Ricky Holtman...

Ricky Holtman, the artist who wrote Journaling Through Cancer, passed away on Friday, January 22. Although we never met in this life, I counted Ricky as a friend and valued his upbeat approach to his fight with cancer. He was an inspiration to all, and especially to those who have struggled with illness. The family has set up an online guest book on Ricky's website for anyone who wishes to leave a message.

Journaling Thru Cancer...

Grapes and Pears, 3" x 4.5"

This is the first painting I completed when I picked up a brush again in 1996. Although I'd concentrated on watercolor in college, I had taken a slightly different route in life so I could pay my bills, working as a graphic artist and doing fine crafts such as jewelry and art quilts on the side. In 1995, I was just beginning to have some success on the show circuit with my quilts when I suddenly became ill with some mystery malady. My first concern was that a cancer I'd had in my 20's had reappeared, but that was not the case. Test after test failed to reveal the source of the problem. After a year of fatigue and pain, I finally decided to sign up for a weekly painting class -- hoping that a regular schedule would provide the incentive to work even if I wasn't feeling great. I'm happy to say that it was a success and the start of a very fulfilling journey.

I'm sharing this part of my life, which I generally keep to myself, because I just met fellow watercolorist Ricky Holtman a few days ago and he's currently dealing with treatments for cancer. Ricky has started a blog -- Journaling Thru Cancer -- to share his experiences and motivate other people to take part in their own healing process by journaling and making art. Please take a moment to link over to his journaling blog and from there to his watercolor blog -- The Pointed Brush -- and website too. I know it would mean a lot to him if you have the time to leave a comment.