tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48267871123636686012011-11-27T16:49:48.219-08:00Formerly a hi-tech engineer, now an emerging artist on the quest for my own voice. <br>People are my favorite subject matter, and I am always on the hunt with my camera, pencil or sable brush.Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.comBlogger1351100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-33061564455111495152009-07-17T15:23:00.000-07:002009-07-19T03:30:59.894-07:00

...when you are on a break from the blogosphere. Has it really been 6 weeks?As with art, one needs some time off from blogging in order to come back with recharged batteries. Or something.But the good news is that in fact, I've been painting - and quite a bit. A new scene from Portugal is in the making. And a portrait that made me put the Portugal scene aside for a while. And a small flower I

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-39965200880099528342009-06-10T21:20:00.000-07:002009-06-10T22:36:49.958-07:00

Y'know how I always claim that I'm gonna do a series of paintings whenever something captures me? And then I move on to the next exciting image?Well, not this time. Apparently, this image did captivate me. Not quite sure why - maybe it's the fact I loved Évora so much, maybe these two men and their curious stroll appealed to me, or maybe the fact that my second attempt at buildings since I've

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-79227844033846698112009-05-30T10:34:00.000-07:002009-07-19T19:09:55.912-07:00

I am notorious for my obsessive photo-taking while on vacation (and any other time), and loyal to my fame I took dozens of photos in Portugal. OK, more like a dozen hundred of them, and then some. And maybe a bit more.Don't give me this look! All those white washed houses, the laundry, the people sitting on benches, the tiles, the mosaic on the streets, the people, ahhhh the people! I had to

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-49147300429835707762009-05-27T17:43:00.000-07:002009-05-27T19:37:44.435-07:00

We're back.And I'm sick.Honestly, one virus can be walking around the aisles of san airplane, and it would befriend me. That's because I'm special. Usually a pre-flight doze of Airborne takes care of that and puts an end to the flourishing friendship, but this time I was too lazy/tired/nauseous and decided to skip it.So, while no jetlag was in stock for me, I'm imprisoned at home with a nasty

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-11613969677390259982009-05-06T01:53:00.001-07:002009-05-06T03:28:22.122-07:00

Do you ever feel that force majeure is getting in the way of settling on a planned route? You go on the freeway with a destination in mind, and suddenly you see an exit that calls for you, and you take it, surrendering to your gut feeling?I have quite a few paintings in my queue. I'm still working on the untitled acrylics guy; I have another version of my grandfather in mind; I really need to

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-54631475409474189292009-04-20T16:39:00.000-07:002009-04-20T16:52:47.053-07:00

Just had to share this! After posting this painting, I went to visit some of my favorite blogs to see what's been going on there while I was out of the blogosphere.And - lo and behold, I was astonished to find the soul mate of my cheery guy, in a wonderfully powerful painting done by Bonnie Luria of the St. Croix-nicity blog. You have to see it to believe it. I am still speechless.

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-90651675159223091052009-04-19T23:25:00.000-07:002009-04-20T16:34:13.001-07:00

Haven't disappeared. Just took a break, turned 46, and - actually been painting. The kind of painting that takes forever.No, it's not the procrastinated commission (the deadline is June-ish, so of course I am doing everything I can to not do it yet...). Been working on a new painting that was marinating in my mind for a while; a new style, new medium, new support - and it's having countless

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-16888390387701662682009-03-28T02:24:00.000-07:002009-03-28T04:04:52.798-07:00

In the midst of my diligent and dedicated procrastination (see previous post), I got a comment from Rhonda Carpenter, who's blog Watercolors and Words I visit frequently. Rhonda is one of those fellow artist bloggers who, at times of my not-in-the-painting-mood, kicks my butt via email and comments till I get back into my studio. Funny, but before I started blogging, I've never met anyone named

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-57265597162147129262009-03-19T17:41:00.000-07:002009-03-19T19:58:19.844-07:00

That is my all times favorite quote of Ellen DeGeneres: "Procrastinate now, don't put it off". And I always follow this advice, diligently. As - well, Ellen's gotta be right.Several months ago, I created this collage that was exhibited in a show at a big-shot hi-tech company. I made it especially for that show, and it ended up with a red label of "Sold". Almost none of my artist friends got to

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-54021081105450310102009-03-13T17:22:00.000-07:002009-03-14T03:21:29.915-07:00

I know I've made this statement about quite a few paintings, and then got distracted by another image that excited me. But here I go again: this may be the beginning of a new series.My sister has been going though our parents apartment, and sent me batches of scanned family photos that awash me with waves of nostalgia. One photo in particular had a special compelling effect on me. A photo of my

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-15245844259505847152009-03-05T16:19:00.000-08:002009-03-05T18:48:27.156-08:00

There are days when you have zero motivation to go to class. The weather's gray, you are late and in a rush, morning started bad, as you went to your critique group meeting after weeks of missing it, but since you've arrived last, by the time it was your turn it was also time for the parking police to come after the money of those who did arrive in time, plus you have to rush to class. So you

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-57746301692379330842009-02-12T18:18:00.000-08:002009-02-12T22:16:17.620-08:00

