tumor

Had some severe abdominal pain for over a week, then hemorrhaging for a week, still having some pain off and on....

A tumor has replaced my ovary.  there are other complications as well, but I am thankful it is not cancerous.

Looks like I will have a complete hysterectomy very soon.  Really upset that it comes at this time of year. had to cancel a trip to California to see my step daughter and her husband.  Just opened my own gallery too, and I teach classes 4 days a week.  That keeps the bills paid.  5 weeks of recovery just sounds like way too long!

trying to get my doctor to do the less invasive procedures, but with a tumor she said she has to cut me open....

Praying the tumor shrinks!

I have been working on commissions, trying to get them done for Christmas....

So many good things happening in the midst of all this turmoil!

will try to keep you posted!

Fawn's Studio, my teaching center and gallery

I am in the process of opening my own gallery!  I am hoping to have the doors open next month.  So far it looks like a very real possibility!

I am not usually a brave person, even chicken at times. But lately, for some reason (the Good Lord only knows), this has been a courageous endeavor that has only gotten stronger. 

Will keep you posted!

back to painting!

So everything got done in time: certification was re-instated applied for the position, and had two interviews with the principal and then the vice principal.....3 or 4 people applied.  I didn't get the job, and honestly I am relieved. As much as I love teaching art, I wasn't sure I was ready for the stress of 30 or more students all at once!

I am happily back in my studio painting to my hearts content!  I will start some after school drawing and painting classes soon, with 10 or so students at a time.  very nice!

waiting

Everything is done, now I am waiting on Tallahassee to finish processing my certification to teach in the public schools again.  I had planned on subbing for a year or so, and if something came open I would be ready to work.  Well the position I was hoping for is open now!!!  Art teacher at the Freshman campus....and The school board called to let me know they are trying to get Tallahassee to finish my paper work so they can offer me the job.....WOW!

That means I could possibly be starting in a month.  WOW again!  Not too sure if I am ready for this, but how can I pass up a position that only comes around once in a while? There are only 2 positions in Okeechobee county for teaching art. It is not an easy job, by any means, but I am not going into it blind like I did the first time around, when I worked at the main high school teaching art.  I know more what to expect and handle stress better.

So now I wait and see if someone else applies for the position before I am officially re-instated. If I am suppose to do it, then I believe it will all work out.  If not, then I will have more time to devote to my art, but less money in my pocket!!!  Either way I am blessed.

getting back in the swing of things

Been taking some college classes, to get my teaching certification re-instated with the state.  Very happy to get things caught up.  Should have never let it lapse.

It has been a long time since I painted just to paint, just for fun.  So I am enjoying having some time to get back to doing what I love.  didn't realize how much I missed it.

back to work

      Odd that I would even consider teaching in the public school again, but here I am , subbing for now.  Looks like I can get my state certificate re-instated by the end of June, and if a position came open to teach art at one of the high schools, I could apply for it.
   
      I like the new program, and the art teacher that took my place, and I am sure I could do a much better job this time, and not be so stressed.  Robert is well now, his brain surgeries were successful, and his prognosis is good. So maybe it is time to go back to work while I wait for the economy to pick up.  Sales are certainly down.

        It is more than that, however, I want to accomplish something, do something important.  I feel like I am just spinning my wheels and getting no where these days.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the stress free days of not having to get up early.  I enjoy being free to paint en plein air, and I enjoy being able to go out of town or whatever, whenever.......

       I have to be smart though, I am not earning much, not putting anything away for retirement, and not reaching even my short term goals.  At the very least, I want to keep my options open.  Need to think ahead.

Lake Placid Show

This Saturday is the Annual Lake Placid Art League show, held in Sebring, Florida. This is one of my favorite shows because I sign up early and get an indoor spot. No setting up a tent!

I have been slowly working at getting new frames all year. It is fun having so many pieces to choose from now, and to be able to put together a very impressive presentation! The Judge last year let me know after the awards were given that the only hesitation he had in giving me the highest award (Best of Show) was because so many of my paintings were on Gallery Wrap and some of my framed pieces were in need of better frames. Gallery Wrap canvas has a deep edge, and the painting continues on the sides. This gives the art a contemporary look, which I love! But this year I have gone back to a more traditional look, with less paintings done on Gallery Wrap.

It is wonderful to be at a show in the midst of all the festivities, and have so many people to talk to about the meaning behind the paintings. Winning awards and selling paintings are very motivating as well!

It is just all the preparation, expense, set up, and brake down that make me hesitate in joining these shows.

