Painting with Erin and Annie

Here's a Fun One

2011-07-25T01:09:00.004-04:00

Flo's Little Pinky
after Thomas Anfield
acrylic on 6x12 canvas board

When we were children, my sister grew 7 inches in one year. Naturally thin, she appeared to have really long arms. Beverly was the first grandchild and our Grandmother Flo nicknamed her Pinky when she was born after her favorite painting Pinkie, 1794 by Thomas Lawrence. Beverly went by that nickname until she was a teenager at which time our father told her she would regret being called Pinky dressed in a business suit. She says that was some of the best advice she ever got!

Anyway, every summer we would visit the grandparents in Kansas where Flo and our mother would often sew us pretty cloths. After Beverly's growth spurt, Flo was afraid Beverly would become self conscious about her height so when the measurements were made for our new summer frocks, Flo insisted to have her own measurements taken and whispered to our mother "What ever Pinky's arms measure, make mine 2 inches longer!"

It has been a family joke for over 50 years now that when something need to be "reached" for, Beverly can best do the job with her "overly-long" arms!

This was a problem I never shared! Please visit Thomas Anfield to see his wonderful monkeys, dummies, figures and pop art.

Last of Cousins .... for now!

2011-07-21T00:03:00.004-04:00

Over the Threshold - Kathryn & Mark
acrylic on 8x10 canvas board

Fancy Fish
acrylic on 9x12x.75 The Edge canvas

The first painting was given to my cousin David's daughter Kathryn. She married last November on her father's birthday - nice tribute!

The second painting was given to my cousin Ted.

I hope all the recipients of the 6 paintings liked them. You just never know when you give something - actually true with any gift, not just a painting. The bottom line is a wonderful quote I've lived by for many years: The Gift is For the Giver! Not much else you can do unless someone "asks" - I like that when it happens!

Something for the girls...

2011-07-18T20:34:00.003-04:00

Olivia's Baby
acrylic on 6x8 canvas board

Lambie

acrylic on 8x6 canvas board

Earlier this month my cousin Debbie told me she and her husband and three boys were vacationing with her two brothers and their families and her mother in Garden City, SC and if I got a "wild hair", join them. After a decent three hour delay from the time the offer was extended I called to accept. They were going for a week and as it was a seven hour drive for me, I determined the least amount of time I could go for was two nights and one day. I really did not want to horn in on any more of their time than would take for a really good visit. I learned a long time ago everything to be said would be done in four to six hours but with the long drive, that was not possible. She seemed really delighted that I was coming and so was I.

I had not seen Debbie and her brother Ted since 1986. They both live in South Carolina and I had never met their children the oldest of which just graduated from high school and the youngest was seven! The third cousin David and his wife were coming from the Dallas, Texas area and I had not seen them since 1993. I had not see their mother, Aunt Joyce, since 1995. It was definitely time for a visit.

Recently on Facebook I had seen a painting owned by Mary Ellen Bitner that her cousin had painted. I spoke to Mary Ellen about it and said "I wish my cousins would give me a painting"! Oh, be careful what you say because I immediately realized I was the one that needed to give my cousins a painting!

So, for the next 3 days, I painted 6 canvas'. I choose the largest and most detailed for Debbie, Ted and David. Then I wanted to do something small for the 2 little girls, Annabelle age 10 and Baylee age 7, Ted's children. I did consider painting something for Debbie's three sons, ages seven, fifteen and seventeen, but I did not really have time and honestly do not know anything about the interests of young men.

Finally, David and Sally have 2 grown daughters, Kathryn just got married and Kristina who is my Facebook friend. Again, I just didn't have time so painted a wedding photo of Kathryn and her husband Mark as a type of delayed wedding thought. Sally was so excited and said Kristina would also want a painting of mine. She was joining them at the end of the week but we missed each other. Since Kristina has been my FB friend for a long time now, I kind of know her anyway, and therefore will try to paint her something special.

OK, long story getting longer - but not much. I had a wonderful time. I enjoyed visiting with each of them. I really think we have reinforced our adult selves and they are now in my heart for the rest of my life. My Aunt Joyce is a real character and we had a grand visit. I'm sure she will find a little canvas coming her way, too!

The real surprise was my cousin Ted and his two daughters. I only met Ted as a young child, he is one year older than my daughter. He became a fine man and I completely enjoyed him and his beautiful daughters. The youngest, Baylee, adopted me within minutes - or maybe it was me who adopted her company. We shared a room, stories, cooking and even traded toothpaste so we could know what each others tasted like! I had not chosen which painting was for which girl but tried to paint two of my favorite animals and not make them completely childish. I showed them both to Baylee who was completely interested and when I told her I had a painting of a pig named Olivia she asked for the pig. Absolutely, if someone wants a certain painting of mine, it is already theirs!

Starting again...

2011-07-16T02:56:00.007-04:00

May-En Pottsburg
8x10x.75 The Edge canvas

Pitiful? Absolutely! I'm only showing it because it taught me a lot. First and most important, DON"T TRY PORTRAITS WITH ACRYLIC! Maybe with the right lessons or a ton of failed attempts, I could get there. I did like my acrylic of Diane Sawyer and one self-portrait but mostly they have been dismal failures. However, I felt this one had elements of things I've observed in the last months of studying. Another interesting finding was on the first day, I thought I was finished and liked it. I can't remember now what I wanted to re-work but was really reluctant to do it as I was afraid I'd not like what I changed. It was so much better that I had to laugh that I had thought I was done. Goes to show what I read artists saying all the time: how to know when to quit. I guess you could just keep going and going not unlike the energizer bunny. In my case, that would probably have been a good idea, but this is where I finished!

Nigrini Brown
8x10 acrylic on canvas board

I have long admired artist Michèle Nigrini from Rosendal, Free State, South Africa. Her use of color fascinates me. I painted big blotchy splashes of color under my painting and then "tried" to let the color float up through the painting. You can see I didn't come anywhere near the color use that Michèle accomplishes but I did see a looser style for the first time. It was a fun project, I'd like to try it again sometime.

Michèle Nigrini - 2008 Elke Dag Se Berg

Little Metal Mark Butterfly 1 of 2
8x8 acrylic on canvas board
In my normal "tight" style

Little Metal Mark Butterfly 2 of 2
8x8 acrylic on canvas board
Attempting "looser" style

The above 2 painting were done side by side. My goal was to really loosen up. As you can see, I really did not accomplish anything. I did, however, study butterflies and decided to concentrate on Metal Mark's. There are so many species, you have to start somewhere!

Lilina Metal Mark Butterfly
8x8 acrylic on canvas board

This was a beautiful butterfly on a white flower. I liked the way it turned out.

Cecil Irving is back!

2011-05-28T15:41:00.007-04:00

CECIL IRVING IS BACK!!!

I have loved this mans work and just over a year ago, he quit blogging or posting on Daily Paint Gallery. But I am so happy he returned. You know how you get attached to your "friends" and I have a terrible time letting anyone go, so I am especially happy Cecil is ... this is difficult to phrase, I don't know what caused him to take a leave, so I don't know what to say ... I'm just happy you are (probably) well and (hopefully) happy and (joyously) painting! I think that covers it!

Please drop by his blog - Cecil Irving - American Aritst - and see his beautiful work.

I have 2 of his paintings, I wish I had a dozen!

FLOWER
5x7 oil - 3-11-09.

THE GYPSY
5x7 oil - 12-9-08.

Now to get my own house in order...

I'm thinking about it!

Tom Waits - Little Trip to Heaven

2011-05-28T15:24:00.002-04:00

I must be the last person to hear this song, but man ... am I in love with it!

It is here for me - I want to listen to this over & over! BTW, GRAPEFRUIT MOON is right up there with it!

I'm dancing, swirling, twirling ...

Life is good...............

Pretty Eyes and Mouse Go Fishing

2010-12-15T03:24:00.004-05:00

Pretty Eyes and Mouse Go Fishing
acrylic on 8" by 6" canvas board

I've been painting, Mary Ellen wanted a couple to send to her Dad and Step-Mom for Christmas. I offered - told her she could consider them commissions since she does so much for me! This one I painted with her Dad in mind, he is a fisherman. But after it was done, knew "Pretty Eyes" wouldn't be his thing! It is mine, however! Pretty Eyes is my sock doll from my childhood. And I love mice, so lucky me! Also, in case you wonder, the green hangy-down stuff is supposed to be a weeping willow!

Think I'll try to paint a few more soon - and post too! I miss it! Thanks for looking!

Painting in July...

2010-07-14T08:46:00.004-04:00

Night Shop
after Jennifer McChristian
acrylic on 18" x 24" canvas board

This is a copy of a painting I really admire by Jennifer McChristian. I love attempting to copy a painting but it has such negative connotations. It isn't nearly as good as Jennifer's but it was a fun exercise for me. My brain is empty and if I didn't do this, I wouldn't do anything at all. I'm hoping to get back on my stool and paint regularly. Please visit Jennifer's website and enjoy her beautiful work, you won't be sorry.

I plan on giving this to Ron, my daughter Mary Ellen's boyfriend. Ron says just 2 more years and they can be common-law! Well, I think you have to live together to get that title, but he is a wonderful person and I love him for being so good to my daughter. Ron recently lost his Father who had an extensive work shop. So did my own Father. I'm sure that is why I was drawn to this painting.

I won Chubby!

2010-06-21T01:38:00.005-04:00

I must have really wanted this little guy because I procrastinated for a while before logging into Steve's Globspot to see if he had selected the winners yet. OK, I thought, you didn't win - but the odds are much less than the lottery I thought - but so what, it sure is fun to play the game! I read along first to see who's names had been selected, Athos, Porthos and Aramis, names of the Three Musketeers, by Art Wench were the winners. I have to confess, I've only heard of Aramis, probably because it is a popular mens cologne! What's that say about me?

Reading on, I could hardly believe it when I saw beckielboo - I mean, I had to read it about 3 times before I could believe it! Gotta' go now, I have to let Steve know I've decided upon Chubby!

If you haven't already, go visit Steve Worthington's Globspot to see his work and his humor!

Oh, almost forgot to tell of the amazing coincidence. My previous post, announcing Steve's contest announcing his 100th blog post was also my 100th blog post!

Steve Worthington rocks

2010-06-12T01:23:00.005-04:00

I am a big Steve Worthington fan. I first came across him when I started seeing mouse paintings by some of my favorite artists. Being the curious person I am, I investigated and found a really interesting person and a phenomenal sculptor.

To celebrate his 100th blog post, he is having - another - contest to win a mouse sculpture. Well, I really love his mice - my friends know how I feel about mice, so I have to do this.

Sprightly & his friends

He is looking for names for his 3 new turtles. Proudly, I was the first with suggestions!
And we get to guess twice! My first entries are "Uno, Pesky & Snapdragon". Wish me luck, but better yet go there yourself, read the rules and enter. If you win - good for you, but please tell me! Go to Steve Worthington's Globspot ... NOW ... What are you waiting for?

While in Waynesville, NC

2010-05-12T02:29:00.008-04:00

I felt your kiss and could wait forever...
Acrylic on 16" by 20" canvas sheet

I spent the first 2 weeks of May in Waynesville, NC with my college roommate Sheila. We have had the pleasure of spending several weeks a year together for the last 5 years. Sheila has 4 grown children, 3 boys and 1 girl and soon to be 7 grandchildren. If I could only get her to blog & paint!

We met at Kansas State College of Pittsburg, now Pittsburg State University, in Pittsburg, Kansas in 1966 where I attended for the next 2 years. My parents were raised there and my Mother & her sister both attended there and my Father's 2 brothers graduated there. I felt it was a family tradition. Besides, my grandparents were still living and it gave me an opportunity to spend lots of time with them. I later attended hospital based certificate programs for X-ray and Nuclear Medicine, a better fit for me.

This year, Sheila's oldest son Peter graduated from college at the age of 32 with a fiancee, 2 pre-teens and new baby. Good for you Peter, that is a heavy load indeed. I have never met Peter, but thought his accomplishment warranted recognition. Besides, I wanted to paint while I was in Waynesville anyway! I don't think Peter liked it, Sheila only said after I inquired, that he was pleased. Oh well, that is why I don't usually give a painting away unless someone asks for it. You just never know what someone will like or not and with so much personal involvement, you hope that the recipient likes your effort.

But the background story of this painting is that it was originally painted by Irene Corey and Brad Bisbey. I was lucky enough to buy Brad's but Irene's had already been sold, or I would have bought it also. They apparently joined together to paint the same subject as Brad stated in his blog that Irene had shared the photo with him. I hope they will not mind that I tried it too. For reference, I am including theirs.

Waiting by Irene Corey, 5" by 7" oil, 5-31-07

Waiting by Brad Bisbey, 8" by 9" acrylic

What do you think? Different but the same... It's like the challenges we participate in to see how each artist paints with their own signature.

Monthly Painting Challenge #4 - Brick Wall

2010-04-27T05:01:00.002-04:00

Brick Wall with a Touch of Purple
Soft Pastel on 6.25" by 9.5" gray velour board

Gee, I'm glad I did this one! I really like it! And I haven't worked with Soft Pastel's in almost a year. Funny how you can get stuck on one thing. If I had the self-discipline (I HATE THAT PHRASE) I have about 8 paintings I'd like to do. Three are for gifts and really need attention. And you know what? When I mentioned to my daughter Mary Ellen that I had done a pastel last night, she had "Respect and Joy" in her voice. I was proud, too! Thanks Pam, what's up for next month?

Boo Hoo - Windows To The Words #12 - For the Birds

2010-04-13T06:28:00.004-04:00

Eastern Bluebird
acrylic on 6" by 8" canvas board

Missed again, but still wanted to paint for James. This was the Windows To The Words challenge for March, but I just didn't get it done.

I just can't explain this one!

2010-04-11T04:32:00.003-04:00

Tadhgán and Chiara's Secret
acrylic on 12" by 12" by 3/4" gallery wrapped canvas

OK, I can explain their names. The red haired girl is Tadhgán, which is the Gaelic spelling for the Irish name Teagan and means "poet". The dark haired girls name is an Italian name of Irish origin and means “dark”. I love to find just the right name for my imaginary "friends" and they have to be just right! Usually, I do not use unusual spellings, but this time, just couldn't resist the beautiful Gaelic spelling.

I have not varnished this piece yet. I always photograph paintings before I varnish them! I just cannot get past the glare otherwise. However, this time, I know this piece will "pop" with varnish. My intent was to dress them in party cloths as I think they are at a night club.

OK, the truth is, I started this for a challenge I no longer participate in. Ironically, I got the name of the challenge just a little confused, but thought the painting still worked. It was "Silence" and I thought it was "Secret". Since they both have their eyes closed, it could have still worked but I decided to leave that challenge and this painting has been sitting on my "unfinished" rack for a few weeks.

Since the women are so obviously interested in one another, I thought it deserved an explanation. I'm not gay, but sometimes I wish I were. There are so many unattached women - but - you are what you are, and I have no desire to change my stripes at my age.

TMI - Too much information? Sorry!

The Virtual Paintout #14 - Stavanger, Norway

2010-03-31T03:44:00.005-04:00

9 Schiøtz gate, Stavanger, Rogaland, Norge
Acrylic on 11" by 14" by 3/4" wrapped canvas

For the 14th Virtual Paintout in Stavanger, Norway. This was fun as I dramatically altered the colors.

I'm trying to do more "big swoopy color" and this nearly all white image was just too bland for my taste. I don't usually display my reference image, but this had to be seen to understand how much I altered it and yet it still looks like the reference image. I chose it because of the items displayed in the windows. It reminded me of a home my Mom and I saw on our RV trip that had large dolls in every window. It was fascinating.

The funny thing is, there is nothing like it entered. Nearly everything is watercolor and mine sticks out like a "bright thumb"! I am gaining a real appreciation for watercolor, however. I haven't tried it, but as I study other works, I can see it really does have many advantages.

Windows To The Words #11 - Matched Pairs

2010-03-30T00:29:00.006-04:00

Matched Pairs - Red Hair
Windows To The Words Challenge #12 - Matched Pairs
acrylic on 9" by 12" Claybord

Good Morning, Sherry!

2010-03-29T00:50:00.002-04:00

Today, I've replaced my banner image. My blog will be 1 year old on April 21 and this is the first change I've made. Some things have changed and I wanted a new look!

The painting was done during my first painting phase in 1986. My name was Becky Kastelic at that time; I married Paul Leone in 1990 changing my name (obviously)!

I found an article in an art magazine discussing shadowing. I am so disappointed that I did not keep the article and do not know the name of the author/artist that I used as a reference image for this painting. Maybe someday someone will recognize her work and I'll finally be able to credit her.

