Work/Life in Progress

In support of Independent Bookstores!

2008-02-20T22:00:00.003-05:00

I was reading the blog of an author friend of mine and noticed a link called "Book Sense." I clicked on it and found a great website which promotes independent booksellers across the nation. You can buy books online or find local independent booksellers in your area or links to their webpages. As a business owner myself, I like the idea of helping promote other small businesses, buying locally, and trying not to depend on the big corporate chains for everything. It can be difficult to avoid sometimes, but I personally know what it takes to own a business so I think it's crucial to support small, independent businesses in your community. I'm jumping on Ric's bandwagon (check out his blog here) but it is something that gets me fired up. In these rather difficult economic times, it's often the small businesses and the self-employed who feel the pinch first. So help out your local shop owners, your mom and pop restaurants, and they'll appreciate it. I guarantee you'll get nicer, more personal service. That being said, Sugarloaf Food Company gets my #1 vote for the best muffins, bacon-egg-n-cheese sandwiches, and salads. And a lot of her ingredients come from Waterfront Market (awesome market!), another independently owned business. Great, now I'm hungry and I have to wait till morning for my muffin!

Don't forget, I'm moving my blog over here, to SallyArt.com

Just a few more touches...

2008-02-17T06:50:00.002-05:00

Well, I am about an hour or two away from wrapping this piece up. I'm feeling good about it, enjoyed the process and picked up my speed a bit. With each piece I get more confident and a lot less critical and picky. I'm still struggling with the skin tone (I can't get the face how I'd really like) but I think it might be that my palette needs a little tweaking. I'll get it one day. Just have to keep working on it. I pulled out a new blank canvas tonight and am trying to figure out what it will become.

Don't forget to check out my new website at www.SallyArt.com

Refocus

2008-02-12T15:14:00.001-05:00

I was looking back through photos, looking for some inspiration or ideas (for what I don't know--just looking, though) and came across this one. It reminded me that I used to walk the dog more, used to take more pictures, and that I need to remember to keep doing that. The dog needs it, I need it, and my photograpy skills (I'm using the word "skills" very loosely) could definitely use the practice. So this post's purpose is to nudge me back on track. The dog will be happy.

"Fanm" revisited

2008-02-02T22:43:00.000-05:00

After a two and a half month hiatus, I’m back to work on this piece. Today went great. I finally worked out a background (which I’ve been thinking about all week) which I’m very happy with. I painted through “Car Talk,” “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me,” and “Wire Tap” on NPR. Lately that’s been my ritual: put the laptop in the studio, click on NPR-online and paint. I’ve found that it’s much better for me to listen to talk radio instead of hitting “shuffle songs” on the iPod. My emotional state is too easily influenced by music and I will bounce from total elation and giddyness with soca music, to rage and violent urges when listening to Godsmack, to melancholy and despair after a few Yo Yo Ma solos. Too mentally exhausting to deal with when painting in itself is a mental workout.Anyway, I hope to tackle this again tomorrow. My objectives for tomorrow are to figure out how to fix this woman’s enormous head, fix the proportions of her torso and polish up those plantains.

Oh, and by the way, "Fanm" means woman in Creole.

Don't forget to check out my new location for this blog at www.sallyart.com/blog. The site is under construction so please excuse any kinks in the site.

"Life Aboard"

2008-01-29T20:09:00.000-05:00

A week from tomorrow, Wednesday February 6th, Key West Diver Eric Wartenweiler Smith will be sharing his 3rd presentation "Life Aboard" the Discoverer Ketty Lund. The Discoverer provides personnel, logistical, and vessel support to scientific expeditions all over the world. As a crew member of the Discoverer team these presentations are a blast to be a part of. The last two lectures brought in a great audience at the Tropic Cinema and I'm looking forward to this next event. Check out the video to get acquainted with the Discoverer and her adventures.

Painting Update

2008-01-26T17:48:00.000-05:00

One year later, I'm back at it, working on this painting again. Surprisingly, it was not as painful as I thought it would be. I've always been so tentative with this painting. I started it before I was getting lessons from Cindy Kulp and was always afraid to "mess up." Now I realize you can't really mess up. A little bit of confidence and less fear is an amazing catalyst for pushing ahead. You can see previous stages of this picture here, here, and here.

2 years ago today

2008-01-25T23:38:00.000-05:00

This was what I was painting 2 years ago today. I was in complete abstract mode. At the time I was also taking an abstract painting class. It's funny looking back to see where I was at. That was one of my more productive painting years and also one of the most anxiety ridden. 2006 found many canvases razor-knifed, trashed and even one thrown off the deck and tossed into the tree canopy. All sculptures were beheaded (I just found the bag of heads 2 days ago in a ziploc bag...they actually look kind of cool now decorating my studio...like little archaeological finds) and at one point all art supplies were put away for a long while. I think that's what abstract art does to me. It ain't easy.

Anyways, I have neglected posting for some time now and I hope to get some momentum and pick it back up again. And as this blog is primarily dedicated to works in progress I need to get my butt in gear and started progressing on some works. My goal is to create 4-5 pieces as part of a series. This will be difficult because I am so easily pulled in different directions. I am trying to think, but not overthink, this out and try and have a "plan" (w/ flexiblity built into it...you know, some room to wiggle and twitch) that I follow. [Wow, that was a terrible sentence, grammatically. I might want to try and work on a series of 4-5 properly written paragraphs, too.] Anyway, that is the plan. Which means that tomorrow I must open up a tube of paint and pick up a brush and apply the paint to a canvas.

I admit, I am fearful.

Wish me luck.

I wonder if there is a patron saint of the arts that I might call on for some backup. Something to Google.

Until tomorrow.
Ciao.

P.S. Finished the painting of the Discoverer. I will post it tomorrow.

Dicoverer Painting update

2008-01-13T12:34:00.001-05:00

I'm really enjoying this piece. It's nice working small. Things seem to go much faster.

A year ago this week...

2008-01-07T17:47:00.000-05:00

I looked at my photos yesterday to see where I was painting-wise last year at this time. This painting is still not done. But I think I will tackle it soon.

Happy New Year

2008-01-07T17:19:00.000-05:00

Back after a 2 week hiatus. Man, are the holidays rough. They can really do a number on you. Why on earth they cram all those holidays into the end of the year is beyond me. Anyway, I survived...barely...and came out on the other side relatively unharmed.
A short, whirlwind trip to remote Little Harbour, Abaco right at the end of 2007 gave me some much needed quiet, peace and perspective (and rum drinks). It's amazing what no cell phones, no internet, and no contact with anyone outside of that peaceful little lagoon can do for you.

But now I am back, and it's a new year. I'm not a big fan of resolutions as I never stick to them. So I kept them fairly simple. Finish that damn masters degree, paint more, keep working on my Spanish and keep filling up my passport with stamps. Okay. The degree is number one...gotta knock that out. Paint more...started working on that last Saturday. More on that next. Spanish...determined to speak it by the end of this year (spanish 2 starts up again tomorrow). Travel...let's hope work doesn't prevent that from happening.

My latest painting is of a beautiful, charming boat that I was honored to be invited as a crew member on, The Ketty Lund Discoverer. She has travelled to incredible places all over the globe, and her captain and owner, Eric Wartenweiler Smith, has put together an incredible program which incorporates science, the ocean, sailing and the different types of people that study the ocean. It's been some time since I've been aboard the Discoverer but I've been fortunate to maintain contact with Eric and to be involved with his lecture series in Key West. These lectures are extremely captivating and even dangerous, I think. After every one, I'm ready to quit everything, pack my backpack, grab my moleskin journal and passport, and head to Key West International Airport to begin MY exploration of distant lands. And I'm not the only one affected by these presentations. You can hear people claiming to each other as they're leaving the theatre their fantasies and dreams of diving in Egypt, driving around Havana, sailing the high seas...it's infectious, this lifestyle that Eric Wartenweiler Smith leads.

So, this is my first painting of the year. The Ketty Lund Discoverer. I hope that with this first painting I am setting myself up for a year filled with exploration, discovery and enough wind to propel me wherever I need to be.

Next Discoverer lecture, February 6th @ 7 pm at the Tropic Cinema, Key West, FL.

2007-12-23T23:06:00.001-05:00

I am very depressed and deeply disgusted with painting. It is really a continual torture.
-Claude Monet

Here, have an ear.

2007-12-19T21:38:00.000-05:00

So much for Red Nude. It was crap anyways. In a complete funk. Cut your ear off, slash some canvases type of funk. I couldn't draw a straight line with a ruler. At this point I should go back to drawing fish.

Addiction?

2007-12-11T23:19:00.000-05:00

I am convinced that there is something in Gatorade that makes you want to drink more of it. I never really liked Gatorade but all of a sudden I am drinking massive quantities of it. It really feels like an addiction. And it goes down so quickly. It's a conspiracy by Pepsi or Coke or whoever the hell bottles it. I'm not convinced it's good for you either. Those bright colors and that odd taste. Hmmm. I wonder what a Google search would uncover...

