Another exhibit of my work is opening this Friday, 6-9 p.m., in Gloucester, Virginia at Gloucester Arts on Main. This includes work from 2005 until 2012. Other than in my studio, you won't get to see this much of my art in one place.
Come visit. Show remains on view until February 25.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Student Progress
My student Bill has given me permission to share his progress on his most recent painting.
Bill joined my classes two years ago, give or take.
His first project was a huge painting of a horse. It was phenomenal. Bill paints painstakingly slow, but he's thoughtful and methodical, and in his infinite wisdom, takes all of my advice. Seriously, he listens and tries out anything I suggest. When it doesn't work for him, we try a different tactic.
After the first horse, he did a painting of his daughter on a horse. More techniques down.
Then he brought in this:
A ginormous painting of his daughter at a young age he'd done several years ago with another instructor. We looked it over and he honestly just wanted to start over. Nope. He had the basis down, why do that? And he'd learn a LOT along the way as he corrected mistakes and brought the painting to the final version. It would be a good lesson for him and good for other students to watch it evolve.
The red marks are what he did on the first night with me...correcting proportions, shapes and placement.
Approximately 7 months later, he's about ready to sign it after a few more tweaks. It's beautiful, just like his now grown daughter.
Bill joined my classes two years ago, give or take.
His first project was a huge painting of a horse. It was phenomenal. Bill paints painstakingly slow, but he's thoughtful and methodical, and in his infinite wisdom, takes all of my advice. Seriously, he listens and tries out anything I suggest. When it doesn't work for him, we try a different tactic.
After the first horse, he did a painting of his daughter on a horse. More techniques down.
Then he brought in this:
The red marks are what he did on the first night with me...correcting proportions, shapes and placement.
Approximately 7 months later, he's about ready to sign it after a few more tweaks. It's beautiful, just like his now grown daughter.
Monday, January 14, 2013
An Extra 5 Minutes
This isn't what you might be expecting.
It's about a funeral procession.
It cost me an extra round at the stoplight this morning. 5 minutes. It's the least I can do for the grieving friends and family that were trying to keep up with the procession. Through a very busy, dangerous 6 lane intersection. (2 right turns, 2 left turns and two straight lanes on all sides.)
The number of cars (people) who began to bolt into the procession simply because their light turned green was surprising. The honking and fists and baffled looks followed. But, bless 'em, everyone in that procession remained in line, honked back and kept on going.
How many were texting before the light turned? How many were simply in a hurry and didn't care? How many had their music blaring and thumping? How many felt entitled, because it was their "turn to go?" What if it were your loved on in the hearse? What if it were you, trying to not get lost on the way to the cemetery?
I remember a time when you STOPPED for a funeral procession no matter what. and waited for the ENTIRE party to pass. In respect.
I know it's dangerous now and without a police escort, which is also rare anymore, it's safer to get a map and wait at the light if you are part of the procession. I know; I've done it.
But in a country where we continue to grouse about the lack of manners and civility, is this really too much for us to take a moment and wait? Really, it doesn't matter that the person going to the cemetery isn't "ours."
Because one day, it will be.
It's about a funeral procession.
It cost me an extra round at the stoplight this morning. 5 minutes. It's the least I can do for the grieving friends and family that were trying to keep up with the procession. Through a very busy, dangerous 6 lane intersection. (2 right turns, 2 left turns and two straight lanes on all sides.)
The number of cars (people) who began to bolt into the procession simply because their light turned green was surprising. The honking and fists and baffled looks followed. But, bless 'em, everyone in that procession remained in line, honked back and kept on going.
How many were texting before the light turned? How many were simply in a hurry and didn't care? How many had their music blaring and thumping? How many felt entitled, because it was their "turn to go?" What if it were your loved on in the hearse? What if it were you, trying to not get lost on the way to the cemetery?
I remember a time when you STOPPED for a funeral procession no matter what. and waited for the ENTIRE party to pass. In respect.