And, yes Sherry, I am back at the easel! I can't thank you enough for your caring words!

Beckie

Monthly Painting Challenge #3 - Creek Reflections

2010-03-28T22:16:00.007-04:00

Creek Reflections

11" by 14" Acrylic on wrapped canvas

This is the 3rd Monthly Painting Challenge presented by Pam Van Londen. She does pick beautiful photo's, but they are not easy - for me - to paint. This one hit all my Uh-O buttons. Trees and water and reflections are three of my weakest painting skills. I guess that is what a challenge is all about! Thanks Pam, good job!

A Few Good Artists

2010-03-20T02:09:00.010-04:00

I've spent several hours looking over my most favorite site, The Daily Painters Gallery. This is the site I found last year, thanks to Googling "flamingo", that eventually led me to start painting again. It was all so overwhelming at first, so everyday I looked at every painting and said the name of the artist. After about 2 months, I was familiar with many artists and was collecting at an alarming rate; both space and finances have curtailed almost all purchasing. I do have a wonderful collection now, you an see many of them are in albums on my Facebook gallery.

Today, I've made a few observations that I am going to discuss a bit. The artists are among many of my favorites but there are so many - I could go on forever!

First is Carol Nelson from Aurora, Colorado. I can't say enough about her current project. She is painting 100 portraits in (about) 100 days. As of yesterday, she has done 66 of 100. In addition to this, her husband has received a donor kidney from their son. Carol, what are you thinking? My hat is off to you and I seldom take my hat off (literally) for anyone! What I find particularly helpful, is she posts the reference photo she is painting from, something that "we" usually don't do. It is a wonderful project that has already enhanced her skills and could turn out to be a very useful sales technique. She put out a broadcast request for anyone to submit a photo. Since she is a known artist with a following, there is little doubt that she will be able to sell many of her paintings. If I had better self discipline, I'd try it just for the experience; sadly, the 2 or 3 entries I'd receive (That is supposed to be a joke!) wouldn't be that much training! For a quick look at her Daily Painter's Gallery click here, but don't miss her blog.

Next is Liza Hirst from Dordogne, France. What caught my eye is a series she calls "My Things". In DPG, I saw over 25 paintings of her "things", like earrings, household items, blue jeans and hats. I'm not a big fan of the 'single item' painting, but this one was more personal and therefore more interesting. Liza paints beautiful and complex paintings of which I am a big fan - I love you Liza!! I've visited her blog many times in the past, but today, only looked at her work at DPG click here. There is a link to her blog from there.

I've admired Robin Weiss from Poulsbo, WA, but today, I really became a fan! His detail and colors are exactly what I'd like my style to be. There are a few specific paintings I want to mention.

The 23rd Psalm: Both the title & subject are so dear.

Bees on Lavender: Couldn't help myself, just like it!

Cows on the Edge: Need I say more? This is fun!

The Walker: Light and shadows are one of the things I haven't learned yet. This, to me, is a knock-out example of lighting, and a beautiful painting. You can never go wrong with pink trees!
For a quick look at his Daily Painters Gallery click here.

And lastly, I'm going to be a bit indulgent and mention "the one that got away". This is one of my most favorite paintings of all time as it reminds me of my daughter, Mary Ellen when she was that age - it's the hair - and there is nothing I love more than ME! For some reason, I did not buy this painting, I think it was a bit out of my budget at the time, but I go back and admire it often!

The artist is Johanna Bohoy of Beverly Farms, Massachusetts and the painting is:

Reflections: There is actually another of Johanna's paintings that is still available that I've had my eye on for a long time. If only wishes paid the bills! For a quick look at her Daily Painters Gallery click here.

The last observation I made was how many artists get a 'theme' and paint it several times or even many, many times. Fruit, apples and pears, seem to be very addictive. I've tried that myself. "Lions" are my biggest theme - four of them so far! Hope you enjoyed my thoughts.

It's Been a LONG Time Coming ... But I'm Back!

2010-02-25T13:00:00.006-05:00

John T. Alsop Bridge, Jacksonville, FL

better know as MAIN STREET BRIDGE

6" by 8" acrylic on canvas board

painted for my oldest friend, Dottie's book!

back and front cover of:

Remembering Jacksonville
a collection of local lore taken from:

The Florida Times-Union column:

By the Wayside by Dorothy K. Fletcher

This is the book I've mentioned in my most recent posts. Please go to Amazon.com to see the book - and buy it, too!

Dottie, I'm so proud of you and so honored that you choose me to paint the cover! Who would have ever thought in 1959 when we met, that 51 years later this would happen? OMG! Thank you also for your generous payment I received "for this honor"! The painting is my gift to you as congratulations for your 4th publication. Well done!

DSFDF Artist-Exchange Challenge

2009-12-17T16:50:00.003-05:00

DSFDF Challenge entry

acrylic on 10" x 8" x .75" on wrapped canvas

Reference Photo of unknown exchange artist

Most of you know about Different Strokes for Different Folks - DSFDF. It is an extremely well attended challenge just over 1 year, hosted by Karin Jurik, an artist in Atlanta. This Challenge was done last year and apparently it was so popular that Ms. Jurik repeated it this year. I wasn't painting at this time last year and did not know anything about this or any other Challenge, so I am very glad to be able to join it this year. There are an amazing 180 entries, that is 180 artists painting each other, compared to last year with 130 artist entries.

However, humbling, is the word that comes to mind. It is so intimidating to paint someone else, but I've looked closely at the 43 paintings entered so far and almost everyone tells of their own struggle with this challenge. I considered painting it over - and perhaps over again, but felt that all I would be doing is wasting time. It was a challenge, not a commission. Hopefully the learning from the project will suffice!

To the artist that I have been entrusted with, I am sorry that I am not a better artist. It would have been my pleasure to paint a wonderful likeness winning your approval. Please know that I would have liked to do a better job! Since you are also painting me, I can only hope that you are struggling as I did! My skin colors and facial detail are not my strong suit. I love portraits but so far haven't learned enough to do them justice.

Aside from my painting, this challenge and the work of the other artists is fascinating and a learning experience. Please take the time to visit DSFDF and see for yourself!

NZ Art Guild Challenge #16 - Photo Challenge

2009-12-13T03:50:00.004-05:00

West Yellowstone Angel Lodge

acrylic on 14" by 18" Centurion Wrapped Linen

Email me for availability beckielboo@comcast.net

Whew! I'm doing a little better about getting a few painting ready. This is for the New Zealand Art Guild Challenge #16 and it's their last challenge for the year. This is my 5th entry with them. It is also a piece I'm very fond of. The challenge was to paint the Angel statue. I added from one of my favorite places, West Yellowstone City, MT. When my Mother and I were there in 2003 on our 10 week RV journey, it started to snow on the beautiful lodge pole pines. Due to the weather, I was unable to stop along the road to take as many photo's as I wanted and have longed for them ever since. I used this opportunity to paint them as a backdrop to the statue. If only Mother could see this one!

GOOD NEWS UPDATE: I have also completed the Main Street Bridge, St. John's River view for the book cover of Dottie Fletcher's book, Remembering Jacksonville, to be published this spring. The best news is not only did Dottie like it, so did her publisher and they have accepted my painting. Since this is painted by request for Dottie's book, I will not be publishing the painting until her book is published. BUT, I couldn't wait to tell you the GOOD NEWS UPDATE now!

I have a few paintings in various stages of planning and progress and hopefully will have several more to post before the end of the year.

Hi to all my friends and thank you for being so patient with me since I have not been blogging as regularly as I would like.

Art Challenge #22: Turbulence

2009-11-21T03:24:00.003-05:00

Long Play Turbulence

acrylic on 12" by 12" canvas board

available $148 plus $8 shipping

email me for Paypal invoice

Yes - NO?? - Yes I say, I almost forgot how to access my blog, it's been a month! Why? I really don't have an answer. My life seems to have spun out of control - for no good reason! Slowing down? A little, maybe, but I hope it's just a valley!

I did go on a cruise earlier this month and am going to Orlando later today to visit another theme park - Animal something. Getting lot's of small projects done but unfortunately, of N.R.S.V. or of N.R.V. That would be: "no redeeming social value" and "no redeeming value".

I did find a box of old coins sitting on a box in my daughters old closet. I have no idea why it was there or where they had been, but they were my Fathers. I looked up the value of many of them and found out this: A $2.00 bill is and always will be worth $2.00 - period. They are not scarce, endangered or increasing in value - even the old silver bills.

I did find out most old silver dollars, dated 1881 to 1923, are worth about $16 to $20. I guess the valuable ones are in someone else's collection!

And finally, I learned these questions:

Just what do you do with a box of old money?
Cash it in for a few dollars profit?
Save it for your descendants?
Give it away?
Count it once-in-awhile and dream of really big profits?

My Father was a coin and stamp collector. I was the most like him and the least liked by him. Therefore, I was the only one that followed in his footsteps, I too, became a coin and stamp collector. He really did have nice collections of each, mine are still worth face value!

During the 60's, my Grandfather dug up many old mason jars filled with old silver coins he had buried in his garage sometime between the depression and WWII. Maybe he knew he had enough money to live on and would no longer need his buried treasure or maybe he got caught up in the coin collection, but he gave all the coins to my Father. I so clearly remember newspapers spread out on the carpet covered in silver and more silver. I really felt like I was from a rich family!

They lived in this Cherokee, Kansas home for just over 50 years. My Grandfather sold it to one of the children of the family that lived next door. My first husband was also from Cherokee and occasionally hears news about the people and town. It seems Nancy and her husband were the lucky finders on one overlooked mason jar of silver coins. Can you imagine such a find? I smile every time I think of how they must have felt, almost like winning (a small) lottery! The story goes, they were concerned that if we, the grandchildren, learned of their find, we might try to claim it. I'm sure, under the same circumstances, I would have felt the same way.

Secretly, I did expect to inherit Daddy's coins and stamps, but he did know what to do with them and sold most everything. Oh cripes, I really should paint more!

The painting is for the 22nd Challenge - Turbulence of The Artists Challenge. After 15 consecutive entries, I missed #20 - Shifting Shadows and #21 - The Reveal. It was time to let my OCD take a vacation and besides, I just couldn't think of how to paint either of those topics! My ego took a hit for it, but those and several other things just fell into the black hole of my indifference while I was spinning.

I wish two things:

When I'm feeling productive, I wish I could get more things done.
I wish I felt productive 80% of waking time. Instead, when I am feeling productive, I stay up 2 or 3 days in a row and then sleep for 24 hours. Isn't that counterproductive?

And even with all that, I just can't get much done. My mind thinks of 20 things I want to accomplish. The clock allows for only 6 or 8 of those things. I wonder, just when will I get those 6 or 8 things done so I can move onto the seventh thing?

Oh, Oh, I know this is a long post and this NEW item should rate at the very top of the post, but I can't wait to share this. My oldest friend - I've blogged about her before - Dottie Fletcher has asked me to submit a painting for consideration, of the St Johns River, a bridge and the Jacksonville skyline for the cover of her upcoming book to be published soon. I have studied the 2 photographs she sent me and prepared six small canvas'. I plan to sketch/paint with simple details three interpretations of each photo; something like a direct interpretation, an exaggerated interpretation and a rescaled perspective. If she likes any of them, I will then paint one or two large canvas'. Now this I'm really excited about and for my oldest friend in the world - who needs smelly old coin and stamp books that you don't know what to do with?

A few last thoughts about today's painting:

I have every LP (long play) & 45rpm record I ever had. (No great surprise there!)
I won my first 45rpm on a radio station in Atlanta around 1957 - One Hundred Pounds of Clay.
Dottie and I used to turn the bass all the way up and sit on the floor leaning against the stereo console cabinet listening to Peter, Paul and Mary.
Daddy bought that console with money made from his hobby of making shrimp nets.
I have loved music all my life. I played the baritone, trumpet and french horn for 4 years. I was terrible at it and couldn't make a successful ombasure if my life depended on it.
I still have my ukulele. It's on the floor of the attic resting close to the now antiquated vinyl that I'll never get rid of.
My greatest personal disappointment was not having a singing voice. If only I'd known you don't have to have a beautiful voice to sing.
I've never heard of the singing/reggae group Turbulence. They have more than 20 published albums since 2000.
I love black people but I'm not crazy about the term "African-American". If we're American, we're American. I should call myself "Austrian (maybe German) with a touch of English, Swiss and back-yard dog-American".
I have 2 black dogs and one red dog but none of them can sing.
My previous dog, Garth Brooks, could sing - quite well. I've blogged about him before, too.

Say good morning Beckie!

DSFDF Challenge #27 - Week 49-51 - City Rooftops

2009-10-22T23:48:00.006-04:00

City Rooftops
acrylic on 8x6 canvas board
available $40 including shipping
email me at beckielboo@comcast.net

This is the 27th Challenge of Karin Jurik's Different Strokes From Different Folks, week 49-51, City Rooftops. This is the second time I've entered this challenge. The good news is I was able to stay awake painting this one! Ah, sleep!

Art Challenge #19: Beyond Boundaries

2009-10-17T23:43:00.004-04:00

Mei Mei Meets a Piranha

acrylic on 24" by 20" Centurion LX linen gallery wrapped canvas

Available $495 plus $18 shipping

Contact me at beckielboo@comast.net

The write-up for this post was doomed from the beginning! At first I was just too tired to do it. I was falling asleep while I was awake and when I'd move to do the next task, I realized I'd just been asleep! Weird! Then, earlier tonight, I came in and edited it with a really really great write-up - and you can guess - I lost it! Must not have meant to be!

So, this is the 19th challenge of The Artist Challenge hosted by Vikki North, Beyond Boundaries. It was not an easy topic for me, I started with the very uninspired and progressed to some interesting ideas but I couldn't develop them. I couldn't really say how I ended up with this, but once I came upon it, I knew it was what I wanted.

I'm sorry I can not rewrite what was lost. I took it as a sign, it didn't need to be said!

FTM Following the Masters Challenge #7

2009-10-15T15:59:00.010-04:00

Self Portrait #7 - in the azalea's
acrylic on 8" by 10" canvas board

This is for Following the Masters Challenge #7 - Self Portrait. It is the first acrylic of myself I've done - oh yes, Paint Beckie in the Shower was acrylic - but certainly not of the portrait genre! I used the new color triad paints for my skin, but ended up completely covering it. I think that will either take a lot of work or probably a lesson or two! Optical illusion: The bill of my cap either looks turned up like a ball cap or turned down like a news-boy cap. It is a news boy cap, the kind I almost always have on! In the photo, taken in March 2008, it is actually a pink suade cap, I took the liberty of changing the color - because I could!

I had a wonderful time with my friend Joy at Epcot. I found out that amusement parks are OK but I really prefer more natural settings! However, I was offered on top of my free birthday pass to upgrade to a 3-day ticket for an additional $52. Since a one day admission is now $79, that seemed too good to pass up, so in the next six months, I will try to go to Adventure Park to see the animals. The food was wonderful! I took over 100 pictures, maybe I can get 2 or 3 turned into paintings - maybe!

The weather is finally starting to cool off here in Northern Florida. Saturday it is supposed to be 72 high and 55 low. I've invited my family over for a night on the patio with the firepit in full blaze! I also have 6 or 7 challenges coming up over the next couple of weeks, just hope I can get to at least 4 of them. Sometimes it seems like challenge painting is all I do but they have taught me so much and lead me to places I would never have gone alone - so - for now, that is the way it is! I'm going to have to work hard next month - Sherry always has her entries in early and mine are always the last minute! The tortoise and the hare!

Hi Dottie!

Celebrating my 61st Birthday - Going to Epcot!

2009-10-06T04:16:00.008-04:00

Joy No. 1

Soft pastel on 9" by 12" ruff pastel paper!

I've talked before about - one day - I decided to become a painter! That day was February 10th just past. Over the next few weeks, I set about setting up my new Studio. I had painted randomly and without imagination over the last 25 years, but had never taken it serious. I started alternating between acrylic and soft pastels. Out of the 110 or so canvas' I've done since, only a handful are soft pastels, I am just drawn to acrylic. I am going to show you my 8th and 9th attempts done on February 21 and 22.

The above painting is of one of my dearest friends, Joy. I met her about 28 years ago when she was barely out of her teens and in X-ray school in Decatur, Georgia. During her training, she rotated through my department where I was a seasoned Technologist, 11 years her senior and mother to an 8 year old. We weren't busy that first day and times were different then - or there - I don't know which. But without fear of reprimand for not multi-tasking and working like an obsessed super-worker, we were able to spend that day, propped on our elbows, across a small table and chat our life histories. By the end of the day, we were friends - more like sisters - for life.