Sacred Life Day 23

2007-12-10T21:55:00.000-05:00

Not the clearest photo, but it's still my Sacred Life image for the day.

Reality Bites

2007-12-08T11:16:00.000-05:00

I bought a copy of “Reality Bites” this week. It’s on my top 10 list of favorite movies. It’s the movie that I think captured college/post college/genXers the best for me.

My favorite quote from the movie:

“There's no point to any of this. It's all just a... a random lottery of meaningless tragedy and a series of near escapes. So I take pleasure in the details. You know... a quarter-pounder with cheese...those are good... the sky about ten minutes before it starts to rain, the moment where your laughter becomes a cackle... and I sit back and I smoke my Camel Straights and I ride my own melt.” --Troy (Ethan Hawke)

Caterpillar ID

2007-12-08T10:49:00.000-05:00

I just found out what type of caterpillar this is. This will become a Monarch butterfly. It turns out the milkweed plant is the only plant a monarch caterpillar can eat. Which is cool b/c I planted many of these in my yard. Here’s more info.

Sacred Life Day 22

2007-12-06T23:56:00.000-05:00

On my out of the driveway, completely rushed for time and mentally discombobulated, I saw this caterpillar on a milkweed plant. I figured that I was late anyways, what's a few more minutes to snap a few shots especially since I had the camera with me. Beautiful creature. Love those zebra stripes. Not sure what kind of butterfly this will turn into. Anyone out there know?

Waste no paint

2007-12-03T19:11:00.000-05:00

I hate to throw away unused paint so it usually ends up on another canvas, on some abstract painting.

Red Nude Update

2007-12-03T16:46:00.001-05:00

Worked on the flowers and tidied up the figure a bit. I think I might need an additional spark of color somewhere in here. Things are feeling too warm, too safe. Not sure what's next with this or what to push further.

And then some more...

2007-12-02T15:22:00.000-05:00

I worked on this painting some more today. Not quite sure what I'm doing with these flower thingys. We'll see. I prefer the more salmon color of the background then the cadmium color it was yesterday (might not be able to tell the difference online).

I don't have a photo of it, by the Sacred Life moment today was drinking coconut water and eating coconut from our own tree this afternoon and a nice morning at dog training full of fun conversations, a nice breeze and a dog that came when called (pigs just flew and hell froze over)!

Oh, and go see "Lars and the Real Girl." What a sweet, heartwarming (and at times heart-wrenching) movie.

New Painting

2007-12-01T13:57:00.001-05:00

I couldn't believe I got the oomph to paint today after such a long break. I certainly didn't go into it whole heartedly and didn't come out of it energized either. Maybe that's b/c it's the beginning push for some momentum. I'm having a very, very difficult time getting motivated to do much of anything. I wonder what other people do to snap out of laziness and haziness. I'm looking for a quick, intense kick in the keyster, non-pharmaceutical preferably, one that will catapult me into creativity and action. Any advice out there? Anyone? Blog readers? Is anyone reading this blog? : ) Hello? Bueller?

Comments welcome!

Sacred Life Day 21

2007-11-29T22:12:00.000-05:00

Upon returning home from Thanksgiving vacation I found my yard overrun with iguanas. I guess they had figured out we were gone and decided to have a party. They were everywhere. Normally, this would not qualify as a Sacred Life moment b/c I DESPISE these things. Not because I'm afraid of them, or dislike reptiles, but they are taking over my area and are wreaking havoc on people's yards. They eat everything. They crap everywhere, and not little doodies, but monstrous, staining piles of doo (that the dogs love to eat...why, but why, do they do that?). And they are menacing. You can walk up to them and they will flex their muscles and almost dare you to come closer. You don't know if they're going to scratch your eyes out with those long claws or slap you with their tail. Of course they never do, but they look like they might. Anyways, these reptilian equivalents to the cockroach were nibbling on my plants, lounging on the deck by the pool sunning themselves. After a minute or two of staring at them (and realizing I was seriously outnumbered) I remembered I had just bought a new lens for my camera! So I started shooting and playing with my lens. They may be a pain in the ass but they make a wonderful subject. The photo above is the one that was working on his tan by the pool. When I got closer he jumped in the pool and swam around for a second before jumping out. His/her colors were amazing, especially with the color of the water. So I got something cool out of it. After I put the camera away I turned into a mad woman running around the yard waving a stick and throwing rocks. A few minutes of that and my yard was reclaimed and peace was restored, albeit minus a bunch of vegetation. It's okay though. I'll get it back...in digested form, in brown piles of poo.

It's been awhile...

2007-11-28T22:14:00.000-05:00

...since I've posted anything. Once I stop doing something, it's very hard for me to get momentum again. Even for something as simple as blogging. But I'm back on the horse, ready to post. Since I've stopped painting for awhile, it may be some time before I post any painting progress. I'm working on getting that momentum back but the forecast might be bleak. I'm just not feeling it.

The day before Thanksgiving we flew to Tampa and this was my Sacred Life (Day 20, I think) moment. The view from our tiny plane was incredible. All those blues and aquas get me everytime. Plus I love flying in those little planes. I always imagine I'm flying somewhere in Africa, going on my next adventure, my next peace mission. Yes, I am an escapist. It makes life bearable sometimes. And it's cheaper to travel in your head sometimes, and safer, considering that I always dream I'm going to Africa or Afghanistan.

That's it for now.

Saturday morning progress

2007-11-17T11:18:00.001-05:00

I put in a good 2 hours this morning and I'm already burnt out and beginning to get pissy. So I'm taking the hint and stopping. I'd love to be able to put in a good 4-6 hours but I fear I'd end up biting someone's head off. Maybe I will take myself to the movies, head to a bookstore, study some Spanish at the coffee shop. Refill my mental energy stores which were drained by painting.

Sacred Life - Day 20

2007-11-15T10:13:00.000-05:00

A torturous, stress filled day. I had to force myself to stop the worrying, grab the camera, and try and divert my attention from problems to something good. I messed around with my camera and the sunset view from my deck. For a few minutes I was able to turn off my head and therefore, this is the Sacred Moment of the day.

Another Update

2007-11-14T21:53:00.000-05:00

Chipping away at this one. I'm feeling much better about the skin tones in this painting. I think I might be figuring it out, slowly but surely. I need to keep experimenting with it though. I haven't decided what the background will be. It might just stay yellow but a part of me wants to put something in there. A sign, a door, something. We'll see.

I actually had time to paint today. At around 2:30 pm I realized I really didn't have much to do for work so I snuck into the studio for about 40 minutes. I felt guilty the whole time. I was also waiting for the other shoe to drop...something terribly wrong to happen. I really had to convince myself that what I was doing was a valid use of my time. I had completed my tasks for the day and did nothing wrong by working on something that was important to me. Regardless, it was a funny feeling. I took a nap for 30 minutes, too. Talk about even more guilt. I guess it's one of the benefits of owning the business...you make your own schedule and have to face the consequences if you misuse your time. So, all in all, it was a good day (if I ignored all the self-inflicted anxiety). I've been waking up earlier and earlier and have considered trying to get an hour of painting in before my workday starts. That might be something that would allow me to have the best of both worlds. Paint during my busy work week without any of the guilt. Plus, my phone won't ring at 7 a.m! Total peace and quiet. Imagine that.

Weekend Painting

2007-11-12T22:14:00.000-05:00

I started a new painting on Friday. Throughout the day today, I dabbled on some paint to try and fill in the dress. So far, I'm happy with this piece. I hope I can stay that way. I see that foreshortened arm and bent hand being problematic though.

Tomorrow starts another work week. Going to bed early to have enough energy to go into battle.

I'll start up Sacred Life postings again tomorrow. Didn't feel like dragging around the camera this weekend.

Lazy Saturday

2007-11-10T21:00:00.000-05:00

Painting update

2007-11-09T22:05:00.000-05:00

Sacred Life - Day 19

2007-11-09T21:54:00.001-05:00

I overslept by half an hour today and figured I'd spend the rest of the day being behind (Fridays are my busiest day) but it actually turned out to be a really good day. I did payroll early, started painting (in the MORNING! on a WEEKDAY!), made some coffee, painted some more and then decided to make myself a nice breakfast of strawberries and brie. I rarely eat breakfast and if I do, it's nothing exciting. Today was different though. It was a simple, clean meal that looked pretty on the plate. I had time to relax, ate it in my studio and then went back to painting for a little while longer. Then my trek to Key West began and for some reason, things went very smoothly (this is rare for a Friday), I got done early and decided to get my haircut. Before my appointment I had time to grab an espresso and some crepes at the Banana Cafe. Then off to the salon where I sat in the chair and said, "Just chop it." I went home with a foot-long less of hair. I came home lighter, happier and very thankful for the day I had. And to top off the day, I painted some more. And it went well. I am happy with the painting. I will post it tomorrow.

On that note, I'm going to sleep!
Ciao.

Painting again

2007-11-07T22:38:00.000-05:00

Some more painting on scrap wood from the house. I'm trying to work quickly and more instinctually. It's slowly starting to feel more comfortable. Still trying to figure out black skin tones.

