An Elephant sat on a Duck. You won't believe what happened next!

Up above, that’s called a HEADLINE. You probably knew that. It’s an engaging statement that makes you want to check it out. I am compelled to attain a degree of facility in composing headlines. It is a critical component of successful blog posts, email, and print articles of every kind. It seems everything you do is both science and art.

A Gathering of Friends
So, a compelling newsletter is a critical component in this entire process of growing and professionalizing as an artist. That’s what I have been told, and it certainly seems true enough to be said. That’s why I have to do it. And if I have to do it I want it to be an enjoyment for you and me, both. I would like for it and my accompanying blog to become a “gathering of friends”. I loved being in touch with so many friends/collectors during the “Narathon”. I hope to continue that tradition with The Nara-tive. (My name is so adaptable. I never really appreciated it before.)

Art and Good Company
Of course, I want to update you with my latest paintings and projects, but I would like this to be more than that. I have some ideas that I will be throwing your way soon, that I hope will generate some dialogue. I would like for this to be as much about you as it is about me. Otherwise, there's not a lot of purpose in it.

Rising Sun Series
If you would like to check out what I have been doing most recently click on “Gods of the Marshes”, the painting to the right. I’ve been loving painting these images. Japan, as you probably know, has thought of itself as "The Land of the Rising Sun" since feudal times. The self-reference has caused more than a few international incidents, but there can be no doubt...it is a beautiful land with beautiful artistic traditions.

Laughter
Laughter is a great equalizer. Two people sharing a belly-laugh, no matter what their politics or personal proclivities, are happy in each other's company. True humor levels things, and is mankind’s common language. Doesn’t there seem to be something fundamentally true about that? I've never known a time when I couldn't use a good laugh. I'll bet the same is true of you. Got a good joke?

So, That's the Deal
So, that’s it: humor and good news. That’s what the Nara-tive is about. I will be sending newsletters more regularly now, and I hope that you will take the time to pop them open. I will try to make it worth your while.

A Promise
Oh yeah, one more thing. I promise to never send you another bogus headline.