It took me about a year to realize the reality and quality of our friendship. She was young, beautiful - captivating really and the most sparkling and vibrant person I'd ever met. What could she possible see in me, I was sedate, old and fat!

Ironically, we both ended up in Jacksonville for many years together. About 8 years ago, she and her family moved to Orlando. Her daughter, Tasha, is my God-daughter. We are family. She is married to a wonderful man and husband, Scott and they have a son, Nick.

But, back to the painting, although I thought I captured her, I was disappointed with it, the paper was too rough. So, the next night, I tried it again on velour paper. Now, this many months later, I'm not sure which I like the best. They each captured her in different ways. I hope you will see some growth on my part since February. Just think what another year or two (or twenty -yee-gads, I'll be 81!) might do!

Joy No.2

soft pastel on 6.25" by 9.5" yellow velour paper

This photo was taken 5 years ago at Tasha's high school graduation. You can see my 'raggedy-ann' hair next to her. When we are together, we are usually in each others arms!

Joy still has many child-like qualities that make her always fun to be with. She absolutely loves all things Disney. She and her family always have season passes and own a Disney vacation package that has taken them all over the country year after year. Her birthday is September 7th and mine is October 7th. While visiting her last May, we decided to spend my birthday at Epcot since I can get a free pass as a Florida incentive.

So, tomorrow, Wednesday think of us at Epcot eating our way from country to country! My daughter, Mary Ellen, will stay with my 3 dogs. Stella, my new rescue, has never made-up with anyone but me, so we are anxious to see if by staying here, they will finally get to know one another. Either way, Annie and Erin are the loving queens and will keep Stella in line! I'll be home Thursday - hopefully with a story to tell!

I can't wait for Christmas TV movies to start!

2009-10-05T01:44:00.008-04:00

Santa Claus #1

acrylic on 12" by 12" canvas board

available $104 plus $8 shipping

email me beckielboo@comcast.net

I saw a documentary on CBS Sunday Morning about a artist that had painted a Santa Claus every year for about 20 or 30 years. He didn't sell them, nor, as far as I know, does he have them on line. My memory of them was they were large and magnificent! Would you happen to know the name of this artist? Or how to find out? I went to CBS Sunday Morning but was unable to trace him.

Since this is the first year I am painting regularly, I want to paint several Santa's. I suspect (or hope) some my family members will want one. So, this is the first of what I hope to be a 2009 Santa Series. Don't forget, if I don't know you like one, I won't think to offer it to you!

I have used several new techniques and products in this painting. Recently, I attended a Liquitex Acrylic Paint demonstration given by Peter Andrew, Education Advisor, sponsored by Crafts and More, a local art and craft store. I used several mediums and agents that make the process of creating more interesting! I am so grateful to both Crafts and More and Liquitex for providing this program. I learned so much - just wish I could remember more! and the samples were great, too!

Golden Flow Release - I had recently started using this product. I use it to make a smooth background. I really love the effect and use it often now. Mr. Andrew suggested adding a drop to your water bucket. It helps clean the brush and makes a quick release to thin paint for quick spreading. An unexpected result is my water bucket has never been so clean!
Liquitex Pouring Medium - Maybe this isn't what it is intended for, but I used it to thin my soft acrylic especially for Santa's hair.
Liquitex Iridescent Medium - I use this in probably every painting I do. I love iridescent and metallic colors and never hesitate to use them.
Liquitex Liquithick Thickening Gel - Wow! This is really unique stuff. Mr. Andrew demonstrated it thickening soft acrylic to heavy acrylic. I used it to thicken heavy white to make the texture of the fur on Santa's coat. It immediately became thick and dry-like. I dabbed it on with a stiff brush. I really liked this stuff!
Golden Gold Mica Flake (Large) - Loving the metallic effects, when I saw this product, I knew I had to have both it and the (Small) variation. I hadn't used it before, even on a test sheet, but couldn't resist adding it to adorn Santa's fur to add the Holiday look.

With a 40% off coupon for attending the program, I got the book, Putting People in Your Paintings by Laurel Hart. Even though this is a watercolor book, it is packed with useful information and I have read it from cover to cover! On page 62 is a great demonstration about using primary triads. I have ordered all the colors used to make them, but not all of them have arrived.

High-Key Triads(Light-Value Triads)
Red: Alizarin Crimson
Yellow: Yellow Ochre, Gamboge, Raw Sienna or Transparent Oxide Red
Blue: Manganese Blue

Low-Key Triads (Dark-Value Triads)
Red: Transparent Oxide Red or Alizarin Crimson
Yellow/Blue: Raw Sienna, Yellow Ochre with Manganese Blue
Yellow/Blue: Transparent Oxide Red with Ultramarine Blue

Light Skin Fleshtone Triads
Red: Cadmium Red Medium
Yellow: Yellow Ochre, Gambage, Cadmium Orange, Quinacridone Gold
Blue: Manganese Blue

Dark Skin Fleshtone Triads
Red: Cadmium Red Medium
Yellow/Blue: Transparent Oxide Red with Manganese Blue
Yellow/Blue: Transparent Oxide Red or Raw Sienna with Ultramarine Blue

Only having Ultramarine Blue (so far) I used Cadmium Red Medium and Transparent Oxide Red to make the skin color. It was too red, so I added Yellow Ochre and Quinacridone Gold. I love people of all colors, but this is supposed to be a white Santa. Maybe he is Indian or maybe he is Universal. So don't give me the "Oh, I thought he was black, or brown, or red, or yellow or white"! He is Universal! It will be interesting to see what I learn with the triads as I use them to make more interesting people!

For now, all I want to say is MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!

Family Matters

2009-10-03T05:01:00.006-04:00

Mama's Vase

11" by 14" by 3/4" gallery wrapped canvas

available $178 + $11 shipping

email me beckielboo@comcast.net for PayPal invoice

This is a picture I considered for TAC #18 Hidden Treasure. Everything in this painting is very special to me.

What you barely see, is the top of my Grandfather's dental cabinet. He bought the cabinet used in 1920 from a retiring dentist who used it from about 1880. My Grandfather then used it until he retired in 1970. My Mother inherited it and I have used it since 1994 for scrap booking supplies and now as a jewelry cabinet. It is a beautiful piece that my Father refinished and has been a cherished piece in our home.

My Mother made the vase. She enjoyed ceramic's in her later years and we all have many of her pieces. Inside the vase is lavender I bought in Waynesville, NC visiting my sister Beverly.

The two bunnies are from my daughter Mary Ellen's collection. I started her a bunnie collection when she was 3 or 4 years old. Although she no longer collects them, they are all over both our homes.

The basket is collapsible and made of a beautiful piece of wood and signed by the artist. I don't actually remember where I bought it, but added it to my collectibles in the last 20 years. Finally, the gardenias are from a Christmas decoration also about 20 years ago. I loved the look of them and have never put them away.

Let's see, I got my Grandfather, Father, Mother, sister and daughter included! Not bad - for a FAMILY MATTER!

Art Challenge #18: Hidden Treasures

2009-09-28T18:59:00.008-04:00

Hidden Treasures

acrylic on 12" by 16" by 3/4" Centurian LX linen gallery wrapped canvas

SOLD to Sheila $206

I'd like to tell Sherry, Irina, Megha and Mary Thank you.
Thank you for your interest in me and my work.
Thank you for your kind comments.
Thank you for believing in me and letting me know.
You are all so special to me and I want to tell you in a special way, UP TOP!

This is the seventeenth challenge for The Artist Gallery, Hidden Treasures. I got up Saturday morning and took pictures of the special places where I keep treasures in my house. The painting is a composite of 3 things. The first is a shelf from one of my bookcases. The dolls are on a desk in my living area, the blue wizard is a favorite of mine. The antique powder shaker is from my grandmothers, it was in the bedroom I always stayed in; I don't know where it originally came from. I'm happy with this painting. It took many hours, for that, I was surprised!
The following quotes can say it better than I can.
About books:

Books may well be the only true magic. ~Alice Hoffman

For books are more than books. They are the life, the very heart and core of ages past, the reason why men lived and worked and died, the essence and quintessence of their lives. ~Amy Lowell

There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island ... and best of all, you can enjoy these riches every day of your life. ~Walt Disney

About memories:

As humans we look at things and think about what we've looked at. We treasure it in a kind of private art gallery. ~Thom Gunn
The many memories I will forever treasure. ~K. Hooton, from Just Not The Same

The secret of a happy life isn't buried in a treasure chest... it lies within your heart. ~Author Unknown, from Life is for Living

Art Challenge #17: The Gift

2009-09-19T23:40:00.008-04:00

Precious

acrylic on 11" by 14" by 3/4" gallery wrapped 'The Edge' canvas

SOLD to Joy & Scott $178 plus $11 shipping

This is the 17th challenge for The Artist Challenge. It is so much fun working with this challenge and the great group of people. This challenge is The Gift - Wow - the sky is the limit with this one! AND, this is a special landmark for me! This is my 12th consecutive entry. The Artist Challenge is the 1st challenge I ever entered. I hope to make another dirty dozen! Well, maybe dirty isn't the right adjective, but what the heck! It make a good movie!

This is painted after the old master Gustav Klimt. The painting, The Three Ages of Woman was painted in 1905, oil on canvas, 180 x 180cm. It is now located in Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna, Rome, Italy. The painting is of an obviously older, distraught, standing woman looking down on a full standing young woman holding a child. For some reason, the painting is often divided into two or three images and made into posters and prints. I chose to paint the torso of only the young mother holding a child which is called Mother and Child.

There is nothing more precious than a mothers love for her child.
There is no gift on earth that is more precious to a mother.
My daughter is my gift. My daughter is precious to me.
I could think of nothing else when challenged to paint 'THE GIFT'!

I'm am including the whole painting, The Three Ages of Woman. It is such an interesting and complex painting. It takes a few minutes to take it all in. I included two different sites about Gustav Klimt above. They are both worth visiting. I hope you enjoy it!

Thank you for stopping by. It is always good to see you!

Self Portrait Global Love In Challenge #2

2009-09-12T06:35:00.008-04:00

Self Portrait #3

soft pastel on 61/4" by 91/2" tan velour pastel paper

OK, I'm adding this on - the point is the Self Portrait Global Love In Challenge #2, hosted by David Lobenberg. This is such a successful Challenge, probably because it started with David and our friend Milind Mulick from Pune, India. It drew attention from a world wide audience. There were many artists from Spain. Anyway, David, being pretty clever, I'd say, waited several months before offering the second challenge. This time, our self portrait is to include a hat or some type of head covering. For those of you that know me, or maybe just seen my picture on line, I am seldom without a hat. I don't even remove it when I lay down!

I remember the first hat I was attracted to was a little royal blue billed cap that came with a Beneton promotion for the perfume Colors. Remember that fragrance? I got that hat in about 1988, still have it in fact, although I no longer wear it. I probably wore that hat four years before I added to that collection. Crazy little things - without rhyme or reason - can start a life long passion!

I have written a long and detailed account of the origin of the photograph this painting was taken from. I hope it is interesting and I hope you read and enjoy it. But, all the details for this painting challenge have now been covered!

Is it proper to say you love your own work? Or even better/worse your own self portrait? Well, proper or not, I love this drawing! I love the hat, the shirt, the beads, the drop-off of color on the bottom and most important, the origin of the original photograph. The photograph was taken by a brilliant Jacksonville portrait photographer, Pete Helow.

Pete Helow is a patient and kind man! He had to be to put up with the day my family descended upon his studio - like a horde of locus! He is multi-talented and multi-faceted, being also a musician and now an aspiring pilot! I like people that do lots of varied things - you never call someone like that dull! But here is the story of what he did for me and for my family.

In May 2008, I saw a commercial on TV advertising his photography studio. I loved the work I saw and knew immediately that I would meet Pete and it was going to be expensive and a really big undertaking! My 60th birthday was approaching, October to be exact!

For my 40th birthday, I put together an album I called "My 40 Year Retrospective". It was a huge undertaking and took me months and lots of dollars. I started at my 1st picture as I was carried out of the hospital. I took every year and attempted to include the house I lived in, my friends and pets, my birthday and anything else that seemed interesting for that year. I combed through every family album that I could find.

My Father had taken slides most of our growing up years and I was especially interested in finding a photo of my first dog, Gaman, a little toy poodle mix that had been given to me when I was about 10 years old. I couldn't resist a couple of other slides and started by having a handful converted into prints. Remember that at that time, the late 1950's, most photo's were still printed in B&W and these were modern day size and beautiful colors. When my Brother saw them, he said "Beckie, did you find an old roll of film that hadn't been developed?"

I suppose the hand writing is - or was - already on the wall. Both my brother Bruce and my sister Beverly wanted their own Retrospective! This became a massive project but worth every minute. I still remember the joy of working long hours every night after work, the organization it required to select the photo's by year and subject for each of the three Retrospectives, taking them out and picking them up for reprints and then labeling them with the best information I could find and finally organizing them into each album. Whew! I'm impressed all over again!

For my 50th Birthday, I decided to do a Timeline of my life. Although not as glamorous as the Retrospectives, it also became a massive project - just a more personal one. I used Excel and it took 36 pages. I included every year by 6 month intervals.

* My Immediate Family, Extended Family, Friends and Co-Workers - Births, deaths and Marriages
* Mine and my daughter Mary Ellen's - Babysitters/Daycare, Schools, jobs with hourly wage and annual income and cross-reference schools for Beverly & Bruce - we were seldom ever in the same schools due to age differences
* Homes - location with addresses and monthly rent or mortgage payments
* All pets - YES - 50 years worth!
* My BFF's and friends in general
* Facts, Antidotes and Events
* Presidents and Wars
* Headlines & Media Blitz'
* Trivia - This and the above 3 requiring hours and hours in the Library!
* Things about my Dad
* Things about my Mom

So, for my 60th birthday, I again had the urge to celebrate the landmark! But I didn't just want photographic portraits of me, I wanted one great portrait of "the sisters" and we would coordinate our outfits. If Bruce had been alive, I would probably have done the siblings, but with his passing, my sister-in-law Barbara became my sister. I have actually posted about Barbara and our relationship in previous posts. Since Mary Ellen is grown, she also falls into the "sisters" category. But, first I had to convince them how important this was to me and I would like them to join me without a lot of grief. Lucky for all of us, they got it! In fact, they ended up loving it - the planning, the shoot and especially - the finished product.

I met with Pete and his hair and make-up artist, Rene a week before the session to find out as many details as possible. Then I had a strategy planning session with Bev, Barb & ME. We color coordinated at least four outfits, selected props and jewelry. On the day of the shoot, we arrived - each with a large suitcase and tons of bags. I think Pete & Rene were surprised to see how 'heavy' we were traveling! Rene set out styling hair and make-up on each one of us. By the time the shoot was over, we had been at it over five hours! I was exhausted and looked it in the later pictures.

The one great group portrait turned out to be the least of the entire process! But did we ever have fun. It was probably one of the absolutely most fun family events we have ever done together. We ended up with coffee table books, the one Mary Ellen and I share has 27 pictures in it!

And you know what? I credit Pete and Rene with making our adventure a lasting memory that will out survive us all! However, as our family dwindles down to branches without leaves, I just hope some future obscure cousin will be interested their ancestors.

On a funny note, I was telling my physician who is my age, about my 40, 50 and 60th birthday commemorations. I said, "I'll guess I'll have to come up with some other idea for my 70th birthday"! He thought a moment and said this, "Gee, I'm hoping to just show up"! How right he is!

Please, click on Pete's link to see his web site and beautiful work. He is a treasure and gave my family a wonderful gift on my 60th birthday!

NZ Art Guild Challenge #9 - old house

2009-09-06T18:27:00.012-04:00

Taramea Bay Road, Southland, NZ
acrylic on 11" by 14" by 3/4" gallery wrapped canvas

Creative Mark "The Edge" painted on sides

available $179 plus $11 shipping

email me for PayPal invoice

The NZ Art Guild Challenge #9, this old house! I was very enchanted with this house when I first saw it. However, I had just finished a house on a lot for the London challenge with The Virtual Paintout. So, I turned the house around and visualized it as looking out the front door!

Then, I had to find something to look out onto. So, I went to Google Street View Maps and ventured around New Zealand. I started at the tip and ended at the middle where the country divides, near Nelson. I believe that is called the South Island. I loved everything I saw, but decided on the image I found at the bottom of the country in Southland. The house had a beach feel and look, so I thought it was important to have a beach or coastal look.

Then I got really, really interested in where I am, in Jacksonville Beach, Florida in relation to New Zealand. So, I went back to Google maps and finally to MSN encarta World Atlas.

