Well, it is the Holidays Season.
Here is our absolute favorite Christmas song around our house.
Enjoy.
I left this at a smaller size so you could be sure to see Tracey dancing. If you click on that little yellow box on the bottom right it will go full screen.
Showing posts with label Just For Fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Just For Fun. Show all posts
Friday, December 19, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The Line Starts Here.
I guess there is a line forming for the book. If all goes well it will be available in a few weeks.
Dan Corey seems to be first in line. Thanks Dan.
I was going to post a different video for Friday Fun this week, but this one seems appropriate.
Here are the first two episodes of this seven part short film, "The Line".
I like to imagine that the line for my book will look something like this....
Episode 2
If you'd like to keep watching you can find the other episodes easily on YouTube.
Just type in "The Line" in the search box.
I should give credit to Crackle.com . That is where this film originally came from.
Dan Corey seems to be first in line. Thanks Dan.
I was going to post a different video for Friday Fun this week, but this one seems appropriate.
Here are the first two episodes of this seven part short film, "The Line".
I like to imagine that the line for my book will look something like this....
Episode 2
If you'd like to keep watching you can find the other episodes easily on YouTube.
Just type in "The Line" in the search box.
I should give credit to Crackle.com . That is where this film originally came from.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Tagged once... twice... no, three times
This post is about the tag, but, just so you have something to look at, here is a little piece I did the other day while out painting with Jack. There were two guys out cutting cornstalks in this field. They were cutting rows into the field with machetes, making little piles of the stalks which they then pile into larger stacks.
"Cornfield", 6" x 8" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
$500. Framed. Available at Galeria Gardner
I plan on going back again to keep studying the colors in the drying cornstalks. It is a beautiful color buffet down there. I want to get some good info for a few larger paintings. They said it will take them about a week to cut this whole field.
I loved the green grass that was showing in the row that they had cut into the field.
Below is a picture of the painting and scene. The painting in progress is in focus and the corn is pretty blurry. It is a useful photo because it really shows the importance of squinting down to look for the big shapes first. If you can't tell, where I was looking is directly above the panel.
O.K., on to business.
I've been tagged by not just one, but three fellow bloggers. Thanks to Marc Hanson , Stacey Peterson ,and Paula Villanova.
Here are the rules:
1. Put a link in your posting to the person who tagged you.
2. List 7 unusual things about yourself.
3. Tag 7 other bloggers at the end of your post and comment on their blogs to let them know.
I am just going to do this once for all three tags. I can't come up with 21 people to tag who have not been tagged with this one already. Unusual things there are plenty of.
Seven unusual things.
Hmmm. well... I can't give up the good stuff and I dont want to dig so deep that I need therapy.
1.We collect all of our gray water and it is pretty much all we need to water our garden and yard.
2. I hate to throw anything out. I'll save all kinds of stuff thinking that one day I might be able to use it. Thanks Dad.
3.I hate to ask for help to do things. I built a lot of our home by myself. Electric, plumbing, putting up walls, painting, tiling, kitchen cabinets ( with some help) and on and on. And... am still working on it. Which leads to number 4.
4. I procrastinate. For example, I have been tiling our bathrooms for 12 years. I finished most of our upstairs bath pretty quickly, but there are little details that still have to be done. I have been doing the downstairs bathroom for about 3 years. Have about 3 square feet of the shower floor left and I am done. Julissa is about ready to kill me. Really. I think she lets me go on painting trips so she can have people come in and do projects without me stopping her and saying I can do it myself.
5. We live in a straw bale home. Three friends bought property together and we each built houses with straw, helping each other out.
A weird twist on the three little pigs I guess.
6. I collect and repair antique trucks.
7. I was kidnapped once in Mexico City. By four men dressed as police and in a police suburban, must have been police. No finger cutting or ransom or anything, but it was a real drag. That was 14 years ago or so.
8. I like weird movies and laugh when I think about them. A few favorites are: Nacho Libre, Napoleon Dynamite, The Party, Blazing Saddles, This is Spinal Tap and Repo Man. There are others, these are just the ones that came to mind quickly.
I decided to throw my own little twist into this one. One of those 8 things is complete baloney, malarkey, bull poop.
Can you tell me which one it is?
This tag seems to be going around faster than a San Miguel cough, so it was hard to find bloggers who had not been tagged with this one yet.
Here are 7 Blogs that I enjoy. Some are new friends and some I have known for a while. These are interesting blogs that you might want to check out if you don't know them.
Eric Merrell
Mike Rooney
Dan Corey
Matt Innis
Bonnie Luria
Don Gray
Silvina Day
"Cornfield", 6" x 8" oil on linen, Frank Gardner © 2008
$500. Framed. Available at Galeria Gardner
I plan on going back again to keep studying the colors in the drying cornstalks. It is a beautiful color buffet down there. I want to get some good info for a few larger paintings. They said it will take them about a week to cut this whole field.
I loved the green grass that was showing in the row that they had cut into the field.
Below is a picture of the painting and scene. The painting in progress is in focus and the corn is pretty blurry. It is a useful photo because it really shows the importance of squinting down to look for the big shapes first. If you can't tell, where I was looking is directly above the panel.
O.K., on to business.
I've been tagged by not just one, but three fellow bloggers. Thanks to Marc Hanson , Stacey Peterson ,and Paula Villanova.
Here are the rules:
1. Put a link in your posting to the person who tagged you.
2. List 7 unusual things about yourself.
3. Tag 7 other bloggers at the end of your post and comment on their blogs to let them know.
I am just going to do this once for all three tags. I can't come up with 21 people to tag who have not been tagged with this one already. Unusual things there are plenty of.
Seven unusual things.
Hmmm. well... I can't give up the good stuff and I dont want to dig so deep that I need therapy.
1.We collect all of our gray water and it is pretty much all we need to water our garden and yard.
2. I hate to throw anything out. I'll save all kinds of stuff thinking that one day I might be able to use it. Thanks Dad.
