Open Spaces

I don't know why, but I have felt strongly, and have voiced it, that I need to be out in a big open field or meadow, or somewhere out in nature. Where the only sounds are birds and grass in the wind.  Weird! Maybe it's all the "stuff" going on in the world. Maybe it's the long winter. But I will find a way to achieve it. And soon. I'm going to ask Wade if he'll go run in a random field with me today. 

Anyway, this painting came from my imagination as I was daydreaming about the whole thing. I used lots of glazes, so there are lots of color layers.

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Her Own Pace

 

Does your brain ever say to you, "should do this, should do that, shouldn't do this, shouldn't do that, move faster, slow down, be more productive, be nicer, be smarter, be wiser, don't eat those Twizzlers, exercise more", and the list goes on. Well this woman has decided that she is done with it all! And it can happen at any age. 

She isn't worrying about what others think, or if she's less than perfect, or if she's not keeping up with the pace of the world. She just ate a Twizzler, she's happily moving along, she's important and valuable to the people she cares about. She's taking care of the important stuff, she says no when she needs to, and doesn't waste valuable time any more (time that she'll never get back, as my daughter has said), she doesn't have to go to any more Tupperware parties or the like! 

(no offense to Tupperware, but I think most women will get that!) 

 This woman is in a good place! Am I there yet? No. But moving closer. I should be closer..haha

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Stay Near

This is 16x20 and was painted quickly at one of the "Canvas and Corks" classes I teach. I finished it at home. I just had fun with big colorful brushstrokes........."Don't Worry, be Happy" is kinda what I was thinking. 

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You Know Who

This big boy (or girl) was spotted by my Meg in Saugatuck last week-end. As I've said, we go there for Mother/Daughter trips at least once a year. The highlight is the dog parade, where they are all dressed up. This was a beautiful sight to see, so I tried to capture the characterful face. The poor soul has no name yet, as he/she is hoping to be adopted and given one!   

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 And speaking of dogs, my beautiful Wade is going to have a little brother in May! Here is one of 2 litters that he will come from! More to follow!

Last Class (for now!)

Today was the last day of class for Winter term 2016. I am so very lucky to have met the people in these classes (this and past classes), and several were returning students! And to see such amazing creations coming from people, some of whom have never even painted! This was an "assignment" to re-create a painting by a famous artist. Each person showed their painting and also shared a little bio of that artist to share with the class. These are so, so cool. But mostly, everyone was so supportive of each other. Thank you guys and those from my past classes, too. I learn so much from you, and of course I love the laughter! The next class starts April 11th and I can't wait!

Red and Cisco and eternal love

I was asked to create a painting for a birthday gift. It would somehow incorporate a new puppy in the family with one they had lost. What a challenge! But this is what I came up with. Cisco, a big beautiful black lab passed away in 2015. Devastating for the family. And recently they got a beautiful red lab puppy.  So I tried to convey with Cisco a certain ethereal or spirit like look by blending the background right into the highlights on his face, maybe as if he was already safe and sound in Heaven, and watching over us. But then Red is at the beginning of his journey here on earth. So I wanted to convey enthusiasm and "puppyhood". I was thrilled to watch them open it and see how they were touched!

"Impromptu" and a loyal friend

I'm not sure what the story is here, but I know it was a "one mark at a time" situation! 

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 And after a really nice time in my studio, out we came. This is behind our house. My Wade is waiting for me as we take a walk in the woods. Geez, what a great day. Blue sky, sun's out, my best buddy with me, and life is good!

Don't Even Think About It

This was inspired by a photo I took in Saugatuk, Michigan last year (although it looks nothing like the photo now. Typical) My daughter and I go there every year (sometimes twice). But one of the trips is always during St Patty's day weekend. We go there that weekend to see their annual St. Patty's day dog parade! We laugh, we eat, we shop, and we go to the dog parade. The dogs are all dressed up, there is candy being tossed to the bystanders, and we are like children scooping up an occasional Tootsie roll or two. The poor little children who have to scramble to get to the candy before we do! We both love dogs. I sometimes get distracted away from the dogs by being so enthralled at looking at the people's faces. There usually is not ONE face without a smile on it when watching these dogs. I love that. All the troubles in the world can melt away for a while, just by watching these characterful dogs in costumes. Amazing!  These trips with Meg are among my happiest times in life. And it's coming up soon-woohoo!! 

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