Happy 4th of July ... and Happy Birthday, CBC by Connie Michael

As we celebrate our country's independence today and the birthday of CBC, I'm grateful not only for our independence, but for the fact that as a community of artists we can also take pride in our DEPENDENCE...on each other. With only a few keystrokes we can find (or provide) a helping hand to encourage, advise, praise, critique, share tips and techniques ... anything at all that we need to make us better artists!

This is also our birthday. I love being part of Canvas by Canvas and what the nine of us have come to mean to each other. I love searching the internet for blogs and websites of other artists, and I love leaving them messages and receiving their responses. What artist isn't happy to be noticed and have someone take time to respond to their work? What a great way to meet new friends and see what incredible talent is out there.

The red truck in the photo is the third in a series we've painted of red trucks and it's one of two commissions we've just completed for someone we think is pretty special. Trucks seem to be popular painting subjects for artists and viewers alike. Can you think of anything that has made us more independent that transportation? And to have transportation that's FUN, too ... what more could we ask? Maybe a red truck, a full moon and someone you love to share the fireworks...?

GALVESTON

Five artists from Canvas by Canvas were able to get away for a few days to the sunny beaches of Galveston, Texas where we worked on some of our mini paintings in preparation for 2 upcoming shows: Front Street Festival in Arlington, Texas on September 29 and Holiday Magic the first weekend in December. We have lots of great gift ideas for under $50: For the hard to please lady in your life: high heeled shoes. For that special celebration: cupcakes. And for gentlemen: fishing lures and flies. We've also started little piglets and roosters/chickens to delight everyone. I hope you enjoy some of our photos from Galveston and visit our website to see our mini paintings. More will be added in the coming weeks so check back often.