We had the figure drawing class today. Yes, the one with the talkative teacher, who's driving me nuts with his endless talking and taletelling, mostly since what he says doesn't always have much to do with art. There are artists who manage to block everything out when they draw or paint. Not me, alas. I'm more the kind who needs the whole world to come to a halt in order to concentrate. And so,

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-33831111296969837722009-02-08T23:06:00.000-08:002009-02-08T23:49:57.231-08:00

OK, OK, so I've been absent from the blogosphere for a while. A couple of weeks, perhpas; no - actually a whole month! Whoa - has it really been that long? To those of you who wonder (to the extent of emailing me or leaving concerned comments, pondering whether I have escaped to Aruba or broke my painting arm): No Caribbean escape for me, nor a broken arm. Just been going through some down time,

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-26432849371145369722009-01-08T18:56:00.000-08:002009-01-09T01:32:59.788-08:00

The Palette Magazine is my favorite art magazine. Written by two wonderful artists, Skip Lawrence and Christopher Schink, it is aimed at helping fellow artists push the envelope . As opposed to many art magazines out there, reading it does not entail getting attacked by countless renewal leaflets, and it has zero ads. (Yup. Zero). Each issue is dedicated to a different subject, written in a fun

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-15420124025690574462008-12-28T21:30:00.000-08:002008-12-28T23:23:31.553-08:00

So, after the initial delay of our flight, came Tuesday night, and we are on a plane to the East Coast.A red eye flight. The plane is overheated. Way overheated. Like, way Way WAAAAAAAAY overheated. And because we were transferred from a flight that got cancelled 2 days before, I find myself stuck in the middle of the 3-seat row, between two strangers. (The JohnnyB is stuck in the row in front of

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-22868040690383850722008-12-21T16:47:00.000-08:002008-12-21T16:48:48.429-08:00

The East Coast is snowed in. Luckily, Jet Blue is not letting its passengers go through the packing frenzy and drive to the airport just to discover that fact. They sent this email 7.5 hours before the flight, which gave plenty of time to rebook.And so, no snow for us yet - we're still here, waiting for the snow to ease up a bit. Sitting in the rain. In the cold. Uphill. Both ways. In the

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-30356258017437713242008-12-12T18:01:00.000-08:002008-12-12T18:06:02.016-08:00

Sent by Myrna (thank you!!!) and had to be shared with the world. So - what are you getting for the holidays?

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-50107170126052678612008-12-08T14:04:00.000-08:002008-12-12T18:03:36.264-08:00

It seems that everyone is running around in frenzy these days. The parking lots are full of killer drivers, stores are packed people on gift quests, family visits are in the horizon - and there's an edginess in the air, a higher susception to cranky sprees, and - needless to say - this cheery spirit is getting to us all.So, I figured that as a service to the public, I'd remind y'all (and us'all)

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-62695224252576940812008-12-04T21:52:00.000-08:002008-12-05T00:50:26.212-08:00

...and today it was crossed.Today was the last session of our figure class.No models, no drawing, no mess - it was critique time! Now, I've been through a lot of critique sessions since I dipped my little cotton socks (yeah, that's for you, Val!) in the deep water of art. Most classes and workshops involve critique, and I am very used to having my work reviewed by a critique group for the past 3

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-56737946723349863412008-12-02T21:47:00.000-08:002008-12-03T02:15:32.620-08:00

The JohnnyB and I were having one of those conversations this evening, and it became quite profound and deep, dare I say on the verge of philosophical. Bear in mind that when you have a true Minnesotan for a spouse, this kind of dialogue happens once in a blue moon. (And not just any blue, mind you; Manganese Blue!). And due to that rarity, I was trying to get the most out of it.At some point, I

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-86365784598189352472008-11-25T13:45:00.000-08:002008-11-25T22:17:22.336-08:00

These days, my sister is going through our parents apartment in Jerusalem. (No, not New Jerusalem, OH... the original Jerusalem. Like, the real one). A long process of sorting through everything, keeping what needs to be cherished and saying goodbye to the rest. It's highly emotional, and a big part of letting go. Being here, I only participate over the phone and emails.She tells me of things she

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-72259342242715667852008-11-20T20:43:00.000-08:002008-11-21T02:37:51.743-08:00

Bill of the OnPainting blog has left a comment on my previous post, implying that I am yet to learn how to do some real whining. That still hurts. Badly. And yet, always open to constructive criticism, I took it to my attention, and so today in class I decided to change my tactics.Today was the last class with a model in the fall series. Our model introduced herself to us as Jan, said she was a

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-33835281071540192352008-11-17T00:02:00.000-08:002008-11-17T00:05:03.309-08:00

This is becoming frightfully repetitive, those models who pierce the classroom space with their bored eyes. I am not complaining. Not really. Not sure what I'd do if I had to sit in the same pose for 3 hours, but for us class takers it kills inspiration, again and again.Or does it? Last week, at figure class, it was portrait time again. This time we had Paul, a guy with quite an ordinary face and

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-55394456596529631262008-11-12T21:14:00.000-08:002008-11-13T00:14:02.679-08:00

