Archive for November, 2009
Monday, November 30th, 2009
 Thanksgiving 1961 - That's my Dad, Brother Steve and Me The holidays . . . such pressure comes with the holiday season. It’s unfortunate really, the season is supposed to be a time to connect with the people you love and care about. As your family grows and adds new generations to the old, the holiday season becomes a complicated balancing act. It’s inevitable really.
 Thanksgiving 1977 - Jonathan & Michael Things change as they’re supposed to, but it seems to happen in the blink of your eye. I can recall, like yesterday, when my sons (Jonathan and Michael) were young and seated each year at our Thanksgiving dinner table. This year, Jonathan celebrated Thanksgiving at his own home for the first time with his wife Calico cooking a feast. This first dinner at home for them was important, but we missed them nonetheless.
Michael, his wife Kathy and my granddaughter Grace drove up from Long Island on Wednesday - a trip that takes three and a half to four hours depending on traffic. They were here when I arrived home from work and I was delighted.
I know there will come a time when changes will seep into this holiday ritual, things will get shuffled around and a juggling act will be on the Thanksgiving menu. For now, though, I’ll savor what I have, a family who loves one another whether we’re together on one certain day or not.
Tags: Family, family values, Thanksgiving
Posted in Day-to-Day | No Comments »
Thursday, November 26th, 2009
 In case you haven't met her before, this is Grace Margaret, my granddaughter. As I anticipated the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is on the television. The Statue of Liberty float is going by along with Miss America. Gracie has had breakfast, tooled around the living room, captured her grandmother’s heart and is now down for a nap before we travel to Bethy and Conrad’s for the festivities. I’m thankful for being a mother and being a grandmother today.
 Here's Gracie's Mom, Kathy, and Gracie, of course! What a wonderful mother she is. It’s been a while since I’ve spent time around little people on a regular basis. Honestly, there’s nothing like it. Sitting on the floor playing, everything else is secondary. This time we get to spend together is too short. I’ll quote Dr. Seuss again because his words put things in perspective. “Don’t cry because it’s over smile because it happened.” I’m thankful today for my family, those who will be at the feast today and those who will be dining with others today. I send my love and will be thinking of them today with thanksgiving.
 Here's my husband, Tom, preparing a most delicious and lethal dish to share and enjoy at Bethy and Conrad's! Spinach Artichoke Dip with LOADS of CHEESE! You know my weakness for cheese. Though we don’t have a turkey roasting in the oven this morning, we do have sauteed onions and cheese melting. Oh my . . . ! We’ll be bringing this dish along with sweet potatoes smothered in butter, orange juice and brown sugar topped with marshmellows. That’s what Thanksgiving is about, taking some perfectly healthy food and making it unhealthy! I am thankful today for the bountiful harvest we will share. I’m thankful never to be wanting.
Tags: family values, Rainey's Favorite Things, Thanksgiving
Posted in Day-to-Day | 6 Comments »
Wednesday, November 25th, 2009
 Had to bake some cookies (oatmeal raisin and molasses) plus the pumpkin cranberry loaf. I used to bake for my “kids.” They were such an appreciative audience. Still are!
The “holiday season” starts tomorrow with my favorite celebration, Thanksgiving Day!
Thanksgiving is a day that seems to have been left relatively un-assaulted by the worst of our societal commercialism. It’s a day we gather with family or friends to enjoy a bountiful meal, to get caught up on the latest news and just enjoy one another’s company.
I’d guess tomorrow morning, in most homes, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade can be heard in the background - music and marching with some descriptive commentary just in case you’re in the kitchen and not glued to the boob tube.
As the house begins to fill with the aroma of roasting turkey, sausage and apple stuffing maybe plus yams topped with marshmellows (my Sons’ favorite), the house also begins to fill with family and friends if you’re designated cooker for this year’s event.
This year my sister and brother-in-law - you’ve met them Bethy and Conrad, remember? - are hosting all 25 of us! The chatter and laughter will collide with plentiful, mouthwatering fare. We’re so blessed, breaking bread with people we love in relative safety and freedom. For all of this and more I give thanks.
