 I am thinking of my dad today, my mom as well, because it was just her birthday. Dad was a dear, sweet person who allowed me to make my own mistakes, and consistently prevailed upon me, "You can do it!" in his sing-song way, believing in me. I didn't have to be any type of person for him, except a good honest one.
My parents were out of the Dust Bowl at the same time as the Great Depression. (If you ever want to read a book that introduces you to an exceptionally ardent group of survivors read The Worst Hard Time, by Timothy Egan.) They did not hover over me, because they knew I had life so good. They didn't take me to art museums, but they respected my drive to participate in the arts. Exposure to simple beauty is the great gift that my parents gave to me; life interwoven with mountains, rivers, orchards, flowers, oranges. Their quiet love for these entities became mine, and I expanded on it in my own way. That's what I love about my dad and mom . . . just by watching them, I learned to love nature, family, entertaining in my home, resourcefulness, faith and self trust. I miss them.
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Saturday and Sunday - June 11 & 12 - 10 am - 5 pm  In spite of unwelcome weather last weekend, my studio guests and I had a grand time. In fact, my guests were quite optimistic and happy to be out and about, being inspired by the many artists and studios on the Art at the Source - Open Studio tour. In fact, they have been very kind. Inviting guests into my studio has become a real enjoyment, as most are art lovers, and many are quite well versed on how a piece of art makes them feel. A good deal are well acquainted with contemporary artists as well as the old masters. And while sampling fresh baked cookies and coffee they often give me feedback on the art that they are viewing.
I welcome feedback on my work. Here are some of the comments (because they are so kind): "I love your use color". "You sure know how to use a knife". It's so happy. "It's soft". "It's spiritual". "They are really luminous". "It really takes me in". I invite you to my studio. If you are out and about in Sonoma County this weekend, please make a stop at Studio #70. I won't ask you to comment, I just want to enjoy your company. At the end of the day I'll be tired and happy. Saturday and Sunday June 11 & 12 10 - 5  "The Garden Keeper" - One Square Mile series Whoever put this scarecrow together must have a background in dance. I am enchanted with his Pied Piper appearance and
command of the “stage”. I discovered him in a neighborhood about a mile away from my studio. A painting of a scarecrow, I almost didn't paint it. I was not sure that I could pull it off, meaning that it would be so easy to make it trite, or too precious. The winning part of it all is the animation and spiritedness that the scarecrow renders. I must say, it's hord to do better that observing chickens for social comedy either. |
Luminous Color Explorations
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