Winter Practice

Head  W2011 oil on canvas paper

Winter quarter wasn't my best production time but I did seem to increase my color sense thanks to Kimberly Trowbridge. Photo's never really do the paintings justice but it does seem to document a bit of progress. Now I just need to be able to get myself to the easel all by myself and begin to practice on my own. It's like kick-starting a car. I keep kicking the tires but nothing happens. Maybe I'll find the key soon.

Man W2011 oil on canvas paper

Girl W2011 oil on canvas

qiang-huang, a daily painter: "Addie 2"

qiang-huang, a daily painter: "Addie 2"

Snow Cold Lonely Hellebore

Well, I looked out my kitchen window this morning and saw a very sad singular Hellebore who got very cold last night but was basking in the morning sunshine with snow all around.  The inside/out view resulted in this little watercolor sketch.

Today was Magnuson Park

Magnuson Park was bright and sunny with many cold spots.  In the sun it was warm, in the shade the ice never melted. Beth and I took the oils out for a spin for an hour or two.  Saw lots of snow capped mountains with blue sky and blue water.    Also, finished (for awhile anyway) my Self-Portrait #05. A pencil sketch on sketch book paper.   

Someday I'll learn how to take good photos of my work.  Neither of these are as bright or interesting as the originals.  

A few Plein Air outings produced the following

Well I actually decided to take a picture or two of a couple plein air images that I produced just to give myself a boost and say that "yes I did do some creating during the last six months."  Not much, but a little.  I'm not very good at getting a good image of the original product yet.  I keep trying but the photo process always seems to damage the color intensity and contrast of the original.  The photo never seems to be as intense.  Oh well, I'll keep trying.  In order:

1. Looking at Capital Hill from Gasworks Park
2. On the top of Discovery Park, old buildings and officer housing
3. Fisherman's Terminal view of the Net Sheds from BNSF yard

Newest Family Member - Bean

I guess I need to be more diligent in my postings.  Its been at least six months and there has been lots of activity:  FINA World Masters Swimming Champs in Goteborg, Sweden, a week on Muckle Roe in the Shetland Islands, Scotland, end of summer, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year 2011 and another birthday.  Oh, and a new addition to the family - Bean, the mini poodle with unknown mix.

Bean likes to chase the big dogs at the dog park who chase the balls their owners throw.  He has no interest in catching a ball, just in the chase.  He likes popcorn and squeaky toys.  With limited eyesight he has security issues and is a great guard dog that barks a bit too much when he feels threatened.  But, we are working on that, one loud bark at a time.  Cats have gone into hiding, chase is not their game.