Sunday, November 28, 2010

Afternoon Tea, with lemon

This is my favorite teapot, reminds me of visits to my Grandmother's and her friend, Adelie, who read our fortunes in the tea leaves. She once told me I would tell stories with my pictures. Do you think there is anything in the leaves? Does anybody do that anymore?

 Last week I delivered the miniatures to the gallery for their annual miniature show, Kaewyn Gallery, Bothell, Washington. I didn't have a chance to take pictures of them...... Where does the time go? That's why we all need afternoon tea, a time to unplug, sit back and just relax. Now it is time to start thinking about Christmas, and a new year. Hopefully, I will really be able to post everyday in the new year. Still need to learn how to make links work when posting. I'd love to mention all that Leslie Saeta and Dreama Tolle Perry are doing for another artist who had a stroke. They are such fabulous artists and so generous with their time and talents. To all who stop by thanks, love to hear your comments, or just say Hi.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

The kindness of strangers, and friends, and thoughts of thanksgiving

I was wrestling with some of my paintings that I was bringing home from the gallery when a woman in the parking lot asked if she could help, I thanked her and she picked up the two small paintings that were starting to fall. As I put the Mango painting in the car she said "I just love that painting, it makes me happy"
I thanked her again and headed home, smiling that someone had liked my painting, especially since she was not a friend or family member. When I checked my e mail there was a message from a friend, and artist, telling me how much she enjoyed the article about me in the recent Women Painters Newsletter. Once again a simple kindness had been something special and meant more than I am sure the stranger and my friend could ever imagine. So, I am resolved to thank all those people who come into my life and make it ever so much better by their words and kind deeds, by passing on the kindness. Thank you to all who stop by and visit. Hope to hear from you again. Mango Morning is painted with oil bars.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Reflections and Food for Thought

I have been enjoying a quiet Sunday, and have been making a list of things I want to paint. I love reflections and decided to try some. I love how the metal pitcher reflects the pears. My other love is patterns, I would like to paint more patterns this year. Vuillard is a favorite of mine, and I really enjoy his interiors, and use of patterns. I keep discovering more and more wonderful painters out there it is so exciting to see everyone's work. If you are looking for a good book on creativity, I am reading Twyla Tharp, The Creative Habit Learn it and Use it for Life. Also just finished Matisse on Art. Lots of food for thought.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

I have spent the past week trying to master taking pictures of my paintings. Can you teach an old dog new tricks? I have often wondered that about my two, who are totally incorrigible, but so much fun, and now I find, I am asking the same question about myself. I love painting, but am so inept at anything mechanical, so can I learn to take pictures of my paintings? Maybe it is the camera? I have a sony cybershot. Anyone like to make a suggestion? Today's painting is from the Netherlands, a small flower and garden shop on a side street. I loved the attitude of owner, and ended up buying some clay markers for my herb garden. So, I will post this painting and see how my skills at photography reproduce. Any ideas on cameras and reproduction are greatly appreciated. Several friends have suggested cameras, and I want to check them out at the camera store.