Matt once promised me we’d “live like kings.” At the Oklahoma State Fair, I realized his royal vision might involve pig races, turkey legs, and a band shell in 90-degree heat.

Abraham Lincoln’s eyes are fixed, but his mouth is misbehaving. George Washington’s collar surprised me. Jefferson finally has a chin. My Merry Men of Mount Rushmore painting is testing my patience, one dab of paint at a time.

Perspective is a funny thing. What looks like a whale tail to me might look like a snail to you. In painting and in life, the smallest details like the catch light in a monk’s eye can completely change how we see things.

Downtown OKC has a hidden gem—OK Cider Co. With cozy seating, live music, and adventurous ciders (yes, even one aged in a Jack Daniel’s barrel), it’s a spot that’s as fascinating as it is flavorful.

While hanging my art at the Midwest City Library, a child’s sheer delight over sand-crab volleyball reminded me why I create.

President Lincoln is looking less like a terrified monster and more like himself—though his eyes are still a saga. Follow the slow irony of Merrymen of Mount Rushmore, painted in acrylic, stone faces with real eyes.

Our playful stingray art is complete and ready for a name! Submit your suggestion online or at the Midwest City Library. Don’t miss seeing it in person at the Village Arts Festival on October 11. Help give this lively stingray the perfect name!

Matt and I launched a backyard science experiment to test the accuracy of rain gauges. Round one? A washout—literally.

Nine Left Dead wins KATT’s Battle of the Bands! Every band shined, and while my drummer’s band Tretura didn’t take the crown, I couldn’t be prouder. Good luck to Nine Left Dead at KATT Fest!

Another great night of live music! Every band had standout moments, but of course, Tretura stole my heart. Winner announced tonight on KATT Local Talent Show!

My art—and how it's interpreted by others—has especially taught me to appreciate different perspectives. Something I see as a whimsical robot might look like a propane tank to someone else. Or a rock shark to me might just be a pile of granite to another. And that’s okay.

Tretura, one of Oklahoma City’s best rock bands, is a finalist in The KATT’s Battle of the Bands. See them live Aug. 15th at the Diamond Ballroom—tickets $20.

And yes, we actually have graph paper. Yes, I measure each painting to make sure the spacing is perfect. I like to think of it as equal parts artistic vision and gallery logistics… though it probably just looks like I’m playing art-show Tetris with a ruler in hand.

This blog was supposed to be about art. Just art. But rules—especially self-imposed ones—are made to be broken. So, I gave myself permission to write about whatever strikes me as interesting, funny, or just too odd not to share. A special section is in the blog for these off the art trail blogs - Life Behind the Easel.

Valerie was all in, hunting down the perfect mosaic design for her frame. Meanwhile, I decided that instead of working on my pad plant frame, I would swap out the window in my half-bath with a sea-themed mosaic instead. Matt’s only rule: “No flamingos, for heaven’s sake!” So naturally, I went underwater—sea turtles, fish, seaweed, and none of those pink feathered party crashers.

One day, while watching TV, someone said, “That’s an acquired taste.” Without missing a beat, Matt looked at me and said, “You’re an acquired taste.”

The truth is, he gives as good as he gets. My family used to feel sorry for Matt—until they saw him in action. Now they think we’re a match made in heaven… or possibly an improv set gone slightly feral.

I scrolled through the entire collection. Then I did it again. And again. I started imagining which robot might get along best with the art already in our house—who would feel most at home hanging out with my paintings, oddball sculptures, and general chaos.

Ten siblings, constant “help,” and years of creative chaos—find out how sibling shenanigans inspired a quirky grotesque art series full of expression and mischief.

Still, I’m always game to try new foods and mix up my drinks. So, I approached my first blueberry coffee with curiosity—and, yes, a healthy dose of skepticism. Could this actually work? Could blueberries and coffee really get along in the same cup?