Something Special

There is something very special about this little boy. Why, you can just tell by that look on his face that he knows something the rest of us don't, including his father who is holding him. He appears to have intelligence beyond his years. There's a spark of genius (and cynicism) in those inquisitive little eyes. What will he be when he grows up? A doctor? A lawyer? An Indian Chief? or.....CRACKSKULL BOB! Yes, this is "Sparky" and his (and my) Dad.

Slab Pot Still Life

This is the first in a series of small "groupings" made up of found items around the house & attic. I made the little slab pot in my college ceramics class. There is a pile of "junk & treasures" to pick from, so I ought to be able to come up with some interesting compositions. So, you see, being a pack rat isn't such a bad thing after all.

Lighthouse

I love lighthouses. During a family counselling session years ago, the psych metaphorically referred to me as a "lighthouse" to my husband and children who were "adrift at sea"...or, at that time, the one trying to hold our family together during stormy times. We all were impressed by that image...and it haunts me to this day. Now, I see both my husband and I as a "lighthouse" for our grown children. It has only one bedroom, however, and I think I need to change the lightbulb.

Hairy Model

On this nice, sunny Saturday morning, I was watching Zoey in a head-to-toe grooming session, which is usually a prelude to a long nap...for both of us. (I often take long naps shortly after waking up) I've been neglecting my sketchbook lately, so I thought I'd do a quick sketch, which turned into a series of sketches as he kept changing poses every several seconds. At first, I was a little annoyed, but then began to see it as a life drawing session with quick poses. The model was a bit hairy, but very obliging. After an hour or so, we took a nice, long, well deserved nap.

Two More

Finally, Zoey found his "nap" position, and I was free to go. But, since there was nowhere to go, I napped. The end.

Erika

A pastel portrait of my youngest daughter, Erika.

In Good Hands

I found this picture in a box of my parents' photos. It's my mother with my daughters Allie and Andrea (both in their mid 20's now) on a walk at ? park, and must have been taken by my dad. Such a sweet, peaceful moment in time.

Pink Robe

Any resemblance to anyone is purely coincidental. OK, so I borrowed my daughter's face...but the rest is made up.

Cone Flower

Another from the neighor's garden.

Still Life Practice

My objective is to try to "loosen up" and capture light and dimension with more expressive stroking and less blending, and end up with a fairly accurate representation. Does that make sense?

Winters Past

Thought I'd better record it while it lasts.

More from the Attic

This is a pastel done from a photo taken in the mid 70's (probably playing "Guantanamera" for my mom).
From a photo I took this past summer.

Illustration Friday "Red"

An appropriate image considering the trouble I went through making this first post on the "NEW" blogger???

It's Damn Cold In the Attic

Landscapes are not really my "thing", but I thought I'd give it a try. I tend to lose patience on a subject that has a lot of complicated elements especially on a large (for me) canvas. This was done from a photo my dad took, somewhere in Ohio...maybe Milan?
I took this photo during a walk around our Port Washington (Long Island) neighborhood this past summer. Hydrangea is everywhere, and reminds me of my grandparents' gardens in Westbury. So, this one's for you, Dad, and I hope it makes you smile.
Don't you just want to pet that li'l bee with your pinky?

New Work

This is a pastel done from one of my favorite photos of one of my favorite cats, Twinkie, who is no longer with us. Neither is the bush.
This picture was taken on Sanibel Island. (Pastel)
Another from Sanibel. Wish I was there right now!
This lone bloom against the Long Island Sound background caught my eye...and captured the mood of the day.

Zoey

I know, "Zoey" is a girl's name...but I like it...and Zoey likes it even though he's a boy. He told me. Anyway, he is the most intelligent, affectionate young man. He even used to retrieve before is right hind leg went lame...and is painful at times. It's only a matter of time before the left knee dislocates, as he still races around the house and causes all kind of kitty chaos. Any offers to help defray the cost of surgery will be greatly appreciated!!!

Ol'Rusty Milk Can

Lots of good stuff around our neighborhood.

Purple Bells all in a Row

I've been on vacation this week, and spent most of my time in our "studio" attic trying to make up for a long long long break from painting (pastelling). The following several entries are from photos I took over the past few months.

Sunny flower

Capturing sunlight filtered through flower petals.

PW boats

Not my usual subject, I attempt to overcome my fear of creating reflections on water.