alexandre

I did this pastel drawing years ago of our son, Alexandre. The original work is approx. 30" x 20" and sits here in my studio, hidden among many other lost paintings.

When I saw his little face, I thought about how all I really want for him is to be happy with his life. I know that sounds so cliché, but it's the truth. When he was little, he used to tell me he was gonna be a garbage truck driver, and I would say "good for you!!" and I remember thinking "you can shovel shit if you want - as long as it's what you want to do, and you're happy doing it". :o) All I can hope for is that he listens to his own voice and doesn't allow it to be drowned out by his surroundings, including us - the parents. :o)

And on that note, here's a little tidbit I read this morning that made me smile...

Picasso was taught by his father to be an academically sound artist with all the basic understanding of colour, light, drawing, perspective, and so on. But he only became Picasso when he rebelled and turned his back on everything his father taught him.

hey, blue eyes...

Last weekend, this little guy rammed into our front window & landed on the grass, disoriented and dizzy. He kept his head hidden for a while, and then he braved his way back onto his little legs & web feet, wobbling around like he had had one Martini too many. Eventually, when he gained enough strength, he spread his wings & made his way towards the ocean. You just never know what might come'a knockin'... :o)

facecloth

Solitude is as important to an artist as the ocean is to a fisherman. As artists, and writers, and musicians, and poets, we must become comfortable with the quietness, with the "alone-ness", so we can hear our own thoughts & create from within. Even if the end result makes no sense to anyone else. (like this facecloth!)

There are many artists out there, but not all create from the heart. Chances are good that if is done from within, it will eventually find its way to another heart, somewhere.

life

Life sometimes throws sucker punches. We all react to experiences differently, and what seems like a bump in the road to some, may feel like the end of the world to others. Some people have made a living by complaining, and others are grateful for simply being able to breathe for another day. I am always in awe of those people who turn tragedy into triumph, or who at least make it known to the world that they have not been defeated. It's easy to be positive when all is well. It's much more difficult to find rainbows & sparkles in the midst of a crisis. The crisis can change us, but how we choose to see it or what we choose to do about it - given the opportunity - is what changes us profoundly, I believe. One only has to read Elie Wiesel's NIGHT, to understand this.

We can all live like robots if we want... work, eat, sleep, work, eat, sleep - or we can try to be more conscious of the day and appreciative of the fact that we are here at all. It really isn't about who has the most toys, in the end.

crooked cup

elephant man

Chris Gallucci ran away from home at 12, and was in prison by 16. He was destined for a life of crime & violence. Until he met Timbo the rebellious, stubborn, huge, bull elephant - who needed a trainer. Chris became Timbo's trainer near the Mojave Desert & developed a 30 year relationship with the elephant. Although he could barely write, he kept journals throughout these solitary years & eventually published his writings. After reading the book, I was struck by the intense connection they shared, and the trust they developed in one another. I finished the book thinking, "I wonder who saved who's life?" I think I know the answer.

Matt

Well, it's done. I know you all must be tired of seeing this (i think i posted it 3 times now) so i gave it a different tint, just for variety. To the musicians out there, please forgive my harsh rendition of the guitar. I tried to paint the feeling of music rather than a portrait of Matt Mays. More than just painting what i see, I'm trying to capture the emotion. I'm finding myself more & more comfortable with less & less detail. Less is more. :o) I'm pretty happy with this one. 

Carpe Diem folks. 

red

matt mays, take 2

Only about an hour to go & it's done. I'm trying to keep it soft & loose, but not so sure I've captured this softness (or as my friend would say, his "furi-ness") :o) I may have even pushed it too far already...? Regardless, the important thing is: I am having a grand time here, painting & listening to music. I hope you all find some time during the week as well for whatever makes you happy or brings you at least some sense of satisfaction.

yellow pepper

A couple of postings for tonight, but I'll start with this one, because it's such a lovely yellow & I'm in need of a little color :o) Is this not beautiful? I know I'm not the only person on the planet to find beauty in a yellow pepper. I'm always pleasantly surprised when I cut one open & find some green pepper along side the yellow.... and check out all those little seeds. I may have to paint this one eventually... :o)

big things

I've been feeling like I'm at a crossroads lately - as though a transformation is on the horizon. Perhaps due to the fact that I finished teaching at the college a few weeks ago - or maybe the planets are aligned. Either way, whenever I feel such creative energy, I try to surround myself with all that inspires me and follow my own intuition. Dance to the beat of my own drum. It is so easy in today's world to get swept up in the current of boredom - of sameness - of making a living rather than making a life. I think it's so important to do what inspires us and to define success on our own terms - to not let ourselves be swayed by someone else's interpretation of a good life.  Find something that makes your heart sing and do it as often as you can. It's basically pretty simple. What makes your heart sing?

john muir

John Muir was a naturalist, author, spiritual man and activist who thought wilderness was sacred & should be protected. He founded one of the most important conservation organizations in the US, the Sierra Club. I saw something on the History Channel about him the other night, and when they mentioned his "1000 mile walk" (yes, he walked a thousand miles, from Indiana to Florida & wrote a book about it titled "A thousand mile walk to the Gulf") - I couldn't help but think, "Wow - how's that for dedication?"... A true life Forrest Gump. Impressive indeed. :o)