Happy mail

Got some great happy mail from Paula Phillips the other day.  I really can not believe how cool her gelli prints are in person.  So deep...

Last two pictures are from my 1924 yearbook journal.  

Dr. Phil

Dr. Phil is trying to ruin this photo of Riki...

Eye of the storm.

That's our house, bullseye.  

gelli printing

A storm rolled in tonight so I pulled out my 6" gelli plate and some circle stencils and printed my stress away.  

I read a few articles about the hurricane Katrina ten year anniversary coming up.  One said something about PTSD being a big side effect.  I will have to count myself in that boat.  I used to really enjoy a good thunder storm but now that I truly understand the power of nature, I'm scared.  Also sad that our life down there ended so abruptly, we mark time by the storm.   Somehow I knew when we were down there that our time was limited.  I envied the people that had already enjoyed twenty or ten years on the beach. I did use those years wisely and walked that beach almost daily.  That is saying a lot for me because the only thing I like to do everyday is art.  I have to force other activities, not that walk on the beach with my little dog, it was such a magical time.  I get a really good feeling just writing about it.  Something about being on the edge that helps bring you back to your true self.  Not many people use the beach, funny, I know, same thing in Florida.  You see tourists and few regulars, but most people don't even take Beach Blvd. because they are in too big of a hurry.  I ALWAYS took Beach Blvd. every where I went! I'm not sure I would wade in that toxic stew today like I did back then but don't regret it one bit.

1924 yearbook journal

I spent the weekend painting this kingfisher with my inktense blocks.  I can see that mine has a big head but I used artistic license.

Went back in with the fern stencil and added inktense on top of the rubbed out background.  Love that ferny jungle.

Sherri's Pet Emporium

We had to go to Belton to the eye doctor today so we stopped to see Sherri and Stumpy.  She knelt down and stroked that turtles throat like it was a puppy or something.  It loved it!  She orders Riki's dog food and gives great advice.  

I think I'll continue to send John, the smell was a little much for me.  Although, I was glad to meet them both, John has been telling me about them for a year.  

https://www.facebook.com/Sherrispetemporium?fref=photo

1924 art journal

Feeling a little lost without my Ganesha project so I've been playing in my 1924 yearbook journal.  Top page was made with a sheet of circle labels printed with a photo of a t shirt I painted a while back.  I practiced with my Stabilo pencil and ruined my background! Used way too much so when I painted over with water everything was gray.  Bottom page I glued my World Market bag to the page with mat medium then practiced drawing dandelions with a silver uniball gel pen on black gesso.  That was fun.  So many you tube videos online that artists offer for free.  So much inspiration and knowledge.  Thanks to all who share.

Ganesha

Tried to get a shot of the sunset from my desk last night.  It was so cool, two strips of red.  Looks like all I got was a reflection of the Ganesha.