I know it's dangerous now and without a police escort, which is also rare anymore, it's safer to get a map and wait at the light if you are part of the procession. I know; I've done it.
But in a country where we continue to grouse about the lack of manners and civility, is this really too much for us to take a moment and wait? Really, it doesn't matter that the person going to the cemetery isn't "ours."
Because one day, it will be.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Kudos #1- Dr. Allison Faber
This year I have embraced a "quest for the positive."
With that thought in mind, I've had this nagging idea to shout out kudos to those in my community who have had a positive impact in my life as well as others. So I'm starting this year with:
It makes perfect sense that those who help me care for my animals be at the top of my list.
Dr. Faber holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine and is certified in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. She practices what I call holistic animal care, or alternative medicine, for small animals and horses. Dr. Faber gave up a traditional practice and uses her intuition as well as her medical background to help countless animals (and their humans) find ways to tackle animal health issues that traditional (or western) medicine just doesn't seem to address. The idea is to rebalance the body, "giving the body the power to heal itself." I can attest to her success based on the results we've had with my own fur-family.
Dr. Faber is not a primary veterinarian, (Kudos to them next go round) and doesn't take their place. I see them as complements to one another. For example, currently my big guy Eugene has typical old dog issues, plus laryngeal paralysis and peripheral neuropathy. My regular vet not only does his bloodwork, annual checkups, and dispenses regular meds, but also does laser therapy for his spine and hips. Dr. Faber offers chiropractic adjustments and herbal remedies for his issues as well. Combined, I have a dog that is coping quite well and still mentally alert. And I have two teams of experienced vets looking out for his well-being. How lucky is he?!
Dr. Faber has also sadly seen two of my furkids through to their final days. Alternative medicine doesn't "fix" our pets, but it makes their lives healthier and easier until their time is complete.
I adore Dr. Faber. Upon meeting her I could feel her strength and her gentleness. Tall, fit and beautiful, it's easy to picture her on horseback or hiking. There is a confidant, earth-mother aura about her. Dr. Faber is generous of spirit and heart. Her smile is huge and her gentle approach to animals is quite intuitive. She exudes peacefulness. Even my nervous nellies have warmed to her.
We are thankful to have discovered Dr. Faber and grateful that she is a presence in our lives.
With that thought in mind, I've had this nagging idea to shout out kudos to those in my community who have had a positive impact in my life as well as others. So I'm starting this year with:
Dr. Allison Faber.
Dr. Faber holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine and is certified in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. She practices what I call holistic animal care, or alternative medicine, for small animals and horses. Dr. Faber gave up a traditional practice and uses her intuition as well as her medical background to help countless animals (and their humans) find ways to tackle animal health issues that traditional (or western) medicine just doesn't seem to address. The idea is to rebalance the body, "giving the body the power to heal itself." I can attest to her success based on the results we've had with my own fur-family.
Dr. Faber is not a primary veterinarian, (Kudos to them next go round) and doesn't take their place. I see them as complements to one another. For example, currently my big guy Eugene has typical old dog issues, plus laryngeal paralysis and peripheral neuropathy. My regular vet not only does his bloodwork, annual checkups, and dispenses regular meds, but also does laser therapy for his spine and hips. Dr. Faber offers chiropractic adjustments and herbal remedies for his issues as well. Combined, I have a dog that is coping quite well and still mentally alert. And I have two teams of experienced vets looking out for his well-being. How lucky is he?!
Dr. Faber has also sadly seen two of my furkids through to their final days. Alternative medicine doesn't "fix" our pets, but it makes their lives healthier and easier until their time is complete.
I adore Dr. Faber. Upon meeting her I could feel her strength and her gentleness. Tall, fit and beautiful, it's easy to picture her on horseback or hiking. There is a confidant, earth-mother aura about her. Dr. Faber is generous of spirit and heart. Her smile is huge and her gentle approach to animals is quite intuitive. She exudes peacefulness. Even my nervous nellies have warmed to her.
We are thankful to have discovered Dr. Faber and grateful that she is a presence in our lives.
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