The lovely Virginia Carruth

Virginia did me the sweetest favor by sitting for a portrait demo a week ago. Yesterday I finished it up (no, really this time) and sent it home to her via her friend, Caroline. I hope she likes it.
Today I have a student and I'm working on a commissioned pastel portrait of woman. The commissioner is wanting it for a birthday present to her.
I love being at the gallery. Visitors wander in, happy to be on vacation from the very cold places where they live, and say the most complimentary things about our art. Sometimes a special conversation happens. I met some Carlin sisters, visiting from the East. Not related, but they took photos of my sign and told me they have a sister in law named Susan Carlin. I've met only one other one, and only by email. Another visitor came in to say her best friend's last name is Carlin and is a portrait artist, too. Figure that! I spent some time yesterday with a photographer, a woman from Milwaukee who'd just come back from Copper Canyon in Mexico. She offered some of her photos for references. Such generosity from a stranger warms my heart. I helped her start a blog so she can showcase her photos.
Was I missing people, and not realizing it? I seem to be so happy greeting new arrivals to the gallery throughout the day, it makes me wonder.