MembieK recently mentioned to me, yet again, how she and I seem to be specializing in painting sad women. Somehow, somewhy, we do that. When you step into an exhibit that has our work, it's very easy to find our paintings in it. Just look for paintings of gloomy eyed females and - bingo! You can't go wrong.So, I have decided to go beyond that. No more sad women. Many people don't like to look at

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-2014742289480423402008-11-08T00:26:00.000-08:002008-11-08T00:50:38.265-08:00

Figure class again.One endless pose, yet again, like last week.This time, the teacher wanted us to go for the portrait rather than the whole figure. Yes, I know what y'all are thinking. Indeed, I've been doing mostly portraits the whole time, but that was just me and a couple of others in class. Needless to say, because he told us to do a portrait, MembieM (who always, ALWAYS does stunning

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-35808370306031702092008-11-05T19:03:00.001-08:002008-11-05T20:24:16.295-08:00

Last week's figure class was with the dreaded 3-hour pose. Why dreaded? because - as opposed to short poses - a long pose pretty much guarantees that the model will go for the most comfortable position s/he can assume. That ultimately means no creative poses, no spontaneity, no fun gestures. They just gloomily gaze into space, looking stiff, frozen-faced and formal, thus not very inspiring. And

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-6023135585080775992008-10-29T23:10:00.000-07:002008-10-29T23:41:55.281-07:00

Myrna and David have become famous overnight, having one of their incredible pieces in a museum. Always learning from the best, I decided to follow that path of fame. Looking good, I dare say. I only wish people would stop taking photos of artwork in museums. It's truly and absolutely annoying, especially when one of them is facing the wrong way...Wanna get your painting in a museum too? It's as

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-46618395071574998012008-10-27T16:04:00.000-07:002008-10-27T18:13:31.736-07:00

When a model keeps the same pose for an hour or more, it gives enough time to fully capture the pose, fully render it, fully work on it and overwork it and get back into it and mess up the freshness and spontaneity.Whereas short poses - ahhhh, I love them so! you look, you put on paper what it really is about the pose that makes you wanna capture it, and then the model changes to the next one.

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-48798203614239651142008-10-22T13:25:00.001-07:002008-10-22T13:31:26.730-07:00

Some of you loyal readers who have been following this blog for the last year or so, have no doubt shed a tear (or two) when reading about our adventures with Dell and Microsoft. From the dramatic demise of our old laptop that perished with a blow in my lap, to the quest for a new one, to the saga of the desktop who followed suit by committing suicide - - - and much, much more. Yes, it's true

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-42428580211106108412008-10-15T18:52:00.000-07:002008-10-15T22:01:43.347-07:00

In between preparations for our next upcoming watercolor show (opens this Saturday!), I went to a demo on Monday, at the other organization I belong to. Not the watercolor-only, but one that's open for all media (and whose shows have been quite good to me :-) They hold a montlhy meeting with a demonstrator (usually) or a speaker (rarely, as the attention span of artists is a bit... um... hey,

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-59078438965277718472008-10-10T01:55:00.000-07:002008-10-10T01:56:16.808-07:00

Art critique, anyone? Beware - this is smothered with the F word, and yet I couldn't resist posting it . If you wanna read more about this comedian and whom he is mocking - it's right here.

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-34876152711219156802008-10-08T02:25:00.001-07:002008-10-08T19:59:06.710-07:00

Yesterday was the time for my annual eye doctor appointment, which last year sent me into a frenzy of profound contemplation. It's not a bad appointment really. You venture through a variety of machines and tests, from the one air puff tonometer that rudely spits air in your eye, through the poetic chanting of letters and numbers, to the spatial vision test which is pretty much a computer game in

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-17644909559044130802008-10-04T00:27:00.000-07:002008-10-04T00:31:18.707-07:00

We had our second clothed figure drawing class session yesterday. Being a class with a model, it's a hit or miss, at least for me. I personally find it tricky to draw or paint a model who doesn't make me respond with a desire to render them. Last week we had a young pretty model (not a good start) who was wearing a black dress (not very inspiring) with long slits along the legs (OK, maybe there's

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-49054829115607530072008-09-30T11:15:00.001-07:002008-09-30T11:19:16.908-07:00

...actually spending time at my studio, seriously painting, and painting seriously.Really. I am!The upcoming show of our watercolor organizations has sent me in there in a frenzy of organizing my work areas and clearing the enormous piles of, well, stuff, that were breaking new records of mess and were miraculously balanced on every surface possible.So, no more of that.My table is now adorned

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-39260002815401670602008-09-16T18:07:00.000-07:002008-09-16T18:20:38.098-07:00

Had the big show last weekend. Amazing, how much work is put into a show that is on display for less than two days!You go through the process of selecting the artwork to submit, a process garnished with extreme self-criticism over the quality and its chances to make it in. (being a juried show). You send in the photos, pay the entry fee and then spend days sweating blood and biting your

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-34251383456597153602008-09-08T17:38:00.000-07:002008-09-09T02:05:43.977-07:00

Opening the door, he stands in the main room, holding the keys. He is wearing his Tuesday tie, the one that matches his vest so well, and yet nobody has ever noticed it nor stopped to compliment him on his choice. The only times they talk to him is when they cannot find something. Even then, they don't see him. Not really. He is merely an answering apparatus. They have no idea he won first place