Sacred Life - Day 18

2007-11-07T22:34:00.000-05:00

This is the view from my studio at sunset. The light hits the glass block (which is covered by tracing paper) and creates this bright, funky pattern. The photograph doesn't do the colors justice. The whole room is bathed in soft, hot pink light.

Sacred Life - Day 17

2007-11-05T22:29:00.000-05:00

I swore I wouldn't turn this into a puppy blog, but I just cannot resist. I got to watch the puppy run around for awhile yesterday. What a bundle of nutty energy. Anyways, I really enjoy these moments and therefore I post them as my Sacred Life moments. I can't help it. It's also my dog's first and only puppy. The one sperm that made it through the gate. I say that warrants a spot in blogland.

Ciao!

Sacred Life - Day 16

2007-11-04T22:17:00.000-05:00

I walked into my studio to find my cat standing on my easel. She stayed up there for minutes, just checking things out from her new vantage point. Thank goodness I didn't have a painting on there...I'm already constantly picking off her hairs of my paintings without her jumping directly onto the canvases.

Sacred Life - Day 15

2007-11-03T22:22:00.000-04:00

An early morning start to the mainland. Had a great sunrise (it's not often I see one) and pulled over to take a few pictures. These pictures were taken at the same time. The sunrise shot is facing the Atlantic and the highway shot facing Florida Bay. I think it's wild that the light is so completely different when facing opposite directions. Driving US-1 through the Keys is always a treat...candy for the eyes.

November 1st already? Sacred Life Day 14

2007-11-01T22:07:00.000-04:00

I cannot believe how quickly time is flying. It’s ridiculous. Where is the time going? When I realize how quickly everything goes by I feel even more pressure to start living the kind of life I had imagined I would be living when I got out of college (livin’ on sponge-cake, watchin’ the sun bake...). Sheesh.

Today, before Spanish class, I sat out at the picnic tables at the college and soaked in some sunshine while going over my notes. I sat in front of the mural that Paul Soldner created for Florida Keys Community College. I never got to meet the man, mostly because my asocial tendencies seemed to kick up when all the visiting potters visited the college. What a shame. I did, however, get to be a part of the mural as I carved out the name/stamp tile (red and white tile that says Soldner). So there is my little contribution to beautifying the campus.

When I turned my head to the left I was struck with how beautiful the view is from our little college in paradise. It’s right on the ocean, surrounded by aqua water, palm trees, a lagoon full of fish...you can’t ask for a better place to stick a school if you ask me. And then a small flock of ibises caught my eye as they walked by the ceramics studio. One juvenile in the bunch (the brown one). I love these birds. They seem to be so goofy and so kind. They remind me of a Sesame Street character. And when they fly...what a treat. A hint of pink under the wings and a small patch of black at the tip of each wing. So beautiful.

So, these are the things that made up my Sacred Life photos for today. I had 20 minutes of outside time, next to the ocean, watching ibises, sitting in front of the Soldner wall while looking over my notes for my class, which I love going to (when work allows). It was an absolutely hectic day after that but I like to think that this quiet time allowed me to better handle all the chaos that was to follow. I hope to build up a store of moments like these to help temper the crazy times. Maybe one day I’ll be one of those unflappable, easy going people that I so admire. Hmmm. Yeah, right. : )

A brushstroke here and there

2007-10-31T22:53:00.000-04:00

I've been messing around with my paints, painting on scraps of wood from the remodeling of our house. Nothing spectacular, just fun stuff. I started a little Virgin of Guadelupe. I like the colors a lot, I just can't get a less cranky/evil expression on her face. Since these are just for fun, I'm not worrying about getting things just right. If I can get it to work, fine, if not, that's fine too.

The second painting I just picked up after having started it about 2 years ago. It's my Cuban version of Warhol's Campbell soup can. I started this when I was on a Warhol kick (I watched every documentary known to man about him, read every book about him that I could get my hands on). It's fun painting just for kicks, with no pressure to match the preconceived image of my mind.

I have a bunch more wood to paint on so expect more little pieces in the near future.

Ciao!

Sacred Life - Day 13

2007-10-31T19:57:00.000-04:00

Ladybugs. My milkweed plants are covered in some sort of parasite and the ladybugs love them. You can't not be happy when you see a ladybug. I wonder if these are descendants of the ladybugs that I bought 2 years ago.

I found this bit of lore about ladybugs at : http://www.geocities.com/sseagraves/ladybuglore.htm

"In Europe, during the Middle Ages, insects were destroying the crops, so the Catholic farmers prayed to the Virgin Mary for help. Soon the Ladybugs came, ate the plant-destroying pests and saved the crops! The farmers began calling the ladybugs "The Beetles of Our Lady", and they eventually became known as "Lady Beetles"! The red wings represented the Virgin's cloak and the black spots represented her joys and sorrows."

Anyway, I enjoy these bright little insects and they made my morning.

Sacred Life Day 12

2007-10-26T21:10:00.000-04:00

This little frog was hanging out on the steps one night. Cute little things. Except for the monster turds that they leave on the stairs every evening. It's incredible how such a little thing can poop such a big poop.

I'm watching "Bridges of Madison County" while I'm typing. What a great film. I read the book and didn't much like it. But watching Meryl Streep in this movie is such a treat. I envy her quiet evenings in that big country house, the dirt roads and covered bridges. That's something I would be up for right now. Lots of tranquility, lots of open space, crickets chirping at night through open windows. Okay, I'm getting carried away.

Ciao.

Sacred Life in strange places - Day 11

2007-10-26T21:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I found pleasure in the oddest place. My overly full laundry basket. This is not normally a chore I cherish but in the midst of all the chaos and stress of work life, this task was so calming. I had a mission, the plan was clear, method down pat, and a relatively immediate result...a basket full of folded laundry and a closet full of flat, lined-up shirts. I needed something like that in my day. I guess sometimes it doesn't take much. Tomorrow I get to see the puppy again so I know that tomorrow I will have a great day. And it is the weekend. Like the Rolling Stones song "you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometime, you just might find, you get what you need" we got what we needed for this week at work. So from now until Monday I must remember to let it all go. The next few days are mine to revel in!

Sacred Life challenge is a Challenge

2007-10-25T20:26:00.000-04:00

I don't even know what day I'm supposed to be on but here is a photo from last week that is pretty precious. Can't get much cuter than this little thing. Work and life are keeping all things creative at bay and I fear I will end up shutting the studio door for quite some time. No time for any of that artsy stuff when the "real" world and all it's crap decide to take over. And yes, I'm sarcastic and annoyed and agitated and angry. Keep your fingers crossed people that things get better in my little world. Any blessings are welcome!

Sacred Life - Day 9 (skipped a few days)

2007-10-21T20:37:00.001-04:00

Things are so stressful for the moment that I'm not really finding the time or desire to stop and savor anything positive. Yes, I realize that's grouchy and counter productive but it's just how it is lately. Hopefully, it will pass. So, again I'm pulling photos from the past and using those. I guess looking back through all the images is kind of a sacred moment in itself.

These are pictures of a heron or egret (don't know my birds) in front of the bait shop waiting for its lunch. I just liked the painting of the ocean behind its head.

Sacred Life Day 8

2007-10-17T20:29:00.001-04:00

Wow. Couldn't find anything today for Sacred Life. That's terrible. It got to the point that I tried forcing a moment. That never works. I feel badly that I am cranky and angry lately but I'm not feeling it, I'm not feeling it. No sense in pretending or pushing it. Instead I decided to look through my photos and find a few photos that remind me of a day when something good happened. And here's my pick.

These are photos of an airplant that went into bloom after Hurricane Wilma. Amidst all the dead, gray trees, was this hot pink and purple flower growing out of a bromeliad that was latched onto a dead/dying buttonwood tree. These things are so spectacular and they just sort of appear one day in the garden. My yard has come a long way since Wilma left her mark and that is something to be thankful for. The Keys are no longer brown, the trees no longer stripped and wind-burnt. Everything is lush, pregnant with flowers and color, new roofs on houses...Wilma is but a memory. And that is good.

Another painting in progress

2007-10-16T21:21:00.000-04:00

I forgot to post this over the weekend. A new little painting featuring the Southernmost Point in Key West.

Sacred Life Day 7

2007-10-16T20:45:00.000-04:00

I'm already getting behind...posting 2 of these today. Today's moment...listening to WLRN public radio this afternoon in my car(didn't have my camera at the time so I took a pix just now) . In the middle of my crap day (having many of these days in a row recently) I was listening to Terry Gross interview Peter Sagal (spelling?) on NPR's Fresh Air. I absolutely love "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me" and think Peter S. is hilarious. I listen to his program on Saturdays while I paint. I laughed so hard at one point during the interview and immediately realized I was having a great moment. I often whine that I can't hold onto my good moments long enough to sustain me through the stressful ones. I think this Sacred Life project might be helping me to realize that I am having great things happen but I'm not taking the time to notice them. I guess it is teaching mindfulness. I'm still in a funk and still stressed out but I feel like I might be getting some long term benefits out of this. Thanks wwwr.zenamoon.com for a great idea!

