I'm pleased to share that one of my paintings will be exhibited at the SouthWest Artists:  Art of the Heartland exhibit.  For more information you can click the link or check out my Events page.  Celebrating a birthday with family here tomorrow and looking forward to a very relaxing day.  Finished a painting that has been on and off my table for some time now - another reason to celebrate.   Happy with the playful subject matter.    So as I prepare for sleep enjoy another pic from my terrific trip to Seattle.  This is, of course, part of the skyline as seen from the ferry.   Back to my brushes. 

"Middle age is the time when a man is always thinking that in a week or two he will feel as good as ever."  - Don Marquis

If you need a reason to visit Seattle, a good one would be to coincide your visit with the Northwest Watercolor Society's Annual International Exhibition.  This year we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the organization.  The exhibit this year is both strong and diverse, and I am happy to be a part of it.  If you have the opportunity, stop by and see it at the Washington State Convention Center where it is on display until September 30th, 2015.  The volunteers put on quite a conference this year and I enjoyed every presentation and demo I attended.  I also appreciate the swag that was provided by the vendors, some of which you can see in my photo.  I couldn't resist the NWWS artist's apron which you can see at the top of my pic.  A quick shout out to Karen Knutson and her sister Nancy Klapmeier from Minnesota, and Carmella Tuliszewski and her husband from Pennsylvania. We were lucky enough to sit together at the banquet but had already met Friday during the Daniel Smith factory tour.  It was a very enjoyable evening full of laughter and good food.  Kudos to those who put this event together.  I especially enjoyed Ray Pfortner and his presentation on Rights in the Digital Age.  Ray I wish I could have stayed with you all day!  I watched Carla O'Connor, whom I have long admired, do a demo.  Not only is she talented but she is entertaining as well.  I attended the demo by Alvaro Castagnet but there were no seats left, so I had to sit on the floor in the back.  Not a problem - I think I had the best view!   While at the Artist's Reception I enjoyed meeting Ruth Armitage and Blenda Tyvoll whose presentation titled Online Exposure I attended that morning.   They were both very personable and shared some great information.  I also met Judy Morris at the Artist's Reception.  She took my hand and shared her thoughts on my painting.  What a treat...and thanks so much for the pink sticker!  Back to my brushes. 

"Use your imagination not to scare yourself to death but to inspire yourself to life."  - Adele Brookman

Taking in the unique architecture in Seattle is not to be missed.  Inside and out, the Seattle Public Library is designed for the curious.  You might consider popping in and reading a New Yorker article about earthquakes statistics for the Pacific Northwest.  We asked locals about their experiences but, not surprisingly, were told they hadn't experienced an earthquake.  The typical response was "We don't have them here."  Reportedly the last of the really large earthquakes in the area was in 1700...and it was epic causing a large tsunami in Japan.  The odds of another catastrophic earthquake in the next 50 years is 1 in 10.  I wouldn't let this information deter you from enjoying the natural beauty and cultural sights while you are there.  You might also consider taking Seattle's Underground Tour.   The locals we met highly recommended this as a noteworthy destination.  You might want to end the day eating fried clams at Ivar's which is a recommendation that came straight from my Dad.  Back to my brushes.

"If you have enthusiasm, you have a very dynamic, effective companion to travel with you on the road to Somewhere."  - Loretta Young

I started with my pic of the iconic Space Needle yesterday, so I'll continue with that little jaunt today.  Although it was overcast in the morning, it cleared up by lunchtime.  We had a quick snack at the Armory. We picked up some chips and a drink at the BBQ venue.  Funny enough...they didn't carry BBQ chips.  We gained the observation deck when the weather had cleared and had great views, but unfortunately we didn't see Mt. Ranier.  I imagine it would have to be a perfectly clear day to see the peak from town.  Anyway, after our trip to the observation deck of the Space Needle, we headed to the Armory again to eat lunch.  By that time it was a little warm thus a cool place to eat was appreciated.  After a quick Mod Pizza, we caught the monorail (one rail - has tires) and then walked to the Seattle Public Library.  Terrific architecture!  Picked up a TARDIS postcard for my youngest at the great little shop inside.  Then we headed to the Bainbridge Island Ferry, which I consider The best value in town for sightseeing.  $8 each adult round trip ticket.  We sat at the back and looked at the beautiful Seattle skyline as we headed to Bainbridge Island.  (This is important:  You won't be able to see the view from the comfort of the inside on the way back.  Instead your view will be everyone shivering on deck and taking selfies.  So definitely take in the view of Seattle on the way over to the island.)   Comfortable seats, snacks and drinks available - it was fantastic.  We sat next to a gentleman returning home with his grandson and he shared his extensive knowledge of the area with us.  It was a highlight to be sure.  While you're on the Island be sure to partake of at least one scoop at Mora Iced Creamery.  We ordered a "split scoop" which is your choice of two flavors.  It was quite tasty!  Top it off with a trip inside the Bainbridge Island Art Museum as you head back down to the ferry.  The children's section is worth the trip and you can purchase the books in the gift shop.  Paperback was around $7.50.  Do be aware that shops close early on Sunday, so plan accordingly.  Back to my brushes. 