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-71060059890767105772008-09-05T23:03:00.000-07:002008-09-05T23:28:44.074-07:00

Some of you asked if I would post what I wrote about my pieces in the "Earth Expressions" show.As I stated, we were asked to write a short statement that relates the artwork to the theme of the show. Many of the artists chose to skip it, which I can relate to, as I personally don't like to explain my art. I'd rather let my art speak for itself. One reason is that my art doesn't have the accent

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-54953520536659168172008-09-04T13:55:00.000-07:002008-09-04T15:50:22.906-07:00

Pat (of Single For A Reason blog) has come up with a challenge to see what w'all can do with a discarded - yet very photogenic - paper bag. As she put it, "One man's trash is another man's treasure type of thing".Since my creative juices are a bit on the murky side these days, and I am amongst the finalists in the Olympic sport of the procrastination (I persoanlly think I deserve the gold medal!)

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-69542109366098220202008-09-02T21:09:00.000-07:002008-09-02T21:13:37.250-07:00

Still not really painting, but I hope for a change soon.One of the big shows of the year is coming up. This year it's going to be a bit different, as - in addition to the usual show and reception, we'll be having an auction, with the sales profits going to the Shelter Box Project.And, with the judge and auctioneer being Stefan Baumann from The Grand View TV show. Should be a very interesting

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-54411073423292374542008-08-14T14:30:00.000-07:002008-08-14T15:07:12.862-07:00

Still not feeling up to it, still keeping at those little bozzettos.I'm slacking from the one-bozzetto-a-day promise I made to myself, but hey - tough. Happens. When the spirit is low, the energy is not always available.Plus, I'm now trying to decide on three pieces to enter to the upcoming show at one of the art organizations I belong to, the one whose last year's annual show bestowed two awards

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-64170579033994347552008-08-11T17:51:00.000-07:002008-08-11T17:54:38.897-07:00

She sat there, alone. A woman in her seventies. Her wonderful eyes emphasized by her penetrating, quiet beauty. Waiting. For a friend, perhaps. Well dressed with simple elegance, her hair perfectly done, save for some strands that took the liberty to get loose. Natural and undyed, it had that silvery quality to it, which reminded me of my mom's hair that hairdressers refused to dye even when she

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-65201444149056486602008-08-07T18:03:00.001-07:002008-08-07T18:13:59.468-07:00

Sometimes, it's best to leave your expectations at home. Just air them out, leave them behind.That's what I did yesterday, when I went to see the so-much-spoken-of Chihuly exhibition at the De Young museum of art in San Francisco.Y'see, at the risk of losing all my readers at once, I'll go ahead and admit that I never really liked Chihuly's art. I know, I know - he is considered to be a

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-72888428564840432652008-08-04T16:56:00.001-07:002008-12-10T09:40:53.551-08:00

Back from a vacation in British Columbia, which was bitter-sweet.We spent 10 days in Vancouver and then Vancouver Island (mostly Victoria). Being a vacation I anticipated for 10 years (long story), you can imagine my expectations were at their peak. And, as happens with high expectations, reality does not always stand up to them. So, we saw some great views, had wonderful food, had some miserable

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-1887274241467722062008-07-17T12:42:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:40:53.678-08:00

Thursday again. Figure drawing class begins in less than an hour, and I am - yet again - amazed by how fast the week has gone. Been busy putting the house back in a civilized state of being, so obviously, I didn't paint this week. Nor sketched. Nothin'.But before I rush to class, I might as well post the fruits of the last one.I almost didn't go last week. I was so demoralized by the previous one

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-36411791609310429172008-07-11T21:40:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:40:54.499-08:00

One of my favorite art sites, "The Painter's Keys", who's originator (Robert Genn) sends a bi-weekly email, has finally addressed the mood I am in recently, of more casual art, or as he calls it: "Lapworking". Among other things, he says "You might find that the 'hobby-horse' feel of lapwork generates the languid ease that helps get you into the "zone." While it appears nonconforming and casual,

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-20523856494917706282008-07-09T00:17:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:40:54.564-08:00

Blueberry of Texas Oasis has awarded me the Arte y Pico award. Arte y Pico is a blog from Uruguay, whose blogger has come up with this award. It features this angel with a very cool dress (oh, it's a she-angel, or is she one of the muses?), that totally matches her wings. And she is wonderfully balanced on this golden, uhm, thingy - very impressive!What does Art y Pico mean? As Ana, the award

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-15867182208683666312008-07-08T17:51:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:40:54.894-08:00

It's hot today.Too hot to do anything.I have grand plans to tidy up and organize my studio, so I can start painting there, but it's just so damn hot! With no air condition in our house, couch-potatoing with a wet towel around my neck and a big bunch of grapes, is the only way to go. And yet, I have those pangs of conscience that I am yet again reverting to the status of

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-77343917148092531912008-07-07T14:07:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:40:55.400-08:00

Had the second session of the figure drawing class on Thursday. This time, a male model. An Asian man, who held the same pose throughout the whole 3 hours (yes, of course with 5-minute breaks!). The teacher intended that we have the opportunity to draw him from different angles, and have a sculptural comprehension of the figure.The guy sat in the chair, very upright and calm, and took an

