OFF THE WALL ART

PEACE TALKS

2012-01-15T13:27:00.001-06:00

I've been having my own peace talks here.

Nope, not about the Middle East,

or Occupy,

or even

political candidates.

Peace Talks with my Clay Lady.

I'd been working with her into the wee,,,

having crawled into my time machine

and listening to some Janis.

"Little Girl Blue"

Music and a voice that touch me still,,

in places I'm normally not even aware exist.

I'm staring at the lady, and she's glaring back at me.

She's not happy.

"Whoa, hold the phone, stop right now!", she shrieked.

"This is not me, and no one I want to be!"

I was shocked, as her hands weren't finished,

and she had only half a skirt.

"I am not little girl blue, I don't wear skirts,

and I don't want pretty hair,

so don't even bother!"

So I'm back to the drawing board.

We're having conversations,

and it sounds to me like she's wanting an extreme

make-over.

I'm Listening.

I think she may be right, but she will have

a correct left hand and leg,

whether she wants it or not.

Time and product wasted?

Nope,

She's teaching me a thing or ten,

and that's always a good thing,

ain't it, Martha?

2012-01-08T14:23:00.000-06:00

This hand painted metal bird was carefully selected

by Jack

for my recent birthday.

He also made his own card and presented

it to me with his Flower Drawings.

We framed them together, and he's so proud

seeing his art work presented on my desk,

"just like a real artist", he says.

The following photo is of another of his paintings.

His kindergarten teacher says he shows a lot of potential

for art.

I could have told her that.

(not that I'm in any way prejudiced)

My clay lady still awaits my attention,

but she at least has a head now.

I'm not all that happy with her at this point,

but I'll be working with her soon.

There was a time out while I helped install

the new dishwasher, and she understands

the importance, although it didn't completely stop

her from whining, and calling to me.

She waits to be made beautiful.

Beautiful in strength, and the promise that comes with being strong,

not in the smooth outward sense of beauty,

but from within.

Hopefully the kind that comes with age.

For me, and also for Jack.

SALVAGE

2011-12-30T10:48:00.001-06:00

I can't resist old wood or old metal.

I've been working on this clay piece since before Christmas.

It's still in the very first stages

of rough, raw, and ready.

Kind of how it feels going into a New Year, right?

So how will you be celebrating?

The Boyfriend and I will likely have a glass,,,,,

and I will be giving birth.

Feet, hands, and a head for my

Girl Of 2012.

I wonder who she is, and I'm eager for her to show me.

And here's one of my favorite

things to think on for the New Year:

"I have learned

in whatever state I am,

therewith to be

content."

May you all be content in 2012!

2011-12-20T01:28:00.001-06:00

I LIKE PINK AND PURPLE FOR CHRISTMAS

DON'T YOU?

Anyone can do red and green, but this artist is special

HOLIDAY DECORATING

2011-12-08T23:17:00.000-06:00

FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE,,,,

2011-11-29T00:01:00.000-06:00

,,,,,I have nothing to say.

I'm sure it's only temporary,

and I'll be back when I do.

Meanwhile, here's something pretty to look at.

NOPE, NOTHING NEW

2011-11-13T22:29:00.000-06:00

Because there's been no new art created here recently,

and the title of this blog is

Off The Wall ART

I thought I'd revisit some older work.

I may have already shown some of this before, I'm not sure.

If you've seen it before, you are not required

to look again.

This is an oil on unstretched canvas.

I painted it while convalescing from surgery.

Over the years I've moved away from working much with oil

as my work space was too confined, and without good ventilation.

I miss it, and hopefully once I have my new studio, I can get back to it.

I did this charcoal of a mythical bird after returning

from vacation in Florida. The pelicans, gulls,

and egrets always intrigue me, and I think this guy must

be a combination of all of those. Or maybe none of them, who knows.

I was enjoying a few art shows and sales in those days, but for some reason

never wanted to offer him for sale.

He lived on my home office wall for many years, and since we moved, he hangs out in my bathroom.

He says he enjoys the humidity.

An oil collage of torn canvas strips, on board.

This final painting is oil,

3ft. by 4ft.

and was inspired by our Oklahoma lake place.

It is the last large piece that I sold from the Salon

before I retired.

So that's it for now.

I'm making things ready

in this small house

for too much company

for Thanksgiving

who're staying almost a week.

I am determined that it will be

FUN!

Jack's already asked if he can spend the night too.

Heck, what's one more, I ask.

Just more fun, right?

RIGHT?

2011-11-02T22:33:00.001-05:00

Last year my daughter rescued a black kitten

she named Vivian.

About a month ago she rescued the tiny calico she named Chloe.

I was a little concerned that Vivian might be jealous of Chloe.

I think I worried for nothing.

Jack is in love with both of them, as is their rat terrier, Dottie.

They all play together, and sleep together.

Pure Love

I'm so proud that I learned to load a video on my blog.
There may be hope for me yet!

BE IT EVER SO HUMBLE,,,,

2011-10-21T23:03:00.001-05:00

There really is no place like home.

We could get lucky next year and have green grass.

Hopefully, our new shrubs will get down some

nice deep roots before winter.

Soon, the trash cans and ladders will

all be in their proper places.

Just like this Boy and his Punkins.

Right where they belong

And as I sit here, writing my thoughts,,

I must confess that in the beginning

I couldn't imagine owning and living

in this house.

The work.

Oh My,,,,The work!

But The Boyfriend could see the potential.

At the closing, the realtor said:

"Gonna knock her down and start over, huh?"

And the Boyfriend replied:

"Actually, we're going to remodel

and live in it"

As her eyes glazed over, she smiled and said:

"How Nice"

Potential.

And I'm reminded of a quote I recently read somewhere:

"I would not have sacrificed so much for love, if love

were mostly about pleasure"

~Linda Gregg

And I say

Amen

EDIT:

PHOTO FOR BLUE SKY

(the least messiest one I could find)

POTPOURRI

2011-09-21T13:59:00.000-05:00

Sometimes called a 'mish-mash'.

(as on k.j.'s blog)

And this post is definitely that. But I do love the word

Potpourri, and use it at every opportunity.

I've been painting, yes I have.

Here is one example:

Machu Picchu

(as seen through my mind's eye)

But that was a couple of weeks ago.

Blogger is giving me such headaches loading pictures these days.

Either they are sideways, or blurry.

I may ask for a refund.

Some of my more recent painting has been

HOUSE PAINTING.

The trim. Lots of trim,,, gutters, and the porch

on the back of the house.

"Creme Frache"

fancy-scmantzy for white.

Don't you love paint color names?

This photo shows the work on-going on the front porch.

We still have to paint the floor, steps, and foundation.

We've chosen a color I used to call

GREIGE.

a totally neutral gray/beige

The railing will be painted black, and we'll add new black lights.

and someday I'll learn to hold the camera straight,

not crooked.

This morning I got up really early in order to be coffee-ed

up and outside working before the heat hit.

I grabbed my cut-off paint jeans from the corner where they were standing on their own, yanked my hair into a stubby, scruffy,

geriatric pony tail and I was ready to show up on the job.

The Boyfriend said:

"Well, if you aren't the cutest 'lil painter I know"

Right.

He knows exactly one in a row, and just wanted to make sure I

was going to paint today.

I took my trusty old Boombox (yeah,yeah,,, I know, I know)

loaded with my Neil Diamond c.d.'s and was on

the ladder by 7:30.

Nice and cool, I was painting and dreaming, lost in

"Love On The Rocks,,,,,ain't no surprise. Pour me a drink, and I'll tell you some lies"

I saw him in concert in 1970. Had he asked, I would gladly have run away

with him, even without a drink or lies. I read that he had his 70th. (!) birthday

a few days ago, and had just gotten married.