3.I hate to ask for help to do things. I built a lot of our home by myself. Electric, plumbing, putting up walls, painting, tiling, kitchen cabinets ( with some help) and on and on. And... am still working on it. Which leads to number 4.
4. I procrastinate. For example, I have been tiling our bathrooms for 12 years. I finished most of our upstairs bath pretty quickly, but there are little details that still have to be done. I have been doing the downstairs bathroom for about 3 years. Have about 3 square feet of the shower floor left and I am done. Julissa is about ready to kill me. Really. I think she lets me go on painting trips so she can have people come in and do projects without me stopping her and saying I can do it myself.
5. We live in a straw bale home. Three friends bought property together and we each built houses with straw, helping each other out.
A weird twist on the three little pigs I guess.
6. I collect and repair antique trucks.
7. I was kidnapped once in Mexico City. By four men dressed as police and in a police suburban, must have been police. No finger cutting or ransom or anything, but it was a real drag. That was 14 years ago or so.
8. I like weird movies and laugh when I think about them. A few favorites are: Nacho Libre, Napoleon Dynamite, The Party, Blazing Saddles, This is Spinal Tap and Repo Man. There are others, these are just the ones that came to mind quickly.
I decided to throw my own little twist into this one. One of those 8 things is complete baloney, malarkey, bull poop.
Can you tell me which one it is?
This tag seems to be going around faster than a San Miguel cough, so it was hard to find bloggers who had not been tagged with this one yet.
Here are 7 Blogs that I enjoy. Some are new friends and some I have known for a while. These are interesting blogs that you might want to check out if you don't know them.
Eric Merrell
Mike Rooney
Dan Corey
Matt Innis
Bonnie Luria
Don Gray
Silvina Day
Am I too late for Friday Fun?
I have never added a video link on the blog before.
Lots of my friends do it.
That's good enough for me.
That's how it all starts right?
I got a kick out of this.
It's called "The Job".
I'll probably get another post up this weekend, so check back.
Lots of my friends do it.
That's good enough for me.
That's how it all starts right?
I got a kick out of this.
It's called "The Job".
I'll probably get another post up this weekend, so check back.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
A plein air video by Jeremy Lipking and Tony Pro
I recently posted about painting in the rain while we were up in Maine.
My friend Jeremy Lipking and his buddy Tony Pro have a video they have done about a recent plein air painting adventure.
You can check it out here.
Then go to Jeremy's blog and tell him it's time to put up a new post on his blog.
Thanks everyone for asking Jeremy to post something new. He posted today, so you don't need to ask him any more.
Thanks.
My friend Jeremy Lipking and his buddy Tony Pro have a video they have done about a recent plein air painting adventure.
You can check it out here.
Then go to Jeremy's blog and tell him it's time to put up a new post on his blog.
Thanks everyone for asking Jeremy to post something new. He posted today, so you don't need to ask him any more.
Thanks.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Election Day - FINALLY
Today is election day In the US and I have been following for too long.
I am like a moth to a flame with the whole thing. I try and read or watch as much of it as I can.
More than is good for my blood pressure I'm sure.
I hate to mix politics and my blog, so I will spare you and not go into any of that.
We all need to live together after the results are tallied, so whatever the outcome, here's to a better future for ALL of us.
Today is a beautiful day here, sunny and warm, so I decided to head out to paint just to try and take my mind off the whole election thing for a few hours.
So I'm driving along looking for something to paint, and this guy caught my eye.
You know I love painting donkeys, but this one said something special to me.
I hustled my gear out of the car and he stayed still long enough for me to get this quick sketch.
"True Blue", 8" x 10" oil on board, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
Glad I could relax and take my mind off the politics thing.
I needed that!
Now back to tracking the progress of the day.
Funny how these guys are getting around. Have a peek at Christine's blog to see more.
Jennifer also has a donkey posted.
and Paula has a donkey on her blog.
Elizabeth likes donkeys too.
Paula Villanova has added an independent donkey.
if you decide to join in and post your own donkey of a different color.
( or an elephant I suppose)
Drop me an email and i'll gladly add a link to your post.
I am like a moth to a flame with the whole thing. I try and read or watch as much of it as I can.
More than is good for my blood pressure I'm sure.
I hate to mix politics and my blog, so I will spare you and not go into any of that.
We all need to live together after the results are tallied, so whatever the outcome, here's to a better future for ALL of us.
Today is a beautiful day here, sunny and warm, so I decided to head out to paint just to try and take my mind off the whole election thing for a few hours.
So I'm driving along looking for something to paint, and this guy caught my eye.
You know I love painting donkeys, but this one said something special to me.
I hustled my gear out of the car and he stayed still long enough for me to get this quick sketch.
"True Blue", 8" x 10" oil on board, Frank Gardner © 2008
Private Collection
Glad I could relax and take my mind off the politics thing.
I needed that!
Now back to tracking the progress of the day.
Funny how these guys are getting around. Have a peek at Christine's blog to see more.
Jennifer also has a donkey posted.
and Paula has a donkey on her blog.
Elizabeth likes donkeys too.
Paula Villanova has added an independent donkey.
if you decide to join in and post your own donkey of a different color.
( or an elephant I suppose)
Drop me an email and i'll gladly add a link to your post.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Contrast of Seasons
We have been getting a lot of rain this summer, so I wanted to share a few photos of how this place looks in the summer.
Just in case anyone thinks that it is always dry here.
This top one is the same location as the recent painting "Quiet Passing".
The tree in the painting is the tree you see on the left.
Same road.
Now look at the trees behind the corn and scroll down to the next image of the same view in January.
Photo: Frank Gardner © 2008
Those trees are the trees to the left of the church.
Photo: Frank Gardner © 2008
Now, this is the church from the other side.
In Feb.
Different angle, but this field is where the man and burro are walking in "Day's End".
Below is that field this afternoon.
Photo: Frank Gardner © 2008
Erin has found a horse shoe track in the mud that she wants me to see.
Photo: Frank Gardner © 2008
Just in case anyone thinks that it is always dry here.
This top one is the same location as the recent painting "Quiet Passing".