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-23539916590331439072008-07-01T16:24:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:40:55.557-08:00

Ahhh, that sounds so good.Yup - June 30th was my very last day as the president of our watercolor society. I announced my stepping down several months ago, and since nobody agreed to take the baton from my hand (like Taltul in his time), I had to cope with a lot of requests, pleas and emotional blackmail, all aimed at making me change my mind and stay put. I spent hours, days, weeks contemplating

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-52012471121946001012008-06-28T19:06:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:40:55.905-08:00

it's been a long time since I last took a drawing class. Way too long. On Thursday, I started a new one - figure drawing. Clothed figure this time. Yeah, I know - a lot of you non-artists think w'all stare at naked bodies under the excuse of drawing them. Well, not quite. At some point, you kinda get tired of it. And clothed models become much more exciting. Clothed figures have more movement to

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-70218714205615038552008-06-23T00:12:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:40:56.113-08:00

...That's where the temperatures were aiming at on Saturday, totally ignoring the dozens of artists who assembled on the grounds of the Triton Museum in Santa Clara to display their art.97 degrees (36 Celsius) before the end of June - as if the weather decided to justify the name of the event "Midsummer Art Celebration".I was showing with two organizations - watercolors with one of them,

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-23616088893525867922008-06-01T00:48:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:40:56.291-08:00

Our critique group is having an exhibit at a hi-tech company. The opportunity presented itself when someone from that company was at the gym with BearGal, they got into a conversation while being bored to death on the Stairmaster - - - and so the idea was born.At first, I wasn't very keen on painting anything for that show, to say the least. Y'see, I used to work for that company, and, well...

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-38528568413090865282008-05-29T21:45:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:40:56.515-08:00

Among other activities, our watercolor organization arranges weekly paint outs (or, to be fancy, plein-air painting outings). I usually do not participate in them, as they collide with our critique group meetings, and I am not quite a landscape painter. But today was an afternoon session. Plus it was held in a Japanese garden. Plus the organizer, PleinieJ, is a wonderful fiber artist (in addition

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-4797147132280628372008-05-25T01:35:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:40:56.654-08:00

Last week, the temperatures were peaking at 100. Then it got nice and cozy, very spring-like. And today, winter is back. Gray skies, chilly - and even rain. Feels like California got into some crazy time machine that got broken.But yesterday, before this sudden winter, my sister and I managed to go and visit the fair Filoli Center, with its flowers and greenery and sculpted gardens and all. The

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-57884273655909061992008-05-14T21:07:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:40:56.938-08:00

I am not painting these days. Haven't painted for several weeks before we went on the trip to Utah and Arizona, haven't really painted since we came back.I'm busy and distracted. My one and only sister is coming to visit us for a month (she's landed in New York today for 5 days on the East Coast, and will arrive to our house on Monday), and it got us in a frenzy of house improvement, or at least

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-69083977884846868822008-05-13T00:21:00.000-07:002008-05-13T00:22:43.309-07:00

If anything, I find this quite sad. Sent to me by Yev - Thanks!

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-86000107325389779182008-05-05T16:00:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:40:57.327-08:00

Time really flies in the blogosphere... I haven't published an art-related post for just over 3 weeks - and it seems like forever.Haven't been painting recently - partly because we went on a 10-day vacation to Utah and Arizona, for some glorious views and time-out. I still have the sights carved on the inside of my eyelids: the majestic rocks of Zion, the awesome hoodoos of Bryce against the

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-75783471654850803442008-04-10T22:05:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:40:57.605-08:00

Went to a demo on Sunday - by a serious watercolor master: Cheng Khee Chee. A real sweet, fun and funny guy, with a lot of wisdom to share and a masterful hand with the brush. He is giving a workshop here this week - which I am not taking, and I quite envy those who do, as the short lecture he gave before his demo was very inspiring. It was wonderful to listen to someone who spoke of his

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-52905574239652793682008-04-04T23:15:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:40:57.929-08:00

My birthday is coming up. Next Sunday. The dreaded 45.Two days ago, a big package arrived at our house, and The JohnnyB hid it in the den, saying it's for my birthday. Despite my inquisitiveness, I got over my tendency to try and peek, until yesterday he mentioned that since we'll be going on a trip on Friday, and it's too big to take it with us, it might make sense that I open it now.Long debate

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-15502335372789144732008-03-31T20:20:00.001-07:002008-12-10T09:40:58.129-08:00

Those of you who are seriously into watercolors do not need an explanation of what AWS is. The mere mentioning of this acronym is always accompanied by awe and wistful eyes, and the thought of "some day, I wanna make it into that show!".For those of you who do not belong to that crowd, AWS stands for American Watercolor Society, whose annual show is probably the most distinguished one to be

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-9075720141976409542008-03-30T01:23:00.001-07:002008-12-10T09:40:58.639-08:00

Found this gem on the Mother of Shrek blog - and just had to share.This is a screen capture of what I did - only imagine everything moving and swirling and shooting up and down, depending on the nature of the line or shape you draw. Click on it be taken to the website, use your mouse to scribble - and enjoy.This is one talented guy - check out his other projects, especially the floccular