(I'm guessing he didn't receive my note that I was still waiting)

Suddenly, The Boyfriend appeared at the bottom

of my ladder,,,probably to micro-manage my brush strokes.

(he excells in this, and was finished with his part, having started much earlier than I)

Without thinking,,,,,,,I jerked my head up to see where he was pointing,,,,and now, the entire top of my head, from ponytail forward to bangs is

CREME FRACHE

Yep,,,,,,,

Love On The Rocks.

(ain't no big surprise)

Aw,,,,go on, listen to the song. You KNOW you want to!

(and it's gonna be running through your head a couple days anyway)

Now I'm on my way back to the front of the house, where the sun isn't, with Neil in tow.

We're gonna paint us some black ("Pepper Pot")

railing this afternoon.

PAINTING ON FABRIC

2011-09-03T22:40:00.000-05:00

This one was painted on muslin

Tracking The Storm

As was this one.

Under The Boardwalk

And this one has fabric bits

collaged into the paint.

Tribal

This one does also.
Tribal 2

And the following are a couple of recent collages in mixed media

Pablo and Dora

Tying of The Sun

The last one is upside down, and there doesn't seem to be
anything I can do about it.
Believe me, I've tried.
A
LOT.
Okay, Blogger,,,,I give!

Last, but definitely not least, is
My newest favorite photo:

who knew they had lockers in kindergarten?

COUNTING

2011-08-12T23:22:00.001-05:00

#1 "Step AWAY From My Coffee,,,"

#2 "The Same DNA"

#3 "She Tree"

#4 "Little Black Dress"

#5 "Making Other Arrangements"

#6 Tillie Tu-tu

And I've also been doing this:

Well, that would not be completely true,,I have however, been supervising.

Much Too hot for me out there. I don't know how the workmen do it,

but I guess they must be used to it.We almost broke the record here of 42 days in a row

of over 100 degree temperature. Yesterday it was cloudy, and only reached 99.

I watched a storm blow by, that didn't kiss us with even so much as one drop of rain. Might as well have been 100

and broken the record,,,,but then who's counting.

102 today,,,

and tomorrow 103.

I will be celebrating 40 (gasp) years of wedded bliss to

The Boyfriend tomorrow.

That's right,,,,I married at age 10.

But who's counting, right?

NEW GLASS HOUSE WARMERS

2011-08-06T18:56:00.000-05:00

Recently, Katie Jane gifted me with one of her gorgeous

stained glass pieces.

Doesn't it look great in my window?

It hangs above the window seat,

and picks up the colors in the little

tea cup painting.

In the late afternoon add sunshine,

breezes from the air conditioner:

PERFECT!

I have swirling, fiery color

dancing in my kitchen.

Kate, I couldn't love it more, thank you!

*********

Then a package from Lolo arrives

with her Human Looking Gorilla card staring up at me.

He's not framed yet, but he will be standing guard over my little computer corner.

He's good with that.

I have to confess that I had a moment of Cobalt Envy

at Lo's blog.

And didn't she just up and send me the object of that moment?

It's in another kitchen window, next to a bowl I already had.

Add 3 Rose Of Sharon blooms the heat hadn't yet destroyed,

throw in the sunshine:

PERFECT Chunky TWINS!

Thank you Lolo, and again:

I couldn't love it more!

LOST AND FOUND

2011-08-01T11:20:00.001-05:00

I've been finding things.

Lost things.

Not only things lost in the move,

but things lost long before that, too.

You may remember these girls:

I'm sure I've shown them before,,

just a long time ago.

Two, maybe three years ago.

After they'd dried, I put them someplace safe,,

and never saw them again until two days ago.

Of course I hunted high and low, and finally decided they had to have been thrown out by accident.

This one also went missing:

They are all three ATC size,

ink and watercolor, on paper.

It just so happens, I've recently joined a site for trading

Art Cards

And I will add these to my gallery.

Oh, and where had these gals hidden themselves?

You were wondering, weren't you?

They'd jumped inside the pages of a very large book.

All the better to flatten themselves,and be prepared for plastic sleeves.

Of COURSE I'd looked inside that book at the time.

I mean, wasn't it sitting right there on my desk?

Right there, beside the other cards?

That's right,,,,they were hiding.

Wanting to stay home.

Maybe they will have a new home soon.

Depending on whether or not someone wants to trade for them.

(all three have been traded!)

Isn't it good I decided to read that book again?

It's title?

"The Book Of Lost Things"

a novel

by John Connolly

(Gives me goosebumps)

AND ONE MORE,,,

2011-07-20T10:56:00.000-05:00

A smaller one, this figure is about 2 1/2 inches tall.

She works on her sculpture from the top of an old broken easel.

She likes it there, but isn't sure she's happy with her work, as you can tell by her expression.

Someone asked if these figures were self portraits. I hadn't thought about that, but I suspect there's an element of truth in the possibility.

She chose not to be glazed, and somehow I feel she's right.

What say you?

2011-07-16T13:22:00.000-05:00

Living in the air conditioning,

our house renovations have

almost come to a screeching halt.

In the relatively cool morning,

The Boyfriend was working on the new wiring

for the master bath. This called for being in the attic.

Being the cautious, (cowardly) type,,,

I insisted, (begged) that he quit for the day.

Do you want to know how hot it is here?

I didn't think so, as it's likely equally miserable where

you are.

I've been piddling with clay and mixed media

on wood panel

for a couple of days.

This is Suzanne.

Her friends worry she may be anorexic,,

but she eats like a bird.

Our heat index is 114 degrees, and has been around that all week.

'ol Suzie might be removing her dress soon.

KNOCK KNOCK,,,,,,,,

2011-06-29T18:12:00.000-05:00

What do you mean, "Who's there?"

I know, I know, I've been absent for a long time.

I'm just now beginning to get my head above water.

Moving three hours south shouldn't have been so hard.

It wasn't.

It was the thirty something years worth of stuff that

has taken so long to sort.

Our house sold so fast, (thank you, God)

that we had only fifteen days to arrange movers,

finish packing, and get everything here.

Add in the remodeling, (which is ongoing)

and that's my story.

This painting was inspired by a wall paint color

that I used in two bedrooms.

Actually, I used the wall paint for parts of this painting, as I was painting directly on a wall.

On joint compound, on panel.

What you're seeing is a small, detail portion of the work, which was 40x60 inches.I say it was that size, as I've since painted over it.

All gone.

I wasn't happy with it,,,it wasn't what I'd envisioned,

so I've titled this piece

"Little White Lie"

which is also the name of the wall paint.

I hope you're having Super Summers where you live.

It's miserably hot here, tomorrow's forecast is 105 degrees, but it also is where we used to be.

I'm staying indoors and creating other works of art, like

window treatments.

Bringing this 55 year old house into the current century

is challenging, and some of it never will be,

but it's becoming very cozy and comfy.

I'm home.

LANDSCAPE

2011-03-30T14:47:00.000-05:00

Having not painted anything in so long, I

needed to do something before I start to pack up my toys.

It felt good.

I hope I get a chance to do more before I pack them up.

but for now, this is what I have. I feel very out of practice,,,

but it's only because I am.

MOVING RIGHT ALONG,,,

2011-03-14T20:22:00.000-05:00

,,,,in our new adventure. At least we were until last Sunday. We've hit a couple of temporary snags.

Here's one.

And here's the other.

We had a bit of an argument with the trailer hitch.

We didn't win.

Thankfully, there's been nothing broken, just some cuts and bruises.

A really freak thing,,,that couldn't have happened, yet it did.

And man, has it hurt!

Looking at my new counter tops makes me feel better,

and we were to have new windows installed, which we had to put on hold, as the installers failed to get the permit.

