Mentor

Orange in Brooklyn by Neudorfer

(This is my very first painting done in Michael's studio and I had only been using oils for a couple of months.)

Red vs Orange by Newberry

"Those individuals who serve as our mentors in our personal and professional affairs help us grow by providing us with the information that allows us to carve our own path. Even when we desperately want answers handed to us, a good mentor will recognize that we absorb so much more from a response that inspires us to search for knowledge in our time and in our own way. They provide us with the curiosity-inspiring questions that lead us on a veritable treasure hunt of wisdom and experience that can last as long as our association continues. Similarly, they serve as role models we can approach for guidance and support when we are unsure where we should go next. Your mentor will help you maintain a sense of optimism today by reassuring you that you are on the right path."

My horoscope today was about mentors. As I am focused, once again on my personal artistic path, it was appropriate that I should receive this in my inbox.

If you have ever considered a mentor, I highly recommend it. Someone that has your personal vision in mind, is a true asset. I found my mentor a couple of years ago. He has become a friend. One that knows that my life journey has been complicated at times, but he is patient. He realizes that I will never be far away from my art. I wrote about it here.

Michael Newberry, is a gifted and generous artist. I suggest that you take a tour of his site. It is a pleasure. His mentor program is discussed here and here.

Movin' and Groovin'

I have moved my studio this past week into what was my son's room. When he is home on leave, he will have his room back. The 10 days will be a blink of the eye. For now, I am not going to waste another minute. I finally having a space to call, "My Studio".

It feels quite spacious, but it does need a work table. I am not going to rush this. I will figure out what will be the best for my needs over time. I also don't have any of my art up. My son made some beautiful and creative work in his Digital Photography / Photoshop class. That I have decided will remain up on the walls, as a way to keep him close. This room adjoins a bathroom, and the windows are on the south side of the house. Not the best from an artists standpoint, but the view is inspiring, and I am thankful to be able to finally create a space for ME. As many of my close friends remind me... It is my time now.

Eric turns 20 years old, this Friday. Keep him in your thoughts, as he is trained to push his limits farther than many of us are able to imagine.

The Art Blog Award

Awards from friends have got to be the best EVER.
My friend Billie, whom I met on WetCanvas!, awarded me with The Art Blog Award.



Thanks Billie, you made my day with your sweet comments.
Now I am suppose to tell you 7 things that make me happy.

1. The sun shining in SoCA. The light here is spectacular around 4:00. The shadows stop me in my tracks.

2. The connections that I have made on the internet. Sites that have held my hand during medical crisis. Friends that support me while I am creating. High School and College chums that have pulled out old memories I had long forgotten. The University of Google that has allowed me to grow and learn in ways I had never known possible.

3. Whole Foods Market. When you have anyone around you will special nutritional needs, this is a gold mine. I love that they strive to supply the healthiest foods daily. They even have a concierge that will walk around the store with you if you are overwhelmed by ingredient labels and the choices provided.

4. Seeing my daughter dance on the ice rink. Spectacular!

5. Thinking that my son has found his mission in life. Proud!

6. Going out to lunch with my other son, and just talking. Unconditional!

7. Anything that has to do with ART. I have never known a time in my life that I have not been moved to create. I am lucky enough to have found ways to do this on my life journey, which have evolved over time. Now is the time for me to dig deeper, create what I find there, and share it with the world. What an exciting time we live in!

Acceptance

Our ability to grant ourselves approval provides us with the strength and self-awareness we need to create an unshakable reserve of inner strength.
True acceptance can only come from within.

Nourishing

I thank the earth for feeding my body,
I thank the sun for warming my bones,
I thank the trees for the air that I breath,
and I thank the water for nourishing my soul.

~ Leah Wolfsong

Bloomin'

Bloomin' 15x22" charcoal on Rives BFK (work in progress)

I have been trying to capture a shadow from my Japanese Magnolia tree for a week now. Either the buds were simply not ready to be "caught", or it was raining and hailing, and the petals were knocked off.

Yesterday, I was determined to find the light, and that I did. The buds cooperated. Though most of the blossoms are above my head. I was sure those driving by thought I was quite the sight. Good for them to know that art does not just "happen". Occasionally we work for our inspiration.

I love this tree. My children spent many hours climbing it's multiple trunks, and sitting, watching the world go by. I rarely planted flowers underneath it because I knew it would be trampled. Last week, I had my gardener plant flowers. Then I proceeded to trample them as I was capturing the tree's shadow. Go figure.

It is an interesting tree, because the blooms often fall immediately upon opening. It is my "snow", as the ground is white for a while. I wish there was a way that I could keep the blooms up longer. Yet, that is why we must capture the precious moments, because they are gone too soon.

Magnolia x Soulangiana 2/12/09

Unadorned - Update

Unadorned charcoal on Rives BFK 21x21"

I am thrilled how this is progressing. I hope you can see the changes that I have made since my last posting. I am very close to completing this shadow picture, and I can't wait to see it framed.
I have some ideas on what I want to dress it up in, but that must wait until I step back and put the pencil down.

Once again, bear with me. This photo was taken with my iPhone and uploaded here. I am waiting patiently for my computer. It should be any day. Keep your fingers crossed for me.