Painting Reveal, At Last!

Apologies for being such a ghost, friends, but someone (ahem) did something deeply dumb regarding her hands...

... namely trying a new brand of pain patch,* which did not go well. Note to self: Tiger Balm brand is too strong for my sensitive skin!!!** This is the best my hands have looked in a week. I didn't take photos of them at their grossest and most swollen and scaly, as that was just upsetting. TL;DR, I've not been able to do much comfortably, including catching up online!

*When my hands are stiff, a menthol pain patch across the back makes a world of difference.

**For the record, Tiger Balm patches are magic for my husband's aches and pains, which is why I thought to give them a go. It would do me well to remember, though, that bugs don't even bite him, his skin is so hardy!

Anyhow, BELATED NEW PAINTING ALERT!!!!

"Carpe Diem"

8 x 10

Watercolor and gold acrylic on illustration board

I'm currently working on refinishing a frame to go with this piece, but that's another post!

Just before I did my hands in, I secured a commission, and I've permission to share the in-progress work with you fine folks. Three guesses what one of my next paintings will be! :P

I've also been working on assembling the upcoming round of Summer Solstice gifts for Patreon tiers $5 and above. The postal service seems to have straightened itself out since the last time I tried to send these, so let's all cross our fingers and toes that everything arrives according to plan! As is tradition, I'll be contacting local Patrons for drop off meeting times in the near future.

Again, my sincerest apologies for the silence. Turns out there's not a whole lot one can do when one's hands are burning and itchy despite coat after coat of calamine!

May you all be well and wonderful.