Setting Sail

Setting Sail

Oil on Board

20"X8"

Looking Up

Looking Up

Oil on Old Canvas

8"X6"

On the spur of the moment this morning, instead of packing, I rounded up my friend and painter, Kristen Garneau, and darted into San Francisco to Paul Thiebaud Gallery to see Pam Sheehan's exquisite little paintings. Landscape, cat, dog, beach. Soft, dark, deep, personal. Everything I strive to be doing.

 Oh what a good idea that turned out to be. Kristen schooled me in color mixing, and how to make a good gray.  We both were so inspired we stopped at Blick Art to stock up on supplies. I came right home, mixed up grays and worked on this little painting which had been headed for the garbage. Discarded canvas, my favorite material. 

Things are looking up.

Down East

Down East

Oil on Canvas Mounted on Wood

6"X8"

Heading out.

Late in the Day

Late in the Day

Oil on Wood

6"X8"

Another rally late in the day. 

It helps to walk with a good friend. Mutual admiration mixed with exercise and sunshine was a good start to the day.

As was happening upon Holland Cotter's inspired review of John Heliker, 'A Tribute" in today's New York Times. Especially his final line:

"Heliker’s late paintings have a conversational quality too, not relaxed but poised, the way art can be after years of practice, when habit hides effort."

"...when habit hides effort." I love that.

And "...conversational quality..." That strikes a chord. Art is a conversation. Speak up.

On the Couch at Kenwood

On the Couch at Kenwood

Oil on Wood

10"X8"

It took all day to come to this. Was it the getting rid of even more clutter? Or the doing of difficult tasks. Or maybe this morning's walk with a  friend. And then the reworking of a troublesome painting. This was my prize. At the end of the day. Fast. And fun. And full of life. Tomorrow is another day. 

Dog is a Dog

Dog is a Dog

Oil on Wood

8"X8"

Dog is a Dog is a Dog. And really. What more could you want?
Note to self. Be more like her.