My next project was to paint the hideous orange shelf to the left.

I cannot wait to have it gone and blended in with the stone backsplash, and glass doors added.

We've gotten a lot accomplished, but still have a lot to do.

I'm learning patience.

Slowly,,,,,

Jack quickly created some art work for the fridge.

There's still quite a lot to complete in the kitchen,

but it's coming along.

And Lynnie, you're right about the black appliances,,,

I'm really enjoying them!

When we are healed enough, we will add the microwave over the range.

Did I mention that I'm learning patience?

And now that I can hold the mouse I'll be coming over to check your blogs and see what you all have been up to.

NEW STUDIO

2011-01-20T09:29:00.000-06:00

Natural, beautiful, North light.

It comes complete with a house, and trees,

and a lake.

It is located three hours south of here,

across the Red River,

and three miles from Jack's house.

This blog will go into sleep mode for a while,

as we prepare for, and execute this new adventure.

I can't stop grinning.

RED STOCKINGS

2011-01-10T22:42:00.000-06:00

I've been wearing this one out for a while, finally

finishing it tonight.

Oil on Foam board

And a mixed media clay piece

"Eunice Cycle"

She works her way around town selling her flowers.

LONG, long ago,,,,,

2011-01-04T20:34:00.000-06:00

Many light years ago,

In a galaxy not so far away

a baby girl was born.

Her name is Babs, and she is strong

with the force.

You have been chosen to join forces with Babs and the Jedi

to celebrate this day.

Please R.S.V.P.

to the Jedi council.

Jack has trained for this, so you are in very good hands.

It's been a big day.

I've had flowers and cake,,,

Presents,cards, phone calls, and emails.

I spent several hours today strolling through

two art supply stores, selecting a few

needful things.

The Boyfriend and I had dinner at our favorite

Mexican hang-out, which will blow his carb allotment for a month.

But a girl is only 'this many' once, right?

And here is the best gift I've ever received.

Five years ago, in this very galaxy.

Jedi Jack, saying 'cheese'.

My cup runneth over.

Thanks for attending my party,

and please,,,have some more cake.

Save us from ourselves!

MIXED MEDIA COLLAGE

2011-01-02T21:31:00.000-06:00

Oil, oil pastel,text

The first of 2011

"TWEET-HEART"

2010-12-31T11:28:00.000-06:00

This is a clay and tissue paper collage

I recently sold in Ebay's Nibblefest Contest.

I started not to list it, as it is pretty 'out there',,,,

'Off The Wall' ,,,,,,

strange.

I just love it when someone else appreciates

my weirdness!

Here's to your having a very happy and safe

New Year's Eve.

This is what I'd be wearing if I were going out on the town.

My "Litttle Black Dress"

But that dress has been in mothballs many long years,

and I will be perfectly content here at home.

We'll be celebrating,,,,in our own quiet way.

What will you be doing?

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

who stop by here!

PRICELESS

2010-12-26T22:39:00.000-06:00

Christmas morning he said:

"Wow Daddy,,I can't believe Santa brought me all this stuff

and I wasn't even that nice!"

Daddy said

"WHAT?"

Babs said:

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

(at least he's honest!)

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

2010-12-20T20:31:00.002-06:00

FROM MY HOUSE TO YOURS

A LITTLE HOLIDAY MIXED MEDIA

2010-12-14T19:12:00.000-06:00

A collage for Christmas

How are your Christmas preparations coming along?

Our gifts are wrapped, waiting to travel to Dallas.

There are a few decorations in place. The traditional placing

of the ceramic tree my Mama made.

A candle here and there with pine branches

and Nandina Berries.

I don't do much, since we won't be home.

We've been to Dallas for Jack's birthday party last Sunday,

and will go again Christmas Eve.

I've been preparing little treats to take to Kansas City this weekend to see Daddy, and my 3 sisters.

I will be cooking and baking next week. Food for Christmas Eve and Christmas day, to take to Dallas.

I think everything is pretty well covered,,,,,well,

except my Christmas cards which likely will be New Year's cards at this point. I procrastinated ordering them, and they aren't here yet.

Oh well, eveyone likes a New Years card, right?

I'd planned to print my own cards this year,

as I have a very cool printer, but I never had (took)

the time to sit down and figure it out.

I got a little behind, as I was working on clay commissions.

All in all, I have completed 33 little "Fundangle"

clay pieces. I'm still working on the ones that are due for Valentines's day. There are only 8 of those, and I have 6 finished.

Here's a shot of a couple of them where

I added wire screening.

And the one below

that I enjoyed

making also.

And below is a photo at an angle to show you

this cup, saucer, and spoon heart.

The lady wanted 9 of these for her Coffee Club.

So there you have it,,,this is where I stand in my Christmas prep.

I used to be running around still shopping on

Christmas Eve,,,so it feels good to be this ready

this soon.

Now if those darn cards would just show up,,,,,

And how are you doing?

Getting close to finishing up?

No? Well,,,,not to worry. There

are still 10 days left. Many years I did it all

in just a few days time, including getting ready for out of

town houseguests, decorating the salon, organizing and making treats for every day during Christmas week at the salon,,,

and all while working full time.

I often wonder now, how I did all that!

Oh yeah,,,,,,I remember now,,,,,,

I was young!

2010-12-07T00:54:00.000-06:00

A nativity scene was erected in a churchyard.

During the night, the folks came across this scene.

An abandoned dog was looking for a comfortable, protected place

to sleep.

He chose baby Jesus as his comfort.

No one had the heart to send him away, so he remained there all night.

I LOVE THIS STORY!

SHE'S BROUGHT YOU A FLEUR,,,,

2010-11-23T16:32:00.000-06:00

FOR YOUR THANKSGIVING TABLE

I hope your day is full of the things and people

you love.

And that your life is this golden.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

~Babs

CRITICAL SPACE

2010-11-07T13:56:00.000-06:00

                                                             mixed media on raw canvas

                                                             Critical Space

                    ,,,,the distance between life and death,,,,,,

                   I'm trying to fill my critical space wisely

To have loved to the fullest
Been a good example to youth
Played when it felt right
Worked when I should
To have been a good friend
And accepted friendship when offered
To have shared my spirituality without overwhelming
And to acknowledge miracles when I see them.

So as not to have any free space left at the end
Nothing squandered, wasted, or hugely regretted.
To this end I am working, though I have much work to do.

I SHALL RETURN,,,,

2010-10-22T01:53:00.000-05:00

,,,,,,,she said.

Life will return to normal, I'm sure.
Whatever that might be.

MEANWHILE,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Here is one of my new clay pieces, "I Don't Do Mornings"
along with
those in the sidebar.

LUCKY STIFF

2010-10-02T09:50:00.000-05:00

Attending the theater tonight, in the old town of Guthrie; near-by.

This theater was built in 1899, but of course has been refurbished

several times.

This is what's playing.

Unassuming English shoe salesman, Harry Witherspoon, is forced to take the embalmed body of his recently-murdered Atlantic City uncle on a vacation to Monte Carlo. Should he succeed in passing Uncle off as alive, Harry Witherspoon stands to inherit $6,000,000. If not, the money goes to the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn, or else to the gun-toting wife of the casino owner! Called "A delicious, zany throwback " by the New York Post, Lucky Stiff is a classic musical farce, complete with slamming doors, mistaken identities, six million bucks in diamonds, and a corpse in a wheelchair.

See you at intermission,,,it should be a fun night.

THIRD ANNUAL WILLOW BALL

2010-09-29T22:35:00.000-05:00

What a glorious event! Here I am at the virtual Willow Ball,,,,and oh just look at Willow Manor, isn't it just the most elegant place you've ever seen?