Sacred Life Day 6

2007-10-16T19:02:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I was the furthest from "Sacred Life" mindset that I could possibly get. It was just a terrible day and I couldn't find anything positive about it. I went and saw the pup but only had a very short time to take pictures. Although I enjoyed the few moments I had, I didn't get to revel in the moment b/c I had to hurry off back to work. Last night I looked at the photos and video and that was when I had my moment. I watched the video over and over again and just grinned from ear to ear everytime I saw that little monkey lift herself up and take a few steps. I can't believe that that little thing is going to grow into a full size German Shepherd. So there's my moment.

Sacred Life - Day 5

2007-10-14T21:52:00.000-04:00

I bought this hammock chair-swing a few weeks ago and finally put it up today. Wow! What a swing. This thing is AWESOME. You feel like you're cocooned in a womb-like basket. It's perfectly situated so that I can kick off the house and the railings so I can swing wildly like a maniac. And the wind gets you moving too. And the spinning...it's like those teacup rides at carnivals. I don't know how long I sat in there but it was the best part of my day. Cool breeze, dog underneath me, perfects sky, gumbo limbo tree swishing around in the wind...couldn't ask for more. I named the chair "The Forgetting Chair." Everything just seemed to leave my head while I was in the cradle, back and forth and back again. This is my new refuge. The place I will go to when I need to dump the contents of my neurotic brain.

In case anyone wants to know what this chair is, here's what it looks like. We sell them at our nursery and will sell them online soon.

Painting weekend!

2007-10-14T21:14:00.000-04:00

I am hell bent on learning how to paint dark skin tones. So I thought if I just tried to paint quickly and just slap the paint on there without fear, I might make progress. And it seemed to work. In a few hours I was able to get this little boy painted. I discovered that I liked using teal along with the black and brown and orange. And for highlights, I used a light blue which seemed so counter intuitive. Anyway, more of these to come. I'd like to focus on speed for awhile. I'm so tired of painting so slowly and belaboring every little detail. I want more of a flurry, more emotion and action. Less worry and trepidation. That stuff's no good for art.

Sacred Life Day 4

2007-10-13T22:44:00.000-04:00

Need I say anything? This is the best dog. A pain-in-the-ass, but the best pain-in-the-ass ever.

Sacred Life Day 3

2007-10-12T22:55:00.000-04:00

The Keys in the summer have the most incredible skyscapes. Everyday is a spectacular view. I never get sick of looking up. Today, this cloud appeared and I couldn’t help but stop and stare at it. The bottom of it looked like it threatened to dump water yet the top looked so pink and fluffy you could eat it. It was a schizoid cloud! Funny, I just realized I feel very much like this cloud looks. In my personality there exists a colorful, light spirit but also a very dark, dreary layer that always threatens to rain, or thunder, or lightning (I just used lightning as a verb...can that be used that way?) Anyway, I don’t want to detract from this gorgeous cloud by comparing it to my dark side...it was just a thought that I had, so I wrote it.

These are the types of things I see everyday where I live and every time I want to climb into what I see. Grab it and squeeze it or eat it or roll in it. And if it’s not the sky, it’s the ocean or the bay or the flowers. It’s everywhere. I just can’t seem to get enough of it or hold onto it tight enough. I have no experience with addiction but I think the intensity of what I’m thinking/feeling is what wanting a fix is like. Does that make sense?

Sacred Life Day 2

2007-10-11T22:44:00.000-04:00

I’ve been avoiding any type of cooking lately. Just haven’t had any desire to do the work, clean the kitchen afterwards, deal with thinking of what to make. But today I managed to get inspired to make fried rice. When I was slicing the onions and my eyes started watering I realized this was my moment of the day. I know it’s crazy but I actually enjoy the stinging eyes and runny nose. I think it’s kind of funny to be crying because of a vegetable. No matter if you’re feeling elated, or if you’re a huge body builder...chop an onion and you will be reduced to tears. And because of this onion I started laughing to myself. Which after my kind of work day, it’s a good thing that I can still laugh at the end of the day.

Sacred Life Project

2007-10-11T14:35:00.000-04:00

After a few funky days of blahness, I found this post on PenelopeIllustration.com, and it seems like just the thing to lift me out of the muck and possibly inspire some energy to get cracking on the painting/drawing. Here's a description below from the site where this project originated.

The My Sacred Life Project
Beginning August 18, every day for at least a month I'm going to post a photo from my daily life capturing something that connects me to Spirit. It might be my altar, a candle I'm burning, my dogs, the garden, a friend, a book I'm reading, nature, something I did, someplace I went, something important to me, or, who knows, maybe just my morning bowl of Cheerios! The idea is to creatively connect with the holiness of my everyday life, plus I also need a gentle little kick in the butt to turn OFF the game of Hearts and other shadow comforts and start writing again.

Since it's too late to pull out the camera and load photos, I've used an old photo to start out the project. It's of my dog's puppy (yes, only one was born. That makes her even more precious to me!) that was born last month. This little thing is so cute and puts a goofy ass grin on my face that I just can't get rid of. You can't look at this and not feel good. We will see what tomorrow will bring for this endeavor.

Procrastination

2007-10-10T21:43:00.001-04:00

I've been so bad about updating this blog. I have so many ideas about things to write about but by 10 pm I'm too tired and too lazy to put it all down. However, there are plenty of times when I do have the time and I still don't post anything. Here's my list of why:

1. I'm too busy checking the same 5 sites I've already checked 100 times in the previous hour. Intellicast weather radar, Flickr Everyday Matters Group, my blog statistics (very meager. Thanks though to all you repeat visitors though. It's very flattering and I appreciate it!), my cousin's website (www.orbicule.com), bank accounts, etc. It borders on OCD.

2. Clicking on "get mail" every minute.

3. Sitting in my office chair just staring at all the paperwork and post it notes and messages of things I have to do. In the time that I just stare and build up anxiety, I could have sorted through some paperwork to lighten my burden later on.

4. Check those sites again.

5. Walk in my studio and stand in there looking around at everything, building up anxiety about what I'm NOT painting. Notice a trend with the staring/anxiety build up/lack of action? Yeah, me too.

6. I'll decide it's high time that I pop off the keys on my keyboard b/c it's high time that I got all the cat hair out from under the keys. It's the cat hair that prevents me from getting things done. People just can't work in those types of conditions.

7. And then there's Scrubs and that damn Dog Whisperer. I have to watch those sometimes. You know, to unwind, so I can have energy later to post to my blog.

Anyways, those are just a few of the obstacles I must deal with. It's terrible, really. It's this part of my personality that makes me so envious of Martha Stewart types. Do they ever NOT have everything checked off on their "to do"list? Is their laundry always done, floors always mopped, financial statements always filed alphabetically, businesses in perfect running order?

I try and convince myself that if without the business, I'd have all the time in the world to pursue my artistic endeavors with complete motivation and gusto. I wonder though. Recently opened time slots tend to fill up so quickly in life. And they seem to fill up with more than what was there before. Maybe that is the importance of a little goofing off, a little slacking...to counteract the overflow of things that MUST get done.

Or maybe I'm just trying to justify the art of procrastination.

The Two Kahlos

2007-09-28T22:38:00.000-04:00

It just so happens that my painting tutor has a dog with the same name as my dog. Kalo the golden (I spell my dogs name both ways) and Kahlo the lab mix.

Hence, the picture below:

New wheels

2007-09-27T23:11:00.000-04:00

I just bought this 1974 Schwinn bicycle a few weeks ago. I got the bike so that I could drain some of the excess energy out of the red dog. I find that with less energy, he’s less apt to get into trouble. Although some days, even after a long exhausting bike ride, he still manages to garner enough energy to eat a roll of toilet paper, steal all the bars of soap in the house or just sit next to you and stare at you until you give him attention. I’ve never met a dog in better physical shape than this one. Anyways, I digress. This entry is about my “new” bike. As soon as I entered the bike shop it jumped out at me. $150-as is. Bright blue. I loved it. All the sparkly new beach cruisers lining both sides of the bike shop did nothing for me. My bike was sitting in the middle of the isle waiting for me.

The salesman held my dog’s leash while I rode around the block to test it out (how many years had it been since I’d ridden a bike? Did I still know how to ride a bike--safely?). A 30 second ride was all I needed.

This old bike has given my a huge amount of pleasure. Here’s what’s cool about my bike:

1. It’s bright blue.

2. It’s got someone’s history behind it. And I get to imagine and fabricate that history in my head.

3. I can feel the same way I did as a kid just by sitting on this bike and riding around the neighborhood.

4. Last night I sped around the block like a bat out of hell until the street lights came on. And because I’m an adult I could stay out past when the street lights came out and not get in trouble. I felt like I was special b/c I was the kid who could ride around after dark. I’m getting all this out of a BIKE.