This first globe represents about 1/3 of the globe. You can see in the bottom left corner, Southland, New Zealand and in the upper right corner, Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

The second globe represents the second third of the globe. It looks to me like Jacksonville Beach, Florida is about the same distance from South Africa. People go to Africa all the time and never think anything of it, but when you say you are going to New Zealand, everyone thinks you are going to the other side of the world!

This last globe just shows the last third of the globe. Now that is the other side of the world!

I've never had much interest in traveling outside North America. There is SO much in the United States to see, somethings I've seen and would love to see again and so much I've not seen. AND, Canada has a special place in my heart and interest.

However, now with the art challenges, meeting artists all over the world and Google Street View Maps, I am beginning to want to travel. South America, Africa, New Zealand and Australia to start with! Just think, with a computer, a bag of cloths and plenty of art supplies, you never have to go home again if you don't want too!

For your information, in case you're wondering, I DO still want to go home!

The Virtual Paintout - August Challenge - London

2009-08-31T23:38:00.007-04:00

17 Soho Square, London

acrylic on 14" by 11" Pintura Hard Board

available $165 + $11 shipping

email me for PayPal invoice

The Virtual Paintout is such a fun challenge. Every time I go to the Google Maps City Streets, I learn something. Bill Guffey certainly hit on something with this one!

As usual, I barely made the deadline. In fact, I did miss this challenge once. Why, Delilah, Why do I procrastinate until the last minute? Guess I just work under pressure best!

As I say at this time every month, I can't wait to see where we will go next month!

Stay tuned, stay real ... and thanks for visiting me today!

The Inferno Challenge #1 - Myth, Magic & Legend

2009-08-31T11:08:00.007-04:00

Myths & Legends

acrylic on 18" by 14" by 3/4" Centurian LX linen

gallery wrapped canvas

painting wrapped onto sides

Sold to Mary Ellen

As a spin-off from The Artist Challenge, The Inferno is a wonderful new Blog that is living up to its name. There is an incredible amount of daily input, both art and literature, often combined. The host, Heather Brown Truman, is a regular contributor to The Artist Challenge, a wonderful artist, Life Coach and now, a Blog host to watch, as The Inferno is sure to shoot to the top of the Blog charts!

Sharing with the responsibility of managing The Inferno is Eric Schweer. Eric is the "Dream Boy" of The Artist Challenge. He is constantly thinking of new ways to offer the public a chance to get to know The Artist Challenge. He is a gifted writer and with the premier of each new challenge, writes either a poem or short story to introduce the challenge. His work is dreamy, hence, the name "Dream Boy"!

Both Heather and Eric are tireless in their efforts to promote art and literature, The Artist Challenge and now The Inferno. I am so proud to be working with these two gifted individuals, the host of The Artist Challenge, Vikki North and all the contributing artists at The Artist Challenge.

It is amazing to me how my art has expanded and grown in the short while I've been affiliated with The Artist Challenge. I'm not going to link my first challenge, as it is not one of my favorites, but you can find it on the side bar and see for yourself. I'm growing!

The painting, Myths and Challenges is from an old master. Mine is significantly altered, no one would mistake one for the other, LOL! I was unable to locate the name or artist, but will include it in an UPDATE if I find out. When I began this painting, I wasn't sure if I could pull out a fairy or not! My sister-in-law, Barbara, saw it and agreed with me that this one might have to hit the scrap pile! Well, when you begin a painting, it is not supposed to look good, its got to start somewhere! Last Friday, we had a family dinner at my sister's and I said, "I want to show ya'al what's on the easel". Barbara was blown away. She said she couldn't believe I'd turned "the blob" into a fairy! Go figure, the life of an evolving artist!

I am, perhaps, the 5th biggest fan of The Artist Challenge. I'd say I'm the biggest fan, but believe me, there are 4 tireless people who work their butt's off making that place the best. The Inferno is no less to be reckoned with. It is a proud and mighty adjunct to The Artist Challenge and we are all as proud of The Inferno as we are TAC!

Please stop both and enjoy. If you asked me, you might be glad ya' did!

Art Challenge #16: Anonymous

2009-08-29T22:45:00.004-04:00

Munich on a Snowy Night

acrylic on 7" by 9" on canvas board

available $215 including shipping

email me for PayPal invoice

This is a little beauty created for The Artist Challenge # 16, Anonymous. Tonight, this lone traveler walks down a hall of the Train Station or perhaps even an Airport. There is no way to know who he is or where he is going. We do know he is traveling light as he is carrying a backpack. You can feel the crusty snow on the glass, it is layered with a coat of glass beads and actually has texture!

All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware
~Martin Buber

The Artist Challenge is exploding. The art and artists get better with every challenge. The site Host, Vikki North must be a genius, as she has developed an incredible Web Site Challenge that grows in its potential every month! Not to mention that Vikki is kind, compassionate and a very gifted artist! She is an inspiration extraordinaire! I am in love with her piece The Fireflies and The Fish which she did for the Moon River Challenge #14.

In the last two weeks, a new affiliated Blog has been added to The Artist Challenge umbrella. It is The Inferno - Charlatans of Literature & Art, hosted by Heather Brown Miller and co-authored by Eric Schweer. Heather has a 1st Challenge in the works and I am just about ready to post my painting for that challenge. I will talk about Heather, The Inferno and Eric more in the when I post for their first challenge!

Thank you for looking, but do yourself a favor, visit The Artist Challenge and The Inferno.

Chickened Out!

2009-08-24T00:04:00.008-04:00

Wings - Belted Kingfisher

acrylic on 5" by 7" canvas board

SOLD to Sheila $35 including postage

I painted this for the weekly theme "Wings On Things" from the site The Three Muses Challenge. I doubt a plain-old-bird was what they had in mind, but I just couldn't get a thought aout a fairy or angel or even a cow with wings. They suggested we "spread our wings and fly" - there I failed miserably! BUT, I did kind of like my birdy and since he does have 2 wings, I am entering him into this challenge. Perhaps if I continue to visit thier blog and participate, I will loosen up and have more "fun"!

A Very Good Morning to YOU!

UPDATE: I went to the site to post my link, but lost my nerve. Everyone's entries that I saw were - well, it's hard to explain. They appear to be collages, often victorian in style, greeting card appearance, very quaint - not a plain-old-bird on a canvas board.

Don't get me wrong:

I really like their art, I just think it is a different form than I work in.
I am very pleased with my Birdy!

Virtual Art Picnic - Creative Every Day

2009-08-23T23:18:00.007-04:00

Picnic Collage, Recycling

mixed media on 12" by 12" canvas board

made during Tele-Conference - Virtual Art Picnic

The Grand Tour - 2nd in a Series

2009-08-20T14:01:00.013-04:00

Moriah, New York Sidewalk

acrylic 11" by 14" by 3/4" wrapped canvas

available $115 including shipping

email me for PayPal invoice

Oh, so many memories here! In 2003, my Mother and I bought an RV and toured 10,501 miles in 10 weeks. I called it our Grand Tour or Driving Miss Daisy.

Mother was in poor health, passing away only 7 months after the trip. She used a wheelchair much of the time and was on a morphine pump due to severe back damage. She was on oxygen; that is why we got the RV, we could run the oxygen machine with the generator. And finally, she was in early stages of dementia. As I pushed her wheelchair with her portable oxygen tank attached to the back, all I could think was "Momma, I'm so proud of you" and I told her that all the time!

She was delightful on the trip. It was like she put all her problems aside to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Her joy was childlike and she relished every minute.

We were about the same size so I would dress her in my clothes, usually matching outfits, jewelry and fix her hair - the way I wanted it.

Then off we'd go to sightseeing, trying not to miss a thing!

I have already painted one photo from the trip, but didn't label it as part of the trip. It was They were never alone ... they had each other, dated July 31st of my dogs, Bill and Garth.

This scene was a front yard of the most quaint house, totally in ruin, but beautiful none-the-less, that I've ever seen. I want you to really know the feel of this piece, so I'm including a picture of that house. Click on each image to enlarge it. The wood detail is spectacular!

It is in Moriah, NY which is a lovely little town on the east border of the Adirondack State Park and just miles west of New Hampshire. It was such a lovely town, I could easily see myself living there. Mom and I went to a coffee/diner early for breakfast and just watched the morning unfold. Those are the memories that you can Cherish.

I started this painting last week as my entry to The Artist Challenge, No-Theme Theme, but about 3/4's of the way complete, just "changed my mind"! Now I know why. I needed to do this for The Grand Tour, and had a lot to say, too!

Enough for now, I did sort of leave the subject - the painting, to take a trip down memory lane. But that's not all! I will try to find photo's of the trip that might be interesting each time - I'm lucky enough - to paint another painting from The Grand Tour!

NZ Art Guild Challenge #8 - Lines

2009-08-19T05:53:00.007-04:00

Lines #1

mixed media (wc & acrylic) on 10 1/4" by 14 1/8" Aqvarelle Arches hot pressed paper

available $35 including shipping

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Lines #2

mixed media (wc & acrylic) on 9 1/4" by 13" blue tinted Neptune WC paper

available $35

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Lines #3

mixed media (wc & acrylic) on 9 1/4" by 13" pink tinted Neptune WC paper
available $35 including shipping

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This is my 3rd entry for The NZ Art Guild Challenge. The theme for the 7th challenge is Lines. Provided is a list of definitions for the word "lines" from Wikipedia.

I decided to play with this one. Just have fun. I started out to practice and when I was through, I liked all 3! That was a surprise! The iridescent acrylic gold used on the watercolors really pops, especially on Lines #1.

Here is something to think about! Who knew there were that many?

Lines... noun
1. a mark or stroke long in proportion to its breadth, made with a pen, pencil, tool, etc., on a surface: a line down the middle of the page.
2. Mathematics. a continuous extent of length, straight or curved, without breadth or thickness; the trace of a moving point.
3. something arranged along a line, esp. a straight line; a row or series: a line of trees.
4. a number of persons standing one behind the other and waiting their turns at or for something; queue.
5. something resembling a traced line, as a band of color, a seam, or a furrow: lines of stratification in rock.
6. a furrow or wrinkle on the face, neck, etc.: lines around the eyes.
7. an indication of demarcation; boundary; limit: the county line; a fine line between right and wrong.
8. a row of written or printed letters, words, etc.: a page of 30 lines.
9. a verse of poetry: A line in iambic pentameter contains five feet.
10. Usually, lines. the words of an actor's part in a drama, musical comedy, etc.: to rehearse one's lines.
11. a short written message: Drop me a line when you're on vacation.
12. a system of public conveyances, as buses or trains, plying regularly over a fixed route: the northbound line at State Street.
13. a transportation or conveyance company: a steamship line.
14. a course of direction; route: the line of march down Main Street.
15. a course of action, procedure, thought, policy, etc.: That newspaper follows the communist line.
16. a piece of pertinent or useful information (usually fol. by on): I've got a line on a good used car.
17. a series of generations of persons, animals, or plants descended from a common ancestor: a line of kings.
18. a department of activity; occupation or business: What line are you in?
19. Informal. a mode of conversation, esp. one that is glib or exaggerated in order to impress or influence another person: He really handed her a line about his rich relatives.
20. a straight line drawn from an observed object to the fovea of the eye.
Even more Definitions here: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Lines

Now, waiting for next time!

Art Challenge #15: No-Theme Theme

2009-08-16T05:24:00.005-04:00

Observing Raging River

acrylic on 12" by 16" canvas sheet

available $60 with shipping included

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This was a fun theme - anything goes! And everyone turned out with their Sunday cloths on! Please go visit The Artist Challenge to see this awesome gallery. The artists are so inspiring and the best group of compassionate people I've ever had the pleasure of associating with!

Raging river has breached the bulkhead.
Mountain snows melted,
Water rushes across stones downhill.

The purpose of street lamps
Is to make you feel safe.
But not this night, in our village.

A full Fledged river of purple water
Is pooling in a greasy mist.
We find ourselves on Hell Street.

This is a study of contrasts and surprises for me! I have posted this painting once before, comparing it to Betheleham. Today I called it Hell Street! I did not realize this contrast until I was ready to post now. It just goes to show how our emotions and percepsions change from day to day! But I still like this painting be it Heaven or Hell!

You must call me darling!

Today is ART DAY!

2009-08-14T04:01:00.007-04:00

I joined several events to participate in, through Bloggers Unite. I am new to Art Day and the organization that sponsor's it, Artists for A Better World International, so this is about what I have learned.

A member of AFABW, Becky Mate, founded ART DAY in 1998. It is dedicated to artists of all disciplines to encourage creativity and bring joy to others.

Draw a picture today.

Compose a song today.

Write a poem or story today.

Paint today.

Have a party! today.

To prepare and celebrate today, Becky sent a letter to participating Bloggers. Being a very interesting study into the meaning of creativity, I asked Becky if I could post this letter here and she gave me permission. It is fairly long, but I assure you it is worth the time!

So, enjoy! I did!

Hello Beckie,
This is the eleventh year of celebrating international Art Day on the second Friday in August (this year it's 8/14). I wish you a fun, artful day.

The holiday gives us an opportunity to appreciate artists, the arts and cultures around the world. But further scrutiny begs the question, "Where does creativity come from?"

Does creativity come from a certain combination of brain chemicals? Which two molecules combine to form a sonata? Will my poetry have more imagery if I eat my greens? Maybe I should turn to my fellow playwright and say, "Lay off the okra and sauerkraut -your tragedies are way too sad." Perhaps the pharmacy in my local drug store is the key to improving my choreography ability. Or what if I add some O2 (oxygen) to my molecule that contains carbon and hydrogen? Then I could perform a fantastic dance.

Does creativity come from brain neurons firing? Zap! Does this electrical zap, zap, zap bring about a symphony? Maybe we could harness this creativity-generating electricity and build a huge machine. Ask it for the next "Star Wars." Zap! Zap! You have the next box office hit.

It used to be thought that creativity of an emotional nature came from the heart and the liver. Then it was discovered that the heart is merely a pump and the liver little more than a filter.

Does creativity come from properly spiraled DNA strands? Is it genetic? Can we go in for a chromosome adjustment to get over writer's block? How about adding some sculptor DNA to my existing helices, because I wouldn't mind being the next Michelangelo?

Does creativity come from the subconscious, that place where all human mysteries are conveniently swept under the carpet? Is creativity a joining of hidden mental forces, a miracle of unfathomed thought combinations, a recipe of emotion-experience-imagination stew, a mysterious mental image collision, a phoenix erected from the ashes of my anxieties, my flaws, my angers, my heartaches and my broken dreams?

Does creativity come from God? Is God spiritually pouring through our bodies, down our arm, through our wrist, through our hand and paintbrush? If so, it comes in handy when someone doesn't like a painting. Just shrug and say, "Wasn't me," and point to the sky.

Does creativity come from my soul? By the way, where is my soul? I know I was given one. Did I put it in storage knowing I might need it later? Has anyone seen my soul? What does it look like? I don't know. You say you've got three souls in the next room and want to know how I can prove my claim to one of them? Where does a musician keep his soul? In a pocket, so he can pull it out for inspiration? Judging by Beethoven and Van Gogh, they didn't keep it in their ear. Can I pour my soul from one cup to another? I think I keep my soul in my toes, because I get such a tingle there when a great new idea hits me.

Or, does creativity come from somewhere else? From a place that needs no location, from vision that requires no wavelength, from a reality that can't be measured, from a perspective that span and steps out of time? Does it come from that which considers, decides and imagines, but which is free to reconsider and re-imagine at will? Does creativity come from life itself? Does it come from, simply ... ME?

Becky Mate
Personal Website: Virtue in the Arts
Founder of Art Day: International Holiday for the Arts
Artists For A Better World International
5125 Hollywood Blvd, #13
Hollywood, CA 90027 USA

Thank you Becky for such an interesting study of the meaning of creativity and for allowing me to share it on my blog!

Happy Art Day to all! Now, go create something!

FTM Following the Masters Challenge #5

2009-08-13T13:06:00.009-04:00

Dancing Poppies
acrylic on 8" by 10" by .75" gallery wrapped canvas
SOLD to Mary Ellen $50 including shipping

This is my entry for Following the Masters Challenge #5: Poppies, Flowers or Gardens.

Sometimes, in order to understand something, you have to remove yourself from the situation and take a broader look. These Poppies are dancing, I am the observer and you know what? I like what I see!

Our lives are like that too! Please join me and look at your garden. Do you like what you see?

DSFDF Challenge #25 - Week 44-45 - Streets of San Francisco

2009-08-11T16:25:00.006-04:00

Lombard Street

acrylic on 14" by 18" x .75" Centurion LX Linen Stretched Canvas

available $125 including shipping

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This is my first Different Strokes from Different Folks Challenge. I have been considering entering this challenge for a long time, but for one reason or another, never have. I have watched it closely since January.