"I see my path, but I don't know where it leads.  Not knowing where it goes is what inspires me to travel it."  - Rosalia De Castro

An experience not to be missed is the Pike Place Market.  Yep, it's all going on down there...throwing fish, lots of people (especially if there is a cruise ship getting ready to depart), lots of flowers, food...well just what you expect when you head that way.  The oldest market still in existence at its same location and definitely worth your time.  Here is a tidbit you won't hear much about:  It is the easiest walk from the Market into town.  If you are unaware, Seattle is hilly.  Very hilly.  I admit it, by the end of the day I was willing to walk over instead of up.  In comparison, Pike Street up toward 2nd Avenue has only a slight incline into the heart of downtown.  Keep it in mind, especially if you have health issues but prefer to walk.  Plus, if your aching muscles are in need of some Advil this route will take you right by a city Target store.  Back to my brushes. 

"It is generally admitted that most grown-up people, however regrettably, will try to have a good time."  - Bertrand Russell 

I am pleased to share that my painting "We're sorry you have reached a number that has been..." will be displayed at the 67th Annual RAM Invitational.  The exhibit runs from July 31st till November 1, 2015.  The Opening Reception is July 30th from 5 - 7 p.m.  For more information see my Events page.  Back to my brushes. 

"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance."  - Alan Watts

Just got home from Seattle very late last night.  Was there a downside?  Yes.  Our return flight was cancelled and it was a scramble to get home and make the last flight in to our airport.  Considering the cancelled flight was full, It was a challenge and  it made for a very long and stressful day.  Five hours at the Seattle airport....not my favorite way to spend the day.  But on the upside our time actually in Seattle was very enjoyable.  The weather was great for a tourist, but not the green, lush northwest I was expecting.  They could really use some of the rain we have had here in the south.  Hit most of the hot spots:  everything on the waterfront; Pike Place Market; Space Needle; Seattle Public Library; the ferry to Bainbridge Island; Bainbridge Island Art Museum; Daniel Smith (factory tour); Seattle Art Museum; the Seattle Convention Center... and a few Starbucks'.  So why was I in Seattle you ask?  I was there for the Northwest Watercolor Society's 75th Diamond Anniversary Celebration!  I'll post about it later.  Back to my brushes. 

"Promise me you'll never forget me because if I thought you would, I'd never leave."  - A. A. Milne

Here is a copy of my spread in Splash 16!  This series of books has been an inspiration to me and a wealth of user-friendly information along my painting journey.   I hope it will be the same for you.   Order by clicking this link:   Splash 16:  Exploring Texture .  Back to my brushes.

"The details vanish in the bird's-eye view, but so does the bird's-eye view vanish in the details."  - William James

Just a quick note to let everyone know that I have finally made an "Artist" Facebook page.  Now all my art buddies can see what I'm up to there without having to suffer through all my family and vacation photos.  You can "Like" it on Facebook at L. S. Eldridge.  Give me a week to get up to speed.  Back to my brushes. 

"Every day we have some weather, and yesterday was no exception."  - John Carr

Yes, I need to post some of my new works.  Sorry, I will do that in a couple of weeks.  Promise.  I'm just really busy right now and all I can manage is adding to this journal.  So, I finished a redux of the little painting I had tried before I left town.  Really like this colorway better.  What can I say, color makes me happy.  What's better than happiness?  These little studies are for a friend of mine.  I visited her family farm and took about 2,000 photos.  This little vignette was one that caught my attention and really speaks to the literal "place".  I love the composition and will be using it for a demonstration I will be doing in September.  Back to my brushes. 

"Instead of seeing the rug being pulled from under us, we can learn to dance on a shifting carpet."  - Thomas Crum