5. This bike creaks and groans and squeaks. All of these sounds are beautiful.

6. I am transported to many summers in Belgium where my only form of transportation was a bike.

7. I am transported to my short lived college days in Belgium which sucked royally b/c ALL I had was a bike for transportation and in the winter, that is not fun. Think cold and wet. But now I can look back and it wasn’t so bad.

8. I am transported to the future where I’m riding my bike somewhere in Europe with a basket full of cheese, bread, book, and wine.

9. I get to exercise and actually enjoy it. The dog does too.

10. I get to see so many birds, ride by the Royal Poinciana trees, smell the frangipani flowers, feel hot and cool temperature pockets throughout my neighborhood, and catch a sunset from outdoors.

11. I get this time to myself, to think, to get rid of anxious energy, to calm down.

12. It’s just AWESOME.

I can’t think of something that I’ve spent money that I’ve enjoyed this much and gotten so much positive out of. Everyone should have a bike and everyone should remember what it felt like to be seven years old and have a bike. If I can hold on to that feeling until I’m 80 (that bike will have a 3rd wheel and a basket for my oxygen) I will consider myself lucky.

Happy cycling. Go outside. Stare at something that doesn’t require electricity or advertising to make it interesting.

Slothful weekend...

2007-09-23T21:33:00.000-04:00

I vowed not to paint this weekend. Dog training was cancelled which turned out to be a blessing. With no dog training and no painting my weekend was wide open. I watched movie after movie after movie this weekend. It was great. Total and complete sloth. I ate hot dogs, bought Fruit Loops, potato chips, rum and cokes...and then sat around some more. I didn't walk or run the dog yesterday. I didn't do laundry. Aaahhh. So nice. And guilt free (which was surprising). I think with all this rest, I will be ready to go into battle (work) again.

Although I promised not to paint, I just ran upstairs half an hour ago to dab a bit of green paint on the philodendron leaf.

Not sure why I did that. Maybe just trying to stay a little connected to painting so I don't completely go off of it.

I did pull out the terra cotta however and fiddled with a little piece while watching TV. My only real goal was to do something quickly and for it to be in clay. I feel drawn to doing sculpture again so decided to put my hands in the clay to see if I this is where I wanted to go. Love the clay. Love the smell. Love holding it against my cheek (so cold). Love how fluid it is. Although I have been enjoying painting, it doesn't compare to how much comfortable I am with clay. My hands have better eyes than my head does, I think. Anyway, we will see if this is something I stick with. I have some ideas in my head that I would love to see come to life.

Almost done

2007-09-15T15:26:00.000-04:00

I'm getting so close to being finished with this painting. It's amazing how you can just keep going and going, working/reworking, adding, changing, picking apart...and then you just have to decide to stop.

I'm definitely at the ending point. Just a few more things to hammer out. I added another book, a box of matches, some cigarette smoke (not sure how to paint smoke).

I also finished the little coconut painting. I took a lot of reference pictures of some beautiful coconuts that I may use to paint some more coconuts from.

This week was the first week where I had no real desire to get into my studio and paint. This morning I could've easily skipped painting. I think I'm approaching burnout. Not just painting burnout but everything burnout. Too much work stress has sapped any amount of energy and creative reserves I had. I've always feared this in the past but this time I am not so worried about not painting, not creating for awhile. And it's not to say that it is happening, but if it does, it's not a big deal. First of all, I don't make my living doing this (it'd be nice, but then there'd really be pressure to create!) and second, if it's time for a break, it's time for a break. This time I'm going to listen to the little voice that's saying "Go ahead, chill out," and trust that whatever it is that is gone will come back. It always does.

That being said, I went ahead and started another little piece just to get it out of my head. If it calls to me, I'll work on it, if not, so be it. It's a philodendron leaf, or it will be one day.

A good day.

2007-09-08T23:51:00.001-04:00

These damn birds are mocking me. I spent a good hour in the morning with my good camera, the big super heavy lenses, the tripod, my cup of coffee and my egg salad sandwich and I got squat. As I was setting up, there was a pigeon (white crowned) in my yard but I wasn't ready before it flew away. I got a few shots of other birds but they were so far away that you could barely see them in the photos. But they certainly were flying around all over the place above my head. So I gave up and just practiced using the lenses. Regardless, it was a beautiful morning. Quiet, cool and breezy, and the dog was a nice and well behaved (shocking) companion.

Around 6 pm when I plopped on the couch after a day of painting, I noticed there were white crowned pigeons all over my yard. I could have pet them from my deck. I ran upstairs, got the camera and by the time I got to the deck they were gone. And again, the sky is just full of them, probably laughing at me. I managed to get a few shots but they're nothing that I can use as a reference photo to draw/paint from. So the mission continues.

I did put in a good 5 hours today on the painting, which felt good. I'm pushing to finish this but it's taking a long time. One day a week makes it difficult to make real headway on a painting. Today, I made a list of things to work on on the painting and that turned out to be a real help. With a list, it's easier to tackle the painting. You have a starting point right off the bat...pick a thing off the list and just go at it. A great tool if you're one to sit in front of the canvas wondering and passing the time away wondering where to start. We'll see if I can hit it again tomorrow.

Time to retire

2007-09-07T23:54:00.001-04:00

Wow. What a week. It's finally over but I still have the sensation that I'm drowning in my work. The amount of work that is piling up on me is mind boggling. It just doesn't seem possible to tread water this long and not eventually go under. Tomorrow is technically painting day. I hope I can make it upstairs to my studio. I really feel like I deserve to do nothing but veg on the couch all weekend but I want to paint so bad that if I do blow it off, I'll feel horrible all of next week. I did an Everyday Matters sketch this week which helped to tie me over till the weekend.

Well, I am signing out for today. We'll see what tomorrow brings. The plan is to get up early, try and photograph the white crowned pigeons in the morning, then hit the easel for a few hours. Then a few hours of laziness, maybe finish up Pan's Labyrinth (did I spell that correctly?).

A day at the easel...

2007-09-01T17:54:00.000-04:00

I spent a good 5 hours (with many breaks) pecking at this painting today. It doesn't look like much was accomplished though. I'm ready for this one to be nearing the end now. I want to wrap up all these unfinished paintings I have in my studio and start new things. Getting back to colored pencil and gouache has been popping up in my mind lately. It's been ages since I've done any of that. I've got an itch to do some nature drawings. We'll see if I do it. It's a comfortable style and medium for me...I don't have to struggle with learning how to use the materials like I do with painting.

But until then, I'd like to wrap this one up first. Need to figure out what else to put on the coffee table. It's looking a little barren. The book that's on there now is a Gauguin book. That was fun to paint. I've never tried copying another painter's painting but it seems like it'd be a fun experiment. You wouldn't have to think of the subject matter, composition, etc., just get to copy color and style and texture. Maybe I'll start with a Gauguin. Help me to figure out those skin tones I'm always having issues with. Or I could make it easier on myself and copy a Rothko.

Late night painting

2007-08-27T22:47:00.000-04:00

After 8 hours at the computer working, I had to get some painting in to un-crazy myself. I added a little glaze to the coconut (I'm still not satisfied with that damn nut. Something is off.) and added details to the palm fronds, seeds, and baby coconut. Added some shadows, too. I can't wait to clean up the edges on those squares and finish the background. This little piece has been very enjoyable. I just wish I could get more painting time in. Ask and though shall receive...

Fiddle me this...

2007-08-25T23:29:00.000-04:00

Another army of crabs emerged from the mangroves today. As I walked down the road the sound of their scurrying was so loud. I felt so powerful, parting a sea of hundreds, maybe even thousands of crabs. I would take one step and they would retreat about 3 feet like a ripple in a pond. Then they would stop. Another step, another retreat. It was incredible. The dog, the Golden, was completely absorbed by these creatures. The German Shephard just wanted to pee on something and could have cared less. It was a great walk, a unique experience.

Coconut update

2007-08-25T21:06:00.000-04:00

Having fun with this painting even though getting a likeness on the coconut is challenging.

You put the lime in the coconut...

2007-08-20T11:52:00.000-04:00

Latest painting. Click on video to the right to see time elapsed progress.

Here fishy, fishy

2007-08-17T21:00:00.000-04:00

Not sure if I'm liking where this is going. Hmmm.

Finished Max Ernst doc. It was great. So far, he seemed to be the least egotistical, least damaged of the artists I've read about or seen documentaries on (Picasso, DeKooning, Frida, Warhol, Gorky). It's my first insight into him so maybe there are other books or films I should see. So many artists of his time seemed to have these enormous personalities and egos. They seemed like they would be great people to know, to be a part of their group, but I wonder if they didn't suck all the energy out of a room. To all the readers of my blog (are there ANY readers out there?) who are interested in artist biographies, if you are looking for a good one, try de Kooning: An American Master. It was a great read, an incredible story and it covered so much history of the time. I highly recommend it.

Until next time,
Ciao!