The Challenge began September 3, 2008 as a weekly event. After the 11th Challenge, the Challenge Administrator, Karin Jurik, turned it into a biweekly event. It was successful from the first challenge with 55 entries. The premise is "One Photograph Painted by Many". This Challenge, Week 44-45, is the 25th Challenge.

As I prepared to post this, I looked over the earlier challenges. Everyone of them had some really fine paintings with many artists returning again and again. Two really stood out to me. One was week #11 - Pedestrians and Shadows. Although the art wasn't the best challenge, everyone was to paint their entry upside down. I've know about this, but never tried it. I thought that was a really good idea. The other outstanding challenge was week #16-18 Painting Us Different Folks. Every artist traded pictures and painted each other from that photo. They were a trip and what fun that must have been for the artists when the painting were revealed! And of course, most of them had never met!

I am very excited to have finally entered this challenge. As everyone knows, I love the challenges. But my heart belongs to another - and always will. You know who you are! And so would everyone just by taking a glance at my sidebar.

I met another 'kindred' artist, Sherry Massey, from The Virtual Paintout who inspired me to enter this challenge. Sherry, you're a good friend! Thank you! Now I need to get Sherry to take on The Pub!

NZ Art Guild Challenge #7 update

2009-08-10T20:49:00.006-04:00

When good things come, there is such a relief and such joy that someone takes the time to let you know things are OK. This is a comment I got after yesterdays post where I was doubting myself for participating in this challenge.

Hi, These are fantastic! Great to see an artist from the other side of the world be encouraged to step out of their comfort zone by our challenges. :-) Look forward to seeing more of your artworks int he future. I'm pleased you enjoyed the challenge and learning about one of our kiwi artists.

Kind Regards
Sophia Elise
Manager
NZ Art Guild
www.nzartguild.co.nz

Thank you for making me feel comfortable in my own skin!

NZ Art Guild Challenge #7 - Master Artist

2009-08-08T23:44:00.012-04:00

NZ-AG Challenge #7 - after Marilynn Webb
acrylic on 8" by 10" canvas board

SOLD

NZ-AG Challenge#7 - after Marilynn Webb

acrylic on 8" by 10" canvas board

NZ-AG Challenge #7 - after Marilynn Webb

acrylic on 12" by 16" canvas sheet

The #7 Challenge for The New Zealand Art Guild Challenge is:

The Masters Challenge, Artist: Marilynn Webb

RULES: N.B. Artwork must be an original interpretation based on the artistic style or subject, a straight reproduction, or your individual interpretation of the Master Artists' work.

I am so out of my element here. I question why I'm even participating in this challenge. It is open to everyone and they invite artists from all over the world to participate, but it is dedicated to New Zealand artists!

Reminds me of my favorite old joke from THE FAR SIDE. An elephant sits on a stage at a concert piano. He is dressed in a tux and is ready to play. A caption above his head tells what he is thinking: "What am I doing here? I'm a flautist for crying-out-loud!"

However ...

Again, I am forced to try an art I would never have thought of by myself. Additionally, I am introduced to the master artist, Marilynn Webb and her lovely work. Her work and bio can be found at Gallery De Novo and toi o tahuna.

These are Marilynn Webb's paintings that I used as references. Although similar, there are distinct differences! Hers are perfect!

Going Through Fiordland Series by Marilynn Webb

Chalk Pastel

Thanks for looking and be sure to check out Ms. Webb's work!

Good night

Art Challenge #14: Moon River

2009-08-01T04:18:00.005-04:00

Moon River

acrylic on 11" by 14 " Pannelli Telati canvas panel

available $145 plus $8 shipping

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In the nights silence, the River shines bright

and flows without awareness of the white light.

Under the water the dance is glorious,

as fish glisten bathed only in moonbeams.

On the shore the people watch,

wondering where it all ends and when it begins.

The Moon smiles his nightly smile.

his job is good, his job is right.

All is well, on this night.

This is my entry for the 14th challenge of The Artist Challenge. It is my 9th consecutive entry and I almost missed completing it in time. I submitted it about one hour before it premiered, too close for comfort!

At the premier, Vikki North, the site administrator, announces the next months challenges. For August the two topics are, at first glance - nothing! But after some consideration, I know they will be both challenging and interesting. They are "No-Theme Theme" and "Anonymous". Yes, this will be interesting indeed!

I am very pleased with this painting. I was a little apprehensive about this one for some reason. As usually is the case, the worry is not necessary.

Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.

~Leo Buscaglia

OK, my friends, it is off to a few hours of sleep for me. I have things to do this weekend!

They were never alone ... they had each other

2009-07-31T02:58:00.008-04:00

Bill and Garth

soft pastel on 6.25x9.5 gray bugra

This is a quick, sentimental piece I did of two wonderful Chihuahua's that lived and loved with me. But their story, sentimental, is far from quick. They came into my life in January 1993. The first pet I kept, as an adult, from day one as a tiny puppy to death in my arms, was Paco, a 3 pound Chihuahua. I loved him so much that as I held his lifeless body, I said I would get a relative of his - AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

Paco passed away on a Sunday. On the following Saturday, my Mother and I drove home from Atlanta with 2 new babies, I only went for one, but what can I say! They were supposed to be relatives of Paco, but I doubt if they really were.

The kennel I got them from was deplorable. I couldn't tell you how many dogs this woman had, but I can tell you that in addition to the dozen or so that were in the room with us, a goat wandered in and out as well! There were 3 room sized rugs piled upon one another and the dogs would walk in a line and all take turns 'marking their spot' on, well, everything. I am not exaggerating, our eyes burned and watered with the ammonia level in that room! On the way home, we stopped at a fast food spot and Mom waited in the car with our new boys. When I returned and opened the door, I couldn't believe the - er - aroma! I had not intended to bath them on day one, but as we walked in the door of their new home, the water was warming and the towels were laid out! The breeder had given them a small blanket to carry the scent of their old home! I guess you already know that never comforted them in their transition either!

Bill was the youngest and the first thing my Mother said was, don't get this one, there is something wrong with his eyes. He was about 5 weeks old and as you can see, he had split brown and white splashes across his face. Before we left, Mom had fallen in love with him. She said she had been watching him and he had a wonderful, un-intimidated personality. For such a young puppy, he already knew who he was, sure of himself.

The other one, the black one, was apparently terribly shy, they called him Timmy as he was so timid. But he was a jealous fellow and because of all the attention the others were getting, the next thing I knew was he was sitting on my shoulder! Really! She told us he was 6 months old and had his adult hair and teeth. He weighed less than 2 pounds. I was delighted as I wanted a really tiny Chihuahua. Well he grew, he topped out at over 8 pounds and I often lovingly called him "gargantu-dog". At the suggestion of our Vet, I reassigned his birthday making him only about 6 weeks older than Bill.

Now, about Bill. Before we left this woman's house, I knew Bill was going to be - yes, I really did this, Bill Clinton! It was January, 1993, and the inauguration of President Clinton. I often remarked that I would get a new dog every time we got a new President, but in real life, that just doesn't happen. It did make a good story and a lot of good time planning it!

Bill lived up to his name. I don't know how I picked their names so appropriately, but Billy was the - um - how do I say this - the horny one! My standard joke was "I can go out into the back yard, shake my finger at him and say 'Bill Clinton, you horny little bastard' and be politically correct at the same time"!

He was sweet, loving, aloof and stoic. He was a one-of-a-kind, special! When he was only about 8 months old, my daughter called me at work and said he couldn't walk, something was terribly wrong. I was devastated, he was so special and I had just lost my beloved Paco and was still grieving over the loss of my husband. On the way home, I cried the cry of the deep soul pain. I tried to cry in between where I thought other drivers would see me, but as I was trying to be invisible, another driver started honking at me and motioning for me to roll down my window. This I really did not want to do as I was sure he was going to cuss me out and tell be to get off the road, that I had no business driving in that condition. Not knowing what else to do, I rolled down the window and this stranger, this man said to me with the deepest of compassion, "Lady, it will be alright"! Those are the moments that later in life you wish you could tell that stranger just how much they meant to you, that you will never forget them. I'm sure everyone, sometime in their lives, reaches someone else and never knows it. So for all of the people I could not tell, I now say with the deepest compassion, Thank You!

We ended up taking Bill to the Veterinarian Hospital in Gainesville, FL. As they walked him, they determined his back leg was paralyzed, he could not tell if his foot was up or down and his front leg was lame - another problem altogether. They were going to do the most elaborate tests to see if he had a tumor or other neurological problem. The cost would be staggering and then we could be facing surgery. Or, he could have a spinal cord stroke and after a month or two of bed rest his collateral muscles would take over the damaged area and he would return to nearly normal. My co-worker said to me "Beckie, when are you going to stop?" I didn't know how to put the limits on by myself, but with her support, I called Gainesville and told them I'd be over to pick him up.

We were lucky, it did turn out to be the spinal cord stroke and he did recover. He could not jump up on the furniture and was just a little gimpy. I did extraordinary things to support him. When I built an addition onto the upper level of our home where I lived, I boxed in the stairs so Bill wouldn't fall through. We had 2 sets of dog doors, all tile floors, special car seats, you name it and Bill got it.

Now about Garth. He was so loving and needy and yet timid of new people at the same time. Bill would go to everyone so Garth needed to go their too! One of my favorite memories of Garth's early time with us was when my brother Bruce came to meet them. Bruce was 6'4" tall and had really long legs. He was holding Bill and Garth was sitting at the end of Bruce's leg on his knees, leaning out away but he still had to be a part of the action. He eventually eased into our family and our lives and was comfortable with his life.

Here is how Garth got his name. On the ride home in that odoriferous car, I finally decided upon the name of Garth Brooks. Little did I know our Garth would turn out to be a singer! Oh, how he loved to sing and all our family loved to make him sing. He would through back his head like a coyote and howl through the perfectly round aperture of his mouth. He was adorable.

And no one had ever needed each other more than those two needed each other. Especially Garth, he went crazy if for some reason Bill was not with him. Once I took Bill out for a bike ride. I had all kinds of baskets and harnesses and clips to take them both, but it was just so much trouble, this time I took only Bill. When I returned, my Mother said "Don't ever leave Garth with me like that again, he was desperate".

Both Bill and Garth, also like our Paco, had congenital heart problems that shortened all of their lives. We would comment that Garth needed to be the first to pass, that he would be miserable if Bill passed first. Of course, that was not the way it turned out. Bill deteriorated over the last 6 months of his life. He lost all kinds of weight, looked like a puppy again. His hair quite growing and you just knew his time was near. Finally one evening, he filled with fluid and hung on with what power I don't know. Mom and I held him and cried off and on for several hours. I had given him extra lasix and he eventually rallied. I took him to the Vet the next day. They worked on him but we all knew his time had come. I never wanted him to go through another bout like he had the night before. I had him put to sleep. I brought him home and laid him upon a little blanket. By this time, we also had Erin and Annie, but they paid this process absolutely no attention. We brought Garth to Bill and let him sit and be with him. After awhile, I got a shoe box and placed Bill in a 'chili-pepper' dinner napkin inside the box. Mom and Garth and I went together into our yard and I dug Bill's grave. Garth sat with us, the thee of us forming a live triangle, and participated in the whole burial. We opened the box one last time, to make sure Garth knew that Bill was in it, and then buried him.

Amazingly, Garth really understood and never seemed to look for Bill. Garth was so smart. They were bonded as only soul-mates can be. They loved each other far more than they loved any human, and they DID love our family with all their hearts.

Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. "Pooh!" he whispered. "Yes, Piglet?" "Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw. "I just wanted to be sure of you."
~A.A. Milne

Garth died in my arms, 2 months later. He was buried next to Bill in the matching "chili-pepper" dinner napkin, but in a much larger box! This time, it was my Brother Bruce that dug the grave and said the words with my Mother and me. They both passed away 3 months later.

To this day, I couldn't tell you which I loved best, probably Garth, but I don't know. They were one to us, Billy and Garthie, our boys, our bubbies. How can you love your dogs so much? More than just about every person you've ever know. Tears flow, the true sense of weeping. The love never goes away. The memories keep them in our hearts forever.

Garth Brooks, the dog
October 7, 1992 - February 18, 2004

Bill Clinton, the dog
November 28, 1992 - December 9, 2003

Thank you for sharing our story!

She started as a Kentucky Weather-Girl

2009-07-27T18:28:00.004-04:00

Diane

acrylic on 8x10 canvas board

available $52 including shipping

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I'm brave today. I tried an acrylic portrait of my sister and it is in my burn pile! I guess it was inevitable I'd try it again, as I do love portraits and enjoy doing them in soft pastels. My problem is, I enjoy working with acrylics about 1000 times more!

I've got another painting in the works today, don't yet know if it will work out or not. I'll have to let you know! It is getting ready to storm buckets, just a few miles inland. Isn't it wonderful that we live in houses with doors and windows! Where do the birds go?

Did you know, this beautiful woman will be 65 in December?

Good Evening

The Virtual Paintout - July Challenge - Barcelona

2009-07-25T05:09:00.009-04:00

116 Carretera d'Horta a Cerdanyola, Barcelona

acrylic on 12" by 16" canvas board

Available $175 including shipping

This is the 6th Challenge for The Virtual Paintout. The city is Barcelona and I have to say, of all the cities we've visited so far, I really liked this one best. It was clean, spacious and had beautiful countryside. If I ever happen to leave the country, I would certainly consider Barcelona!

I can't wait to see where we go next month!

Have a beautiful day!

NZ Art Guild Challenge #6 - Memory

2009-07-24T04:00:00.004-04:00

Memory of a Rose

acrylic on 8" by 10" canvas board

Available $45 including shipping

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The other day, I received an invitation on Facebook to become friends with Sharlene Schmidt. We did not have any friends in common, so I visited her website and found out she was an artist in New Zealand and I liked her work. She had found me through a link we both have on out Blogs, Widgetbox Network.

While I was looking at her Blog, I ran across a Challenge that I had not heard of. I asked her about it and she invited me to join through Facebook. Their Web Site is NZ Art Guild and members submit their work there. However, I am affiliated through Facebook on their Fan Site and it is open to all. Sharlene asked me to invite my friends, too!

Now here's where it gets fun! You all know how I enjoy the Challenges. This one is completely different from any other I've found. Every 2 weeks the theme changes and so do all the rules. Here are the rules for Challenge #6:

The Theme: MEMORY

You Must Also Use: A LIMITED COLOUR PALETTE

Use a limited colour palette of 2 colours plus black and white (e.g. Orange plus Blue)

You may use any shade or tone of the colours you choose (e.g light blue through to dark blue) and since grey is a tonal variation of black and white you may also use that as well.

My Palette: Baltic Green, Neutral Grays 4, 6 & 8, Soft White, Light Portrait Pink, Cadmium Red Medium, Sap Green Permanent

God gave us memories that we might have roses in December.
~J.M. Barrie, 1922

I hope to participate in this Challenge often and as I do, you will see how the rules change.

AND FINALLY, I have not entered nearly as many painting as I would liked during the month of July. I don't even have a really good excuse! It seems like I stay busy, I have all kinds of projects laid out. But, I do have to tell you, sometimes I just don't feel like I have anything to paint. Maybe it's painters block - not really. I am in a period of time where I am doubting myself, my ability to paint anything of interest. I am working to get over this 'hump' and know it is perfectly normal. Thank you for your continued interest in my Blog and my work. I hope I haven't let you down and I am trying to get back on the 'productive' road again.

Good morning to you all

Laughter, Caring Deeds, Wonderful Stories & Love

2009-07-17T20:43:00.011-04:00

Thank You... For Building a Path
acrylic on 8" by 10" by .75" stretched canvas
SOLD to Dottie

This is a little house in Fort Worth, Texas. A Grandmother and Grandfather lived in this house and used to entertain their grandchildren on summer vacations. They have been gone for many years but the memory of the good times remains.

Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children.
~Alex Haley

I never felt so special or so happy as I did with my Grandparents. They were always happy and kind and generous and loving. They were always glad for my presence.

Grandparents always made you feel they had been waiting to see just you all day and now the day would be complete.
~Marcy DeMaree

They traveled every year to see us in the winter and we traveled every year to see them in the summer.

A garden of Love grows in a Grandparent's heart.
~Helen Thomson

Their homes were roomy and always the same. They had a fragrance of their own that made them special and comfy.

I loved their home. Everything smelled older, worn but safe; the food aroma had baked itself into the furniture.
~Susan Strasberg

I wonder, if I could go back, how would it feel? How would it smell? Would I cry? Would I leave with the awareness that they are always with me.

