sharp eyes

My sister Liz sent me one of her recent studies.

I love how the eyes say it all.

The powers of perception are all in one's eyes.

Please continue to keep my sister Liz in your thoughts, today is another surgery so my heart is with her. I thank each of you for your kind words and cards.

beef up

Beef up all your carnivores.

Which side of beef do you want?

Where's the beef?

over here.

Add a little humor to your kitchen with these salt and pepper shakers.

Fire up the grill.

What's your beef?

If you are vegetarian, I sincerely apologize.

This post was not meant to hurt any cow.

Artwork by Martin Camille Hood, at shop bell jar in san francisco

vanguard

Artist, Alice Neel painted portraits of people, pets, strangers.

Portrait of feminist Kate Millet

Portrait of Robert Smithson

Portrait of Alice Neel, painted by Phyllis Johnson

Alice Neel

Many know me by this "famous" photo taken by this incredibly talented artist and friend. I thought I would give you a little history behind the photo. I tear pictures out of magazines of things I want ranging from good hair cuts to pyrex bowls. In the rag trade, we would refer to them as "tear" sheets and they would provide the inspiration for collections, perched precariously on what was called "mood" boards.

My tear sheet was an elegant lady, standing in a room, looking at easy in a long gown as if she were waiting to be picked up by some chap in a chariot. I immediately thought to myself, that is it, I need to have some sort of photo that captures the way I feel when I am at ease or at the easel. Did you know that the origin of the word is dutch from the 16th century "ezel" which translates to "ass" - in German, "donkey" which an easel is somewhat like a horse or donkey in it's design providing support for the canvas.

Early that morning, I gathered my garments and hopped in my car for a road trip to my friend's home and as soon as I arrived, we got down to business. She has arranged the set up according to my image and we had such fun. I did my best to keep the photographer entertained with silly quips as I imagined my children hollering at me, wanting to know what was for dinner or where was that pesky physics book? Somehow, falling into the role of an artist, quickly made me forget all about the demands of mother-hood and at ease with who I really was first (B.C)

before children.

I love my family, and I adore my children but when I am at the easel, I find myself intensely at ease. Mind you, it is work and is one part love and the other labor. My Father always told me to "do what you love and it will love you back." I want to make a collection of images so that when I am old and gray and my fingers are curled from arthritis, my children will ask me, when, why and how did I look so at ease in the midst of motherhood which is what I say about my very own Mother.

Now, I am on a mission to paint my self-portrait. I feel at ease now to paint an intense portrait.

Inspired by Alice Neel and her vanguard ways. Any vanguards inspiring you lately?

wowwy

painting by Carol Marine - "Maddie"

Weekends should be a time to run, let your hair down, smile and just enjoy little everyday wows.

What makes your weekend more "wowwy?"

trees of life

Twin Oaks, painted by Arthur Hill Gilbert, California circa 1940's

Just a few trees to give you a bit of shade, or inspiration. I happen to adore this artist Arthur Hill Gilbert. The trees captured here say so much. If only they could talk.

The lure of the Cypress along "17 Mile Drive", painted by Arthur Hill Gilbert

Cypress, along the California Coast, Arthur Hill Gilbert

Having travelled in Europe and in America - some of my favorite trees are Oaks and Cypress.

Just a few lovely works of art, of trees to inspire you.

Central Park

Central Park Bethesda Fountain, New York City

I am one foot out the door, on my way to Central Park to sketch and paint.  More about this later.

Many artists will be flocking to see and to paint plein air with this painter.

Sunday - still life

Still life with grapes

Still life with yellow cloth

My husband attended a reception at a friend's in the city where a collection of paintings were on view by the artist Sonia Grineva.  I was unable to attend, however, I was given a catalogue showing her artwork and I thought I would share some art on Sunday with you.

Happy Sunday.  

to share

Sarah S. Stilwel illustrated this delightful girl with bunches of grapes.

She has a look of "Would you care for a grape?"  I adore her white dress with low slung belt.

My Mother graciously taught us of the importance "to share."  "The more you share, the more comes back to you."

These lovely girls donning large floppy bows are out picking flowers for a bouquet.

They look as if they are sharing silently with nature.  I am enamored with the sweet faces amidst all those delightful blooms.

Take time to share with someone today.   

Share a wish with this fine lady as today is a special celebration.

Happy Weekend to each of you.

unexpected red

An unexpected red brightened my day.  It came delivered to my door- A hot little red pot bequeathed to me by an artist, a mentor and friend.  A little something that she no longer had need nor want for. Visit this talented landscape painter,  Ellen Hopkins Fountain  and be prepared to take a trip along the Hudson of breathtaking landscapes. Remember to surprise someone you care for with an unexpected red visitor, especially today, on Valentine's Day.

Poppies, Roses, Chocolate, Hearts a Kiss or a landscape painting would suffice.