My Morning Muses

Today I am giving thanks for having a full day by myself in the studio. I am working on a painting that has turned into a portrait of my thoughts when I wake up in the morning. It is the moment before I have fully opened my eyes but my mind is starting to work and I know that ideas have been waiting for me. Sometimes they are ideas for paintings. Sometimes they are responsibilities that need to be looked after in the day ahead. I get the feeling that they are all quietly demanding my attention, staring at me. Sort of like my little grey cat who sits patiently by my head for me to open my eyes in the morning.

I have painted my bedroom as though it is a Venetian palace because... well why not. I love Venice. I want to include some plants, as though there is a garden outside the window but haven't decided what sort of garden it will be. You can click on any of these images to see them bigger. The painting is two feet wide.

Careless Glee

I found this deer dancing on a ceramic container at the Seattle Art Museum and was struck by the strength of its shape and jauntiness of its pose. It looks like an embodiment of glee. There is also a suggestion that she is looking at the viewer to make sure that her dance is noticed - a very human trait. I gave her an orchard of fruit to dance in and she is carelessly knocking some berries to the ground. Is it ok to be so happy if we are careless with the people and environment surrounding us? I really don't know the answer.

You can see the inspiration for this painting at the SAM in the wonderful little Italian paneled room. I think it is an apothecary jar shaped like a segment of bamboo and comes from Asia somewhere. I will try to find out where.

Carmen Explores

This painting came so easily and quickly. Carmen, my stuffed armadillo, shares my desire to explore an exotic sunny word. She looks determined, if a little wary. Just like me when faced with new experiences. I gave her tropical plants that don't survive outside in a Seattle winter. This isn't a comfy image. But it is a happy and exciting one.
The plant is kalanchoe thyrsifolia or "paddle plant" which is native to South Africa.

A Very Good Day

My kids partying. 4 November 2008

What a very good day it is today. Though I live on a rather quiet street people burst out of their doors last night when the election was called for Obama, screaming, shouting, whooping and crying. One of the neighbors set off fireworks. The world needed a party. Congratulations everyone.

Getting Ready for the Show

I am still tinkering with this one. The tree is nice and misty but the rabbit's expressions need some reworking maybe. Anyway, I needed to move on and think about something else for a while so I started a fun little painting of my stuffed armadillo, Carmen. I found Carmen in Playa del Carmen, down in the Yucatan. I love her strong shape and unexpected color. As I am painting it I feel that I want her to be exploring a jungle of plants. Maybe I feel like exploring my own world a little these days. Our upcoming change of government has me in a mood to look around and look forward. Maybe we can poke our little noses out of our hiding places now and face the world again. Go Carmen go!

I will work hard on this little painting and hope to have it ready for the show, on 6 November.