"...I want to stay here" I whispered.
"No, we want you to take us with you."
"How do I do that?" I mumbled.
"Put us in your heart. Know your connection"
~Judith Fraser, MA, MFT

NOTE: As I was researching this post, I ran across the most wonderful story. The above quote by Judith Fraser, is a tiny excerpt from the story. Please follow this link and read this beautiful story about returning to the home of her Grandparents. You won't be sorry!

Dottie, this is for you!
Good Night

Art Challenge #13: The Patriot

2009-07-16T03:09:00.005-04:00

Suffragette

acrylic on 9" by 12" by .75" stretched canvas

available $60 including shipping

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I learn something with every challenge. For instance, I had no idea what the word "suffrage" meant. The definition simply is: the right or privilege of voting.

This challenge for The Artist's Challenge is The Patriot. The definition of patriot is: one who loves and defends his or her country. Wikipedia gives so many definitions that my head was spinning! I did know that I wanted to paint something about the women of the early 20th century that fought for the right to vote, suffragettes. I looked up photos on Google and found this one.
I have to say, the idea of creating my own colors from a B&W photo was also very intriguing. I was not disappointed!

I found a few quotes that really impressed me, therefore, I'm including more than one today!

Carry out the republican principle of universal suffrage, or strike it from your banners
and substitute 'Freedom and Power to one half of society, and Submission and Slavery to the other.
~Ernestine Rose

Proof that they do not understand the republic is that in their fine promises for universal suffrage, they forgot women.
~Delphine de Girardin

Suffrage is a common right of citizenship. Women have the right of suffrage. Logically it cannot be escaped.
~Victoria Woodhull

Suffrage is the pivotal right.
~Susan B. Anthony

Can you imagine what these women went through to stand up and fight for their beliefs? They must have endured great opposition and hostility and yet they prevailed.

Wikipedia defines suffrage as: Suffragette is a term originally coined by the Daily Mail newspaper as a derogatory label for the more radical and militant members of the late-19th and early-20th century movement for women's suffrage in the United Kingdom, in particular members of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU). However, after former and then active members of the movement began to reclaim the word, the term became a label without negative connotations.

I think I would have the courage to fight for my beliefs, but I'm not sure. There are so many important issues today, and I'm not on the line for them, so it does make me wonder?

Well, enough of the history lesson. I hope someone found it interesting and someone learned something as I did!

The challenge debuts tomorrow, July 18th. I couldn't wait to post all my new found information one more day!

Good Morning dear ones

FTM Following the Masters Challenge #4

2009-07-15T00:22:00.006-04:00

The Century after Maxfield Parrish

acrylic on 12" by 16" canvas board

available $75 including shipping

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This is my first entry in the Following the Masters Challenge hosted by Michelle Burnett. It is the forth challenge and the subject is art of Maxfield Parrish. It was hard for me to find something of his I felt I could paint. His style is very detailed and 'old-world' in style. I am much more contemporary in my art and in my taste. When I buy art, if it has a computer, piercing or tattoo, all the better! Mr. Parrish did not paint those things!

But it was a wonderful learning experience. Maxfield Parrish was a very gifted artist and I had never heard of him! He was famous for his androgynous nudes, like the one I did. He was also famous for the dazzlingly luminous colors that marked much of his artwork; the shade "Parrish blue" was coined in acknowledgement. He could not be categorized and developed a truly original style of his own. There is so much available about Mr. Parrish on Google. Look him up to see his unique art.

I hope you are having a lovely week.
A very early Good morning!

This bicycle QUOTE is not to be missed!

2009-07-12T05:23:00.003-04:00

Bicycling in Amsterdam

acrylic on 6" by 8" canvas board

available $35 including shipping

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This painting was inspired by a photo by Michiel Poodt. Since Amsterdam is known for bicycling, I enjoyed painting this picture. It is a bit abstract at first glance.

I'm still getting my house and studio back together. I think everything is just about back to normal. It is early Sunday morning. Wonder what the day will bring?

The bicycle is just as good company as most husbands and, when it gets old and shabby, a woman can dispose of it and get a new one without shocking the entire community.

~Ann Strong

Have a beautiful Sabbath

No spring nor summer beauty

2009-07-10T22:11:00.004-04:00

Three Graces, 1986

acrylic on 20" by 24" canvas board

nfs, my personal collection

When I first started painting in 1983, there were few resources to see art. I subscribed to several art magazines and in one on them was an article about painting shadows. The author/artist used a similar painting to demonstrate the discussion. I have not been able to determine who that person was, but this is the painting I did from that article.

It has hung in my home ever since. At one time, I gave it to my Mother, but as we lived together, it floated its way back to me! However, the most significant thing about the my painting is the resemblance of the first Grace dressed in blue to my Grandmother, Noma Saar. You can read about Grammam in my post Happy Mother's Day Grammam. I think the resemblance will be evident with only that one photo.

No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face.

~John Donne

On a personal note - I have, like almost everyone, been looking for way to augment my income. I have a very large home that 2 families can easily live in. I am looking for a housemate and to free-up the ground floor of my home, I have moved my studio from a downstairs Florida room to my upstairs great room. My new studio - funny to call it new as the old one was only five months old - has turned out quit nice. I will take a photo soon to show you the new layout. But, doing this move has taken a huge portion of my time this week and I have not posted as much as I intended. That means I have not painted as much either. I will make every effort to be more timely for the rest of July. It is time I put some miles on this ol' blog!

Goodnight, friend

You were not made from a common mold

2009-07-07T13:59:00.005-04:00

Babar Sher Crimson

acrylic on 10" by 10" by 1.5" gallery canvas

available $60 + $8 shipping

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This is the 3rd of four lions I started a couple of weeks ago. I still have one more and I'm sorry to say, it has taken me a little longer than I had hoped.

This lion is painted in almost all iridescent golds, copper & bronze. There are touches of 4 other colors, I'm sure you can see black and white! Also, there is a touch of pink on his nose and a touch of yellow orange azo under his wiskers. For me, very minimalistic!

The background is so yummy because the sides of the gallery wrap canvas are slightly contrasted to the front background. The background is Qunacridone Magenta and the sides are Hibiscus. OOOww, this is a pretty combination!

I know you can't wait - ha! ha! - but I'll give you a hint, the next - the last - lion will be on a green/gold background. Maybe this lion will be green, too!

I thank God for the way he made you, distinct, special and unique. You were not made from a common mold.

~ Erwin W. Lutzer

I WILL see you tomorrow!

Self Portrait Global Love In Challenge

2009-07-03T08:54:00.011-04:00

Self Portrait No.5, Cherry Chin
acrylic on 6" by 8" canvas board
nfs, my personal collection

There is a lot of story to tell. I started Daily Painting in February. During that month, I read on a painting board on WetCanvas about one new artist that challenged himself to paint a self portrait everyday for one month. I thought what a good exercise!

I had my daughter Mary Ellen come over and I used several wigs to create various looks. We took over 100 shots and about 10 of them were really good. Another 20 or 30 were very useful in painting self portraits.

In this image, I was wearing a waist-length "vamp" wig. The over-all look of this wig was not useful for painting self portraits, it just doesn't look natural enough and besides that, it is a ridiculous wig! But this photo, I thought was, was fun.

After painting my version, A Greener Jimmy, of Jimmy Wright's Self Portrait with Green Hand, I wondered what I'd look like done in vibrant colors. Well, I'm glad to say I really liked it and it has become one of my signature pieces.

Then in May, I found David Lobenberg's Self Portrait Global Love In which I wrote about in my May 22 post Art Challenges. I love self portraits so I jumped right in and contacted Mr. Lobenberg. I sent mine in on June 1st, I was so excited. I received a confirmation and when the challenge was posted, mine was not included. I wasn't sure if it was an oversite or if there was going to be additional postings over a period of time. I knew Mr. Lobenberg had spent a great amount of time working on this project and it had turned out to be very popular with over 50 entries. But I needed to know if something had been wrong with mine. Here are the wonderful words he wrote on the Blog about my inquiry.

"(...) I even missed posting (to date) two portraits...nuts?? (...) Also, I missed posting Beckie Saar Leone's wonderfully colorful and expressive SP. She emailed me wanting to know if there was something wrong with hers...hell no!"

I don't know what Mr. Lobenberg's plans are for continuing this challenge in the future, but I hope it is an ongoing project. It was very successful and a lot of fun.

I can't leave the subject of Self Portraits without including a site artist Fred Bell told us about on Facebook, the 5th Annual National Self-Portrait Exhibition. There are some incredible self portraits there, a must see if you also love self portraits.

And finally, a note about "Cherry Chin". As my daughter and I were growing up together, we frequently noted how different we look from each other. She is a beautiful female version of her father! Somehow, we developed the nicknames for each other "Cherry Chin" and "Shovel Chin". I'll leave those images with you!

Say goodnight, Cherry Chin

BooHoo - I missed the June Challenge

2009-07-02T11:30:00.008-04:00

Via Incontri, Florence, Italia

acrylic on 18" by 18" by 3/4" gallery wrapped canvas

available $75 plus $8 shipping

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If I had completed this on time, it would have been my entry for The Virtual Paintout June Challenge, Florence. I had selected my image from Google City Streets, selected my canvas, prepped & sanded it, acrylic base coat and sketched. Just didn't get around to adding the paint! Oh well, I still proud of myself for doing it anyway. As I've said previously, it is for the challenge to myself!

This is the largest canvas I've painted on since beginning my daily painting in February. It wasn't difficult at all.

In fact, I've noticed I'm gravitating to 9x12's, 11x14's and 12x16's.

I still like the SFA (small format art) that I started out with. I prefer 6x8, 7x9 & 8x10's when I do smaller pieces and 5x7 & 6x6 are OK. But I do not enjoy 4x6 and smaller.

I used to use mostly 16x20's & 20x30's and the largest piece I did was 30x30. I'll have to get around to posting some more of my older work soon.

This is my first nooner post!

Can't say Goodnight!

UPDATE: I couldn't resist reworking the foreground from the original post. On 7/3 I replaced the first posting with the updated painting. Thank you Karen for you kind comment! I hope you like this one even better!

beckielboo

Book of Beginnings

2009-06-30T04:26:00.004-04:00

Illusions, Aspirations & Dreams

inspired by Nora Sallows

acrylic on 7" by 9" canvas board

nfs in collection of artist

This painting is one that grows on me. I like it better every time I see it. It is very similar to one of Nora Sallows original nude series of 20 from May 2006, but bolder in color with much different brush strokes. Ms. Sallows is a well know and respected Ohio portrait and wildlife artist who's web site is Dancing Light Studio. Her painting can be seen here.

How beautiful is youth! how bright it gleams with its illusions, aspirations, dreams! Book of Beginnings, Story without End, Each maid a heroine, and each man a friend!
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Time sure flies!
Good morning

Art Challenge #12: June Bug

2009-06-26T23:37:00.017-04:00

June Bug and the Bee

acrylic on 12" by 12" canvas board

available $60 includes shipping

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There are two challenges a month at The Artist Challenge - A Private Art Club and June Bug #12 is the last one this month. I say it each time, if you like challenges and haven't checked into this one, you are missing something. Vikki North, the site administrator, is always bringing in guest speakers, finding special additions and in general making it fun to be a part of The Pub!

I just read the best article about photographing your art work by Guest Speaker Randall Bellows III, Professional Photographer. If you're not a member of The Pub, this would be a good reason to join - and it's free! Mr. Bellows has three sites, a Fine Art Site, he also has a Fashion/Portraiture site and a Blog site. I haven't checked them out yet, but will be doing so very soon. His guest speaker topic was worth checking out further.

This painting is another one of my literal interpretations of the subject. I can't wait to see what ideas the other artists present. Wikipedia gives so many definitions of June Bug. You could almost paint anything and it would qualify under one of the definitions!

I got my two bugs from a wonderful bug site, North American Bug and Spiders.

My bee is a Halictid Bee - Augochloropsis sp. commonly known as a "sweat bee", who's elongated "polka dots" in the compound eyes are optical illusions, akin to the "pupil" in the praying mantis' eyes, photographed in the wild at Winfield, Illinois by Sean McCann.

My June Bug is a Cotinus nitida, one of many beetles also colloquially known as "June bug", Photo by Stephen Friedt.

I included the original images so you could see what they really looked like, especially the bee. My painting of the bee is so colorful you might think I embellished it. You can see I did not, nature took care of that all by itself!

It is better to be a young June-bug than an old bird of paradise.

Mark Twain

What a happy time!

Goodnight

In a Flower Garden

2009-06-25T23:48:00.007-04:00

Wisteria

acrylic on 6" by 8" canvas board

available $35 including shipping

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This is a fun little piece that I did to entertain myself. It is done on a background painted from a previous palette. I loved these background colors.

I remember the first time I saw or smelled Wisteria. It was in Atlanta in 1957 at my Fathers Boss' home, John and Hilda Dugger. It was the most wonderful thing I had ever smelled. I've never had wisteria in my yard, but have always wanted it. I do have a great stand of jasmine on my front door pergola and it does smell wonderful when it is in bloom. I wonder, does it come in purple?

Enjoy
Goodnight

Fierce, but never low or underhanded

2009-06-22T22:58:00.006-04:00

Babar Sher Fierce

acrylic on 12" by 12" canvas board

Sold to Ginger $60 including shipping

This is another Babar Sher. I couldn't believe how fierce he turned out! I probably shouldn't admit that, but sometimes you just don't know where things are going. The background started with an iridescent gold. I wanted to put a dark blue wash on it, but it completely covered the gold. I used a palette knife to blend the colors. I wasn't happy with the result, but hoped it would work with the painting. It did!

This is the 2nd of four new Babar Sher's I hope to finish in the next week. I have the other two canvas backgrounds ready.

I may have been fierce, but never low or underhand. Ty Cobb

Waiting for a beautiful morning
Goodnight

I am sometimes a lion

2009-06-21T22:18:00.011-04:00

Babar Sher Grande

acrylic on 11" by 14" Claybord

SOLD to Ron $75 plus $8 shipping

This is a larger version of Babar Sher, Urdu for Lion posted on May 20, 2009. I am attempting 4 variations of that painting as an exercise. This is the first completed one. I hope to finish the 2nd one tonight.

This painting has renewed my appreciation for Claybord. Claybord needs to be painted with thin washes of color layered upon layer. I usually paint with straight heavy body acrylics and apply them anywhere from thin to fairly thick. So, I got to practice using washes. I used 3 washes on the background. The first two were Soft-Body Pithlo Blue RS mixed with equal parts of blue interference and iridescent gel. The third coat was Soft-Body Iridescent Rich Gold mixed with equal parts of gold interference and iridescent gel. I love the result!

When the lion was almost complete, I decided it was too green, so covered most of the face with gold interference. That did it!

The one excellent thing that can be learned from a lion is that whatever a man intends doing should be done by him with a whole-hearted and strenuous effort.
Chanakya

The quote, if you are reading this, is mostly for my new friend James Parker. I take my painting very seriously. Nothing will stop me, as I do it for myself. If someone likes it, that is a gift for me! This will spill over to all other aspects of my life as I continue to grow.

I am alright! Thank you for caring!
Goodnight!

Art Challenge #11: The Giving Tree

2009-06-20T00:54:00.007-04:00

In Kinder Times

acrylic on 12" by 16" canvas board

available $75 + $8 shipping

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What a fun Challenge! The artist's at The Artist's Challenge - A Private Art Club get to help in suggesting and choosing the theme's of the Challenge. It is so much fun to listen to the ideas and then see them come into fruition. The contributor Artists are all so talented, and there is nobody nicer that the site administrator, Vikki North, she always has a kind word and is an incredible artist! If you enjoy art challenges and haven't joined this one ... yet, what are you waiting for?

Oh yes, about the topic of this challenge. Shel Silverstein wrote The Giving Tree among other titles. It is a moralistic story about the love a tree has for a little boy. I actually bought the book just to get the idea of what it was all about. It is a beautiful story, but what I couldn't understand was The Tree was like a parent with unconditional love that ended giving everything - I mean everything - to a little boy, now grown into a man, that was incredibly selfish, taking everything without realizing what the impact to the tree was. I'm sure that is an analogy to parents and children. As I researched a link to the book, I found Wikipedia discusses the controversy about the meaning. How about that!

Meet us at The Pub

Goodnight

Windows To The Words - June Challenge

2009-06-17T23:42:00.009-04:00

Old Willie in Dreds

acrylic on 5" by 7" canvas board

available $35 including shipping

email me for PayPal invoice

This is my entry to James Parker's challenge Windows To The Words for June, "Old folks...Love Them Wrinkles". I wrote about Mr. Parker and this challenge on May 22, Art Challenges.