I am so happy to be able to attend this year;
my very first time. It's all that I'd heard about,,,and more!
I have to admit to being just a tad nervous, as this IS the Ball of the season. Gosh, so many people here already,,,
and just listen to that fantastic music!

The first choice for my date didn't work out, as Lon insisted that he would go only if he could attend as

WOLFMAN

I didn't think I was quite up to that.

So,,,,I quickly called my favorite younger date

MEET HARRY.

He promised to dress appropriately,

which was a concern,,,
but since I wouldn't allow him to carry the revolver
I'd have to carry it in my clutch.

I agreed.

He can be just sooooo testy!

I had my hair done in a fabulous up-do,

but since Harry said we would be taking the Lamborghini

with the top down, I took out the pins, shook my head and added the diamond clip.I don't think Blue Sky will be too jealous, as I'm sure her clip is larger than mine.

Would you give me a hand fastening the clasp on my necklace dear Harry? Why thank you,,,but this old thing? Just a little bauble

I picked up while in Paris a few years ago.

I had to retrieve it from the vault today.

Take it easy Harry, slow down,,,there are lots of vehicles here,

and we certainly don't want to plow into anyone.

You aren't going to embarrass me, are you Harry?

Not like that last time?

There, that's better,,,,and yes, please do open the door for me,

I don't want to strain the seams on my gown.

What's that Harry? Oh, you're so right, I do match the car!

Careful, I'm teetering a bit in my sandals. Slowly now,,,I haven't worn these in ages.

Look at the lovely veranda, Harry.

So elegant, so grand!

Yes, thank you, I'd love to try one of these wonderful

hor dourves.

Harry, here, try one,,,,they're prosciutto wrapped figs skewered on rosemary sprigs.

Simply divine, aren't they?

Well, they aren't supposed to taste like chicken, silly boy!

What? Oh, I've heard the gossip too, but don't believe a

word of it. Willow would never have an affair catered,,,she's done all this marvelous food herself,,,,and oh, Harry,,,,that's your FOURTH glass of champagne already! You might want to slow down a bit, as we are going to DANCE, remember? At least the first dance, I know the other ladies will be wanting to trip the light fantastic with you too.

Look,,,,over there,,,is that Suki? Yes it is,,,,here she comes.

Hello Dahling Suki,,,,,you look absolutely smashing,,,and you must tell me who does your hair! Yes, of course you may have a dance!

See Harry, I told you.

No,,,please Harry,,,put that glass back!

Sigh,,,

Yes, go dance,,,go now,,,,,,,

PLEASE!

OH WILLOW,,,

Hello, hello,,,,,what a wonderful affair!

You look totally STUNNING,,as does the Manor,

and we're having such a splendid time!

What's that?

Harry?

Oh, of course you may have a dance, yes, he's quite the star , isn't he?

Oh, I do hope he's sober!

OMIGOSH!

No Harry!

The chandelier, Harry,,,,the crystal chandelier!

Don't toss her any higher,,,no, no!

Uh-oh

Now you've done it Harry!

HARRY!

Willow, I am SO sorry!

Yes, I know,,,,,

French,,,,,?

Antique, yes,,,,yes, I could tell.

Harry, where are you going?

Harry?????

I think he's gone to get the car,,,,oh yes, here he comes now.

Oh, and just look at him, will you?

ALWAYS the cowboy, huh Harry?

What's in the bag? I'm to what? Put it on?

THIS?

Oh Harry!

I AM holding on!

For dear life!

Are you sober Harry?

Sigh,,,,,I don't think so,,,,,

Oh! watch out for those limos lined up there!

Harryyyyyyyyy!

But what about the Lamborghini, Harry?

Oh!

Good idea,,,payment for Willow's chandelier,,,

maybe it will cover that little revolver incident with the potted palm too,,, maybe a couple of limos.

I guess I won't hold my breath waiting for next year's

invitation,

but hey,,,, sure,,,what the heck,, toss me a beer Harry, will ya?

And by the way, Rowdy one, just what does that mean,

"Make My Day?"

FROM THE KIMBELL MUSEUM

2010-09-26T14:51:00.000-05:00

A huge,fabulous sculpture by Spanish artist Joan Miro

titled: "Woman Addressing The Public"

Once again,while in Dallas, we tripped over to Ft. Worth

to visit the Kimbell Art Museum.

They're currently hosting an exhibit of Mayan art, which was both

fantastic, and intriguing.

Although they don't allow photography of the traveling exhibits,

this first piece I'm showing is a part of their permanent Mayan collection.

Tri-pod vessel with lid

Mayan

AD 250- 600

I am astounded with the archival aspect of the coloring

on this ancient ceramic piece.

I loved this "Horse and Rider"

piece from China.

Earthenware with painted decoration

2nd.-1st. century BC

Hard to imagine something this old

and yet in such great condition.

I found the delicacy of this Fertility Goddess beautiful,

even though over time she left parts of her sandstone

limbs in India.

10th or 11th Century

This ceramic guy is an urn in the form of

Cociyo, god of lightening and rain.

From Mexico

AD 250-600

From Africa, Northern Nigeria

Terracotta

285 BC- 515 AD

This strange Female Figure is from Japan

and is low fired clay.

200 BC

I am always in awe,,,thinking of the hand carving,

and careful detailing in these works.

And especially awed in how well they've held up!

Vessels with a mythological frieze.

Again, Mayan culture, possibly from Guatemala or Belize

AD 550-950

I love looking at these and thinking about what their possible uses could have been.

Or maybe not, as some of the descriptions read of 'blood letting'.

Putting that out of our minds, we found a great cafe for lunch

And we loaded up on Mexican fare.

I will save for another post some of the paintings I photographed.

We went to a different area, and saw something new almost every day.

There was a Winefest/Street Art Festival in Grapevine that we attended, but it was so unbearably hot

that we didn't hang around. There wasn't much art anyway, so it didn't take long to see most of it.

We were happy to fall into a dark, cool Sports Bar and grill on a side street and order a double large iced tea and burgers. It turned out to be a fun time, as we observed a large table of girls enjoying A Dallas Cowboys vs Chicago Bears game on the Big Screen.

PAINTING OUTLOUD 4

2010-09-15T18:47:00.002-05:00

Something to hold my place till I get back.
Acrylic, skins and inks on paper

Taking off for Big D tomorrow,,,,

house sitting, dog and cat sitting,,,

and playing with Jack before he leaves to see

Mickey Mouse

("at Mickey's House").

It will be somewhat like staying in a nice hotel

as we see some sights and take in some of Dallas that

we normally don't see when we're visiting.

We haven't seen Jack since the 4th of July, and

that's the longest we've ever gone without seeing him.

Much too long, but now that we don't have the lakehouse

we will be free to do as we please.

He will say:

"Babs you squeeze me too tight!"

( is that even possible?)

ONCE UPON A DAYDREAM

2010-09-12T12:38:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure this is the best composition in the world, it could probably use some more red in the lower part for balance. That's part of what I enjoy about oil pastel though,,,,easy to scrape off
what doesn't work, and add (hopefully) what does. I've also used graphite in this one.
Hoping everyone is having a terrific Sunday. We're getting some much needed, slow, gentle, steady rain. And this causes me to daydream.

OKAY,,,,,

2010-09-07T19:16:00.002-05:00

I found (took) time to paint this guy in oil pastel yesterday.

It's been awfully busy around here the last several weeks,,,

no, make that months.

We've been putting the final touches on the lakehouse,

and I'm happy to say that it's sold!

The new owners are very excited, and will be living there full time.

We've been re-arranging, clearing out, and getting the place ready for the closing which was last week.

Back on the home front we've been busy trying to incorporate

all the extra stuff into an already full house.