The tree in the painting is the tree you see on the left.
Same road.
Now look at the trees behind the corn and scroll down to the next image of the same view in January.
Photo: Frank Gardner © 2008
Those trees are the trees to the left of the church.
Photo: Frank Gardner © 2008
Now, this is the church from the other side.
In Feb.
Different angle, but this field is where the man and burro are walking in "Day's End".
Below is that field this afternoon.
Photo: Frank Gardner © 2008
Erin has found a horse shoe track in the mud that she wants me to see.
Photo: Frank Gardner © 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Summer is Over
When I was growing up, summer vacation was always something that I would look forward to.
Long days that seemed endless, and playing late in our neighborhood.
Cramming into the car and driving to Cape Cod for a few weeks each July.
Now that Erin has been in school for a year, it is something that I can look forward to again. Every kid looks forward to that break from classes. A reason to slow down for a while and try to relax, although with a 5 year old, who's relaxing?
I guess that the summer '08 is officially over for us.
Today was the first day of the school year and Erin is back in classes.
She says it was the best day of school ever, so I suppose that's good news.
Now it is time to get back to work. I have several new projects that I'll be working on this fall and a painting trip in a few weeks that I am really looking forward to.
I'll be posting dates for two 5 day plein air painting workshops in March '09 very soon.
Oh, what the heck.
March 9-13th and 16-20.
I'll post costs and info soon and start saving spots.
Now back to the bit about our summer vacation.
This summer has been about trying to spend as much time not thinking about work as we could get away with, and still take care of business and obligations, like bills.
I usually travel with my paints and finish at least a few pieces every week. This year I refrained from whipping them out for three whole weeks. Julissa had to work a bit on vacation, but she had deadlines to worry about.
If you are a regular reader you know that we went to the States for three weeks in July. We visited my family and had all sorts of fun.
As a tribute to our summer vacation, I will bore you with a few snap shots of what we did this summer. Fun stuff, from a kids point of view, and mine.
Sorry, no art in this post.
Erin on the Dragon Raft on Lake Winnepesaukee, N.H.
I bought this guy 19 years ago and he is still holding up strong.
Erin is checking out a loon out there in the lake. See it?
Winnepesaukee is much bigger than what you see here. We are up at the end of a harbor. The main lake, or "The Broads" is about 23 miles long.
Erin running on the beach at low tide on the Cape Cod Bay. This sand bar is under water at high tide.
We visited our good friends Peter and Kathleen for just a day on our way back to New York. Erin really loves them.
But we had to keep going...
We had a plane to catch...
To visit Erin's favorite friends...
Chip and Dale.
She did not know about this part of the trip until a day before.
Five very fun, very humid, very fun days.
My sister joined us with her two kids which was very special for us.
Erin has also been taking riding lessons since May. Once a week or so, just when she wants to. She is really into it.
Isabella is a champion jumping horse. She is a beauty, and very friendly with Erin.
Last week Erin got to ride her out in the country instead of around the ring where she had been practicing.
Here is the little one taking her horse back to the stable after the ride.
Long days that seemed endless, and playing late in our neighborhood.
Cramming into the car and driving to Cape Cod for a few weeks each July.
Now that Erin has been in school for a year, it is something that I can look forward to again. Every kid looks forward to that break from classes. A reason to slow down for a while and try to relax, although with a 5 year old, who's relaxing?
I guess that the summer '08 is officially over for us.
Today was the first day of the school year and Erin is back in classes.
She says it was the best day of school ever, so I suppose that's good news.
Now it is time to get back to work. I have several new projects that I'll be working on this fall and a painting trip in a few weeks that I am really looking forward to.
I'll be posting dates for two 5 day plein air painting workshops in March '09 very soon.
Oh, what the heck.
March 9-13th and 16-20.
I'll post costs and info soon and start saving spots.
Now back to the bit about our summer vacation.
This summer has been about trying to spend as much time not thinking about work as we could get away with, and still take care of business and obligations, like bills.
I usually travel with my paints and finish at least a few pieces every week. This year I refrained from whipping them out for three whole weeks. Julissa had to work a bit on vacation, but she had deadlines to worry about.
If you are a regular reader you know that we went to the States for three weeks in July. We visited my family and had all sorts of fun.
As a tribute to our summer vacation, I will bore you with a few snap shots of what we did this summer. Fun stuff, from a kids point of view, and mine.
Sorry, no art in this post.
Erin on the Dragon Raft on Lake Winnepesaukee, N.H.
I bought this guy 19 years ago and he is still holding up strong.
Erin is checking out a loon out there in the lake. See it?
Winnepesaukee is much bigger than what you see here. We are up at the end of a harbor. The main lake, or "The Broads" is about 23 miles long.
Erin running on the beach at low tide on the Cape Cod Bay. This sand bar is under water at high tide.
We visited our good friends Peter and Kathleen for just a day on our way back to New York. Erin really loves them.
But we had to keep going...
We had a plane to catch...
To visit Erin's favorite friends...
Chip and Dale.
She did not know about this part of the trip until a day before.
Five very fun, very humid, very fun days.
My sister joined us with her two kids which was very special for us.
Erin has also been taking riding lessons since May. Once a week or so, just when she wants to. She is really into it.
Isabella is a champion jumping horse. She is a beauty, and very friendly with Erin.
Last week Erin got to ride her out in the country instead of around the ring where she had been practicing.
Here is the little one taking her horse back to the stable after the ride.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Awards
It has taken me a while to get around to acknowledging some blog friends who have graciously passed awards on to me and my blog.
I am supposed to chose other blogs to pass these on to, but there are so many that I truly love, it would be unfair, and hard, for me to just pick a few.
So,
I will be a party pooper, and just say that all of you do great work and deserve praise for your blogs.
Being part of the blogging community and sharing with all of you is a great honor.
For those of you who don't have blogs, you are great too!
I thank everyone for your visits to "My Paint Box" and for all of your kind and thoughtful comments.
I'd like to thank Paz for giving me this You Make My Day award.