Tags: family values, Thanksgiving
Posted in Day-to-Day | 2 Comments »
Sunday, November 22nd, 2009
 "Drivin' at Sundown," Original Oil, Image Size 5"x4" I believe I might be in automotive hell. Others call it car trouble, but for me it’s definitely automotive hell. I sometimes think we should take a step back in time to the days when horse and buggy were the predominant mode of transportation. Problem is I suspect my horse would always be lame.
There really never is a good time for car trouble. It occurred to me that some people collect cars! Can you believe that? According to WikiAnswers, Jerry Seinfeld owns 47 Porsches. He must make loads of money to afford all those car payments! Oh right, don’t make me laugh – Jerry paid cash. I also found out that Jay Leno collects cars, motorcycles and even owns a fire truck! Must be good money in making people laugh.
I’m not asking for a collection, I just want one car that doesn’t break the bank and can take me safely to and fro with as few headaches as possible.
I remember when I bought Big Red, my 2004 Jeep Liberty, that’s giving me trouble right now. It was brand, spankin’ new with only four miles on the odometer. There’s nothing like buying a new car with it’s new car smell, not a stray french fry under the seat. New cars . . . where the seats have never been sat in (well seldom) and no fanny but yours will be sitting in the driver’s seat unless granted express permission.
That was 2004 and I’ve been plunking my butt in the driver’s seat in Big Red almost everyday for the last five years. We’ve been a good team. But now Ole Red has over 145,000 miles on her and we’re at what I call an “automotive crossroads.”
Truthfully, I was at this automotive crossroads back in September when I pulled in to the Wal-Mart parking lot one sunny afternoon and heard a, “Crrrrunch, $” and then a Grind! $!” I knew immediately it wasn’t good. And it wasn’t. Transmission trouble, I was told. Big money. So I weighed my options and fixed it. I could’ve taken out one of the other cars in my collection it’s just that I only have one car in my collection!
It’s a crap shoot really, when to trade and when to keep repairing. Since my accounts are never overstuffed with cash I invariably decide to repair. So a couple of weeks ago when this strange engine light went on I just knew it wasn’t a good thing $.
So now as I sit at yet another automotive crossroads, I wonder what is Jerry Seinfeld’s phone number. He can’t possibly drive all of those cars. Hey Jer…old buddy, old pal can you spare a Porsche for a gal who’s down on her luck?
Tags: landscapes, Night Sky, Oil Painting, Sunset Paintings
Posted in Art Talk | 4 Comments »
Friday, November 20th, 2009
 "Just Another Sunset," Oil on Canvas - This painting was getting thicker and thicker until I applied my new philosophy, "This painting is the best it can be." "Done!" I’ve continued my dabbling with oils and have made some interesting discoveries….
As you may recall, last week I decided to pull out the ole oil paints and tackle the stack of half started oil paintings I have laying around my art room. Determined to keep the whole process fun and ultimately learn something, I knew that I would need to remain somewhat detached from the final product. While I would try to do my best, it was important to allow myself the luxury of producing a beginner’s final product.
While I’ve been painting with watercolor for many years, oil painting is a relatively new medium for me. What’s more, the oil painting process is entirely different from the approach used for watercolor and without the benefit of personal instruction right now I would be relying on the many books I have acquired on the subject as well as the most important learning tool in my creative arsenal - trial and error.
There’s no room for performance pressure when you’re trying to learn something new and with no one watching over my shoulder why not just have fun? And fun I had with some surprising results.
I suppose the most profound discovery I made this week is sometimes you’re closer to done than you think. It’s important not to fall into the “I can do better trap,” while never proclaiming your painting finished. The very nature of oils is they enable you to paint layer upon layer. So at some point it’s best to proclaim, “Done!” Then take what you’ve learned to the next piece.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t try to do your best, my point is “your best” is a fleeting thing. Perhaps a better philosophy or mantra is “This painting is the best it can be.”
Using this approach will lead to many finished paintings and each one will be better than the last. Remember that failure only exists if you quit.
