Crackle Paste

10"x10" clayboard cradled panel, acrylic, collage, light molding paste, shell, thread and crackle paste. I've always had mixed results with crackle paste but this time it behaved and gave me some very nice cracks. I've been exploring several new materials and glazes on three small panels. I had plans to do some "pours" of color but I've all but run out of space...I may come back to that idea.

My subject is about birds, not any birds but the ones that visit me on my deck. I don't claim to recognize different types of birds (seagulls are easy for me!) but mostly little brown and blue ones. I've been taken by them and their busy lives. Instead of painting...I find myself watching them and writing in my journal: I am neither an intruder or a comrade I am a witness to life here in my red and green leafed trees.

Have a great week!

Sanctuary Views

Second in an inspired Sabbath piece. 15'x15' Rives BFK, acrylic, collage, graphite. I love sitting in the sanctuary at sunset looking out the windows seeing the treeline black against the sky all red, orange and pink. In my long life there have been many sanctuaries and so many beautiful windows...perfect for contemplation. The floor plans and architectural drawings are from an older European temple.The names written on the side are of the months of the year according to our lunar calendar ....year 5770.

Quiet summer week ahead for me. All set to continue to water my tomato plant...the little green tomatoes need sunshine and we've been fogged in for days!

I'm planning on using some new materials in the studio this week. GAC-100 and also will play with some Clear Tar Gel. Too cold to paint outside with oils but I'll gesso some papers to prepare when it gets warmer? Have a great week everyone!

Summer Studio

Acrylic, 15"x15' Rives BFK paper, collage, trim, graphite. This one and another one was inspired at my Sabbath services last week. The prayers, the chants and rituals reminded me of ancient connections bringing to mind all the humans and all the humans connecting with the divine. I saw a dear friend and later, after services it was so great to hug and chat...break bread with everyone and nibble on sweets and tea.

Outside studio is going well...finally feeling more confident with mediums so I'm ready to gesso paper and begin. Deena and I have planned a midweek studio retreat for next week so the fun continues.

Fourth of July we are attending a neighborhood BBQ. Skirt steak, corn and and....! The weather promises to be sunny and warm so eating out under umbrellas will be divine. Some new people have moved into the neighborhood and I'm looking forward to meeting some new neighbors. We have (all retired) a dancer, a therapist (part-time yoga instructor) and a photography instructor...promising some interesting conversations. I'm a bit of a recluse...only going up to the pool for a daily floating session but even recluses need some laughs and Pablo is more of a 'people' person.

We shopped for that Panama Hat and found a beauty but it was way over the budget ($125) so he opted for a safari khaki hat that has a charming look all it's own. Now I need to find the perfect purse!

HAPPY JULY 4TH!!!!!!!!