Susan Carlin awarded me with the Arte y Pico Award.
Thanks Susan!
I translate Arte Y Pico to mean art and a little more.
The third award, Brillante Weblog, was given to me by Jennifer Thermes. Thank you Jennifer.
I am supposed to chose other blogs to pass these on to, but there are so many that I truly love, it would be unfair, and hard, for me to just pick a few.
So,
I will be a party pooper, and just say that all of you do great work and deserve praise for your blogs.
Being part of the blogging community and sharing with all of you is a great honor.
For those of you who don't have blogs, you are great too!
I thank everyone for your visits to "My Paint Box" and for all of your kind and thoughtful comments.
I'd like to thank Paz for giving me this You Make My Day award.
Susan Carlin awarded me with the Arte y Pico Award.
Thanks Susan!
I translate Arte Y Pico to mean art and a little more.
The third award, Brillante Weblog, was given to me by Jennifer Thermes. Thank you Jennifer.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Review of my work by Elijah - Art and Critique
The weather here in upstate New York has been great the last two days, and I have been enjoying the visit with my family.
Coming from a semi desert life in Mexico, spring in New York and New England is a treat.
I head over to the Cape tomorrow for a week.
Elijah Shifrin has written a review of my work on his art and critique web site. Please click here. to read the first review.
Coming from a semi desert life in Mexico, spring in New York and New England is a treat.
I head over to the Cape tomorrow for a week.
Elijah Shifrin has written a review of my work on his art and critique web site. Please click here. to read the first review.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
A Day in the Life, of Me
Alicia tagged me with a new meme to describe a typical day of mine. You can see her post here.
Part of what I love about my job is that each day is different. Being my own boss allows me to do whatever I want, usually. Sometimes I take a break from art and work on our house. Sometimes there are a lot of errands to run and I don't get much work done at all. Having a 5 year old is the curve ball. You never know what will happen and change all plans. This is what today looked like. I'll try and spice it up with some photos, because it is really not that exciting.
6:00 AM- Wake up.
6:15 - 7:00 - Put on water for coffee and start up the ol' Powerbook.
Fresh grind coffee beans and while coffee is slowly brewing check emails and catch up on news and a few blogs maybe.
I pour water through my cone coffee filter a little at a time so my coffee is strong enough to stand a paint brush up in it.
A coffee machine lets the water go through too fast, so I don't get the nice strong brew that I love.
This is VERY important. If the coffee is not done right, it could ruin my whole day.
The Elixir
7:00 - 7:45 - Drink the coffee. Make school lunch. Wake up Erin. Get her breakfast ready, and then try and get her to eat it.
Julissa takes Erin to school.
7:45 - 8:30 - Shower, breakfast, answer any new emails, anything else I can squeeze in.
8:30 - This is the variable part. Today I went and visited with some clients.
Usually I walk into town, about two miles, and open the gallery. Sometimes I have someone watching the gallery and I can stay home and paint, go out and paint or take care of other business.
The usual walk into town.
12:00 - Head back into town from my visit to pick Erin up from school.
12:35 - Erin gets out of school. Get hug and kiss. Today she walked to the car backwards.
12:45 - 2:00 PM - Stop in front of the gallery to drop Erin off with Julissa and go park car. Walk to gallery and hang out with the girls. Go with Erin to buy some fish for lunch, then around the corner to the little store to buy a snack.
That is the gallery on the left. The little yellow building next to the blue doors.
2:00 - 4:00 PM - We eat our big meal of the day in the afternoon. Julissa cooks most of the time, I do the meal once in a while. I play with Erin or do other stuff. Skype with my parents every day, usually during or just before our lunch. For those who do not know, Skype is a free video call through the internet.
4:00 - 7:00 PM - This is a variable time too. I either go back to work or try and play with Erin so Julissa can work. Today I download photos from this morning's visit and wrote the rest of this blog post. Erin plays while the parents work.
Erin
7:00 - 8:30 or 9:00 PM - Have a light dinner, get bath water ready for Erin. Julissa usually gives her the bath, but I try to once in a while. Maybe some books before bedtime. Kid asleep.
9:00- 11:00 -12:00 AM- Catch up on internet, blogs, watch some t.v. over the top of my laptop. rest.
12:00- 6:00 AM - Sleep. Wake up to yell at dogs for barking. Sleep.
6:00 AM - Start all over.
Now I am supposed to tag a few people to share a day in their lives. I asked Eric yesterday if he wanted to join and he beat me to the post. You can see his post here.
I also asked Elizabeth and she has agreed.
I don't want to bother anyone with more tags, but if any of you want to do it just post me a comment.
Now I'll start working on the post I was going to do for today :)
P.S. ( 5/16/08 ) Mike Rooney has also been tagged and agreed to post a day in his life.
Part of what I love about my job is that each day is different. Being my own boss allows me to do whatever I want, usually. Sometimes I take a break from art and work on our house. Sometimes there are a lot of errands to run and I don't get much work done at all. Having a 5 year old is the curve ball. You never know what will happen and change all plans. This is what today looked like. I'll try and spice it up with some photos, because it is really not that exciting.
6:00 AM- Wake up.
6:15 - 7:00 - Put on water for coffee and start up the ol' Powerbook.
Fresh grind coffee beans and while coffee is slowly brewing check emails and catch up on news and a few blogs maybe.
I pour water through my cone coffee filter a little at a time so my coffee is strong enough to stand a paint brush up in it.
A coffee machine lets the water go through too fast, so I don't get the nice strong brew that I love.
This is VERY important. If the coffee is not done right, it could ruin my whole day.
The Elixir
7:00 - 7:45 - Drink the coffee. Make school lunch. Wake up Erin. Get her breakfast ready, and then try and get her to eat it.
Julissa takes Erin to school.
7:45 - 8:30 - Shower, breakfast, answer any new emails, anything else I can squeeze in.
8:30 - This is the variable part. Today I went and visited with some clients.
Usually I walk into town, about two miles, and open the gallery. Sometimes I have someone watching the gallery and I can stay home and paint, go out and paint or take care of other business.