I still think his concept is the most original challenge I've found because it encompasses a combination of writing, photography and art. In his post today, he says:

"I have started Windows to the Words, and after 4 months, the challenge has had moderate success. I'll keep it up, because it is a good thing. The artwork I have received has been marvelous...and if I get just one person who contributes and enjoys doing...then that's fine."

I can only hope he develops a following and soon. Mr. Parker is a gifted artist, educator, challenge host and unique personality. I think he deserves recognition for caring about and interacting with other artists. It takes a big man to open himself to others while, at the same time, running his own business.

So now Mr. Parker, I only have a 3 things to say about my submission:
1. My name is Beckie Saar Leone
2. the URL you associated with my name goes to "Not Found, Error 404"
3. the name of my painting is "Old Willie in Dreds" not "The Second Verse of My Song"

Well now, I feel better already!
Goodnight Mr. Parker

UPDATE: Thank you Mr. Parker, for making the corrections to my entry as soon as I notified you there were errors. I know it wasn't important to anyone but me, but I do appreciate it!

Making sense of things

2009-06-16T23:27:00.002-04:00

Astible

acrylic on 6" by 6" canvas board

available $35 including shipping

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I've been trying to be consistent in posting. Actually, consistent in all aspects of painting, studying, blogging and networking. Recently, failing badly!

What is it that happens to you that all of a sudden, nothing is running smoothly? Maybe I've got to many straws in the wind right now! That reminds me of what my Psychiatrist said to me once, "OK, you don't have a few straws in the wind, you have a few bales of hay"! I loved that. There are some things that just make the whole world make sense, to me, that is one of them.

The painting is small, bright and peppy. It is another example of using my left over palette from one painting to make a background for a future painting. If you search my blog for "palette-frwd-bkg" you will see many examples of these.

Well, it is lightening like crazy right now. Crazy weather!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Goodnight

She takes 21 words to describe

2009-06-16T11:52:00.006-04:00

Amina

acrylic on 6" by 8" canvas board

available $35 includes shipping

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When I look at this painting, here is what I think:

Air of mystery Allure Amusement Aura Beauty
Charisma Contentment Dignity Fascination
Glamour Harmony Loveliness Magic
Mystique Personality Poise Pride Radiance
Self-assurance Shine Stateliness Wonder

OK, I like this person! I have never met her, but consider her a real friend. When I started this painting, I was going to paint it in bright colors making an abstract-type image. But I liked it this way so much, I changed direction. Another time, I'll paint her in another style.

Amina is a pastel artist who lives in Tunisia. She speaks 4 languages and is very talented. She will be having a one-person show in October.

I hope you like it, too.
Have a nice afternoon.

Vintage Shade of Purple

2009-06-13T21:35:00.004-04:00

Entertaining Someone Special

acrylic on 12" by 16" canvas sheet

This is my interpretation of a painting by Rachel Deacon, Reclining Woman. Ms. Deacon is a very successful London artist. She focuses mainly on the female figure as self assured and provocative. Her work is so yummy, you must take a look!

I painted this in 2006 when I was only coping work I admired. They are never exact copies, nor were they meant to be. I used them as teaching exercises and still enjoy that process.

I love this painting, it is one of my personal favorites.

Enjoying the weekend,

Goodnight

UPDATE (12/15/10): support corrected from canvas board to canvas sheet

Purple Lily

2009-06-11T19:39:00.004-04:00

Purple Lily

acrylic on 5" by 7" claybord

available $30 including shipping

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This is on claybord. I'm excited about using a white background with nothing showing except the object. I'd like to do more of this technique.

In case you're wondering, Stella came home with me - I know - big surprise! She is just as beautiful as her picture, but completely isolated. She has found a corner to sit in but has not ventured out unless I get her. Fortunately, she does allow me to pick up - most of the time! I hope she will eventually feel safe and happy here, in whatever way that is right for her.

Thank for asking about Stella. She needs all the support she can get.

Until next time,
Goodnight

A Dog Day - Meeting Stella

2009-06-09T20:42:00.005-04:00

Stella arrived in rescue with her four brothers. They are only about one and a half years old. They appear to be Chihuahua / Dachshund mixes. They are all as sweet as can be but appear to have grown up with very little human contact. They were very dependent on each other but since arriving at our rescue they are learning that human love and attention can be a really good thing. They have also learned that humans can open treat bags and the refrigerator where the REALLY GOOD treats are housed.

Tomorrow, I am driving 3 hours to Inverness, Florida to meet Stella. I have been wanting to adopt a special needs dog from a puppy mill or an abandoned dog. Everyone knows that Erin and Annie are my BEST BEST FRIENDS, but I know we have room for a special girl that has never know love or had a home.

Wish us luck for the trip and that I pick the right dog that needs a home. I'll be leaving home at 8am to arrive at the shelter around 11am, so be thinking of us during those times!

I'm really excited, but am determined not to come home with a dog just because. She must be in need of a home that otherwise would be hard to find. I ask you? Were are the 3 legged dogs? Or the boney, hungry dogs? Stella does look a little too good to be true doesn't she? But we shall see!

You'll get an update as soon as I get home!
Good Evening

There is a person, be it friend or family...

2009-06-07T03:23:00.005-04:00

Barbara

Soft Pastel on 6.25" by 9.5" grey velour

nfs, my personal collection

There is a person, be it friend or family, whose devotion is so complete, that before we know our own needs, they have been attended too.

There is a person, be it friend or family, who knows the song in our hearts and sings it to us when our memory fails.

There is a person, be it friend or family, who thinks that you are a good egg even though she knows that you are slightly cracked.

There is a person, be it friend or family, who celebrates your every success, mourns at you losses and stays with you when you are in need.

There is a friend who destiny forgot to give you as a sister. This is that person!

Happy Birthday, my friend, my sister.

Sail away from the safe harbour

2009-06-06T03:16:00.010-04:00

Evening Breezes

acrylic on 12" by 16" canvas sheet

can be mounted on foam core

SOLD to Sheila $60.00 including shipping

A romantic sunset sail is a perfect way to see brilliant stars, sunsets, full moons, and meteor showers.

This painting was done with a palette knife and the sea portion is coated with glass bead gel. It is very tactile.

To reach a port we must sail, sometimes with the wind, and sometimes against it. But we must not drift or lie at anchor.
~ Oliver Wendell Holmes

Thank you for looking,
Goodnight

Twilight, again.

2009-06-04T23:39:00.005-04:00

Twilight. again.

acrylic on 8" by 10" canvas board

nfs, Private Collection

I enjoy using iridescent and metallic colors. I also like using red. This painting satisfied both desires. I also used the palette knife for the background. Great fun!

Twilight, again. Another ending. No matter how perfect the day is, it always has to end.
Stephenie Meyer, Twilight, 2005

Thanks for looking,
Goodnight

When the old woman died, there was no one left to care

2009-06-03T23:12:00.006-04:00

unknown

Alderson Magee, 1973

China Board Drawing

Four years before Susie was born, four years before the old woman knew the love of her life, nine years before Alderson Magee would draw this picture, I joined Horizon Club, Camp Fire Girls for Senior High School. That was in 1964. The adult leader of our club gave me this picture 44 years later.

Briefly, I met Pam, the daughter of our leader (Mrs. Pat Boney), a tall, shy, classic beauty. We slowly became fast friends and as the next 45 years rolled by, we became like sisters. It is because of my precious Annie (part of the name of my Blog), that Mrs. Boney, a licensed Estate Appraiser, gave me this picture.

The dogs name was Susie. On the back of the drawing, the old woman loving wrote:

"Susie, born November 5, 1968 - died July 20, 1981, 10pm"

If the fact TOW (the old woman - [I wish I knew her name, but I don't!]) commissioned this beautiful drawing wasn't enough to tell of her love of Susie, that one line of handwritten information tells volumes. I'm sure TOW thought Susie would be remembered forever, but that was not the way it was to be. When TOW passed away, perhaps there was family left, perhaps not. In any event, this drawing was discarded into an Estate Sale. Even worse, no one bought it.

Mrs. Boney realized it was very similar to my Annie and generously gave it to me. I have to admit, I didn't think that much about it until I myself became so interested and involved in art. I took another look at the drawing and realized its significance.

First, it is a magnificent piece of artwork. Alderson Magee, Sandy to his friends and family, began doing China Board Art in 1970. He is still living, born in 1929, but I don't know if he is still drawing or not. Perhaps he is best known for his 1976 -- Canada Geese -- Federal Duck Stamp.

But what tugs at my heart, what makes me cry is knowing that Susie again has someone to love her and carry into the future the love TOW felt for her.

Yes, they are gone. but through ART, caring and loving becomes immortal. I think it is a good idea to have a painting done of your beloved pet but remember to finish the story by writing on the back. Someone in the future will find the painting and remember there once was ... and now there is again!

Goodnight TOW, Goodnight Susie

Art Challenge #10: A Road Less Traveled

2009-06-01T23:44:00.010-04:00

Liberal, MO

acrylic on 9" by 12" by 1.5" gallery wrapped canvas

available $60.00 including shipping

email me for PayPal invoice or

In one of my Mother's Day post, I mentioned my Grandfather Scott "Doc" Wimmer was from Liberal, Missouri. Their home was occupied until early in the 1990's. Every year, we visited my grandparents in Southeast Kansas, and always took an afternoon to visit his brothers, Uncle Paul, Uncle Archie and his wife Aunt Dessie, and Aunt Dorothy. These were wonderful trips into a time gone by. I have many memories and stories about Liberal, perhaps I should start a Blog about my family, memories and the places they lived. Maybe...

I painted this picture for The Artist Challenge #10, A Road Less Traveled. It is interesting that some of the other entries showed what was at the end of that road. I guess I am too literal, I thought a road was a road! Maybe they will have that challenge again and I can paint a rainbow! Just kidding, I like my painting and would take that road anytime!

Along with the painting, I posted the following quote. I like it, so want to share it again here.

We stand now where two roads diverge. But unlike the roads in Robert Frost's familiar poem, they are not equally fair. The road we have long been traveling is deceptively easy, a smooth superhighway on which we progress with great speed, but at its end lies disaster. The other fork of the road / the one less traveled by / offers our last, our only chance to reach a destination that assures the preservation of the earth.
Rachel Carson

Where does that road lead you?
Goodnight

The Virtual Paintout - May Challenge - Paris

2009-06-01T01:05:00.007-04:00

3 Quai Voltaire, Paris

acrylic on 9" by 12" by 1.5" gallery wrapped canvas

SOLD, $60.00 including shipping

This is the most technical piece I've done. At one point I thought, I can't do it, I'll never have it ready for the challenge deadline! After giving up, I thought, one window at a time! Isn't that the way it is? If I had given up, I would not have been able to do it. By taking it one window at a time, I'm reminded of The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper! Just never thought of myself as a Little Engine!

What makes you A Little Engine?
Good Morning

In Memory of My Brother

2009-05-31T01:09:00.004-04:00

Portrait of Bruce Raymond Saar

pastel on 6.25" by 9.5" yellow velour

nfs, in Private Collection

My younger brother Bruce passed away five years ago today. He was three weeks shy of his 50th birthday. He married only once, to Barbara, once our sister-in-law, now our sister. They had one son, Alex, who is 22 and is entering his 5th year in an Engineering degree.

Bruce was one of the hardest workers I've known. He owned his own lawn and landscape company. He was an Eagle Scout. He had a passion for boating, skiing, fishing and diving. He had many friends and was very social. He called his sisters and Mother occasionally and NEVER failed to say "I Love You". He was a dog owner, having many Viszla's over his lifetime. That may not seem like an accomplishment, but to me, someone that keeps an animal to the end, and then does it again and again, shows compassion and respect for life that is commendable. But best of all, was the love and genuine interest he took in his son Alex. Bruce was a dedicated father that participated in son's life, guiding and teaching and mentoring Alex into the fine man that he is today. There is no higher legacy.

It's easy to tell all the good about someone after they are gone, the pedestal grows taller and higher. For all his good, his faults were many. He lived fast and hard. Our family never thought he would live through his early years but he was stronger than we gave him credit for and even though he didn't live into old age, he lived and experienced a full life. It is my belief, that when someone dies, it is because they have accomplished what their time on earth was about. I believe Bruce is onto the next lesson his soul requires. I believe Bruce is in the hands of Our Father and he is the lucky one for that. I will always miss his presence and wonder what could have been, but I do not wish him back, I know he is on golden streets and in a better place.

I consider this drawing of Bruce to be one of my finest pieces.

To a day of celebrating Bruce with joy and love,
Goodmorning

The Joy of Pigs

2009-05-30T22:56:00.011-04:00

Olivia, Little Piggy

acrylic on 8" by 8" canvas board

available, $40.00 including shipping

email me for PayPal invoice

Olivia is a fictional pig featured in children's books by author and illustrator Ian Falconer, who says he based the exuberant, strong-willed character on his niece.

My Olivia is based upon Norma Wilson's Piglet. I actually tried to buy this painting, but was unsuccessful in the EBay auction. Norma is THE reason I was introduced to daily painting. I Googled flamingo and came upon a painting of hers. I followed the links and found my most favorite site, Daily Painters Gallery.

Norma paints the most wonderful, whimsical animals among other subjects. She uses thick, color intense oils and verys the sizes and subjects to keep things interesting. Although I haven't gotten to know Norma very well - yet - I think of her as my friend. Thank you for the inspiration and the joy of your beautiful paintings.

See you next time,

Goodnight

I Crossed the Ditch and the River Today

2009-05-29T22:51:00.012-04:00

This was such a fun day, doing something I almost NEVER do, going to downtown Jacksonville. When we were children, in the 60's, that is where you went to shop! Jacksonville is not a mecca center, in fact, it only reached 1 million residents during the 1960's. But, it has a few buildings of note and today, my friend Dottie Fletcher, took me on an adventure to the new City Hall! Dottie has been researching an article about Jacksonville and today made a great tour guide! But first, I need to tell you who Dottie is.

Dottie is a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a retired career educator, a published author among so many other things. But to me, Dottie is my oldest (in duration, not age) friend!

I moved from Decatur, Georgia to Jacksonville in August 1959 to Southside, in the San Jose area on Mariana Road. Dottie lived next door. She was the oldest of 4 children, just entering the sixth grade. I was the middle of three children entering the 8th grade. Due to the extreme difference in our ages, over all the years until 1971 when I left Mariana Road, Dottie and I were very dear, very close friends, but never socialized together. I really don't think I realized until today, that I have no other acquaintance, still in contact with, that I've know longer! Several others came along that year that I still know, Claire, Lynda and Myra, but Dottie came first. Gee, that makes me want to wrap a little piece of gold around her name! Too bad I can't paste a little star here! What?

This building is located just to the west of Hemming Park. It has been in this location since 1910. At the time it was completed, it was the 8th largest department store in the United States. Prior to 1900 is was a grand hotel. It, like so many others of that era, made of wood, burned to the ground. It wasn't until 1910 that the Cohen Brothers started construction on, what was to first be called The Big Building, May-Cohen's. As seen above the facade was simple with beautiful embellishments which are still in tact.

The building itself is called the St. James. I do not know the origin of that, Dottie did not tell me about that! But here you can see the detail of the embellishments.

The original department store had a huge open rotunda with a beautiful sky light. During the 40's, all four floors were enclosed, hiding the sky light for 60 plus years.

I couldn't get in a position to photograph the entire skylight in one shot. Had I known just how big it was and how beautiful it was, I could have taken my seldom used wide angle lens, did I have it with me when I needed it?

And I couldn't help but enjoy the shadows cast upon the beautiful floor from the sky light. Today, this building is Jacksonville City Hall. May it last, in all its beauty, for another 100 years.

Before I finish, I must tell you about the title of this post. In Jacksonville Beach, it is agreed, that we don't like to cross the Intra Coastal Waterway (IAC), affectionately called "the ditch", and we never cross the River (St. John's). My late husband, Paul Leone, and I had a home on the IAC. Paul always called it "the canal". I guess I don't have to tell you that is my favorite term for "the ditch"!

Dottie, you my special friend, have given me a lovely day down memory lane. Thank you!

Goodnight

Seeing a green Kentucky native is believing

2009-05-28T23:50:00.008-04:00

A Greener Jimmy

acrylic on 6" by 6" canvas board

available $35.00 including shipping

email me for PayPal invoice

The artist, Jimmy Wright's, Self Portrait with Green Hand, is now in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is a wonderful self portrait of such color, it is irresistible. This is my interpretation of his wonderful painting.