Creative Space Engineering, I call it.

So yesterday I was determined to do something,,,,anything, in the studio. I told The Boyfriend that dinner was in the oven, and I'd see him again in two hours.

And not to DARE open my door!

The look on his face was priceless, and his comment was:

"Okay,,,,,"

No, this guy looks nothing at all like him,,

but the expression kind of does.

And here's the real deal

See,,,,he has hair.

The Happy Guy removing the sign.

And Jack waving goodbye to The Wakehouse.

(the splint on his finger is another story)

CARL D. CROW

2010-08-24T19:54:00.000-05:00

So named eight years ago when he first came to our lakehouse.

He's getting old now,,,and he's tired. He stood sentry on our deck
all those years, and now he's retiring. He faithfully guarded and protected us from all manner of threatening things, like woodpeckers, and hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.

He thinks he's looking a little worse for wear now, gazing in the mirror, but I think he's still beautiful.
He may want to stand guard over the patio next spring, but for now he's happy to be out of the weather, and on patrol in the entry way.

You never know when a monster might try to get in the front door, armed with a pizza ,,,,
or something.

SKY ART

2010-08-18T22:11:00.001-05:00

I've still not had much time for art,

I know, I know,,, it's the same 'ol story.

But I've been collecting moon shots

At the lake

Some with clouds

And some without.

With branches

And bird houses

And Old Glory

Art is all around, isn't it?

All we have to do is look up.

MIXED MEDIA WITH PASTELS

2010-08-10T17:44:00.000-05:00

Trying to keep my fingers in the art pie, I've temporarily
turned to pastels, as they are immediate, and require no set-up

to speak of. Time for making art is at a premium for me right now, so this is working, and keeps me sane. I am, however looking forward to some cooler temperatures, so I can work outside with them.

The dust is a chore to clean up.

This piece isn't exactly what I'd intended, as I was wanting a more abstracted feel depicting our current weather.

But I like the color palette, and hey,,,maybe next time I'll nail the image that lives in my mind.

It's a bit elusive.

BLUE MONDAY AND OTHER STORIES

2010-08-01T12:59:00.000-05:00

A collage I completed a couple of weeks ago.

Mixed media on foam board.

Not much painting going on at the moment, as

I've been very busy at the lakehouse.

I hope you have a great week ahead of you!

I will be checking in at your blogs as time permits.

HAPPENCHANCE

2010-07-23T12:44:00.000-05:00

These are all pieces of fabric from my old paint pants

that I've ripped up to use as paint rags.

I'd cleaned brushes and paint knives on them,,,,,

discovering I was liking some of the areas.

I've added some deliberate marks,

and tacked them to the wall to dry.

They are all oil, and right now I'm just enjoying

looking for the possibles, the maybe, the what if.

I may try tea dying on one or two,,,I have several.

Or inks,,,maybe oil pastel.

I feel certain they are collage pieces for some as yet unimagined

something wonderful.

Ever the optimist!

HUMMER

2010-07-19T13:33:00.000-05:00

This is from a salvaged piece of a 2X6

removed when repairing the old dock at the lake.

Just a keepsake,,,I couldn't bear to throw it on the burn pile,

as I love the markings in the wood.

It's 6x8 and 2 inches thick.

A little wood stain, silly clay bird

and a matte varnish.

GIRLFRIENDS TRAVELING SKETCHBOOK SHOW AND TELL

2010-07-17T16:58:00.000-05:00

I participated in a traveling sketchbook project with nine other artists. They traveled the States and United Kingdom for several months, each artist adding a page to each of the books as they received them, and passing it along.We each completed a page for a total of 10 books. I loved doing it.

I've actually had my book back for quite some time, but hadn't gotten around to showing it.

My book had no 'theme' as such, and I decided to use my page for the cover, as it is descriptive of the book.

This wonderful page was created by Lynette, and portrays

a collaged tire swing of our 'inner children' in one of Lynnie's awesomely magical trees. She has 'no limit' imagination,,,always!

And the talent to go along with it, as you see! Many tiny specks of color in this work,,and look at that trunk!

This page by Katejane had a personal message for me that Kate wasn't even aware of when she created it. How cool is that! When I told her about it, she said: "How did I know that?" I love a good mystery.

She did a beautiful job of a difficult technique,,,a transparancy collage, with watercolor.I love the whole concept, and especially enjoy the fact that I have a photo of her as a child. she is second on the right. Beautiful then, beautiful now, that's Kate!

Knowing how I love abstracts, Soulbrush in London made this super tissue paper and acrylic mixed media collage page.I love her sense of color balance, and the colors she chose.The textures are something to behold also! Jossie, it's perfect!

I DO love butteflies, and Karen C. created a beautiful one on her stiched, hand painted fabric page. I hope these photos will all enlarge so you can see all the fine detail that's gone from each artist's hand to the piece.

Just super, intricate work, Karen, and the sparklies are a great touch!

Cathie is also a fiber artist, and her stunning page is acrylics on canvas, covered with layers of organza, free motion stiched, and heat blasted. Bead embellishments also were added. Personally, I know nothing about fiber arts, but I'm very impressed, and adore it!

I wish you all could see and feel the textures. Almost makes me want to get out my old Singer, but I wouldn't know what to do with it.

So much delicate beauty in Karen M's page.She has collaged text and images onto fabric, and lightly added acrylics. She then stiched the fabric to heavy cardstock to create a serene, mixed media piece she titled "Roots". The numbers are war ration stamps.

Mim used a collage technique to create this piece she titled "Doorways". Her use of color further enhances, to make a most intiguing page. There are a number of layers in the work, with nice transparancy.

Suki went all out with her mixed media collage, and did a beautiful job of bringing it all together. Many layers of hand painted paper, text, brads, twigs, rolled cardboard, glittery threads, and lace made this a real show stopper!

Now talk about mixed media,,,this fiber artist, Lynn,,,

well, she adds it all,,,,and it works! First, I apologize for cropping the birdie's tail off in the photo. It extends beyond this frame. This piece is constructed on a padded fabric, which she stiched to heavy cardstock. Many embellishments are added, and the little bag has my name on the top in beads,,,with spangles,,and tiny goodies are tucked inside. On the back of her page she's spelled out "art by lynn" in beads,,,hand sewn!

Many of the pages also have art on the back, but I don't have the patience to photograph all of them. Trust me when I say they all look wonderful!

So thank you Ladies,,,,I love and treasure this book, and if anyone entertains the idea of doing another, please contact me, as I'd love to!

CLOUD STUDY

2010-07-09T10:57:00.000-05:00

Isn't this gorgeous? Looks like inspiration for a painting.

I'm only home for a short break, as work on the lakehouse is progressing nicely.
I just wanted to say hello, and I hope you all are having pleasant days, and a great summer.
I will catch you all later at your blogs. Take care, and thanks, as always for your comments on my previous post.

INDEPENDENCE

2010-06-26T11:01:00.001-05:00

THAT WORD GIVES US A LOT TO THINK ABOUT, DOESN'T IT?

ESPECIALLY IN THIS DAY AND TIME.

AND SO DOES THIS.

We're leaving for the lake for a FREEDOM celebration

with family and friends, so I'm posting my early wish for you:

CONTINUED INDEPENDENCE FOR ALL

AMERICANS, WITH ALL OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS INTACT!

I hope you'll enjoy your families and friends, and give thoughts and prayers

for our men and women who are defending our rights.

"FOR RENT"

2010-06-24T15:14:00.000-05:00

More mixed media

acrylic,muslin,and string

on 8x10 inch foam board.

Between the Shingle Fairies,

Gutter Guys, cleaning windows,

putting up new screens,

painting house trim, and trips to the vet,,

I managed to play.