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-66901788119661130082008-03-25T22:57:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:40:58.811-08:00

No, I have not disappeared.Been busy.Busy planning an upcoming trip of The JohnnyB and me, busy preparing for an upcoming (and a very long awaited) visit to us, busy with contemplating some art competitions, and busy with some ongoing mood swings that seem to follow the weather.And, in between, I've managed to paint.LimaB told me recently, "Looks like you are on to something - keep going". Indeed

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-27907031634250734422008-03-16T17:14:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:40:59.817-08:00

Sometimes you live in a place without really knowing what it has to offer. In my defense, I only live here for 6 years (in fact, TODAY is the 6-year anniversary to me moving to the USA!!!).Still, I am amazed that we never heard of this.Apparently, every year, there is a special event called "Bouquets To Art". It used to be at the Legion of Honors and is now at the de Young museum of art in an

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-1181701831970428742008-03-14T17:02:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:41:00.948-08:00

Seen last week ago at Andronico's.The JohnnyB was shopping for sausages for his lasagna, and I was exploring the butchery shelves, and stopped in my tracks when I saw this. After several times of going back and forth, I thought "Oh, the hell with it!" and took my camera out. I just had to document this refreshing gem of creativity at a place you expect it the least. The young guy at the counter

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-25760600565849357552008-03-07T01:03:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:41:01.105-08:00

As I mentioned last week, spring is in the air. We've had some gorgeous days, and now it's cooling down again. Still, there's a lot of bloom, the neighborhood birds are coming up with new CDs and everything feels, well, different.Which is probably why I suddenly got fed up with my usual colors. As you probably know, I often paint with a lot of neutral colors and subtle hue changes, with hardly

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-85815779506149166932008-03-04T14:55:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:41:01.576-08:00

Since I've started to show my art, I only went for safe shows. The ones that are member shows, to which you get automatically accepted, as there is no jurying process. Actually, this show was kinda juried, as if you entered 3 artworks you were guaranteed one in, but the others could be rejected. WackieM keeps telling me, "It's about time you added some rejections to your resume!", but I keep

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-50182934673785635532008-02-29T15:35:00.001-08:002008-12-10T09:41:03.183-08:00

February 29.Sky's blue. Birds a-chirpin'.Ants a-conniving.Garden's a-happy.And LumiB's macro mode rocks!!! .

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-47501137418118440402008-02-20T21:33:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:41:03.370-08:00

Sometimes, you paint just for the pure joy of it.You allow yourself to not think too much, grant yourself the permission to not agonize over the end result, and refrain from over-analyzing design rules and profound compositions, complementing colors and balance of value and shape. Sometimes, you just paint.And you have a lot of fun.And you come up with a painting you actually like quite a bit,

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-58814145383064450562008-02-18T20:48:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:41:03.519-08:00

Forgive me loyal readers for I have, well - It's been a while since the last time I painted. In fact, I haven't painted since I took John Salminen's workshop.Thing is, each and every time I take workshop, I get the post-workshop creative block that freezes me and disables me from painting. Not quite sure why. Perhaps it's my mind being overwhelmed by all the new information, needing some time to

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-44270203189306398092008-02-11T14:59:00.000-08:002008-03-14T17:04:55.402-07:00

Creativity has many faces - here's one I find quite intriguing.Now, that's what I call a series!!(click twice to play)

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-76090667553401956092008-01-28T14:29:00.000-08:002008-01-28T14:31:27.934-08:00

An enlightening and entertaining take on creativity, by creativity expert Sir Ken Robinson, at the 2006 TED conference in Monterey, CA.Thanks, NancyBJ, for sharing!!

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-73482096088543172132008-01-26T16:16:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:41:03.732-08:00

Not a new painting, but rather a rescued one.This one has made quite a journey along the Via Dolorosa... starting as quite pristine clear washes (well, very pristine for my usual style!) through a miserable correction attempt that led to a valuable lesson and then to a frantic quest of salvaging it - I think it is now done. I brought it to our critique group on Thursday, and the responses were

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-86067279129432845352008-01-23T19:04:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:41:03.908-08:00

...and sometimes, you should just not listen to your husband.Remember I shared with y'all that The JohnnyB had some comments about the portrait I did at the Salminen workshop? That the forehead was protruding, and there was a bold spot on the left temple.Well, it did not bother me. It did not bother others who saw the painting.In fact, I was soooooooo proud of the luminosity and pureness of the

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-30568405170519123682008-01-20T16:55:00.000-08:002008-01-29T02:05:45.652-08:00

I'm almost recovered from the intensive and extensive 5-day workshop, and have some time to breathe. I got several comments on the breakthrough I've made at the end of the workshop. Retrospecting on the experience, I did get a lot from it: using shapes to create interest and introduce abstraction to realistic paintings, applying value bridges to achieve gradation and softness. Also, I am

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-35132768482917616802008-01-18T23:30:00.001-08:002008-12-10T09:41:04.659-08:00