The usual walk into town.
12:00 - Head back into town from my visit to pick Erin up from school.
12:35 - Erin gets out of school. Get hug and kiss. Today she walked to the car backwards.
12:45 - 2:00 PM - Stop in front of the gallery to drop Erin off with Julissa and go park car. Walk to gallery and hang out with the girls. Go with Erin to buy some fish for lunch, then around the corner to the little store to buy a snack.
That is the gallery on the left. The little yellow building next to the blue doors.
2:00 - 4:00 PM - We eat our big meal of the day in the afternoon. Julissa cooks most of the time, I do the meal once in a while. I play with Erin or do other stuff. Skype with my parents every day, usually during or just before our lunch. For those who do not know, Skype is a free video call through the internet.
4:00 - 7:00 PM - This is a variable time too. I either go back to work or try and play with Erin so Julissa can work. Today I download photos from this morning's visit and wrote the rest of this blog post. Erin plays while the parents work.
Erin
7:00 - 8:30 or 9:00 PM - Have a light dinner, get bath water ready for Erin. Julissa usually gives her the bath, but I try to once in a while. Maybe some books before bedtime. Kid asleep.
9:00- 11:00 -12:00 AM- Catch up on internet, blogs, watch some t.v. over the top of my laptop. rest.
12:00- 6:00 AM - Sleep. Wake up to yell at dogs for barking. Sleep.
6:00 AM - Start all over.
Now I am supposed to tag a few people to share a day in their lives. I asked Eric yesterday if he wanted to join and he beat me to the post. You can see his post here.
I also asked Elizabeth and she has agreed.
I don't want to bother anyone with more tags, but if any of you want to do it just post me a comment.
Now I'll start working on the post I was going to do for today :)
P.S. ( 5/16/08 ) Mike Rooney has also been tagged and agreed to post a day in his life.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Jacarandas - My Slow Purple Death By Allergy
There were never any purple trees where I grew up.
April in San Miguel means the blooming of hundreds, maybe thousands of jacaranda trees. Town turns into a fantasy land of purple. To me, purple trees are like a Dr. Seuss world come to life. It is a beautiful surreal sight.
Thing is, the past few weeks have been an allergy hell for me. Moving to this dry semi desert area of Mexico 18 years ago meant leaving all of my nasty allergies behind. However, for the last few years I seem to be developing an allergy to the jacarandas.
I walk to my gallery almost every day. It is about two miles each way. I pass under many of these purple beauties and walk across purple carpets of their fallen flowers. It is such a sensory rush. I wish that it did not affect me so much. I really want to love them more.
I felt like I was dying there for a while. My head felt like it would pop. I could not breath. My eyes were red and itchy.
I'm sure that you will be happy to know that this week has been much better.
So, now, I can happily post these two views of town for you to enjoy.
Maybe you don't have jacarandas where you live.
Enjoy!
April in San Miguel means the blooming of hundreds, maybe thousands of jacaranda trees. Town turns into a fantasy land of purple. To me, purple trees are like a Dr. Seuss world come to life. It is a beautiful surreal sight.
Thing is, the past few weeks have been an allergy hell for me. Moving to this dry semi desert area of Mexico 18 years ago meant leaving all of my nasty allergies behind. However, for the last few years I seem to be developing an allergy to the jacarandas.
I walk to my gallery almost every day. It is about two miles each way. I pass under many of these purple beauties and walk across purple carpets of their fallen flowers. It is such a sensory rush. I wish that it did not affect me so much. I really want to love them more.
I felt like I was dying there for a while. My head felt like it would pop. I could not breath. My eyes were red and itchy.
I'm sure that you will be happy to know that this week has been much better.
So, now, I can happily post these two views of town for you to enjoy.
Maybe you don't have jacarandas where you live.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Puertas (Doors)
There are a lot of really great doors here in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. This is just the tip of the iceburg. Some of my favorites.
Below is a list of links to posts by other bloggers that are doing door posts today.
I look forward to visiting them and seeing what they have to share. Maybe it will be photos of doors, maybe art, maybe a poem. Who knows, but it will be fun to look. There are over forty bloggers participating. I count at least ten countries. I may have missed a few on this list as I have been very busy this week with my painting workshop. If I have left off your name, I am sorry. There may be a few names listed on"The House in Marrakesh"that are not listed here.
Thanks to everyone for sharing Doors, and thanks for looking.
This is one of my favorites. The photo is from my first trip to San Miguel in 1985 with RISD. This was the front door at a glass factory. It is now a very large business and this door is gone. I love the color, shape of the door, and that white hand print.
This door is probably the most photographed door in town. I left the image large. Click on it and you can scroll around to see the details.
There are lots of old doors like this all over town.
This door is on a large antique shop near our house.
Here is a door and a half. I wonder who goes in the little door.
Another beautiful old door near my gallery.
This guy fixes locks and electric windows in doors.
Nice sign.
You can tell what he does even if you can't read Spanish.
Another nice old door with character.
These look more Moroccan than Mexican to me. These are just off the main square.
Thanks for looking. Please visit some of these other bloggers that are joining in on this group post of Doors of the World.