Mid week painting

2007-08-16T21:24:00.000-04:00

I got a little bit of painting in. I've been inspired by the Max Ernst documentary and I have some surrealist-y plans for this coconut painting (click on movie, left). I set up my tripod and started taking pictures every so often so I could see the progression of the painting. There's not much on the video but I'll keep adding to it. I hope to tackle this over the weekend. Maybe even finish it up. I'm trying to work faster, not labor over everything so much. We'll see how that goes.

In Theatres now...or in my DVD, rather...

2007-08-12T23:29:00.000-04:00

I’ve just received two documentaries this week: Dali and Max Ernst. I’ve started watching both of them and they are both great. So far, I’m taking more of an interest in Max Ernst b/c I haven’t seen much of his work and know nothing about him. Dali, I’m familiar with, especially since I lived just a few blocks from the Dali museum in St. Petersburg, Florida. If you haven’t been there it is one of the top 10 art museums to see in the United States (in my opinion). Everyone I know who has visited this museum always remembers their first time. And if you visit it a second time it’s always neat to see people’s reactions when they get the double images for the first time.
Anyway, I’m on a Max Ernst kick now and I am intrigued by his wood rubbings. He would put paper over planks of wood or bark and rub charcoal on over the paper. This would be his starting point for many of his images. I like this idea and am thinking of trying it out. Seems like a great springboard for unexpected creativity. Here are some paintings by Max Ernst.

Oldie but goodie.

2007-08-11T19:21:00.000-04:00

This one's back on the easel again. I tackled the pillow and started adding a Haitian painting in the background. I'm feeling a lot more confident with my use of color, my brush strokes and just in general. The classes are definitely helping me to be balls-ier and to be less tentative.

That's all folks.

Ai yai yai.

2007-08-09T22:00:00.000-04:00

Lesson number 3. Another tough one. I cannot seem to let go of my previous way of painting things. I didn't think I'd have such a difficult time with this. Maybe if I picked some easier sketches to do. Like a ball...or a lemon.

Anyways. At least I got to put down some paint today. For that I am thankful.

Summertime and sprinklers...

2007-08-07T22:36:00.000-04:00

Remember drinking from the water hose as a kid? It's not something I do now but a few days ago I was dying of thirst and all I had in my car was the plastic container of water that I keep handy so I can fill the dog bowl that I keep in the car. I flipped the top and guzzled the warm, metallic hose water. And I was six again. Six and playing in Sarah and Becca Akerson's yard, in my swimsuit, running around like a six year old does. I remembered playing cops and robbers in the street on our bikes, riding in circles, not worrying about anything except maybe a passing car or how many hours left until I got called in for supper. Hop off the bike, run over to the spigot, turn the handle and suck down that warm, tingly water in enormous swallows and then run as fast as possible to get back into the game...not remembering if I was a cop or a robber. Those were the days.

Blew out my flip-flop...Stepped on a pop top...

2007-08-05T19:10:00.000-04:00

Well I made some serious progress on this little painting and I am pretty happy with it. The background needs some work and some parts of the feet need reworking, but for a practice piece, I think it turned into a keeper.

As I was painting in the background I realized I hadn't painted a sky/ocean background in at least 10 years. A decade ago, I didn't have a drawing or painting WITHOUT that background. Everything I created was centered around the ocean. I've often wondered where that part of me went and was concerned it would be gone forever, signifying a permanent loss of a part of me that was always so strong. So when this background came into the picture, a nice nostalgic feeling started creeping in. And then I remembered the "Woman Fish" painting/self portrait! That is part of that theme too. Without purposely pushing it I've slowly been coming back to a part of me that has been dormant for years. It's nice. Maybe that means I'll buy another sailboat soon. : )

POOP Shirts for sale here!

2007-08-04T00:29:00.001-04:00

100% Cotton Gildan Tshirt. Sizes L, XL, XXL and women's tanks in L.
$14.95 + S/H

Playing hooky from work to hang with the dogs.

2007-08-02T22:35:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, about three quarters of the way through my stomach wrenching, anxiety ridden work day I just gave up and shut down my computer and decided to go to dog training. I grabbed the dog, leash, some water, and drove through a rainstorm to find that class was being held despite the rain. I normally go on Sundays but I'm finding that Kalo calms down so much after a few hours of training that I figured adding an extra day might speed up his good behavior. We can only hope. Here's a photo. Kalo is the golden retriever in the middle. This class is full of German Shepherds as the trainer runs a breeding/training program down here and trains K9's for police departments. My other dog is a German Shepherd so Kalo is pretty comfortable laying in between all those dogs with big teeth.

Anyway, dog training is my favorite time of the week. Since I work alone most of the time this serves as my social time. The time I actually get to interact with other humans and talk about things other than work. It's a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. You're outside with animals and animal lovers, and it's always a learning experience every time. Kalo is no angel and has some crazy hangups that I'm really trying to work on. But at training he always manages to learn something, giving me hope that all this work will produce a well behaved, well trained dog. With just enough mischief in him to keep me laughing.

I could go on and on about the dogs and training but I'm turning in early to read a book and sip on some wine. It's been one of those weeks. It's been one of those years actually. I'm surprised I'm not drinking more.

No painting lately. I think I might tackle something tomorrow. A lot of new ideas simmering in my head.

I've attached a photo of my shepherd. He's looking very sweet and comfy in this photo. This is him at the early part of his retirement...loving life on the soft bed instead of the cold gray kennel. No training necessary for this dog...this one is the well oiled machine (okay, now that he's retired maybe he's not quite a machine anymore). Don't tell him that though.

Goodnight Moon.

2007-08-01T23:51:00.000-04:00

I walked outside to a great moonlit sky silhouetting the palms. These are the best of the 30 or so pictures I took trying to fiddle with different apertures and shutter speeds.

Then I came inside and subjected the pup to a lens in his face. After an afternoon of dog training, he was beat. He was pretty willing to just lay there and wait till I was done before hopping off the bed to pass out on the tile.

Done at last. Thank god almighty, Done at last!

2007-08-01T14:15:00.000-04:00

I had to call it quits on this one. This relationship has run it's course. Halleluhah!

Piece of Mind

2007-07-30T23:53:00.000-04:00

I've been taking the dogs for walks in the mangroves near my house every evening and on the days when I only take one dog, I bring my camera along because there's always something interesting to see out there. It's my quiet, calm part of the day and the dogs get to spend time outside smelling all the fishy, salty, oceany smells that make them drool. Yesterday when I went for my walk the entire dirt road was filled with tiny crabs that just moved like waves as we made our way down toward the water. Every single one of them waving their tiny, but big for their size, claws at me as if they were ready to take me on. They're so fearless. Driving down the road this time of year is difficult because you don't want to run over them but it's impossible to wait for all of them to move out of the way.

I'm still waiting to capture a white crowned pigeon with my camera. They only seem to appear when I've put my camera away or they are too far.

Well, that's it for now.

Am I finished yet?

2007-07-28T23:09:00.000-04:00

I chipped away at the Conch House painting today. It doesn't look like much was done but I can see an improvement. I feel like I'm getting close to the end with this one.

I sold a painting and a small drawing this week. And at a time when I was so discouraged about pretty much everything. At my lowest lows...that is when I get an email in my mailbox saying that someone wants to buy one of MY paintings. It's always surprising when it happens. Anyway. It is greatly, greatly appreciated and it really means a lot.

So....since I sold an abstract piece I thought it would be a good time to start another one (and since they seem to sell better). Here is the first attack on the canvas.

We'll see where it goes and where it ends up. With the abstract pieces it is always intriguing to see what the outcome will be since there is no preconceived idea of what it should be. That being said, it can also be more frustrating not knowing where you want to go from the outset. I guess it's like travelling without a map or guidebook. Sometimes that's the best way to see a place though.

Ciao.

I'm not quitting my day job.

2007-07-21T20:50:00.000-04:00

I had another painting lesson yesterday. It lasted 4 and a half hours and by the end of it I was a complete frazzled mess. I tried a little practice painting today, trying to remember what I learned yesterday and I remembered nothing. I looked at the painting I started yesterday during the lesson and I have no idea how I got from the first stroke to the last. Anyways, here it is:

This is done from photograph. We'll tackle it again later after I've mentally and emotionally recovered. Everything I learned was so counterintuitive from how I've ever painted. Since I've taught myself how to paint and done it the same way for so long, it's difficult to learn how to think in this new way. So, I will keep at it and tackle this challenge. I hope I grasp it fairly quickly otherwise I might end up in a mental institute!

Excercise

2007-07-18T23:45:00.000-04:00

I tried my hand out on quick “self portrait.” I figure the state of my feet capture my personality best...always in flip flops, always in the sun, never wearing real shoes...too constricting.

Anyways, the colors are WAY OFF but I did this in about 30 minutes, just trying to slap something up there without worrying about getting color perfect. I got so frustrated that I quickly quit and immediately called to schedule another painting lesson. I’m dying here with these oils.

Something is awry.

2007-07-15T23:51:00.000-04:00

I’m so irritated about this little event in my life that I had to turn the computer back on, and write about this.