The workshop is over. As always, mixed feelings of "I am finally free to paint on my own!!!" and "Ah, I wish it lasted a bit more".The last day started with a demonstration of how to paint a reflective surface - in that case, John Salminen painted a quarter sheet of a rainy street scene. He just did his magic, and did a pretty cool little painting.We then proceeded to work on our paintings,

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-2275785709708147062008-01-17T19:56:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:41:04.899-08:00

That's what they keep telling us, in so many words. Take the time to think; plan; consider your next step; take breaks; put the painting aside for a while and come back to it - but never rush. Ever.] Today I did. Actually, I was rushed, as the workshop ends tomorrow, and the instructor emphasized it's important that we bring the painting to a finished stage. Don't ask me why, and I did ask him

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-82967092711592924122008-01-16T19:03:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:41:05.101-08:00

John Salminen's workshop, Day 3.As BearGal likes to say, the first day of a workshop always start with an ecstatic "ah, this is going to be the best workshop ever!". The second day, you keep your optimisim with "well, let's wait and see". Then comes the breakdown, "what the hell am I doin' here!?". The next day is "hmm... I may still be able to save the painting", and the last day it's pretty

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-81872216712051104552008-01-15T18:43:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:41:05.410-08:00

Do not trap the mouse - that was the big challenge today, the second day of the workshop with John Salminen.Remember the big white shape we each found yesterday? One of the requirements was that it is continuous, as the eye needs to see white as a continuous shape. Scattered whites will cause the eye to jump all over the painting, rather than smoothly follow. To make sure we do not forget that,

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-60592616465039512702008-01-14T23:43:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:41:05.694-08:00

It's been almost a year since the last time I took a workshop. Interesting thing, workshops. Some artists attend every workshop available, some hardly ever take any. I am closer to the second kind. In my short time as an artist, I have found that technique-related workshops confuse the hell out of me. I guess I am a self-taught kinda gal, as I learn best from my own experience, exploring what

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-24889084880142846792008-01-10T20:16:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:41:05.847-08:00

Another year, another month, another painting challenge by WackieM.And this time, we're not just talkin' 3 random colors. WackieM has raised the bar, and we've got to a higher level of complexity.The lottery now includes 3 categories:- Mother color (namely, one color that's used to harmonize the whole painting, either by mixing some of it into all the other colors, or by having it as an

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-61979755404622949102008-01-07T19:36:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:41:06.284-08:00

Our annual party is coming up - and we are celebrating the 40th birthday of the watercolor organization. One of the fun things in the party is the painting exchange: members who wish to participate bring a matted painting (original, not a print), and get someone else's painting in return. No, you don't get to choose... it's a lottery thing. Which means you may end up with an incredible painting,

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-29034308033009660582007-12-27T19:37:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:41:06.862-08:00

While the wounds from the periprastically-given harsh critique of Knox on my art are not even close to forming a scar - - - I am still painting!! Santa Claus was very nice to me this Christmas, did his research on my beloved Daniel Smith site, and got me this glorious 3 Hematite Color Set. Great choice, The JohnnyB! (Uhm, I mean, Santa). Having said that - a couple of days before Christmas I felt

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-82894464527478584082007-12-25T21:08:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:41:07.205-08:00

Subtitle: Open Mouth Wide, Insert Both Feet T'was the day before Christmas Eve. TreatieL and WeldyL came over, bringing a fun guest with them: KnocksYourSocksOff, to whom - in the name of syllable rationing -we shall refer to as Knox. We had a great meal at one of our favorite restaurants, Ginger Cafe, where TreatieL made sure the waiters there won't forget her (it's a habit of hers...), and came

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-43543477848949564812007-12-22T22:23:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:41:07.450-08:00

Tyveking, again. Still with the Sikh man whose photo I was fortunate to get. Still with the same 3 colors dictated by the dice. I am fascinated by the way a blurry photo forces me to dig into my creativity and make up the missing parts. This is much more fun than working from an ideal photo where everything is right there. A clear reference, while easier, also has the risk of "inhibiting changes

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-19383670232320790772007-12-20T12:08:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:41:07.926-08:00

Except for the cheery snowmen, I haven't painted in over 2 weeks. There is no better cure for being down than taking a pen or a brush and letting it go on the paper, but the catch is that sometimes, when you are in such a mood, even that seemingly tiny amount of energy is too much.So, I didn't paint.I no longer fight it or force myself, as for me, art cannot come on demand. As simple as that.On

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-52637168969239387962007-12-15T21:37:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:41:08.132-08:00

This is not quite a fine art piece, nor is it original. And yet, it is somewhat special to me, and I did take part in painting it.On Monday evening last week, we met for a little holiday party of the second art organization to which I belong. The main activity was painting holiday scenes on posters, for a convalescent hospital in town. It was combined with a potluck, and each of the

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-84828948830066308392007-12-12T11:11:00.000-08:002007-12-12T13:30:23.651-08:00

Honor strokes my heartI've been tagged by WackieM.Where do I begin?I wonder if I should just start calling her by her real name, which she uses on her blog, rather than this wonderful blog name I created for her. No, let's stick with WackieM. Much more fun. WackieM is one of the most incredible, creative and prolific artists I know, who never sits still. The woman paints from the heart and right

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-91092856943068341042007-12-08T14:32:00.001-08:002008-12-10T09:41:10.548-08:00