Wonder what he'd look like in ultra-marine blue?
Goodnight

Not a Cast Iron Doorstop

2009-05-27T23:48:00.007-04:00

Mommy Flo's Back Door

acrylic on 12" by 12" canvas board

nfs, Private Collection

I used a palette knife on the door. This was the first time I had use the palette knife and I loved it. The picture came from an old calendar photo. I loved the photo and it has been hanging in my dog kennel, a small utility type room that has a large kitchen sink for dog baths and inside/outside door for the dogs. I like to put doggie cards and junky pictures in there where I would not use them elsewhere.

When my Mother was a child, she had a black Scottie named Lassie. The door immediately reminded me of my Grandmother's back door in the home they lived in, in Cherokee, Kansas, for over 50 years. I never fail to think of my Mother as a child and my Grandmother's home when I see this picture! I wrote about Flo before Mother's Day, she was so special to me.

I gave this painting to my dear friend Pam. She had lived with me for about one year, and there are all kinds of things here that remind me of her. It has always been my theory, that the longer you are friends with someone, the more you should see yourself in their homes. In fact, I learned that from Mommy Flo. She had so many pieces of furniture or nick-knacks from so many friends and relatives. I as her how she came about these items and she said it was because she either helped them move or because they came from family.

I wanted Pam to have something special and of value of mine to have in her home. I told her that she was to walk around and if she saw anything she liked, she should let me know. How else would I possibly know she admired something. Thinking she would select something from one of my collections, I was so surprised when she asked for this picture. Couldn't have gone to a more homey family home than hers.

If you have an image in mind that you think of remembering your family or your pets, be sure to paint it, or write about it or find something that looks like your image and buy it. When you get right down to it, what is better than your memories? And maybe it would be a good idea for you to think about what you would like your friends to have when you are gone. You never know what's goina' happen and you would want your friends to see you in their homes too!

That's it,
Goodnight

You look so cool, so cool, so enviably cool...

2009-05-26T23:43:00.014-04:00

Hot Tin Roof

acrylic on 5" by 7" canvas board
given to Keiko

My yellow kitty, so sweet and so pretty! I got my pattern for yellow kitty from Drawing in Color, Animals by Lee Hammond. As you all know, by the title of my blog, I am striving daily to learn to paint. Sometimes, I am so grateful for the books that are available to help me, this time with form.

Question: How many kitty's does it take?
(I know, that's incomplete!)

Another Question: Does anyone recognize the title of this post? (Hint - it's a quote!)

See you next time,
Goodnight

No drainage or aeration required

2009-05-25T23:38:00.010-04:00

Hanging Orchid

3" by 6" acrylic on canvas board

nfs, Private Collection

I found the basis for the flower in the book Creative Watercolor Workshop by Mark E. Mehaffey. Of course, it was being discussed as a watercolor, but I used the painting as the basis for my acrylic.

The background in this painting is what I love. Being the cheap-scape I am, I can not stand to waste the paint on my palette. When the painting I am working on is finished, I take a gesso'd canvas and use the rest of the palette to set up a background for another painting. I have done this many time and am always amazed when I can find just the right use for it.

My daughter, Mary Ellen, doesn't ask for much, but she asked me for this one. It was my delight to give it to her. I only hope she wants another one!

Thank you for looking,

Goodnight

Art Challenge #9: Behind Closed Doors

2009-05-24T22:50:00.012-04:00

Friendship Inside

12" by 16" canvas sheet

I can mount it on foamcore if desired

available $75.00 includes shipping

email me for PayPal invoice

This is the my entry to The Artist's Challenge #9 Behind Closed Doors. This was lots of fun to both compose and paint.

For the composition, I had to think how I could show what was behind the door without showing it. I knew I wanted a dog, you may recognize Erin from her photo on the sidebar!! So, what would a dog want? Companionship! Next was what to name the door, presuming it was an entrance to a store or place. That was the hardest part!

For the painting, there are so many things to decide and there is no right or wrong. Have a door, as shown from a street, half a door; I chose the solid door without other embellishment. The thing I do want to say about painting it is I started with a black canvas. On that, I painted gold interference - Wow - instantaneous results, a chemical reaction I guess. That was interesting. I also wanted clean straight lines, so used an artist grade tape but honestly was disappointed. I'm not used to such precision and they (straight lines) looked out of place. I then used a spatter brush & a funny brush to distress the straight lines. Finally, I was happy with the look of the door. Just took more processes than I originally imagined.

Have you every used a spatter brush? The first time I used it, I was real pleased. I used a soft body acrylic in off white on a black background. It put a very fine mist on the canvas. This time, I used a hard body acrylic in dark colors on dark background & even thinning it with water, just didn't seem to spatter. I'm wondering if the little speciality brush is worth it?

Thanks for stopping by,
Goodnight

Sea Grass in Deep Blue

2009-05-23T21:33:00.007-04:00

Goldies in Seagrass

16" by 20" canvas sheet

on self-stick mounting board

available $60.00 includes shipping

email me for Paypal invoice

This was so fun to do and turned out so bright and happy. I had completed it on a solid very dark iridescent background. It was just big and plain. I figured it was a not useful so couldn't hurt to experiment with it. Well, I'm so glad I did. It is one of my favorites. In fact, it is my desktop background.

Have you painted underwater pictures? It seems to me that koi are often painted from above looking down. What methods do you like?

Thank you for looking,
Goodnight

UPDATE (12-15-10): size corrected from 12x14 to 16 by 20 (what was I thinking? Ha! Ha!)

Art Challenges

2009-05-22T06:24:00.004-04:00

Am I alone, or do ya’ll love the idea of the art challenges as much I do? I’m only beginning to find a few and want anyone knowing of challenges I don’t have listed on my sidebar to please leave a comment with information. I don’t care if it is open to the public or not. The way I figure it, I can at least challenge myself and that is, after all, what a challenge is all about.

I haven’t joined them all, far from it, but the challenge still intrigues me. I have just located two more new to me.

The first challenge I found is sponsored by James Parker. I love this one. It is a combination of photography, painting and essays. Here’s how it works:

PHOTOGRAPHY
On the First of each month I will post ONE (1) subject (children, cats, dogs, etc). Take a great photo of that subject and submit it. I'll post those photos on Windows to the Words PHOTO. From those photos, I will select 3 for the following month's subject for ARTWORK and WRITING.

ARTWORK
On the First of each month I will post THREE (3) photos of the subject matter for the month (children, dogs, cats, fish, buildings, etc.) Choose a photo and do a painting, drawing, or other artwork from it. Submit it and I'll post it. Your artwork will be posted on Windows to the Words ART.

WRITING
The subject of the Writing category is the same as the Artwork subject of the month. If you have a little poem, or anecdote, or reflection on the subject you want to share....submit it. Only, please keep it short and, hopefully, meaningful. I retain the prerogative to delete or incur wrath, but I won't rewrite anything.Submissions will be posted on Windows to the Words Writing.

The second challenge I found is sponsored by David Lobenberg and Milind Mulick. Here are the details.

Brilliant artist Milind Mulick in far off India and I in the golden state of California are proposing a self portrait paint-off. "Paint-off" is somewhat of a challenging and intimidating word. Lets call it a Global self portrait love-in. No matter what your level of artistic ability or what medium you enjoy working in, this is an invitation to do a self portrait to be sent to my blog by the end of June at which time we can show off our efforts. Hey...it's going to be rollicking good fun!...and...what better way to discover yourself visually than doing a self portrait.You are invited!

Delicious!

The Virtual Paintout - April Challenge - Amsterdam

2009-05-22T01:04:00.010-04:00

119 Geldersekade, Amsterdam

acrylic on 8" by 10" canvas board

SOLD to Sheila $60.00 includes shipping

The Virtual Challenge is hosted by Bill Guffey. This is the April Challenge, Amsterdam. Below is some of the information Bill includes on the website.

The purpose...
To gather in one area of the world, virtually, once a month with other artists.To paint or draw a scene and composition of your choosing, within a predetermined area.

Participation...
This monthly project is open to all, no matter the experience or level. All drawing and painting mediums are acceptable, with the exclusion of computer created/digital art. A new city will be posted monthly.

How it's done...
To get to Google Street View, go to Google/Maps. Find the city, zoom in, and drag and drop the little yellow man (in the top left corner) onto a street. A pop-up window will appear with a 360 degree photographic view. You may then travel the streets, looking around, to find your composition.

Isn't this already fun?
Goodnight

iCoyote - a Utah Photographer

2009-05-21T01:45:00.005-04:00

Claret cup cactus growing on the side of a rock overlooking Kane Creek near Hatch Wash. This was published yesterday in a photo of the week contest in San Juan Record, Hometown Newspaper for San Juan County, Utah.

I've know iCoyote, geez, it seems like most of my life. He is a self described hermit and I have to agree, he is one person that knows who he is and lives what he knows. I am the privileged one that gets to call him my friend because he is somewhat of a recluse. I believe he will be the kind of man that disappears into the dessert when his time comes. You hear me i? I believe in you!

Talent? Yes, and then some. His photo's are amazing. He has allowed me to add his website to my "If I only had a friend" list. Go see for yourself and then come back here to tell me you saw it too! My favorite is WYSIWYG (or not)? Choose "leftover cheese", then click on that image. It's like a puzzle and always a surprise on the other size.

I asked him how he would describe his photography and honestly, did not understand it all, so I'm going to use his own words:

As to being a photographer & whatever else I do- What that is, is nature photography, including landscape, macro, wildlife, and humor/anthropomorphic such as rock smilies or drama queen trees. I use the computer in several ways: to give an image the look that I saw when I took the shot; to create humor, such as enlarging a prairie dog image to human size; or to generate a photo realistic landscape from scratch.

Did I forget to mention he's pretty smart? Seriously, check him out, he's got talent.

Goodnight Duncan, thank you for sharing this with me.

A Good Day For A Lion

2009-05-20T04:48:00.008-04:00

Babar Sher
(Urdu for Lion)
acrylic on 6" by 6" canvas board

$35.00 includes shipping
email beckielboo@comcast.net for PayPal invoice

Nor'easter Upon Us

2009-05-20T03:44:00.007-04:00

Oh, the joy of being dirty - or - a day in the yard. Either way, there is such satisfaction when you've spent a day working hard and getting that sign taken off the road

"Worst Yard in the Neighborhood"

Well, I didn't have the sign, but I'm sure I could have qualified for it had there been one!

Mary Ellen and Ron are so wonderful about helping me do my bi-annual yard work. Here, the leaves fall from September to April. I think, why bother until they are all down? That makes sense doesn't it?

But I wasn't sure you could really see how dirty I was, so I got Mary Ellen to take another picture showing my arms. At least my hands were clean. I took the job of blowing the leaves. Must of blown for 3 hours and we only did the front yard. Next time, I should wear a mask, just think how much dirt I breathed into my pretty pink lungs!

While I blew, Ron chain-sawed large limbs, weed eater and pack horse to the street.

Mary Ellen did the most amazing thing, she cleaned my garage and I was actually able to put a car in it for the first time in about 5 years. And she said, "I'm not working as hard as you guys are, I hope you don't mind"! I told her, ME, in a few days or weeks, you won't be able to tell we even worked in the yard, but the garage will still be done. What a gift! But wait, as if that wasn't enough, she washed my car, too!

A couple of days later, a man came by & offered to clean the roof (very steep) and pressure wash the pergola and sidewalk. Yesssssss!

Now, the sad picture of me. The debris after this storm will be massive. There is nothing I love more than for it to rain - really, it is the regeneration of all life, so I'm not ReallY complaining, but, now .... we get to do it all over again.

At least there is still dirt!

Mrs. Robinson's favorite boy-toy

2009-05-18T20:10:00.010-04:00

No longer a boy, this is still a man to be reckoned with.

Dustin Hoffman

pastel on 6.25" by 9.5" yellow velour paper
$35 includes shipping

SOLD to Dan
beckielboo@comcast.net

Sweet!

Degrees of Separation

2009-05-17T22:05:00.021-04:00

This is a picture of my ex-husband Jim Kastelic. On his right, his cousin Kathy Ebbs. On his left, our daughter, Mary Ellen Kastelic. This was taken in 2007. It was the unfortunate event of Jim's fathers funeral. However, being the family historian I am, I told Mary Ellen, you get pictures of everyone, make groups, get cousins, families, aunts & uncles, whatever you can get people to do! She, being the obedient daughter she is, complied beautifully.

This is a picture I took in 1992 of Mary Ellen and Jim, at Mary Ellen's high school graduation. When Mary Ellen was a small child, she wanted a 'kiss' picture of us. I was amazed that our profiles looked nothing alike. I always knew she was 'her father's daughter', so when he and his wife, Mary Lou came for Mary Ellen's graduation, I had them 'assume the position'!

But this story is about something else, it is about the coincidence of knowing Jim! We knew of each other since we were very young children. He was from the same town, Cherokee, Kansas, my grandparents, Flo and Doc lived in. Jim and my sister Beverly were in the 4th grade together. Years later, I attended college 12 miles from Cherokee, in Pittsburg, Kansas. I had hooked up with another guy from Cherokee, Bill Nevin and he set me and Jim up on a date for Labor Day, September 1967. There was something from the very beginning that made me know Jim was special to me, but we did have a stormy courtship with a breakup mostly due to separation. I left college a year after meeting Jim and went back home to Florida where I eventually spent two years in X-ray school. Jim went off to Viet Nam and then back to Kansas City where he lived and worked. Long distance relationships are not easy! We finally married in April 1971. I would do it all over again in a heart beat. The result of our marriage was the daughter we made together - out of our love for one another - Mary Ellen. She is another story, but I cannot hesitate to say, she has brought us both nothing but joy and love!

Coincidence #1: knew of each other since children

Coincidence #2: my sister went to school with Jim

While in college, I sang in a group called "The Cellar Singers". Yes, we practiced in the cellar! It was a group of 8 girls and one of them was Mary Lou Reed. Yes, the same Mary Lou that is now Jim's wife. They met a few years after our divorce while working together in Kansas City.

Coincidence #3: Jim meets a college friend of mine and marries her. How could I dislike my ex-husbands new wife? She had once been my friend! That made it real easy.

In the last few years, Jim has developed an Internet friendship with a woman in Arkansas, Deb. She has a sister, Linda, living in Texas that she recently visited. While there, Linda told Deb she had found a blog that she was enjoying and wanted to show it to Deb. I don't know how, but Deb figured out this was written by her friend's ex-wife, ME! Deb tells Jim about it and they are all looking at it and I haven't even told anyone yet!

Coincidence#4: Jim meets Deb, Deb visits Linda, Linda discovers my blog, Linda tells Deb, Deb tells Jim, Jim tells Mary Ellen, Mary Ellen tells me, and I am writing about it now!

Well, I just have a few things to say.

What a small world!

Just how many degrees of separation does it take for this to happen?

Glad to meet you Deb and Linda. Please leave me a comment sometime. You must both be very special, beautiful and smart girls!! to have found me!! We should now be friends, too!

Here is a TV quote on friendship I like:

I knew I’d made a friend. The bonds we form with other people, can handle any setback
Genuine friendship will survive any dispute or competition.
And true partnership provides strength in times of trouble and confusion.

Kyle XY 8/8/06

Another TV quote, that for me, sums it all up:

You don’t have to Love somebody forever to be happy you loved them at all.

“Estelle” on Middle Ages 9/24/92

And finally, a quote - not from TV:
You never know what your going to get in this life, so don't miss one thing!

Goodnight

A friend is a precious gift

2009-05-17T01:19:00.008-04:00

Crab Legs

pastel on 6.25" by 9.5" velour

nfs, Private Collection

This is one of my favorite's. It is a portrait of one of my friends that she gave to her parents. I was pleased by their delight in my work.

Who Can Resist Friday?

2009-05-16T01:02:00.007-04:00

Friday the 13th
acrylic on 6" by 6" canvas board
$35.00 includes shipping
On March 13, 2009 I wrote on FaceBook that I wanted to paint in BLACK today. Being encouraged, I proceeded, but didn't want anything gloomy or dark, just BLACK!

This girl, probably a self-portrait, makes me feel good, happy. I want to dance with her!

Village Street Lamps in the Rain

2009-05-15T12:35:00.008-04:00

Village Street Lamps in the Rain
acrylic on 12" by 16" canvas sheet, mounted on paper board
$60.00 includes shipping

I was feeling strong, bold and RED!
I wanted to paint something that indicated strength and maybe even aggression. The red did it for me just fine. However, I don't think the sweet village scene in the rain is indicative of that feeling. I'm glad, because I love this painting. It makes me think of being on a village street, perhaps in Bethlehem - OK, near a stable!

Not Ready for Mother's Day

2009-05-10T06:31:00.016-04:00

Cherokee

pastel

tan velour

6" by 8.75"

Available $20.00

includes shipping There is so much I could and want to say about my Mother, but I just can't do it yet. It will have to be a belated greeting when I'm ready.
Goodnight