emotions in people. It was pretty much what I was feeling at the time. I did "pretty" it up some with gold, silver, red and blue paint pens. The gold and silver will be lost to the scanner, but in real life it catches the eye. I hung the painting on the wall and after looking at it off and on for half an hour told Jack "I could look at that painting for days." Not so much the tree but the red strokes. So for now, it is not for sale. I will hang it during the holiday season as a reminder to keep all things in perspective. If you'd like a copy of it via the mail let me know and I will send you a card!

Despite the fact that I had a very frustrating time with the painting I was working on, I am completely re-energized as an artist and ready to move forward. I have a wonderful workbook that delves into contemporary art. Contemporary art is something I wouldn't have thought to do before, but it seems to set me free...I should have more to share in the coming weeks and months.