So I go to the dentist on Thursday after a week of jaw pain. It was progressively getting worse and I was starting to get obsessed with diagnosing the problem. And it’s not a good thing when I self diagnose. I started with jaw cancer. Then I came down a bunch of notches and thought TMJ. Then back up a few notches to lockjaw but I couldn’t imagine how I could have gotten tetanus. A wisdom tooth perhaps? That was a frightening thought as I know I’ve been told before that if they had to take my wisdom teeth out, they would have to chip my lower jaw bone to extract them. If that was to be the case, I would just deal with the jaw pain. Except for the fact that it was difficult to open my mouth to eat pieces of food larger than a small grape. My husband told me it was from eating too many frozen Riesen chocolates. I disagreed. I’ve been doing that for years, that’s no reason for jaw pain. A JawBreaker...maybe. A Riesen, no.

Anyways, I’m off to the dentist’s office. My last experience at the dentist was, no joke, less pleasant than an alien abduction with a fool body probe. The technician was so rough that the experience was surreal. But I’m getting off track and I’m dragging this out. Long story short, the dentist told me I had a muscle spasm in my jaw, probably from clenching my teeth at night. Okay, that’s good news. “Oh, and by the way, you have a cavity.”

Excuse me? I haven’t had a cavity since I was a kid. This is impossible.

Why am I getting upset about a cavity? Well, I went TEN years without going to a dentist. When I decided to try being a responsible adult and get regular cleanings a year and a half ago I was kind of scared that they’d tell me that my mouth was falling apart and I needed fillings, caps, crowns, bridges, Polident, whatever. They took x-rays, looked at my teeth and told me’ “You must have incredible genes. I’ve never seen anyone not go to a dentist for that long and have teeth in this great of shape. You’ve got some plaque and you should floss more, but otherwise...Wow.” And with that, I walked out of the dentist’s office with my free toothbrush and my Barbie sized sample of dental floss feeling like a superior being. I may not have a Ph.D. or be a millionaire but I’ve got kick ass teeth and was told by a doctor that I must have superior genes.

I went to my cleanings every 6 months after that first visit and all was fine in my mouth. Until I missed my last appointment 4 months ago.
So...my theory is. These bastards and these regular cleanings have messed with my teeth somehow and now I have a cavity. Explain to me how 10 years can go by and I have perfect teeth and then I start going to the dentist regularly and go 10 months without a cleaning and now my teeth are rotting at a rapid rate? When my brushing habits haven’t changed in the least over the past 20 years? It just doesn’t make sense and I can’t let go of the anger and gut feeling that they are secretly applying some sort of acid to my teeth during the “cleaning” so that they can make money off of me at a later date.

Anyways, so I have a muscle spasm and a cavity. The visit lasted about 7 minutes.

That’ll be $90.00, maam. Thank you, and see you on the 31st for your filling and cleaning ($310.00)!

I would have rather gone to the proctologist.

Improvement?

2007-07-15T20:26:00.000-04:00

My first day on this painting after my lesson on color and I'm not sure if I was successful. I feel as if I turned this poor lady into Larry Hammil or George Hamilton or whoever those two guys are that looked like they overdosed on carrots. However, I do see more richness in the colors but I really am struggling with figuring out how to mix the skintones just right. And the highlights...forget about it. I'm lost. Time for another lesson.

Back to the easel

2007-07-14T16:40:00.001-04:00

After a hiatus of a week or two, I'm back at it with some new skills. Mixing paint is now one of my favorite things. With just a few (7) colors, I'm amazed at what a spectrum I can create. And so much richer than squeezing right out of the tube.

Anyway, after over a month and a half of avoiding the conch house, I tried to attack it again. Cindy, my teacher/tutor/painting guidance counselor, suggested that I really push my colors and work on being more confident with my strokes. I still feel tentative, but I did push a little today with the banana tree and the shadows. Probably not enough pushing things but hey, baby steps, right?

I'm back--Gotta love Wikipedia

2007-07-09T23:22:00.000-04:00

Okay, I had to look up scatology on Wikipedia, which led me to click on toilet humor. I think it’s funny but very scant. I could have written 3 pages minimum on this topic. Why I’m back on this, I don’t know. Must have been potty-trained to young. Oh, speaking of toilet humor...visit my eBay listings to find POOP shirts for sale. Also Jacques Derida shirts and mugs.

A whole new world...

2007-07-09T23:06:00.000-04:00

Wow. I really got an education today. In two hours my eyes were completely opened to color and how much more I could do with the right palette and the right attitude. Expect to see some changes in my paintings in the near future. I can’t wait to put to use what I learned today.

I’m really slacking with the blogging lately. Mostly b/c I’m not painting either, which is a bad thing. By the time I pull out the laptop, it’s already so late and I’m fresh out of creative ideas. The only thing witty I have to draw from is my endless source of scatological humor but how much poop/fart/doody can people take. I just made myself giggle by typing poop/fart/doody. It sounds like one word when you say it quickly. Anyways, I’m digressing and getting stupid now.

Goin' to get some larnin'

2007-07-05T12:48:00.000-04:00

Next week I will be getting my first real lesson on oil painting. I'm finally getting help from an artist, Cindy Kulp, whose work I think is really beautiful. I'll just be getting help in mixing paint for the first session. I'm so excited that I wish I could fast forward to Monday.

Comments, Criticisms welcome/needed

2007-07-01T22:36:00.000-04:00

I put in a good hour today but my light was quickly fading. And I don’t want to be messing with skintones (which I’m already having big problems with) in bad light. I do need some help figuring out how to deal with mixing paint for skin. I find it so damn difficult.

It doesn’t look like I did a whole lot but there are some overall changes. If anyone has comments/criticiscms, I’d welcome them. One friend mentioned that the subject looks pissed and doesn’t seem like someone he’d want to know. “She looks kind of like a bitch,” he said. Which is kind of true but I don’t really want a happy go lucky person either. But it did make me think to consider what she might be looking so serious about. His comment made me think that sometimes I fail to have a story behind what I’m painting. Even if it’s not a story that I need everyone to know, but it might help me to create a better piece if I give the purpose of the painting more psychological depth on my part (in regards to portraits at least).

The story behind reclining lady is actually pretty funny. Certainly not lacking in backstory on that picture. That’s for another time though. All I’ll say is that it has to do with a product I saw in a health food store that made me laugh.

That’s it for now. I’m drawing a blank on anything funny, witty or intelligent to write so I won’t drag this out.

Ciao.

8 minutes of work gets you 1 frangipani

2007-07-01T00:48:00.000-04:00

I did everything but paint today, until late in the evening when I forced myself to do a few minutes of work. To start some momentum for tomorrow. I hope to wake up tomorrow, have my coffee, feel energized and motivated to run upstairs, turn on my weekend NPR, squeeze out some paints and make some dents in some paintings.

We will see. That was my plan for today but I only got 8 minutes.

Ciao.

No painting for 2 days...

2007-06-28T00:40:00.000-04:00

If it goes past 2 days, this could be bad. Too many days off and it’ll be harder to get back on the horse.

I did switch out paintings on the easel. While reclining lady dries, I’m going to work on the self portrait with the fish. I decided to boost it with some color and add some details to it to make it a more visually interesting. It’s kind of bland right now. The prospect of adding to it is exciting. Hopefully, if tomorrow isn’t as crappy as the past 2 days have been with work and my Tsetse fly illness, I will be able to start it. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I’ve diagnosed myself with Sleeping Sickness. Actually, between the last sentence and this sentence I wikipedia-ed Sleeping Sickness and now I feel bad by joking about it, b/c surely there are many out there who suffer from it and it’s no laughing matter. But I am ridiculously tired. Like fall-asleep-standing-up tired. Until the insomnia kicks in...then I’m wide awake. Funny how that works.

Maybe it’s Keys Disease. Paradise Paralysis. Coconut Coma.

Hey! Someone buy some of my stuff so I can quit my current job. I’m not above begging.

Wow. I’m reaching some new lows here. : )

Must get sleep. Goodnight.

Out damn window, Out!

2007-06-25T23:33:00.001-04:00

Well, I took out the window. Not sure if that was the right thing today b/c I have to put something in that space (a painting maybe). And I finally got some nerve and put something on the damn table. I wish I had bumped it up a bit but I'm too lazy to fix it. So there it will stay.

It was hard getting motivated today. The drive is always there to want to paint, but there is ALWAYS that hurdle of starting. I'm quickly learning that if you just take the plunge the inspiration/motivation/energy will eventually show up and then it turns into this great freefall. I'm not sure if that's an accurate word to describe what I mean. But for 11:30 pm, it will have to do.

I'm also realizing that painting a little brashly usually yields better results than those stupid, tentative, fear-filled brush strokes. Now if I could apply that to the rest of my life...

P.S. Found a cool bug today on a milkweed plant. I think the photo came out decent.