I love the gold gesso version of MistyN I did last week. I really do. And yet, I kinda felt it had a religious feel to it. To prove my suspicion, JimmyB commented, "For me, it evokes a Madonna-esque quality". WebbieM even congratulated me on entering my "religious period".OUCH!That is exactly what I did not want. I have nothing against such paintings, but it was not my intention. I wanted to

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-51097947699374735322007-12-05T16:46:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:41:11.605-08:00

...and I continue skipping between Sam and MistyN. WackieM has come up with a new challenge for this month: paint any subject, using only 3 colors. Interesting - but wait! you don't get to choose the colors, but actually let fate make the decision. As she put it, "Any subject, any style but you are limited to 3 colors plus black and white. The way you select the three colors is the fun part. On

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-81520609027115052392007-11-30T13:32:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:41:12.370-08:00

Remember Sam?No, I haven't given up on him. I merely switched to the multi-tasking mode between him and the fair MistyN. I am finally starting to make my comeback from the comfort zone of bozzettos, in which I found a cozy shelter during busy times, to the world of painting, which I haven't done for quite a while.With shaking hands, a bit unnerved, I went for it. I stuck with the same materials I

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-67904825482380302852007-11-27T20:48:00.001-08:002008-02-20T21:38:27.694-08:00

I wanted to paint.I really did.Honestly.I even had the time.But I didn't. Instead, I spent some quality time with my mat cutter, on the quest of cutting a double mat for a little bozzetto that I like a lot. A personal favorite, which I consider a breakthrough.I measured twice - and once more for luck, while cursing the imperial system and its evil eighths and sixteenths of an inch that were

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-12906911596421797042007-11-26T14:22:00.001-08:002007-11-26T20:50:25.809-08:00

Incredible, how powerful messages can be delivered through simple drawings.Click twice to watch.From DaskieM.

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-42580646577969434482007-11-24T18:44:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:41:12.569-08:00

This year, Thanksgiving was not only a wonderful get-together with good friends and great food. It also gave me a chance to take some truly wonderful photos and enrich my stash of references for potential future paintings.After a couple hours of fun chatting and snacking on great appetizers, dinner was served. All the kids sat around the table, with steamy plates in front of them. They started

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-72183629888939251302007-11-14T14:04:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:41:13.063-08:00

As you can see from the accumulating art-related posts, I am celebrating my new relative freedom from organizing and preparing for annual events and rehearsing speeches and solving crises and attending to last-minute issues. Some people may do that by enjoying a nice glass of wine or a cold mug of beer. Some will go on a shopping spree. I am doing what I have missed the most during all these

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-50371146530454701072007-11-12T16:12:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:41:13.408-08:00

...is doing something the same way over and over again yet expecting a different outcome. Ah, I am such a procrastinating chicken!Big busy times are over for now. I can paint for real, and stop escaping to these little sketches in front of the TV. no more excuses. On Friday, stretched 8 half-sheets of watercolor paper, all ready to go - - - and there I am, yet again, sketching from a photo I

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-46644670266520796962007-11-11T00:51:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:41:13.733-08:00

I am trying to accept the fact that this may be a very small step for the art world. And yet, this little painting is a giant leap for me. I love doing figures. I am fascinated by faces, people, stories.... but I have never, ever, dared to create a painting that has more than one figure in it. 'coz, like, what if I get one face or one figure right, and then totally screw up the other? What then,

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-48755924965772911962007-10-31T16:47:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:41:14.320-08:00

Busy times call for lack of painting. The couple of months have been crazy, and last week I decided that in order to keep my ability to ever paint again, I have to keep exercise my eye, hand and brush, just so to not lose it altogether. WackieM's blog keeps me going, big time. I try to find the time to follow the drawing and painting challenges she comes up with, and they then yield new fun ideas

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-33392803713908260902007-10-25T22:52:00.000-07:002007-10-25T23:11:19.241-07:00

Not in this case. Got this link from NancyBJ (THANK YOU for sharing!!!), and was stunned. Click on a mosaic mural, then click on parts of them to see the paintings that make that part. (for example, choose the 'Trust' mural, and click on the horse's eye...).Apparently, one artist, Lewis Lavoie, decides what the mural is going to be. He then has the panel painted by different artists who have no

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-76409004795077823672007-10-24T00:10:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:41:14.538-08:00

I'm back from the insanely-busy state of being, just raising my head above the water to get a quick gulp of air, so I can dive back in and on to the next thing!Our Annual Show Reception took place on Sunday. A gorgeous, sunny day, which I dreaded, as I was supposed to hold a speech to the nation (well, to the part of the nation that came to the reception). Like, on the stage!- - - With a

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826787112363668601.post-75943819365650302242007-10-16T20:25:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:41:14.719-08:00

"So, am I really not going to draw or paint for the next 3 weeks?", I whined. Our annual show reception is coming up on Sunday, then a board meeting, then our Annual Meeting - - - Whoa!!When you are a painter, and do not have the proper time to do it, or your head is too busy with other stuff, it starts to get to you at some point. You really Really REALLY want to paint, but you simply can't

Navahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594536242955214557noreply@blogger.com4