Elizabeth Wix, "The House in Marrakesh", Marrakesh, Morroco
Frank Gardner, "My Paint Box", San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Ambera Wellmann, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Constance, "Rochambeau"
Jennifer Thermes, "Art-Words-Life" - Connecticut , USA
Joanne Giesbrecht,"Thistledown Arts", Alberta, Canada
Jack Riddle, Portland, Maine, USA
Christine Mercer-Vernon, "An Artist's Log", Pennsylvania, USA
Faye Christian Phillips , Kentucky, USA
Britt-Arnhild, Norway
Kate and Roger "The Skophammers", Norfolk, Virginia, USA
Terry Rafferty, USA
Barbara,"Ramblings from an English Garden", London, United Kingdom
Pam Aries,"Art and Soul", Charleston, S.C. ,USA
Mary Sheehan Winn," Just Painting", Florida, USA
"Some Pink Flowers", St. Augustine, Florida, USA
Merisi,"Merisi's Vienna for Beginners", Austria
Paz, "Paz's New York Minute", New York
"Down Under Dale", Australia
The Aesthete, "Aesthete's Lament", USA
Mari/ Kameravena, Finland
Willow from "Willow's Cottage", California, USA
Ari, "Typo Blog", Finland
Lea,"Tales from the Labyrinth",USA
Stephanie, "Rodrigvitzstyle"
Leslie,"Snips and Snails and Puppy Dogs Tales", Pennsylvania, USA
Karen Cole,"Artsortments", Pennsylvania, USA
Barrie, San Diego, California, USA
Sherry/Cherie, Toronto, Canada
Claudia Schmid, London, United Kingdom
Sue, "The Magic Armchair Traveller", Congresbury, Bristol, United Kingdom
Gemma Wiseman, "Greyscaale Territory", Australia
Neulekirppu, Finland
Laura Fortune, "Amongst The Oaks",California, USA
Sara Lorayne, "Much Ado About Something", California, USA
Melanie,"Little cabinet of curiosities", Aubagne, Provence, France
Mari, Finland
Julie, "Virtual Voyage", United Kingdom
"Pigtown-Design", Baltimore , Maryland, USA
"Pret a Voyager", Baltimore , Maryland, USA
Julia Rose, "Verdigris Rose"
Below is a list of links to posts by other bloggers that are doing door posts today.
I look forward to visiting them and seeing what they have to share. Maybe it will be photos of doors, maybe art, maybe a poem. Who knows, but it will be fun to look. There are over forty bloggers participating. I count at least ten countries. I may have missed a few on this list as I have been very busy this week with my painting workshop. If I have left off your name, I am sorry. There may be a few names listed on"The House in Marrakesh"that are not listed here.
Thanks to everyone for sharing Doors, and thanks for looking.
This is one of my favorites. The photo is from my first trip to San Miguel in 1985 with RISD. This was the front door at a glass factory. It is now a very large business and this door is gone. I love the color, shape of the door, and that white hand print.
This door is probably the most photographed door in town. I left the image large. Click on it and you can scroll around to see the details.
There are lots of old doors like this all over town.
This door is on a large antique shop near our house.
Here is a door and a half. I wonder who goes in the little door.
Another beautiful old door near my gallery.
This guy fixes locks and electric windows in doors.
Nice sign.
You can tell what he does even if you can't read Spanish.
Another nice old door with character.
These look more Moroccan than Mexican to me. These are just off the main square.
Thanks for looking. Please visit some of these other bloggers that are joining in on this group post of Doors of the World.
Elizabeth Wix, "The House in Marrakesh", Marrakesh, Morroco
Frank Gardner, "My Paint Box", San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Ambera Wellmann, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Constance, "Rochambeau"
Jennifer Thermes, "Art-Words-Life" - Connecticut , USA
Joanne Giesbrecht,"Thistledown Arts", Alberta, Canada
Jack Riddle, Portland, Maine, USA
Christine Mercer-Vernon, "An Artist's Log", Pennsylvania, USA
Faye Christian Phillips , Kentucky, USA
Britt-Arnhild, Norway
Kate and Roger "The Skophammers", Norfolk, Virginia, USA
Terry Rafferty, USA
Barbara,"Ramblings from an English Garden", London, United Kingdom
Pam Aries,"Art and Soul", Charleston, S.C. ,USA
Mary Sheehan Winn," Just Painting", Florida, USA
"Some Pink Flowers", St. Augustine, Florida, USA
Merisi,"Merisi's Vienna for Beginners", Austria
Paz, "Paz's New York Minute", New York
"Down Under Dale", Australia
The Aesthete, "Aesthete's Lament", USA
Mari/ Kameravena, Finland
Willow from "Willow's Cottage", California, USA
Ari, "Typo Blog", Finland
Lea,"Tales from the Labyrinth",USA
Stephanie, "Rodrigvitzstyle"
Leslie,"Snips and Snails and Puppy Dogs Tales", Pennsylvania, USA
Karen Cole,"Artsortments", Pennsylvania, USA
Barrie, San Diego, California, USA
Sherry/Cherie, Toronto, Canada
Claudia Schmid, London, United Kingdom
Sue, "The Magic Armchair Traveller", Congresbury, Bristol, United Kingdom
Gemma Wiseman, "Greyscaale Territory", Australia
Neulekirppu, Finland
Laura Fortune, "Amongst The Oaks",California, USA
Sara Lorayne, "Much Ado About Something", California, USA
Melanie,"Little cabinet of curiosities", Aubagne, Provence, France
Mari, Finland
Julie, "Virtual Voyage", United Kingdom
"Pigtown-Design", Baltimore , Maryland, USA
"Pret a Voyager", Baltimore , Maryland, USA
Julia Rose, "Verdigris Rose"
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Doors
There is something intriguing about doors. Doors are all over the world. Doors lead somewhere. They keep things in, they keep things out. Doors have histories, stories, mystery. Let's share some.
An invitation:
I would like to invite anyone who would like to join with me and Elizabeth, from "The House in Marrakesh", in doing a blog post about doors.
It will be fun, and interesting, if lots of us posted photos, paintings, drawings, poems etc. about doors. Your choice. It just has to be about doors.
We will all be posting next Wednesday 12th.
Join in.
So far bloggers from Morocco, Norway, USA, Mexico, Finland and a few other countries will be posting.
Here's the deal.
(A). make your intention to join us known to me, or Elizabeth, through a comment posted here or on " The House in Marrakesh" blog, or send one of us an email. That way we can keep track of who is going to be posting.
(B). Get your post together and ready and post it on your blog on Wednesday the 12th. It has to really be something about Doors.
(C). Everyone should include in their post, links to all of those participating, so we can all share our posts. Don't just post the list, it is a pain to have to copy and paste all of the names to roll through them all. Let us know by say, Monday? so we can get the list to everyone else.
