Soft Pastel painting measuring 3”x3” and mounted in a 9”x9” mat with backing support.

Lucille Clifton (June 27, 1936 – February 13, 2010) was an American poet, writer, and educator from Buffalo, New York. From 1979 to 1985 she was Poet Laureate of Maryland. She was discovered as a poet by Langston Hughes (via friend Ishmael Reed), who shared her poems. Her first poetry collection, “Good Times”, was published in 1969, and listed by The New York Times as one of the year's ten best books. From 1971 to 1974, Clifton was poet-in-residence at Coppin State College in Baltimore. Her children's book “Everett Anderson's Good-Bye” won the 1984 Coretta Scott King Award. In 1988, Clifton became the first author to have two books of poetry named finalists for one year's Pulitzer Prize. Clifton received the Robert Frost Medal for lifetime achievement from the Poetry Society of America. A truly remarkable woman!

Each painting in this 40-day collection, Skies The Limit, is named after a famous female writer or poet who has taught me an important lesson or challenged my philosophy on life. This list includes women like Elizabeth, Charlotte, Emily, Maya, Mary, Jane, Danielle, and Sylvia whose last names are unnecessary.

I'm drawn to skies for many reasons. While growing up, my sisters and I would stare at the clouds and watch animals and faces appear as they floated by. My parents always had us outdoors and showed us how to take time to pause and notice the sunsets or sunrises. Skies depict emotions and moods. You can have a very dark stormy sky (my favorite) or a bright blue billowy, cloudy sky. I love them all and I hope you do, too. Or, at least start to take notice of Mother Nature's beauty.

Painting will ship within two weeks with important care instructions on framing. Mat included.