And fun it was. This piece started out a good bit larger,

but wasn't working for me. I love the foam board, as it's so easy to crop,

unlike canvas, which then requires re-stretching.

It's also sturdier for rugged wet work than paper.

It's temporarily in a wide black frame.

NEW BOOK ALERT: "KEEN COLORY CRITTERS"

2010-06-22T09:42:00.000-05:00

MEET POO-PIE PUPPY

HE IS JUST ONE OF MANY WONDERFUL CRITTERS

IN MY FRIEND CHEWY'S NEW BOOK.

"KEEN COLORY CRITTERS"

Jack is going to LOVE the fun stories

and awesome pictures in his new book.

HOWEVER,,,

this is not just a kid book, oh no!

I expected awesome artwork, that was a 'given',,,

but the verses and stories are quite amusing,

and I am enchanted with it myself!

Can't wait to read it to Jack.

(before I wear it out)

Here's where you can order your copy.

Go on,,,you know you want to,,,

Darlene Duncan

a.k.a "Chewy"

Fine Artist/Author

ENTRIES

2010-06-20T21:55:00.001-05:00

Each month, Ebay has what's called the NibbbleFest Art Contest.

All auctions start on the 20th. and run through the 27th. of the month, with a starting bid of only 99 cents! My friend, (and super artist) Lynette introduced me to this, and I've had lots of fun with it.
This month's theme is 'Dog World', and there are already lots of great entries listed. It's a wonderful opportunity to pick up some nice art at very reasonable (read cheap) prices. If you'd like, you can search Ebay for NFAC to see them all.
Here are my two entries

Rosie is a mixed media collage with clay

on a wooden 2.5 x 3.5 card.

She wants to play, but can't reach her ball. She's much too shy to ask for help.

"Spotty Dotty" is a 2.5 x 3.5 inch

acrylic painting on heavy watercolor paper.

She's very proud of her new bandana!

I never have hope of winning, and don't even know what the prize

might be.

It's just fun to participate!

Oh, and be sure to check out Lynnie's while you're there,,,

it's great!

MORE COLLAGE

2010-06-16T19:29:00.004-05:00

I finally got this piece finished and varnished.

Maybe if you can enlarge it, you will better see the clay mandala.

It's not a great photo, kind of 'cloudy' toward the top, with the vibrant color washed out.

It was a lot of fun to make.

While Jack was here we went to a park and he discovered tire swings.

When we came home he wanted to draw one.

I love kid art.

Especially this 4 year old kid.

He also drew some fruit and cake.

And a lady bug. With wings.

He loved using my oil pastels, and found the perfect spot to park them when not in use.

Of course he talked me out of some, and they went home with him.

A little messy in small fingers, but oh well.

A great time was had by all.

NEVER A DULL MOMENT

2010-06-14T18:50:00.001-05:00

I was awake at two this morning with Mille, who now has kennel cough. The good news is that her toe biopsy came back negative for cancer, and is healing nicely. The sad news is that there's very little you can do for kennel cough, which is kind of like bronchitis or whooping cough in humans. She's on another antibiotic, cough suppresant tablets and pain medication. eventually it will wear itself out,,,,but meanwhile, the coughing is terrible.

If I HAD been sleeping, I'd have been awakened anyway, by all the thunder and torrential rain we were getting. By 9 this morning, we'd had eleven inches of rain, and much of the area flooded.

This photo shows a neighborhood near us.

We are in an area of higher ground, so our house, thankfully, has not been effected, although there was roughly 3 feet of water rushing down the street and the lower part of our yard.

I've spent most of the day watching all the devastation live on local t.v.,

including the video below of the rescue of a 17 year old girl.

We thought for a while she would be drowned right before our eyes, as she swam and struggled to make her way to a group of trees. They were able to pinpoint her location via the news helicopter.

Her rescuer's boat sank, and another boat had to rescue them all.

High drama.

We are grateful to have only lost internet connection, and not property. Very grateful!

And very glad that Jack and his family who were here over the weekend had left before this storm hit.

It's still raining, though lightly,,,,with more storming predicted for tonight and tomorrow.

Nope

Never boring here.

And thanks to those who inquired about our safety.

It is most appreciated!!

FINALLY,,,,,

2010-06-06T17:45:00.000-05:00

Yes, I could see it coming. Feel it approaching.

A STORM!

I've seen it happen before.

A breakdown.

At the very least a temper tantrum.

OUT OF MY WAY,,,,

MUST

PAINT!

I also didn't want to have to retitle this blog:

"Don't Expect Any Art Here"

So paint, I did.

Summer Sunset

Blazing Summer

See Babs Paint?

All of these are small oils.

I feel better.

Mille is doing well,,,

Our house and car repairs are underway,,,

(well, some of it anyway)

The house is almost clean,,,,

laundry almost finished.

The patio and yard look almost normal again, shingles and debris

from the storm all picked up, and the shrubs are pruned.

I had two donuts and iced tea for lunch, which may be dinner also,

as The Boyfriend is packed off to the lake. When he cleared the drive I hit the studio running.

Life is good.

MEET MILLE

2010-06-03T23:13:00.001-05:00

Born on Halloween,in the year of the Millenium,

our girl is getting older. She's our second Sheltie, having had

our first until she was 15 years old.

Mille's not looking her very best in this photo, as she had to have a toe

amputated, and only came home from the hospital today.

So far she's been very good and hasn't tried to remove her

bright pink bandage.

She was (unsucessfully) treated for this condition

last month. They assured us she would be fine, so we left for the lake.

The toe rapidly went downhill, and we got into a new vet the day we came home. We have a lot more confidence in this one.

The cause of the infection remains a mystery until next week

when the results of the biopsy will be in.

Praying for no cancer here!

She remains on antibiotics and pain pills and a new bandage every two days for a while. Another toe looks suspicious, and they will be watching it.

We lost our beautiful Calico cat last summer to cancer.

I'm not sure my heart will allow me to have any more pets.

Mille may well be our last, as like I'm sure many of you can relate to: they become our children.

The vet has assured us that she will be fine minus this toe, once she is healed.

But it sure hurts my heart.

THINKING ABOUT PAINTING,EVEN WHEN I'M NOT

2010-05-24T11:46:00.000-05:00

These images are all of rusted old pieces of iron.
The natural colors and shapes from time spent in the elements fascinate me.
Do you see what I see?
I am seeing many compositions for abstract paintings here.
Hopefully soon.

LOCAL HAPPENINGS

2010-05-19T14:30:00.002-05:00

One of the many feathered visitors we have

at the lake. Not being familiar with many birds,

I Googled, and he is an Eastern Bluebird. I think he's gorgeous.

We dodged a tornado at the lake last week by about 20 minutes.

We'd had a burger at a little cafe in a small town 8 miles

from us. When we arrived back at the lakehouse and turned on the news, we heard that we'd just missed it.

When we got back home here, we discovered we'd been hit by a freak hailstorm. We may need a new roof. Baseball size hail broke

one of our cars windshield, and left dents of that same size all over it.

The lawn looks like gophers have been hard at work.

I know that you can't tell the depth of this hail hole, but it's about an inch and a half deep, and baseball size.

Many homes have windows busted out, but we were fortunate to

only have our screens ripped.

Also we have some smashed guttering,and a few chipped bricks.

We feel fairly fortunate, compared to others,,,

but we've just been issued another tornado watch

until 10 p.m.

Well, that's life in Oklahoma,,,and my emergency closet is ready.

Sigh.

Okay,,,now back to the phone,waiting for return calls from

insurance adjusters, roofing companies, etc.

