Yes folks, Rose is on her way to the Ukraine next week to teach English for the Peace Corps. So I've begun a portrait as a going away thing. Usually I work all areas of a painting at the same time, but here I've left the background for later. All's I know is, it's gotta be done in time for the going-away party Sunday.

Frankly, I can't see Rose dashing for the plane with a framed portrait under her arm so someone will have to hold on to it until she comes back to us in 27 months. I'm working in fluid acrylics because they're fast. Faster than an Airedale Terrier can stick her nose into the paint tray. Okay, not that fast. I hope Rose doesn't take a look at this site before her send-off party on Sunday. I'm afraid I might find all the lights out and the door barred.