A Funny thing happened on the way to Winning

‘Selling Flowers’, 8×10 on paper, framed

There are times when I feel like I have painted a winner. The end result is exactly as I envisioned, and it brings joy to me. “Selling Flowers” was not one of those paintings.

I painted it a few years ago, put it in a closet and forgot about it. I was looking for another painting back in February when I ran across this. I was doing that Art Guild of Ponce Inlet annual show and I took it along because I had an extra easel. I was amazed that it won an Honorable Mention. I had so many others…actually, every other painting, that I thought had a better chance.

A few weeks ago, I looked for a painting for the ‘Figuratively Speaking’, exhibit at the Art League of Daytona Beach. I brought this in because I have very few paintings with a human form. Once again, in a field of 80 paintings, “Selling Flowers” brought an Honorable Mention.

I am thrilled, but mystified.

“Selling Flowers” came about during one of our many moves from one home to the next. I stumbled upon a photo I took of a woman in Lithuania on a corner, selling flowers. I suddenly got the urge to paint, but realized I only had a few paints and no canvas or art paper. So I used the only thing I had…photo paper! It had a matte finish and was difficult to work with and not very forgiving. If I messed something up, it stayed that way. I guess that’s why I never held out much hope for this. But it surprises and continues to surprise.

Who would have figured!

“Selling Flowers” is on display at the Art League of Daytona Beach through July 16.

Just in time for your holiday shopping pleasure!

Just back from gallery showings, I am offering these original paintings: “Dreamsickle” and “Land of the Golden Sun”. Each measures 20×24 and is beautifully framed and ready for gift giving.

Painting with acrylics and bathed in shiny resin, “Land of the Golden Sun” will complete that hard to fill space in your home or office.

Dreamsickle with its many shades of orange swirling around, is the perfect fit for any decor.

Each is $250. I do accept all credit cards or cash. These are pickup only, in Daytona Beach. No shipping is offered. Email me in Contact tab to purchase or for more information.

“Dreamsickle”, 24×24 framed, acrylic on canvas
“Land of the Golden Sun”, 24×24 framed, acrylic and resin on canvas

What a difference a year makes!

As art goes, 2022 was a very good year for me. It started with my own, one woman exhibit – a month long Pop Up Windows display – thanks to the Ormond Beach Memorial Art Museum and Gardens. They were undergoing a renovation and made their ‘windows’ along Granada Blvd available for for a different artist each month. I even sold a painting!

I had two, different remote exhibits as a result of working with the Ormond Beach Memorial Art Museum and Gardens as well, both at the Ormond Playhouse, both month long exhibits.

‘Going Bananas’ part of the “green’ exhibit at the Ormond Performing Arts Center.
‘Lovebirds’ part of the ‘love’ exhibit at the Ormond Performing Arts Center.

And finally, one piece of my work ended up in the Museum itself for their annual Christmas Art Show and yes, it SOLD!

‘All the Glitters’, Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens.

The July issue of New Smyrna Beach Magazine added a cover to my growing list of accomplishments. It was an honor for ‘Tranquility’ to be selected.

‘Tranquility’ Front Cover, New Smyrna Beach Magazine.

In addition, two large fine art prints of my work sold this year on Fine Art America.

‘Rolling Down the New River’,
‘Blue Alligator’

I also had several original paintings at two, different exhibits at the Art League of Daytona Beach.

‘Dreamsickle’
‘Land of the Golden Sun’

I also sold several or my original paintings, large and small to several local buyers. Most importantly this year, I renamed my website to, FloridaFolkArts.com, to better reflect my work.

Overall, 2022 was a very good year. Here’s hoping that 2023 is a great year for everyone!

What a difference a few months makes

The latest cover of New Smyrna Beach Magazine
“Tranquility”, 16×20 acrylic on canvas,

Yes! “Tranquility” is on the current cover of New Smyrna Magazine. Yes. I am thrilled that it’s there!

