O.k., so it's too soon for another email already, but I just HAD to wish everyone a
 Happy Valentine's Day!

   I'll keep this one brief, since I know I'll be doing another one next week. Firstly, welcome to all those who've signed up at the "Scottsdale Fine Art & Chocolate Festival", from which I've just returned, and which ended up as one of my best shows yet! Around the 'art show circuit' we hear these stories - but the following actually happened to me. Friday had already proven to be my best first day at a show. Then as everyone closed up after the day ended at 5:00 p.m., I was left nearly alone, puttering around my booth, cleaning up, and shuffling things around. Three different people came in to look around and were disappointed to find the show over. Two of them ended up buying pieces from me in that next 20 minutes! Whacky stuff, I tell ya'!

   THEN - the next day, nearly the same thing happened, and again after the show was all but emptied, I sold two more pieces. I'm tempted to just start camping out at my booth from now on (weather permitting of course :-) )

      Otherwise, once again, soap was a hit! Some of you may be weary of hearing about it, but the reaction this piece gets still amazes me. I can't seem to keep up with interest in the various manifestations of "four soaps", and I've now taken two more orders for custom renditions! All of this has prompted a NEW idea for a painting with a similar  .  .  . tone as it were! I'll share as it takes shape in the near future.

   O.k., I have a confession to make regarding my "Painted Pony" piece. Let's just say I am being humbled! The challenge of working on a three dimensional model of a horse was expected, but I also came to learn how differently the paint reacts to compacted marble than to canvas. I've ended up starting over on this. Further, I won't be bringing it to to work on at any more shows, because it's just not made to travel around like that. I will plug away at it in my studio, and keep y'all updated about it's progress.

Roderick