To end 2016, I present a recent work of art I had designed for the "Oriole Sun" - the monthly newsletter for residents at Oriole Gardens Phase I in Margate, Florida. But first, a little background info...

When I'd moved into Oriole Gardens, back in 1994, my mother - Sheila Martinez was already a contributor to the "Oriole Sun" - usually submitting some of her own art. (Her drawing of an oriole on the cover [of many of its past issues] appears in the thumbnail.) During her final years on Earth, she also contributed articles about 'health'...

On occasion, Mom and I would collaborate on certain projects - such as signs made exclusively for the Oriole Gardens clubhouse. Using her calligraphy skills, she would write the message, while I drew the artwork. (A simple example was a sign for the gym - with Mom instructing visitors about the 'hours of operation', right next to my illustration of a exercise treadmill and a stationary bicycle.)

After my mother passed away in August, 2006, I'd followed in her footsteps by submitting (lettered) Sudoku puzzles for each monthly issue of the "Oriole Sun". But a month or so ago, the editor of the newsletter asked me to contribute an illustration for the cover of the January, 2017 issue. You're all getting an advanced look at this artwork now, long before the residents of Oriole Gardens see it!

Original artwork by Jed Martinez (a.k.a. RobCat)