If you have time and are intrigued by a hailstorm like this,

click on the link

and see an amazing video of this storm in a swimming pool that looks like an ocean.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFv2W7Duqiw

ROBIN LIVES HERE

2010-05-09T11:51:00.001-05:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL

Like any Mother, Robin is feeding her young,

and tending to their needs.

She was too shy to smile for the camera,

but she was never far away,,,

watching.

Jack spent a large part of yesterday re-arranging

my bookcases. Something I probably wouldn't have allowed his Mother to do, but he was so proud of his job well done. I have the rest of my life for things to be orderly.

He's become very shy about having his picture taken, so

this little smile was all I got.

I thought his shirt was very descriptive of his personality.

It reads: "It wasn't me".

(but I'll bet it was)

SOUTHWEST FLAVOR

2010-05-07T09:49:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I have a difficult time
finding/making time for art. So I grabbed a hunk of clay, and a few minutes to do this little experiment. I felt better. Now, back to my other life.

OLD GRAPHITE DRAWING

2010-04-26T10:17:00.000-05:00

I've just returned from Kansas City with this

photo of a drawing I did for my Mom many years ago.

It now hangs at my sister's house. I had copied it from a picture

in a magazine, and I wish I'd kept the name of the artist to give credit. I'm always surprised when I see something I did so long ago,

and actually still like it. I'm not sure where I got the patience to do it, as I don't think I'd have it now. I see several areas that could be better, but when I remember that this was one of my very first art attempts,,I'm not unhappy with it.

AT THE ROOST

2010-04-21T20:36:00.000-05:00

Most of the terrain at our lake place is very rocky.

A perfect home for wild violets, and many more wildflowers,

which attract these:

There are also lots of trees. Oaks, scrub oaks,

Eastern Red cedars, and one of my favorites,

the lacy, white Dogwood.

This is the view from one of the kitchen windows,

And this, from another window.

In just a few moments these guests had invited some of their friends.

And before long, the battle was on,,,each one laying claim to their favorite branch. It was hard to count them in the flurry of red heads,huge black flapping wings, and speed, but there were maybe a dozen. They would each roost for a while, and then take off across the lake. By dark they had all moved across the lake to spend the night and rest up for locating breakfast. A large creep factor here, but also fascinating to watch and observe their ways.

And yes, I was using the zoom on the camera,,,I wouldn't want to be out there amongst them,,these shots were taken from a very safe distance. Even though I don't think they ever attack people, I'm not one to believe everything I read.

We named the place Rocky Roost because it's at the top of a very rocky hill, above the lake. We had no idea what all might be roosting there with us.

MONDAY MIX

2010-04-05T15:09:00.000-05:00

This is the completed WIP I showed earlier.

The cardboard piece is wire mounted on a 24x30 framed canvas,

both painted black.

The mix is acrylic, inks,and oil pastel.

The rusty metal pieces are also wired onto the canvas.

I think I'm pretty happy with this one, other than the circular glare .

I wonder where that came from?

EASTER WEEKEND

2010-04-02T18:23:00.000-05:00

Dallas has a new Baseball star. Actually, it's called Blastball,
which is a prelude to T-Ball. For Four year old stars. We'll be going to watch Jack's game tomorrow. It should be quite interesting, as athletic attention spans in this age group are not known to be lengthy. His team is known as the "Mudcats", and that might be due to the fact that many of them play in the dirt while watching (kinda) for the ball.

I'm excited.

Since I haven't posted (bragged) about him recently, I thought

maybe I was over due to show (bore) you with some new photos.

Plans are in the works for some egg coloring, and hiding, and making a surprise birthday gift for his Mama.

I'm hoping all of you have a fine Easter Weekend!

POE

2010-03-28T00:18:00.000-05:00

Another mixed media collage.

The mix is acrylic,ink,gauze,and oil pastel.

I covered up most of the text I used from

torn pages of a very old book. A collection of works

by Edgar Allen.

I would never rip pages from this book if there

were any way to preserve it, but this one is in such disrepair

that the paper is even brittle.

The front cover fell of years ago.

And now it will have a new life.

TO BE CONTINUED,,,

2010-03-25T15:19:00.000-05:00

Soon these branches will be bursting with white and pink blossoms. They are dwarf Flowering Almond trees, one on either side of the porch. Our skies are this beautiful blue, and there are scores of daffodils and tulips in full bloom all over the neighborhood.
I am busily catching up on 'home-work',,,,and I'll be checking out your blogs as time permits. I did take my clay toys to the lake, and sculpted several pieces in my spare time there. (when not texturing and painting walls).
I still have to glaze, paint, and stain them, so all I can show you today is Springtime unfolding here. The birds are singing, the wind chimes are bonging, tinkling, and clanking, and the sun feels great.

Makes me want to do cartwheels, but I gave that up 5 years ago.
Sigh,,,I'll just do them in my head, okay?

SNOW ON IT'S WAY???????

2010-03-19T09:24:00.001-05:00

That's what the forecast says anyway.

Possible 4 to 8 inches.

Surely not.

:-O

So I'm running away to the lake

where it will only be rain.

Here's a detail shot of

a work in progress,,,

MY SWEET, UNPREDICTABLE GIRL

2010-03-14T23:49:00.002-05:00

This is a mixed media collage, using some of the texture from
the previous post. I ended up not using that large canvas I was
going to use, as my daughter suddenly decided she wanted it. What?

"But it already has cardboard glued to it."
"WHAT,,,can you take it off?"
"Maybe,,,, probably,,,I'll see."
And it worked.
I'm glad, as I liked the painting that was on it, but I had no place to use it, and she'd never expressed an interest.
Go figure. She changes out art like she changes her shoes, and she's suddenly starting to like my bold, bright abstracts!
Here is the original painting, you might remember it:
"Painting Out Loud,,,3 a.m."

So this new collage is on a smaller canvas, 18x24 that I collaged some previously painted papers onto, added some acrylic paints, some inks, and the textured cardboard pieces, torn smaller.
She'll probably want this one too.
My shoes don't fit her.

BEGINNINGS

2010-03-11T20:39:00.000-06:00

Does this look interesting? It does to me, but then I like re-cycled,

re-purposed art supplies.

Something new from something old.

Beginnings from endings.

This is the very beginning stage of a larger

mixed media collage I'm making, on a 30x40 canvas.

I have some good plans and ideas for this piece,

which could change seriously during the process.

The glue is drying right now, and hopefully time

tomorrow will allow me to get started.

It will be in oil, as the canvas I'm working on was painted in oil previously.

Stay tuned,,,,,it's coming.

Who knows, this could be an extraordinary piece of art.

Or not.

But it will be fun.

Can't wait!

"A STORY IN ORANGE"

2010-03-02T16:14:00.000-06:00

Oil on canvas

Having spent a little more than a week at the lake,

I finished this oil today that I'd started before leaving.

I'm thinking I might pull some more of that bright blue

into the lower part, but maybe that would change the story.

SOUND OF SILENCE

2010-02-19T12:01:00.000-06:00

I created this assemblage for the monthly challenge on Wetcanvas.com.

The theme is "Sounds".

Unfortunately, these found objects are from my yard.

I have it in a shadow box frame, but because of the glass glare

I'm just showing the assemblage itself. It will go on the wall next to my nature shelf at the lake.

Small,,,it's 6x8 inches, on a canvas, with acrylic. The frame is black.

It just feels good to know that this beautiful little life has been repurposed, and not gone un-noticed.

I am a cat lover, and I do realize that this is nature's way,

but I don't have to like it, do I?

ANY OLD PORT,,,

2010-02-15T15:14:00.000-06:00

,,,,In A Storm.

Pure abstraction,,,,just because.

acrylic/inks on

12x8 unstretched canvas.

This started out as another snow scene a week or so ago,but I just didn't have it in me to think about winter anymore.