Tags: landscapes, Night Sky, Oil Painting, Sunset Paintings
Posted in Day-to-Day, Oil Painting | 4 Comments »
Tuesday, November 17th, 2009
 "Headed to VT #3," Watercolor Sketch I’m back! Finally. I did my best to handle this Internet outage without yelling at anyone. Perhaps if I didn’t have my Internet connection at work I’d have been a bit more irate. I am after all an admitted Internet addict. I did learn though, during my recent conflict with DirecTV, that it is counterproductive and a pure waste of energy to yell, scream, rant and rave. Write a letter to the person in charge, it works. That’s what I learned.
Putting all that aside, I’m elated tonight to be able to post an image along with my words. While I do love to read and now to write, I find that without some image to accompany my supposed insightfulness, the whole thing just seems incomplete.
It’s taken me time to realize that as a visual person my learning process is different. Not right or wrong - just different. While I can learn and enjoy from an oration, I’ll really absorb information when I see, feel it or live. Add to that repetition and you have the recipe for my personal learning style and that of many others I’ve no doubt.
Armed with this awareness I know that I may need paint or draw the same subject over and over again. The more familiar I become the more confident, proficient and professional the outcome. The process also becomes more enjoyable. What you see here is a third attempt to paint a scene that I find inspiring - right on Route 149 heading toward Vermont. I’m always intrigued by those farms at foot of the mountains. “What’s going on there,” I think each time I drive past.
With this third draft I’m working on being a better “shape maker.” What I mean by that is, the foreground “stream” is a series of shapes. Those foreground shapes are designed to lead you into the distance and to say, “stream trickling under the snow.” If they are uninteresting and ill placed, the painting’s balance will feel off and since I’m a visual person, it’s those instincts that tell me - good or try again. I can tell my shape-making skill needs some work - so practice I will until it becomes second nature. I need to remember that practice, patience and perseverance will get me there!
[Side Note: Check out my postings on November 13th and November 11th for images added!]
Tags: landscapes, watercolor painting
Posted in Day-to-Day, Watercolor | 1 Comment »
Friday, November 13th, 2009
 "Night Sky," Oil Sketch, Image Size 4"x5" - This mini oil sketch has also been painted in watercolor and is the first of many oils that I'll need to paint before I feel more comfortable with this traditional medium. I totally intend to PPPF! I’ve taken out my oil paints again and have decided to paint with great abandon. Just for fun! I am, however, hoping to learn from this fun and am doing my darnedest to stay forgiving of the final product. I sometimes approach my art with a too-serious, results-oriented mindset while forgetting that creativity is supposed to be fun.
In my high school art class - oh some 36+ years ago - we used oil and acrylic paints. After high school I pretty much abandoned oil painting. While I dabbled a little with acrylics after high school, I could never really get the hang of them, and then in 1989 I began using watercolor, almost exclusively, after taking an adult ed course at our local high school. For all of these reasons any memory or oil painting skill I might have had back then has gone dormant or has been purged completely from my memory.
Watercolor is great fun, but there are times when I get the feeling that oils might just “say it better,” and there are times when watercolor painting gets so frustrating that my creative well is bone dry. At times like this it’s clearly time for a change.
Now is one of those times, so a few nights ago I squeezed oil paint one-by-one in an orderly fashion onto my palette. Starting with a large bead of titanium white in the corner I proceeded to squeeze out lemon yellow, cadmium yellow, alizarin crimson, cadimium red, ultramarine, cerulean, cobalt and so on all around the edge of my palette leaving plenty of room in the center for mixing and experimentation.
Excitement and uncertainty combine as I gave this medium a go once again and then a successful moment arrives as I mix the perfect “distant mountain” color. I do it again, cobalt violet, sap green, cerulean blue, the perfect balance of each required to get that perfect mixture that says “distant mountains.”
Fun?
Yes!
Lesson learned?
Yes!
One thing I know for sure is that my inexperience will lead to experience, new discoveries will be made, one little success will pile onto the next and eventually I’ll feel as comfortable with oils as I usually do with watercolor, but only if I practice.
More than that though, there are three P’s and a little F that will get me there. Practice, patience, persistence and fun.
So when I say, “PPPF!” Don’t say, “Gesundheit!” Say, “Congratulations!”
