This is my second time painting with you, the first being in Italy of course. Because it took what seemed like years of almost making the date – and it took going to Italy to achieve the date – today was almost like the Chicago date we should have always had. The biggest difference is our friendship has grown significantly and beautifully since our first painting date in Italy such that today felt natural in the way that painting and talking and painting and talking with a dear, longtime friend feels. Because that is what it was! I am grateful for you Leslie, as a friend and as an artist.

A note on painting: your grace of facility with color, stroke, and vision challenges me and motivates me in the best ways. I am always struck by your dedication in the pursuit and expansion of your vocabulary. As an artist, today I felt rusty but ready. And I’m not just talking about painting!