(D). If you have a suggestion, go ahead and make it. This is a group thing.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Xotolar (Shotolar)
I didn't get any painting done today, I went riding with a friend. So, I thought that I would share some photos of where we went. Things are pretty dry at this time of year. The Mesquite and Huizache trees will be blooming soon and in the summer all of this will be green.
We started out pretty high up. San Miguel is across the lake at the top left.
Then we dropped down into this canyon. It is real steep and pretty rocky.
Once we made it down there was some room to ride a little faster. That is Felix, they are his horses. This one is a little blurry because we were galloping.
We came out on the bottom side of the canyon.
Had to stop and get a cerveza in this little town before the ride back up on another path. I really love all of these rock walls that are all over in this part of Mexico.
After the ride, Canguro needed a little dust bath I guess.
I'll try and get some painting done tomorrow.
We started out pretty high up. San Miguel is across the lake at the top left.
Then we dropped down into this canyon. It is real steep and pretty rocky.
Once we made it down there was some room to ride a little faster. That is Felix, they are his horses. This one is a little blurry because we were galloping.
We came out on the bottom side of the canyon.
Had to stop and get a cerveza in this little town before the ride back up on another path. I really love all of these rock walls that are all over in this part of Mexico.
After the ride, Canguro needed a little dust bath I guess.
I'll try and get some painting done tomorrow.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas- Masking Tape Nativity
We wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and Holiday Season. May 2008 be a great year for all. Let's pray for LOTS of changes and good things for ALL.
No matter where you live, what you look like or what you believe in.
I made this nativity scene a few years ago. It is made with a little bit of wire, newspaper and LOTS of masking tape. The tape is starting to get old and each year I need to fix them because they are falling apart. The material makes the life span of this project fairly short I am afraid.
Our daughter, Erin, was almost two at the time and REALLY got into helping me with this. She is a good taper. Maybe that is why she loves to tape and glue so much now. I think if Santa brought her some tape and glue sticks she would be happy.
Well, maybe.
I think my favorite is the Drummer Boy.
Drummer Boy with Shepperd, Lamb, Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus.
The Three Kings with their offerings.
No matter where you live, what you look like or what you believe in.
I made this nativity scene a few years ago. It is made with a little bit of wire, newspaper and LOTS of masking tape. The tape is starting to get old and each year I need to fix them because they are falling apart. The material makes the life span of this project fairly short I am afraid.
Our daughter, Erin, was almost two at the time and REALLY got into helping me with this. She is a good taper. Maybe that is why she loves to tape and glue so much now. I think if Santa brought her some tape and glue sticks she would be happy.
Well, maybe.
I think my favorite is the Drummer Boy.
Drummer Boy with Shepperd, Lamb, Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus.
The Three Kings with their offerings.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Twenty Years Ago
Today is my birthday.
I was thinking about how my style has changed over the years, so I am going to post a painting that I did about 20 years ago.
I was fresh out of RISD and my work was pretty much all over the place.There were oils, collages, prints, found object sculptures, you name it. I had not really settled on my "style" yet, but this is pretty representative of how I was painting.
This is a large painting. At least 4 x 5 feet. I was not very good at keeping records back then so I am not sure.
I scanned the slide big so you can see into all of the detail if you click on the image. It's the best I could do with this old slide.
I am usually am pretty good about letting go of my art. But if I could buy back one painting that I have ever done it might be this one. I sold it CHEAP to get money to drive to Mexico 18 years ago, to someone who promptly re sold it for more money.
So it goes.
I hope that whoever owns it now is enjoying it.
"Untitled", approx. 48" x 60" oil on canvas, found objects
circa 1989, Private Collection
I was thinking about how my style has changed over the years, so I am going to post a painting that I did about 20 years ago.
I was fresh out of RISD and my work was pretty much all over the place.There were oils, collages, prints, found object sculptures, you name it. I had not really settled on my "style" yet, but this is pretty representative of how I was painting.
This is a large painting. At least 4 x 5 feet. I was not very good at keeping records back then so I am not sure.
I scanned the slide big so you can see into all of the detail if you click on the image. It's the best I could do with this old slide.
I am usually am pretty good about letting go of my art. But if I could buy back one painting that I have ever done it might be this one. I sold it CHEAP to get money to drive to Mexico 18 years ago, to someone who promptly re sold it for more money.
So it goes.
I hope that whoever owns it now is enjoying it.
"Untitled", approx. 48" x 60" oil on canvas, found objects
circa 1989, Private Collection
Monday, December 3, 2007
Plein Air Painting Hazards
I took a few days off from painting to do some work around our house. I should have a new painting to post later today or tomorrow. Until then, I thought that you might enjoy this.
You always hear about the hazards of painting, like toxic fumes and chemicals. Here is one more for your list.
Where you set up your gear can be hazardous to your health as well, or your stuff. This fellow thought that his animals were going to crush my gear. Luckily, I had set up just on the other side of that scrubby mesquite twig, or he might have been right.
You always hear about the hazards of painting, like toxic fumes and chemicals. Here is one more for your list.
Where you set up your gear can be hazardous to your health as well, or your stuff. This fellow thought that his animals were going to crush my gear. Luckily, I had set up just on the other side of that scrubby mesquite twig, or he might have been right.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
I've Been Tagged
This is sort of a blog chain letter, but better. I would normally throw out a chain letter and a chain letter is anonymous. This is actually pretty interesting. In fact, I have traced this back pretty far by just following the links and have found some interesting blogs and facts about the bloggers that make my five random or weird things look pretty boring. You can trace this backwards from Alicia Padrón because Eric Orchard did not post the full rules on his blog. He is pretty busy right now so he can be forgiven. Best of luck with your book launch Eric.
Here are the rules:
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 5 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well
as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Anyway, I've been "Tagged" by a blogger friend of mine Ambera Wellman. Ambera ia an emerging artist in Halifax.
Not only does she have a neat blog and a cool name but she is someone who's name pops up all over the place if you read the comments that people make on blogs. She is a good example that blogging is not only about showing posts and receiving comments, but actually making comments on other blogs.
