School reunions have never been a big deal to me.  That small town I left in the rear view mirror seems like a million miles and a hundred years ago.  But, the time has come around again, and (perhaps thanks to that pesky social media thing), I've found myself in touch with some of those long-ago classmates, and preparing to head back for the event.  This Blue Devil blue candle box is to be a raffle prize.

What a gorgeous spring we've had!  Still, art never stops, and Paseo Festival will be upon us again in a matter of days.  I'm working up some new body painting designs, based on vintage illustrations.  Photos here, when (if) they happen.  Meanwhile, animal shelter fundraising art show is also fast approaching.   While I expect to have a painting or two in the show, for now I've created these scrappy cats - inspired by the lovely creatures who have been discarded, but still have much to offer those fine people who are willing to give them a home.

Goodbye 2010

Another year is quickly coming to an end.  I have no reason to  complain about what the past 12 months  have brought me, and only hope the next 12 are equally as generous.

We were fortunate to have crisp, clear skies the night of the Solstice total lunar eclipse.  It was a magickal thing to witness as slowly but steadily the shadow overtook the moon, until just a fingernail sliver of gleaming white remained.  Once the shadow was complete, the moon appeared as a faint, muddy red orb, constantly undergoing subtle shifts of hue and dimness.  My intent was to watch until the light began to return, but earth sure casts a huge shadow - the darkness must have lasted an hour, if not more, and by 2:15am, I was so cold and sleepy, I took myself indoors to bed.

I designed this heron as a gift for my client who lives near the wildlife area where Tony and I kayak.  Patterns aren't my favorite thing to work with, but now and then I enjoy drawing one up and turning it into a completed work of glass and wire.

Christmas was a treat, as it always is.  Low key, stressless time with family, as well as calling on friends to deliver cookies. 

Here is a small portion of some of the charmingly thoughtful gifts I received.

This morning, I took myself to the Red Cup for a brunch of gringo salad and Columbian supreme coffee.  And a little read of Little Edie's charming diary.

A Little Color

Over the weekend I was thinking I need to collect my found object painting, "Lisa se Klavier" from IAO Gallery after the Red Dot auction, but Monday morning before I left the house, the mailman brought a check and a thank-you from IAO for participating in the event.  That's the kind of surprise I could get used to.   I didn't recognize the name of the buyer, but am happy the painting has a found a good home.

Tomorrow night is Trinkets and Baubles at Red Cup, for which I've finished a few new works, other than charms and the previously previewed collaged pendants.

These are quickie photos, taken just before packing and delivering to the site, and primarily for documentation, but with a gloomy winter weekend looming, it seemed the thing to do to share some glowing color.

This evening is Paseo's First Friday Gallery Walk, which I recommend taking advantage of - much fresh art up and down the street (including some brand new saucy text pendants in A Jeweler's Art), treats and libations, caroling, some sort of tree-lighting ceremony, and mostly - one final balmy evening before winter blasts   into OKC.  

Tony and I were planning a kayak outing this afternoon, but time didn't allow, so I'm watching the lengthening shadows, knowing this could be the last golden, friendly day for some time.  

Oh well, more reason to bundle up at the easel and make more paintings....

Red and Shiny

Haven't fired up the soldering iron for a while, but the east window gives nice morning light, and since I had a special request, I gathered some materials:

And whipped up a hand mirror:

(Click on images for detailed enlargement.)