Each time you do a show you put your art at risk. Frames get banged up and scratched from loading and unloading. Rainy days are no fun at all, but windy is worse. I have seen gusts of wind come out of no where and take tents down and destroy the art work. On top of all that, I have had art stolen at two different outdoor festivals. Quite discouraging.

I have also had some back problems off and on over the years. I am always by myself setting up and taking down a show, which I have gotten much better at managing by asking for help with the heavy stuff.

You can see why I am more selective these days: Indoor shows, gallery shows and on-line events are all great ways for me to still get involved without so much trouble.

Anyway, I have been getting ready for this show all year, and I am sure it will be well worth it to meet new people and see old friends.

positive feed back, up-dated

Updated Dec 2017

It's here! Arrived pristine, so beautiful! Thank You!
Nancy, Washington

Fawn,
The paintings arrived in perfect condition, you packaged them well!  They are beautiful! Thank you!
Karen,  Pennsylvania 

Hey,
Just wanted you to know they loved the painting!  Thank you for adding the extra details to make it special!
Ashley,  Florida

 Hi Fawn,

I picked up the painting today at the post office. It arrived in perfect condition. Wow, it is so pretty, I love it!

 Hope all is well with you and your family. Have a great weekend!
Thanks so much,

Carol,

Pennsylvania 

Fawn,
The painting is absolutely wonderful and as I imagined it to be! You are a brilliant artist Fawn and have become a beautiful blessing in my life. Thank you again for everything.
God Bless,
Jen,
New York　

Dear Fawn,
"Sun Dance" just arrived in perfect condition. It's beautiful!
I love it and I know Locke will, as well.
Thanks!
Chris,
California

Fawn,
I received the painting ("Hershey") this morning, was so happy to get it. It is BEAUTIFUL!

Patricia,
Louisiana

Dear Fawn,
I'm writing to let you know that "Endless Song Too" arrived today and in great condition. I'm very pleased and it's everything you said it would be like. I'm very excited about this next painting too.
Take care,
Mike
South Carolina

Fawn, I got the painting and it is beautiful! Thank you so much.
Rob Allen

Thanks so much for the beautiful painting!!!!! It arrived last Saturday safely and without problems.
Rhonda

Hi, Fawn:
I just want to let you know that your paintings arrived in perfect condition and that I'm delighted with them, as usual!
Thank you so much!
Barbara,
California

Hi Fawn!
We had a beautiful Christmas and trust you did too. I had the lavender paintings framed with double matting, dark purple closest to the paintings, and light lavender for the dominant mat, with a bold rich rounded cherry/mohogany frame. I had them framed together as a themed piece. It sits against our Dove Gray walls beautifully. My hubby was surprised and thrilled and that makes me very happy. Happiest of New Years to you and your family. May The Lord continue to have mercy on us all.......
God bless you,
Ceci

Hi Fawn!
Just a note to let you know the painting arrived today and it is absulutely stunning!!! The colors are fabulous! We will treasure this painting forever! Take care, keep in touch, have a wonderful holiday season!!
Pollie

Hi Fawn,
I received the painting a few days ago and had it framed already. It is BEAUTIFUL and I am so excited to give it to my husband. In fact, it has become difficult not to give it to him early. The oranges look so natural in the painting, like they were always there.
Thank you again for doing the touch-ups and for shipping so very quickly. I will definitely keep your work in mind for future gifts and pieces for our home!
Avian

Hi Fawn,
I got the painting today and it is just as lovely as I knew it would be. You really do potential buyers a favor by offering nice high-resolution images of thepaintings on your site! I will definitely keep an eyeon your site. Thanks for sending the painting so quickly, and have a great summer down there in Florida!
Katherine

Happy New Year!

Was a tough year last year for most everyone. I was not exempt. I find myself excited about a new year; a fresh start. Like most people, I have been re-evaluating what goals and plans of action I will take for a better outcome.

I am actually slowing down, enjoying things more, and finding ways to make my life less stressful. In the process I am doing things smarter, and becoming more focused.

After more than 5 years, I am no longer with DailyPainters.com, which was a very hard thing to let go of. It was no longer a priority to create a new painting 3 or 4 times a week, and the quality of my work was beginning to suffer. I am moving more toward realism again, which takes too long to finish when adding the extra details.

I am excited, however, about my new gallery site:
http://fawn-mcneill.artistwebsites.com/
I can post as much or as little as I want, and it links to my prints and greeting cards, which makes everything easier for my clients.

I am teaching more classes too, and enjoying this time with my students. Currently I am offering after school classes, adult classes, and even some private lessons. So you can see why it is harder for me to work on my own paintings in my studio.

I pray all our endeavors are blessed from above, and we have a much better year this year!