A lot of nothing

2007-06-24T22:08:00.000-04:00

I worked unwillingly on this painting and after all the back and forth in my head on what to put in the window, I think I’ve decided to wash it all out and cover it with wall space. I think that the things in the window are starting to compete with the main subject. And the colors are getting too distracting. It’s kind of a relief, actually to have decided that in my head because it was really holding me back. I am reaching the point where I need this to get done soon. I’m losing interest and I want to get back to the self portrait with fish.

I also have a great photo that I want to work from for a new painting. I think the anticipation of starting that is pushing me to want to be finished w/ reclining lady. The Conch House needs to get wrapped up too.

20 things about me

2007-06-23T20:44:00.000-04:00

Since I don’t have any progress to show, I figured I’d do that “20 Things About Me” thing that I see on people’s blogs every so often.

Here it is:

1. I am 5’4“, petite and considered to be feminine looking but on the inside I feel like a big, manly construction or trucker guy who wears his undershirt for too many days in a row, likes to scratch his gut and doesn’t think it’s a bad thing to do your best reading on the throne. And I’m okay with that. My inside doesn’t match my outside.

2. I love to read. But I don’t do it enough because life keeps getting in the way.

3. Despite my age (I'm in my 30's) I do not feel like an adult. I don’t forsee myself every feeling like an adult. Hopefully, that crap about 30 being the new 20 is true!

4. I think that anything poop or fart related is HILARIOUS. It’s never not funny.

5. Traveling is the best thing to do in the world, EVER.

6. I want to visit India and Afghanistan.

7. I despise doing things against my will. I have a difficult time accepting things because they are socially expected of me. I may comply sometimes but I always fundamentally have issues with social conventions. Gender expectations REALLY bug me.

8. I can be very antisocial sometimes. More often than not.

9. I live in my head too much, which is a scary place to be.

10. If I were a millionaire and did not have to work I would just go to school forever and collect degrees.

11. I am half Haitian and half Belgian. Therefore I like rice and beans and waffles and brussel sprouts.
12. I am trying to finish my master’s degree in psychology (Ha!)

13. I love creating scenarios in my head.

14. I can imitate accents like a champ.

15. I once took a jazz dance class and I sucked so bad. Many people assumed I had danced before b/c of my physical build so it was even worse when they saw how bad I was. It was literally the hardest thing I ever did b/c it was so challenging for me. But I loved it and never felt a greater sense of accomplishment when I got something right. A definite lesson in facing your self confidence issues.

16. I used to be so connected to the ocean and after I quit my biology job I’ve lost all sense of connection with what used to be important to me...being outdoors, observing nature, and contributing to something I believed in.

17. I worry that life will soon be nothing but mortgages and ”adult“ responsibilities and it will be harder and harder to maintain a level of idealism, frivolity, and spirit that I thought I would always have.

18. I love to eat. I love food.

19. I love to dance (like in clubs/bars) but I never do it anymore.

20. I hope that one day I can make a living doing the things that I truly love (painting, sculpting, wheelthrowing).

New challenge

2007-06-21T00:08:00.000-04:00

I started a new EDM challenge (draw the view from your window)--one from last year. I started the view from the window in my art room. Not much to see except roof lines and tree tops. But the lines of the roof make a nice pattern and it’s a clean simple view. I’m not done yet but I wanted to make sure I got something arty in today. I’ve missed charcoal. Forgot how fun, and messy, it can be.

Drawing again

2007-06-18T23:20:00.000-04:00

No painting today, but I did get back on the Everyday Matters Drawing horse again. The challenge was to draw a coin(s). I have quickly been learning with this most recent painting that if had planned things out better before slapping paint on the canvas, I’d be having a much easier time with the painting. I’m realizing that having a plan, doing preliminary sketches, even some visual research is pretty important to a successful painting. So I figured I’d get back into the drawing thing to help me get better with laying out future paintings. It’s amazing how rusty you can get after not having done it for awhile. Anyway, the post is here: www.lagoartcompany.blogspot.com.

My friend, Ric Jahna, was just interviewed by SmokeLong Quarterly. His work was published in this issue also. It’s a short, great read. Check it out here. He was even kind enough to mention me (thanks for letting me ride your coattails of success! : )) I really like their statement that all of the work that they publish is just a smoke long in length. What a great name. Except that I don’t smoke. Unless I have a drink in my hand. In which case they could name the quarterly “Cocktail.”

Today's work

2007-06-17T23:55:00.000-04:00

Too tired to write, so this is it for today.
Ciao.

Blogxpansion

2007-06-16T19:41:00.000-04:00

Okay, today was a wash as far as painting goes. I’m working towards doing some challenges for Everyday Matters since I’m, oh...about 50 million of them behind. I decided that my blog is going to end up pretty boring and monotonous if I just post updates of paintings that I’m doing. So...I think I’ll include things outside of my painting progress. It is called “Work/Life in Progress” so that leaves it wide open.

On that note, I just want to recommend a movie I just rented called "The Corporation", about global conglomerates and their history, effects on our society, etc. etc. It was pretty interesting and completely fed into my conspiracy theory that we are nothing but robots of Disney, GE and Time Warner (among others) no matter how hard we try to get out from under their grip. It put me in a funk for awhile because I couldn’t stop thinking about many of the issues the film brought up, but I still recommend it. I kind of like these sorts of movies because they always kind of nudge me back into a zone where I remind myself to be aware of how my life is affected on a daily basis without my really realizing the constant pressure on me from these corporations. After a movie like this, this is usually my mindset:

• I’m done watching TV. I’m refuse to be bombarded by all these commercials, product placement in TV shows, etc. The time that I’d be watching TV I’ll paint, read, work on finishing my masters, and so on.

• I’m going to quit buying all those petrochemically based products at the grocery store. I’m not giving my money to these huge corporations anymore.

• I’m going to grow my own vegetables. I’m not giving Dole or Sunkist another damn penny of mine.

• I’m going to buy a big deep freezer and have my parents send me an entire pig from their farm (after it’s been slaughtered, not before. I have too many pets as is) so that I don’t have to buy processed, drug laden meat from the grocery store. Oh yeah, they have chickens too, I’ll ask for a bunch of those.

• I’m going to starts sewing more of my clothes. I might even start making my own soap.

This lasts for a day or two and then I get super busy and all these things kind of get swept under the rug. I’ll reach for the Clorox Antibacterial Wipes to wipe down the counter (don’t get me started on the antibacterial crap) because it’s quick and easy. It’s difficult to stay mindful and practice the kind of life that I think is ethically right. Sheesh. I guess you just keep working at it. Or keep renting movies and reading books that inspire.

Next on the movie list is "Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train".

Like eating an elephant

2007-06-15T00:12:00.000-04:00

Well, I managed to put in about 15 minutes today. Just right before the sun set. After a hectic work day and being completely exhausted from a few days of insomnia, I managed to make a tiny bit of progress. I got over my fear of the coffee table and just blocked it in with some color. I’m clueless as to how to approach the wood of the couch and the coffee table. I’m learning, though, to just jump in with something, anything, almost a bit brashly, whenever I feel stuck. It’s scary but the worst that can happen is that you have to paint over it, dump the painting, or just finish it somehow and have a crappy painting that you learned a few lessons from.

For the sake of this blog I’d like to make more progress in between posts. I feel silly putting images of the same painting with only one or two square inches that have been modified. So...the goal for this weekend is to make a significant dent in this picture.

Wish me luck.

Why is this taking so long?

2007-06-14T23:16:00.000-04:00

I have been very good lately about trying to do a little painting, no matter how little, everyday. Yesterday and today were no exception. I have no images to post because the fruits of my labor were maggot-y, rotten fruit. I started some miniature gouache nudes which I spent hours on but the result was crap. Today, I got an early enough start to get a few hours of light to work on the reclining lady. But I got sidetracked until after dark and then, when I was REALLY motivated, it was too dark, I couldn’t see too well with my lamp and all the motivation went to waste. Self sabotage really. I wait until it’s impossible to work to really get motivated.

Anyway, tomorrow I must make some headway because I mixed up my paints and the colors are finally coming together on the palette. I doubt I’d be able to mix them that perfectly again, so if I don’t get on it tomorrow...ah, whatever. Until tomorrow.

Tomorrow I will discuss my studio companions (dog and cats) and the interesting conditions that I find myself working in.

2007-06-09T15:30:00.000-04:00

Progress is happening! And it feels good.

Update on an old painting

2007-06-07T16:11:00.000-04:00

I've picked up interest in this painting while my Conch House dries a bit. I like the progress so far. My focus on this painting is color and trying to really learn more about color theory. I'm also trying to loosen up my brush strokes on this piece and avoid keeping things so tight. We will see.

AbsoluteArts.com Feature

2007-06-05T11:43:00.000-04:00

One of my paintings was selected to be featured on AbsoluteArts.com yesterday. A little recognition is always a good feeling. All right people, start buying my stuff so I can quit working. Accepting applications for a patron also.

P.S. My painting is Nude Aqua on the 2nd page. Also, when I saved the webpage to convert it to a jpg. all the other artists work was missing. No disrespect to the others that were featured that day. It's just my computer unsavvyness.