Those closest to me know the story of how I was told last November, that my work and studio were, ‘unprofessional’ and that ‘old people’ just don’t get what works today. That same person, he has a degree in fine arts, offered to come by and ‘teach’ me to paint and to spruce up my studio with the right stuff. I politely said no.

I was devastated. I hadn’t sold anything in several months and I blamed the pandemic. But what if it wasn’t the pandemic. What if it was my work?

That was in early November, 2021.

I was telling my much younger brother, currently studying marketing, that it was time to hang up my brushes. My marketing skills were obviously outdated, and my subject matter was of no interest to anyone. He suggested a change in theme. He told me to call my work, Florida Folk Arts.

It worked. Since then, I have sold almost a dozen large paintings. I had a six week window showing of six of my pieces with the Ormond Art Gallery and Museum. I had an eight week showing of one of my pieces at the Ormond Performing Arts Center which ends next week, when I have another going on display. to take its place.

And today, the latest issue of New Smyrna Beach Magazine came out and my painting, Tranquility, is on the cover.

Creating an abstract is a little like the premise for the tv show, Seinfeld. It’s apainting about…nothing. But both Seinfeld and an abstract painting stirs up emotions ranging from humor to love to heartache.

This piece evokes, “Tranquility”. It’s calm and peaceful and it will complement just about any decor, without overwhelming it.

Get, “Tranquility”. You deserve it. Purchase, “Tranquility” and now as an added bonus, you get a signed copy of the Magazine. Get them both for $225+$25 shipping. Use the contact form above if you have questions or to purchase.

It’s time for Ponce Inlet Fine Arts Show!

If you are looking for original art for your home or office, this is the show you don’t want to miss! If you are here for the races, please stop by and soak up some of the local culture. More than a dozen artists will be exhibiting their wares and you can watch as several make their creations there. If you’ve not been to Ponce Inlet for a while, make a day of it! Visit the Lighthouse, have lunch at one of the wonderful restaurants and be sure to visit the best all fine arts show around. If you decide to purchase anything at my booth, mention you saw it on my website for an additional 10 percent discount.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Where are the Lovebirds?

They have found a temporary home at the Performing Arts Center in Ormond Beach! A big thank you to the Ormond Memorial Museum Art Gallery and Gardens for selecting this painting to hang among the best!

“Lovebirds”, 11×14 acrylic on canvas

OMAM Pop-Up @ the PAC Exhibition

Twenty artists reflect on love found in expected and unexpected places

  • Dates: Thursday, February 4, – Monday, April 18, 2022
  • Times: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday
  • Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center (PAC) – 399 N US Highway 1, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
  •  Note: Please use the Box Office Entrance on the north side of the building

And another one!

PIcture “Sailboats X 4” on your wall!

This will be my last painting for a few weeks while I get ready for upcoming shows. I had fun making, “Sailboards X 4”. It’s really an interesting piece. There is a raised surface on the sailboards, giving it a 3D appearance. “Sailboards X 4” is probably a tentative title – I sometimes sleep on it and come up with something a little more catchy. You never know.

“Sailboats X4 is an 11×14 acrylic on canvas, framed.

Please use the contact form above if interested or for more information.

Happy sailing!

My latest creation!

“Dreamsickle”, 20 x 20 acrylic on canvas, framed

My newest Debbie is “Dreamsickle”. This one of those happy mistakes.

It started as a really cool abstract sun, but it didn’t look like a sun…it looked like a giant C. Nothing I did made it better. This was my final effort and I liked it so much, I kept it!

If you would like to purchase it, you can do so for a limited time. Right now, own it for just, $225. Pick up only. If you need shipping, send me a message through our contact page above.

…and there’s more!

To date, it’s a pretty good year for me and my work.

This is the Annual Members Exhibit at the Art League of Daytona Beach. If you want to stroll through a gallery with some fabulous local art, stop by. Admission i free and they are open seven days, 9-5. Can you guess which one is mine? LOL!

Did you guess correctly? “Land of the Golden Sun” is a 20×20 acrylic on canvas, bathed in resin and set in a golden frame.

The Art League is located at, 433 South Palmetto Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32114. It’s open seven days, from 9-4.