Chiquita by artist Bruce Bingham and some help from my friends....

Chiquita  12 x 16 oil

by Bruce Bingham

What have you been up to?  I've missed you all.

I'm back in action, or I should probably say almost up to speed.

I am painting again and that makes me happy. 

This has been a great time to be in the studio and revisit some of

my reference material from my Cuba trip of things I've wanted to paint. 

When I went to the Plein Air Convention in San Diego 

I got a pinched nerve in my spine that put me

flat on my back.  Literally I could not get up!  Long story short and to

save you from much whining and unnecessary details,

the hospital got me up and walking again and I was able to get back home.

Special thanks to my pal Ellen Willis for getting me to the ER and making sure I was in good hands.

Robi and I were both greatly relived I could make the plane ride home.

I was seriously worried about that.

He has barely left my side while I've been convalescing.

If anyone wants some good book titles just let me know.

So I missed all of PACE17 except one morning watching Quang Ho paint

which was probably worth the entire price of admission.  What an inspiration he is!

Sadly I have nothing to report to you, not even any photos.

I do want to thank you all for helping me get selected for the Plein Air Wars!

Fortunately Hai-Ou Hou was able to take my place.

Relief!