Worked on arranging a still life I'm mulling over.  In my head, it has a quirky sense of humor about it.  Perhaps a little on the dark side for some.  But, it should be a lot of fun for me.  The shadow angle I see in my head is a bit elusive.  Like the horses, it may need two light sources.  The horses lit from the tents in the front were blue and white, lit from the top were orange, yellow, and pink.  Really, that was so much fun for me that I painted it once on a half sheet and again on a full sheet.  Even now when I look at it, I want to try it again and change it up a bit.  I love the crazy over-the-top aspect of the subject matter.  Well, back to work.

"The reason angels can fly is because they take themselves lightly."  - G. K. Chesterton

    Really enjoyed Paul Jackson's workshop in LR.  He is so funny and his wife Marla is lovely.  I'm sure I missed some great stories at the Flying Fish at the River Market on Friday night.  But at the same time felt lucky to have gotten a seat at all, it was so crowded.  Kay, Sandy, and Joe kept me in stitches all night.  Bryan had a wealth of information about old mutual friends and history of LR and Fayetteville in general.  Did pick up the brushes, which I imagine are what it would be like to paint with butter...smooth.  Didn't use them at the workshop though.  What were my favorite tidbits:  3M Masking tape rules and Mr. Clean Magic Erasers work well (at least on this paper).  260lb. paper is too hard to find,  takes a beautiful wash though.  Also, it takes a LONG time for water to evaporate in LR!  Paul and Marla were very generous with information about our upcoming trip, which was really thoughtful.  Paul was awarded the Walser S. Greathouse Medal too!  

"A monkey stole my brushes" - Paul Jackson

I was explaining to my family this evening the symbolism of "Werner at Crystal Bridges"  and thought I would share that information.   So, the first thing you will notice is the monolithic structure.  It represents the opposition that arose outside Arkansas when it was decided to place the museum in Bentonville.  In contrast, the trees in the foreground reflect how "rooted" the museum has become to our community.   That is why they appear more root-like than tree-like upon closer inspection.  The Werner ladder represents steps to growth and change, not only physical construction of the museum, but also it's cultural impact.  The drama of the ladder's colorful shadow represents the fruition of the museum and the art to be displayed.  The abstraction at the side was merely an artistic interpretation of the physical debris of construction, but integral to the design.   

"Every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist, not of the sitter." - Oscar Wilde

  Trying to decide what to enter in the next three shows on my list.  I'm never quite sure if I should send a "body" of work, or completely different subjects.  I tend to dwell on the subject, till I am immobilized by indecision.  On one hand, a body of work shows consistency.  On the other hand, a selection of subjects might give you a better opportunity of getting a piece in the exhibit.  Like I said, I tend to over-think the issue.  
   On the bright side, I heard from the Camden folks, and they have not mailed the payment yet.  Whew!  I was really afraid it had been misdirected.  Like the books I ordered that never showed up, or the watercolor paper that never showed up.  Now I am always concerned about things that come in the mail.  I never know whether it will get here or not.  Just something else to worry about.  
     Got to walk to CB and back today.  I know everyone will be happy when the street construction on the square is finished in Bentonville.  Golly, it is LOUD.  The square is beautiful though.  The tulips and violas are breathtaking.  Looked like rain today, but there were plenty of folks eating outside at the cafe.  They are starting trail tours at the museum, I was notified today.  I think I've done them all already.  Keep painting.

"The point is to run the race in a way you can be proud." - Mike Detter

     I am working on two different paintings now.  About to complete one, and just beginning the other.  Playing with ideas for two more and working out the kinks in sketches.  Planning on this current painting, which is quite small...about 12" square, to go pretty quickly.  That is the plan anyway.  
     I ordered a couple of newspapers from Camden and received them yesterday.  Wasn't sure if the committee would include any when they send the purchase award check.  I wonder when that will be?  Anyway, much to do today and the weather is beautiful.  

"A cynic is a person searching for an honest man, with a stolen latern."  - Edgar A. Shoaff

     One of the joys of life is reading the newspaper.  Today I found this little gem:

"2002 Master Replica Anakin Skywalker Lightsaber,
In box, Works great.  Not a toy!  $200"

Really?  

     So to those of you who asked, the answer is yes...there are more paintings of the Crystal Bridges construction site.  In fact, I have not posted my own personal favorite.  Are there more paintings of downtown Rogers?  Yes, and that part of my portfolio continues to grow. 
     Looking forward to the workshop with Paul Jackson.  I always enjoy workshops.  
    So here is a funny little story about Mark Mehaffey's workshop last spring.  I'm a bit of a neat freak when I paint.  Gotta have everything in its place.  I wasn't having much luck with the YUPO painting.  Really, it was awful.  I'll quote Mark..."Hmmm it might take a couple of days to resolve this."  That was kind.  So I metaphorically threw my hands up, and literally went and washed them till they squeaked.  Then I cleaned up my workspace, just like I do at home.  We all ate dinner that evening together and Mark mentioned that he had seen me cleaning up my area and getting everything just so.  He said it reminded him of his wife.  So, the next day I was setting up for the day and left the area for a few minutes.  When I came back and began to work, I put my hand out to the spot for my paintbrush...not there.  What the...  My hand automatically went for my supplies...not there.  Everything was moved.  Everything was out of place.  It took me a second to get my head around it.  Was I in the wrong spot?  No.  Why is this over here?  Then it hit me, Mark had done it.  I looked for him across the room, his look of innocence and whistling at the ceiling was no cover.  What a hoot.  What more could you ask of a teacher than to get you out of your comfort zone both physically and mentally.  It still brings a smile to my face.  If you get the chance, be sure and take his workshop.  He is a delight.  My favorite characteristic of Mark as a teacher is that if you ask him if you can try something, his answer is always YES.  Gotta love that.  


"People who make music together cannot be enemies, at least while the music lasts." - Paul Hindemith

     While updating my website I noticed that traffic to the site had increased 500%!  Feeling a bit like Navin R. Johnson today.  Don't know Navin?  Click the youtube link below.  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqqjVyOYmow&feature=youtube_gdata_player

I received a letter from Helen Napoli of the AWS Traveling Exhibition Chairman with the following news:  "It is a great pleasure to inform you that your painting has been selected by the Jury of Awards for inclusion in our 145th Annual Traveling Exhibition.  We congratulate you on the honor of being among those artists whose work will go on a circuit of museums and galleries around the country in the year ahead.  A list of paintings in this show and the itinerary will be included in the exhibition catalog."  It just gets better and better. 

"Wise people, even though all laws were abolished, would still lead the same life."  - Aristophanes