I’m a child of the 1950s, you know – a midcentury model. It was a time right after World War II – a time of families, prosperity (for some), security – at least for my family.

 When I was about 11 years old my dad loaded up our Ford Country Squire station wagon, crammed us 3 kids in the back and took off for “God’s Country.” We drove through the Badlands and Custer State Park in South Dakota, the Rockies and Yellowstone in Wyoming and so much more. So, so, beautiful!

I was participating in a popup shop in Northbrook Court with the Glenview Art League. The image above was one of the pieces of art that I had for sale.

I was working in the shop when a man came in (about 30 – 35 years old) and heading directly to my booth space. He stared up at the painting above. I went over to him and asked if he had any questions. He said“I want that one.”

I always wanted to be an artist who creates beautiful watercolor landscapes like the ones I saw at the summer art fairs as a kid. To my disappointment and joy, this is not what happened at all! A big silly bear is the first illustration that flowed from my pencil. Shocked, I wondered "Where on earth did this come from?"