Awake early, the day after thanksgiving I have nothing better to do than enjoy my coffee and ruminate about art, inspiration, composition, good stuff like that:) I'm visiting family in Pensacola, which is a 12 hour car trip from Cincinnati, so the bulk of my art materials are in my studio at home. However, I managed to pack a sketch pad and pencils, just in case. This was meant to be a quick turnaround, but my Mom is elderly. A few more days here won't hurt. Anyway, it forces me to step out of my get-er-done routine at home and breath. Later I might walk down to 
the end of Mom's street with my sketchpad and sketch a pelican or shrimp boat. That is, if I feel like it.
Ancient Apple- a portal.
This is an ancient apple tree that arches over a path to the sea. A much appreciated comment, by an amazing cp artist, Julie Podstolski, described the scene as Narnia. That's all she said, "Narnia." Somehow she got my intent. It is said that there is a strong spirit residing in this gnarly sentry.
A study for a larger piece I plan for the future, it comes from one of many reference shots taken this summer, on the Maine property of dear friends. It is painted with Prismacolor and Luminance pencils on linen mat board.
Kevin's View
This little 9x19" piece of Bailey's Island Maine (or near there anyway) was painted from one of hundreds of reference photos taken there this summer. My husband and I were guests of some dear old friends. They kindly tolerated my habit of banging through the kitchen, making coffee at the crack of dawn, so I could scramble around their property with the camera. Once they arose at the alarmingly late hour of 10:00 am, they drove me up and down the coast, combed beaches and took me out on their boat to find Harbor Seals. I didn't waste one second of my time there. I painted this little gem to fit a skinny gold leaf, antique frame given up by its previous owner. (I'll post a photo of the finished version, once the rest of the materials are in. ) It is fun to use the occasional woopsies and discards. I have a strong need to repurpose stuff. Given a predetermined size, color pallet and style, forces me to change up my routine. It's an interesting exercise.
Jumped through all the hoops!
I jumped through all the hoops to get Blue Crab into the mail and off to Brea CA to the 21st Annual CPSA International Exhibition. Turns out, even with careful planning, I cut it close. Note to self: Big difference in postage price between 3-day and Ground, which is estimated to take 6 days. As I'm paying for shipping to and from destination, any additional postage is doubled. If my piece does not make it in the window given by the show's time table, it is disqualified. I chose cheap vs late. Let's hope my gamble pays off. Stay tuned and wish Blue Crab luck.
Cincinnati Enquirer, Hometown section, June 15, 2013, pg. 57!
Its pretty incredible to find an article about oneself in the newspaper. What a charge and an honor! I'm hoping the exposure will send new clients my way via Row House Gallery!
http://local.cincinnati.com/share/story/205971
What next?
Cleo on Rhode Island shore.
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