Lemons

Here's another 8x8 or some lemons I had.  The challenge for me in these little paintings is to make each brush stroke count, and to get as much color variation into the subject as I can.

Spring Break

Spring break was over too quickly.  I had an unexpected week off from work, a "furlough" if you will, and it was wonderful.  I needed the break.  Painting was on the agenda, and I will be posting a series of 8x8's that are a lot of fun, and for those of you who know me, are really fast paints for me -- thirty minutes or so to complete one.

Apologies to Paul Balmer

About four years ago, my daughter took her daughter to New York for her 8th birthday.  Mimi (wonderful grandmother that I am) got to tag along on this fabulous trip.  While we were there we went to galleries in Soho and saw some wonderful streeet artists, and -- Paul Balmer.  I was immediately in love with his work.  Enormous paintings of New York - buildings and bridges -- layers of color, line that made my heart sing.

I could not get his paintings out of my mind, so when we returned home, I went to my studio and began to create my version of Paul's New York.  This is a rice paper painting done with about 20 layers of casein and ink.  Not nearly as magnificent as his, but one of my favorites.  Check out his web site at www.paulbalmer.com

My latest painting is an attempt to find a brush that will paint the twigs in a winter landscape.  Needless to say, I didn't have one in my assortment of brushes.  Oh, well, off to Jerry's Artarama tomorrow, I guess.  I could use some more canvas anyway.  Interestingly enough, I found that a small flat worked best -- who knew.

Princess Dee Dee Boo

Princess Dee Dee Boo is our other pug.  A year younger than Spanky,  and a good 20 lbs smaller, she is the boss of him and all things domestic.  Born the runt of the litter, she never seemed to grow much.  Her tongue doesn't fit in her mouth, and so it hangs out the side most of the time.  I have to tell her everyday she is the cutest dog in the world.

This is Spanky.  A more loyal, regal dog never existed.  He came to live with us about 3 1/2 years ago, and has totally taken over the household.  He has become a bit on the lazy side lately, and as a result, has put on a few pounds.  The Fed Ex guy once thought he was a pot bellied pig -- poor Spank, he just waddled over to him and gave him a kiss.  I guess we could all learn something from Spanky.

My First Blog

My first blog -- sort of a scary prospect don't you think?  Anyway, I'm forging ahead and attempting to post some of my recent works of art.  What do you think?