So if this is your personal storm, or mine,,or if it belongs to someone else altogether,,,remember that the sun'll come out tomorrow.

And there's always a port, just around the bend.

(I'm pretty sure it doesn't snow there.)

HAPPY DAY

2010-02-14T09:38:00.000-06:00

WARM

2010-02-11T15:42:00.000-06:00

I'M TRYING,,,,,,

NEWEST MIXED MEDIA

2010-01-29T11:43:00.000-06:00

This is what I finished yesterday. No, it was the day before.
It's all kind of run together, and feels like time has almost stood
still. We are in a white world, everything under ice,,,with snow falling right now. It's a very quiet world,,,,the streets are empty,
no neighborhood dogs barking, and no kids out playing.

It's a whipped cream day.
Soon I will add the cherry to the top as I hit the studio running.We're fortunate not to have lost power as many in the state have, but I would have painted by candle light.

THE BELL NEVER RINGS OF ITSELF

2010-01-26T12:35:00.000-06:00

The Girlfriends Traveling Sketchbook project is winding down.

This page completes Cathie's book, ( Cleveland Girlie)

and it's on it's way home to her.

She had requested a theme for her book: "Words Of Wisdom".

This page is 7x11 inches, and is a mixed media collage on canvas.

Included in the mix : Acrylics, Picasso jasper beads, wire, and a tiny rustic bell. This has been a really fun project, and I'm so eager to receive my book back and see each piece of art included.

TINY RUSTIC BELLS

2010-01-23T17:22:00.011-06:00

A Mixed media project incorporating these wonderful little bells,
acrylic paint, and screen wire on canvas.

Leslie, of the Textures Shape and Color blog first showed some very similar little bells on some of her wonderful mixed media collages. I was so entranced with them that I set out to find some to use on some rustic clay pieces. (see the sidebar)
Don't you love Etsy? I found what I was looking for immediately, in seller Christine, of the Junkology Vintage Shop.
We've had no sunshine for days here, and the photo has a glare, and it's not a great collage, and I ruined another piece I was working on. I do think it's safe to say I have gotten all the new computer stuff set up though,,,,and if you try really hard, you might be able to see my sunny smile anyway.

"MAGIC SHAMAN"

2010-01-08T15:13:00.000-06:00

MIXED MEDIA COLLAGE

I've needed this guy's magic help with all I have had going on recently.
I'm getting a new computer set up next week, networked with this one, all wireless.
I'm pretty geared up about it, as now I won't have to be generous and share anymore.

Meanwhile, as things in this office started getting moved around in preparation for all the new,
I decided to paint the room. Well, it's a mess, so might as well have a bigger mess, right?
So then it was obvious that the shameful carpet needed cleaning, and I did that. Also, we've installed a really long iron curtain rod over the entire length of windows and patio door, which has been a huge improvement in how much larger this small space looks. The curtains I made are the same color as the walls, and that also enlarges the feel of the room.
Now the ladders, buckets, brushes and rollers are put away,the old blinds thrown out, and the carpet dry.
I am now cleaning desk drawers, file cabinets, bookcases, and throwing things away when The Boyfriend isn't looking.
I'm not especially looking forward to learning a new computer set-up, but I will rise to the occasion, I'm sure. I've done it before, and I can do it again.

I have managed to make 3 mixed media clay sculptures for my Sisters' Valentines, and a small sitting guardian angel since Christmas. That will have to be another post, as my camera cord isn't connected to this computer at the moment,,,,but I know it's around here somewhere,,,,,I just KNOW it is, I saw it on Monday!

I was scheduled for a flight to Kansas City today, but bronchitis, (mine) and weather (theirs) has kept me home. They are having minus 35 degree wind chill there, and snow drifts to the top of the mailboxes and my bones hurt just thinking about being out in that. It's bad enough here,,,,but at least I don't have to go out. My ticket will be good for a year, so I am content knowing that Daddy doesn't even realize that it's his 90th. birthday tomorrow. Well, and after all, with the magic of the Shaman, every day can be a birthday, and we'll celebrate when I go.
I hope you've been creating,,,whether it's art, or space, new beginnings, or all of those things.
I'm already seeing some wonderfully cool 2010 artwork around your blogs!

ONCE IN A ,,,,,,,

2009-12-31T12:33:00.000-06:00

BLUE MOON

An oil pastel I painted many moons ago, and is since long gone.
I thought it appropriate for tonight's event.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

JUST ANOTHER SNOW POST,,,

2009-12-28T21:11:00.000-06:00

Since you probably haven't seen enough of those around the blogs,,,,,,,

The first good snow of Jack's life, and the first White Christmas in Dallas in 80 years.

We had snowball wars, made snow angels, a snow man, and slid down the hill

on a cardboard box the next day. By Saturday, the snow was all but used up,

and by Sunday it was almost all melted. But what a magical time for a little boy.

(and his Babs)

:-D

The weather had begun here before we got out of town, with sleet and freezing rain.

We managed to get half way to Dallas without any problems though,,, that is if you don't count

a large cup of coffee dumped in my lap, and windshield wiper blades with a frozen motor.

(but that's another story or two)

As we got closer to Dallas, the weather was intensifying,

but we got there safe and sound, with only wet jeans to complain about.

I took a pot of beef stew for Christmas eve supper,and Jack and I made a birthday cake for Jesus.

With lots of sprinkles,,,,,that boy loves sprinkles!

The National weather service reported we'd had 14 inches of snow here at home, on top of the freezing rain, blizzard conditions, complete with 60 m.p.h.winds.

Many homes without power.

We dreaded coming home to that.

The interstate was fairly decent,,,and we really had no problems getting here, and the 14 inches wasn't accurate, but what we did have was plenty, and quite unusual for Oklahoma.

The forecast says another inch will be here tomorrow night. Well,,,,what's one more, right?

Bring it on,,,,let's get it over with!

CHRISTMAS IS LIGHT,,,,

2009-12-23T12:01:00.001-06:00

A close up shot of a residential Christmas lights competition in our city.

I hope that YOUR Christmas holds this much light, as well as your New Year.

We're supposed to have a little snow for Christmas.

Won't this be gorgeous with snow?

Merry Christmas to all!

FOREVER CHRISTMAS TREE

2009-12-14T11:49:00.001-06:00

This is my favorite ornament in a collection of many.
It's very old, hand made by an artist that I wish I knew, and given to me by a good friend many years ago.
It's constructed of silver, brass, and copper, and adorned with copper wire, and beads.
Some of the little silver stars have been lost, and I need to try to replace them.
I leave this Forever Tree
hanging in the doorway of our little office room year round, as a reminder that Christmas is a year-round feeling.
Although it's worn, and older, the light of the meaning still shines for me, and I love looking at it daily.
Maybe you have a favorite ornament too?

JEANE'S MOON

2009-12-08T10:04:00.003-06:00

I was at JEANE'S blog, ARTIT,

and she had posted a gorgeous little video of

the full moon through her skylight. I immediately wanted to try

abstracting the scene.

Thanks Jeane, for the inspiration.

SHALL WE?

2009-12-06T12:48:00.003-06:00

"Art is the only way to run away without leaving home"

~ Twyla Tharp

RIGGERS, INKS, AND THINGS

2009-12-02T18:46:00.000-06:00

I was supposed to be Christmas shopping.
I knew better than to go to the art supply,
but I did it anyway,
and I forgive myself.

I'm the proud owner of 2 new riggers,

2 more bottles of acrylic inks,

and 2 packages of 5x7 in. foam boards.

Gifts to me from Santa.

It was a fun, abstract kind of afternoon.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2009-11-24T11:00:00.001-06:00

I am thankful for

cadmium yellow,cadmium red,burnt sienna,

phalo blue

And you.