Tags: landscapes, Night Sky, Oil Painting
Posted in Day-to-Day, Oil Painting | 4 Comments »
Wednesday, November 11th, 2009
 "Sheepish #1," Pencil - I'm satisfied with this sketch. I will draw it a second time and maybe a third - until it is my very best effort. I need to remember that. I know I haven’t been posting much artwork lately and since this is supposed to be a blog about “art, life, dreams and such,” you might think I should include just a little more art. Let me explain why the “show and tell” art part of my blog has been a bit lean lately.
While I have been in a pre-winter slump that tends to hit me at this time of year, I have been painting and drawing. I’ve been producing some rough sketches, color studies, first attempts at new subjects, as well as some tried and failed stuff that ultimately ended up in the trash.
In the past I’ve posted a few art pieces on my blog in haste and now I shudder when I see them knowing they do not represent my best effort and should perhaps have been kept private, kept in a place of learning and not put on display. (I’ll take them down later.)
When I came to that realization, I knew it was time to pull back a bit on what of my art I post on the Internet. All work cannot, of course, be the masterpiece we all hope for, but for me a standard of quality must be maintained. With that standard of personal quality and the decision not to post “stuff” that doesn’t measure up comes the freedom to explore. No more “get it done” and “post away.”
To reinforce my new philosophy, just this past weekend I watched an interview with David Foster (record producer, singer, songwriter) on Sunday Morning as he talked about a record he’d produced “early on.” David Foster gave a copy of this new record to Quincy Jones telling him, “only listen to a couple of tracks” because the rest “weren’t that good.” Quincy Jones’ reply, “If it cannot be absolutely 100 percent your very best effort, then you better not put your name on it.”
Those words, “very best effort” are what I’m after. Striving for my very best effort and sharing only when the final product is just that at this moment in time. I realize that my work will improve as I practice, learn and grow as an artist. What is my “very best effort” today will not be tomorrow, but today I’ll not settle for less than my very best effort.
From now on, the art that gets posted here will have something to offer - a lesson to teach, a story to tell or a feeling to convey. When the art falls short in those areas then it’s time to keep it private. From now on . . . only my very best effort will be seen here.
Tags: Animal Drawing, Artwork, Creative Motivation, pencil drawing
Posted in Art Talk, Pencil | No Comments »
|
|
|
|
Confessions of an Internet Addict
Monday, November 9th, 2009Being without a functional Internet connection over the weekend made me realize that I really am addicted to the World Wide Web. While I don’t partake of chatting, dating or questionable content sites, I find the Internet is chocked full of other things that I find irresistible - news, entertainment, shopping, email and, of course, my blog.
I had planned to use all the extra time I knew I’d have this past weekend (while being forced off the Web) to write, creating a backlog of profound postings for my blog. I went and retrieved my Mead Five Star ***** composition notebook, got a pen and then proceeded not to write a word. Nothing. . . and what’s more I didn’t force myself to write. I just closed my notebook and moved on to who knows what.
I wonder now why I so easily abandoned my writing when, truth be told, if I was connected to our new “information superhighway” I would surely have pounded out some keen observation on some interesting subject with my insightful opinion added as a bonus and then gleefully left-clicked “publish” in my WordPress Blog. Trust me. . . keen, interesting, insightful and gleefully!
I remember it wasn’t so long ago that I didn’t even know what the Internet was or how to use the thing. Now here I am muted without my left-click, right-click and send button. All this makes me question my reasons for writing to begin with.
I’ve been a journal keeper for years and years. Those journals always included my observations, ranting, raving and such, but I’ve found since I’ve been posting on my blog that the things I write are more organized and thoughtful. Instead of unending rants, I now rant and then attempt to find some explanation or meaning. But, do I need the Internet to do that? Of course not!
So. . . tonight, since I’m still disconnected from the Internet, I plan to write something. Something profound, life-changing, Pulitzer Prize winning and I’m thinking I’ll not share it with a soul. No begging please!
Tags: Commentary, Writing About Writing
Posted in Day-to-Day, Things to Consider | 1 Comment »