For Fun..

Ovarian Act II

30" x 40"  o/c

An older work, based on a strange dream I'd had.  I put together a small collage first of the elements, and then worked up the larger painting.  The cat is my mom's cat, and the shell is another from my grandmother's collection.  I don't know who the women are, but rest assured, the one with the egg is not me. Well, then again, it was a dream.

Update:  Thanks to Sara Winters for passing along the Kreative Blogger Award.  Please visit Sara's site to see a beautiful painting of one of the most creative "castles" you'll ever see, and to enjoy the rest of her fantastic work.

Thank you and blog awards

My sincere thanks to all of you who have been so kind and encouraging about my mom. It means the world. I appreciate it so much.

Recently, three wonderful artists passed a few awards my way. Many thanks to Christine Regan and to Christine Pierce for sending the Kreativ Blogger award, and to Sandy Sandy for the Noblesse Oblige award. I am honored ladies. 

Christine Regan is an emerging artist currently working in  Delaware. Please check out her unique landscapes and abstract views of the DC metro system.

Also visit Christine Pierce , an artist from Oregon who works in multiple media--digital and hand--and creates truly joyful images.

The award entails linking back to the person who sent the award, listing 7 random things you love, and sending the award on.

I've recently posted my 7 loves, so will go straight to passing the award to these dedicated and Kreativ bloggers: 

Scott D. Tillett

Ann Rogers

Peter Lee

Ann Buckner

Mariano Zucchi

I've also received the Noblesse Oblige Award from Sandy Sandy, who authors several creative sites, and is a team member at the Art for Animals Project.  While I'm not sure that my blog fits the parameters of this particular award, I am grateful and honored, Sandy. She sent this from her Inspiration Every Day blog, which is full of terrific quotes.

A Description of the Attributes this Award Recognizes:

1) The Blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervades amongst different cultures and beliefs.
2) The Blog contents inspire; strives to encourage and offers solutions.
3) There is a clear purpose at the Blog; one that fosters a better understanding on Social, Political, Economic, the Arts, Culture, Sciences or Beliefs.
4) The Blog is refreshing and creative.
5) The Blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking.
The Bloggers who receive this award will need to perform the following steps:

1) Create a post with a mention and link to the blogger who presented the Noblesse Oblige Award to you.
2) The award conditions must be displayed in the post.
3) Write a short post about what your blog has thus far achieved.
4) The blogger must present the Noblesse Oblige Award to blogs in concurrence with the award conditions.
5) The blogger can display the award at any location on their blog.

I'm relatively new to blogging, and can only share what my blog has meant to me: It's allowed me to meet many kind, talented, funny and gracious people from all over the world. 

 

I'd like to pass this award on to a few blogs that I turn to for inspiration, information, and admire for their community spirit.  In addition to Art for the Animals, which has already received this award, please stop by...

Every Photo Tells A Story

Following the Masters

Photoshop Tips for Artists

Manon Doyle

Windows to the Words, Art

Artists Paint Themselves

As always, recipients--if you are tagged out, or don't participate in awards, no worries!

Happy creating everyone.

Alzheimer's

I've started and deleted this post five times now since Mother's Day.  I had wanted to keep the joy I feel about painting and the blog community somehow separate from the realities of my day to day life.  But my painting--or more to the point, my struggle to write and to paint lately--is completely tied to the sense of overwhelm that I feel caring for my mom. She's lived with me for 10 years, was formally diagnosed in 2006, and since Christmas has needed help with almost all tasks.  I used to take heart that at least she remembered my name.  On Mother's Day, we took a short walk in the park, and she asked what my name is.  If this sounds like a bid for sympathy,  it's not.  Just my admission that I can't keep my life compartmentalized, nor handle it all alone anymore. There are days lately when I feel I'm standing at the edge of a dark abyss, screaming into an empty universe.  I know that sounds a tad dramatic.  I won't bore you with the details of what life is like other than to say imagine trying to explain what Google is to someone who doesn't remember what tuna fish is, and repeating "it's 4:00. it's Thursday, the clock's in front of you...it's 4:02..it's still Thursday...I didn't change the station, it's a  commercial, it's 4:05...."  all day, every day to someone you miss with all your heart.  A very dear friend is currently helping me interview in-home agencies, so I can reclaim a few hours a week for work and for friends. Thank God for friends. 

I know I'm not the only one dealing with a difficult situation, illness or loss.  Thanks for bearing with me through this post. I've also received some really nice blog awards, that I promise I will post tomorrow.  

The good news is, Mom always has been, and remains, except for a few tantrums over commercials and my not allowing her to get a riding mower,  a cheerful soul.

A few photos...

Thailand

Mom, her sister Nancy, my grandmother, Zena

aboard Tres Jolie, Chesapeake Bay

This Mother's Day, in front of our house

Tickled Pink...

...that Nancy from Every Photo Tells a Story has selected one of my paintings for today's image prompt.  Please stop by her inspirational site and read the lovely poems and words of thanks from others.  Nancy writes that "pink roses often symbolize gratitude."  I am grateful to have found Nancy's site.  I am grateful for each new day. I am very grateful to have discovered so many talented and generous artists in all media in the blog community to call friends. This rose is for you! 

watercolor, 11x14,sold

previous post March 16th

   

Timmi Play Bowing

8x10,  acrylic on canvas board

gift

This is my second submission to the Art For Animals Shelter Project. Timmi came to the Prince George's County SPCA/Humane Society emaciated and covered with fleas.  He had been kept tied up outside, and suffered from "fear aggression" behavior--especially with men.  The kind folks who are fostering him have been working to build Timmi's confidence, but it will take a patient and gentle adopter to understand his needs.  When he trusts someone, he loves to snuggle in their lap to have his belly rubbed.  Timmi's also very attached to his orange ball.