Tallulah's First Birthday

A slight variation from my artwork, but Tallulah deserves a post to celebrate her first birthday.  It's especially exciting because that means she is closer to being an adult Sproodle dog, and less like teenager :-)  At least one can hope... She thanks those that sent cards and gifts.  They are much appreciated.  OK..tomorrow, more artwork ...

Looking at the World Through Psychedelic Glasses

10 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

This gentleman was enjoying the Smith Mountain Lake view through his thoroughly awesome psychedelic glasses.  My daughter, who realizes what crazy things interest me, used her cell phone to snap the picture.  He seemed oblivious, which was a good thing.  Taking pictures of people is a really touchy thing.  His glasses were a bluish green with what looked like spirals in them.  Very Cool!! 

OOF - Say What?!

SOLD

 

5 x 7 Oil on Gessobord

There was a line to get to the information label on Edward Ruscha's painting called "OOF,"  and each person left with a smile and quizzical look on their face.  I must say, it was striking when one walked into the room where it was hung at the MOMA.  My main focus in this little piece was the women peering at the information.  "OOF" was painted by Ruscha in 1962.  He said "I was interested in monosyllabic word sounds that seemed to have a certain comedic value to them."  I know I walked away smiling :-)

Holland Tunnel Glow

 8 x 10 Oil on Gessobord

Believe it or not, the Holland Tunnel has the most beautiful glow at certain times.  The last part of our trip into NYC was a challenge due to a terrible rain storm, but once inside it was so quiet and peaceful.  Not much traffic.  Just this golden glow...and then we exited to thunder and lightening and rain so heavy we couldn't see.  We really would have liked to go back in.  Bet not too many people say that!

Tattoos R Us

5 x 7 Oil on Gessobord

In Singapore, apparently there are tattoo places in the malls.  You just go in while you are shopping, I guess, and pick up a quick tattoo.  My wonderful daughter-in-law, who takes great photos, took this for me.  She knows the quirky subjects I like to paint :-)  I'm not sure I'd be too quick to get a tattoo in a mall, but this young woman didn't seem to be too concerned, although she was gripping the side of the chair.  This was done right in the middle of a store, not behind any kind of screen or anything.  YIKES!

Seven Seated Figures at the MET

11 x 14 Oil on Gessoed WC Paper

What attracted me to this scene was the row of six people sitting in this great hall at the MET along with the seated sculpture.  Perhaps each of these people would have preferred being on a pedestal, too :-)  One of my favorite parts of travelling is coming home and reliving everything in paint.  It doesn't get any better than that!

Standing Guard

5 x 7 Oil on Gessobord

I'm not sure if this is Patience or Fortitude.  One lion sits on one side of the steps of the New York Public Library on Fifth and 42nd Street, and one sits on the other.  One of my favorite things to do when I lived in New York was to stop and see these beautiful pieces of sculpture.  I would pass by them so often, but never got tired of looking at them.  They have been there since their dedication on May 23rd, 1911.  I was not there for that!!  :-)  The sculptor was Edward Clark Potter.  He was paid $8,000, and the Piccirilli Brothers executed the carving for $5,000.  Not a bad price for two marble pieces of work...I must say, I really love this painting :-)

In Awe of Perseus

7 x 5 oil on Gessobord

This man spent a lot of time looking at "Perseus with the Head of Medusa," a sculpture by Antonio Canova, 1804-6, at the MET in New York.  He kept circling and circling this wonderful piece of work. It is truly a marvel!  It was a challenge to paint, so I can't imagine what it was like to sculpt!  This hall is filled with pieces from the past.  How wonderful to have them preserved forever and accessible in a structure like the MET.