She and Eric have been great about making comments on my blog and I am thankful for their input and friendship.
So here are my five random things. Reading these now I could have come up with much stranger stuff, like being kidnapped, but I'll stick to what I sent Ambera last night.
1. I DO have a license, drove to Mexico from New York 18 years ago and I'm still here. ( What's up with you and Eric that you don't have a license?)
2. I hate dirty brushes.
3. I have kid's songs in my head all day long.
4. I like to eat candy, a lot.
5. One of my favorite movies is "Being There" with Peter Sellers. This is a great movie to watch at this time of year by the way as we head into winter. If you have not seen it go out and rent it.
Which brings me to my picks for who I will "Tag".
I have just started out in the blog world and this being Thanksgiving and all, I would like to start with some bloggers who I am thankful for in one way or another.
#1. I will have to pick James Gurney. His blog Gurney Journey is the first blog that I check out every morning. He posts regularly and covers so many topics that I think there must be two or three of him somewhere. I am a big fan, a Gurney Groupie so to speak. If you don't already, you should check out his blog. If you know his blog and have not visited his other web sites here they are Dinotopia and James Gurney's web site. Thanks James, I am a fan from before your blog, but Gurney Journey is one of the reasons that I decided to blog myself and share what little knowledge that I have with others. I am really curious to see what James comes up with as his five random things.
#2. Will have to be Ed Terpening. I know that you have been tagged before Ed, but you are another blogger that has made a difference, and I'll have to "Tag" you again. Back when I was thinking of blogging, but not sure if I could do it, I was reading through Ed's Blog and came across this post. Why Artists Should Blog. I read some great reasons to blog which clarified my ideas and learned some new words like Lurker. I decided to not be a lurker any more and posted a comment on Ed's blog. I opened my blogger account and here I am. Thanks Ed.
#3. Is Mike Bailey. Mike was the first person to post a comment on my blog. Thanks Mike. You made me realize that there are actually people out there reading all of this and it got me to get some content on here fast. Mike has a great blog that you should check out. Thanks again Mike for posting on my blog. I know you must have some interesting or weird things about you.
#4. Is going to be Carol Marine. she is a great artist and one of the best "Daily Painters" blogging. You should all have a look at her work and bid on one through ebay if you like them. They are awesome little paintings and very affordable. I wanted to get some more painters in on this so here you go Carol. "Tag". I think that you must have some interesting things about yourself to share.
#5. Is Jerry Lebo. He has a blog, Sixty Minute Artist, that is just packed with interesting info on painting. It is hard to believe that he is not a full time painter with all of the content he has on there. If you want tips on painting I recommend that you check out his blog. Keep up the good work Jerry. I know that you will have interesting things, I wonder if you can limit it to five.
Thanks to all of you. I know that you are all busy, but I was not going to be the one to let this stop at my blog.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Here are the rules:
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 5 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well
as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Anyway, I've been "Tagged" by a blogger friend of mine Ambera Wellman. Ambera ia an emerging artist in Halifax.
Not only does she have a neat blog and a cool name but she is someone who's name pops up all over the place if you read the comments that people make on blogs. She is a good example that blogging is not only about showing posts and receiving comments, but actually making comments on other blogs.
She and Eric have been great about making comments on my blog and I am thankful for their input and friendship.
So here are my five random things. Reading these now I could have come up with much stranger stuff, like being kidnapped, but I'll stick to what I sent Ambera last night.
1. I DO have a license, drove to Mexico from New York 18 years ago and I'm still here. ( What's up with you and Eric that you don't have a license?)
2. I hate dirty brushes.
3. I have kid's songs in my head all day long.
4. I like to eat candy, a lot.
5. One of my favorite movies is "Being There" with Peter Sellers. This is a great movie to watch at this time of year by the way as we head into winter. If you have not seen it go out and rent it.
Which brings me to my picks for who I will "Tag".
I have just started out in the blog world and this being Thanksgiving and all, I would like to start with some bloggers who I am thankful for in one way or another.
#1. I will have to pick James Gurney. His blog Gurney Journey is the first blog that I check out every morning. He posts regularly and covers so many topics that I think there must be two or three of him somewhere. I am a big fan, a Gurney Groupie so to speak. If you don't already, you should check out his blog. If you know his blog and have not visited his other web sites here they are Dinotopia and James Gurney's web site. Thanks James, I am a fan from before your blog, but Gurney Journey is one of the reasons that I decided to blog myself and share what little knowledge that I have with others. I am really curious to see what James comes up with as his five random things.
#2. Will have to be Ed Terpening. I know that you have been tagged before Ed, but you are another blogger that has made a difference, and I'll have to "Tag" you again. Back when I was thinking of blogging, but not sure if I could do it, I was reading through Ed's Blog and came across this post. Why Artists Should Blog. I read some great reasons to blog which clarified my ideas and learned some new words like Lurker. I decided to not be a lurker any more and posted a comment on Ed's blog. I opened my blogger account and here I am. Thanks Ed.
#3. Is Mike Bailey. Mike was the first person to post a comment on my blog. Thanks Mike. You made me realize that there are actually people out there reading all of this and it got me to get some content on here fast. Mike has a great blog that you should check out. Thanks again Mike for posting on my blog. I know you must have some interesting or weird things about you.
#4. Is going to be Carol Marine. she is a great artist and one of the best "Daily Painters" blogging. You should all have a look at her work and bid on one through ebay if you like them. They are awesome little paintings and very affordable. I wanted to get some more painters in on this so here you go Carol. "Tag". I think that you must have some interesting things about yourself to share.
#5. Is Jerry Lebo. He has a blog, Sixty Minute Artist, that is just packed with interesting info on painting. It is hard to believe that he is not a full time painter with all of the content he has on there. If you want tips on painting I recommend that you check out his blog. Keep up the good work Jerry. I know that you will have interesting things, I wonder if you can limit it to five.
Thanks to all of you. I know that you are all busy, but I was not going to be the one to let this stop at my blog.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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