Beffuddled Salvaged

You might remember a week or so ago, I had started a journal entry late at night a painted the image on the wrong page - "Befuddled Entry" in the archives. Well, as most of us who have more years than a teenager usually know, that our mistakes can force growth and creativity. So look-y-here at what grew out of my befuddled mistake.

First, I did a small painting that would fit into the space - and I made a decision to cut the perimeter smaller than the actual "hole" I had remaining. Cuz somewhere, somehow, I felt there was a solution "coming." For days it sat on my studio desk ... just looking up at me.

Then, and this I will have to credit to one of my wonderful "Personal Journaling & Watercolor Sketching" students, Eileen, who'd mentioned having done alot of sewing. And - hey - I'd done lots of sewing years and years ago, but it took Eileen to jog my brain or muse or whoever it is, into sewing the watercolor piece into the gaping "hole". Yes, sew it.

I initially punched holes evenly spaced, with my needle, in the piece I was going to insert. The surgery was more awkward than I'd anticipated and many grumbles and spasms leaked out of the studio than I'd liked.

My biggest challenge was holding the piece floating in the air in it's place, while I attempted to stitch. The piece kept being pulled one direction or the other as I tightened the stitches. And my big bulldog clips I'd used to brace positioning, were so heavy, they bent the paper over as I worked. I ran out of thread about three quarters of the way around and stitched in from the other side, meeting where I'd run out of thread. That way I could do some tightening and evening up of the position - and - well, here's how it finished.

I'm pleased for being a new "surgeon" and when I gazed, puzzled at the empty paper on the back side of my "insert" - I got another idea. I'd wanted to honor this arborist who'd recently come and so lovingly educated and revered our trees - and this little paper island became the perfect lil' spot.

All and all - this "adventure" in journaling has been fun. And you know, this "event in journaling" is much like the "events in my life" . . . if I just trust the guidance will come to me and enjoy the journey . . . life unfolds beautifully. So, here's to remembering to trust the process.

Sunflower Start

I just love sunflowers - they seem to be the joyful expression of summer at it's fullest. I ache to grow them in our garden but, last year, all five of the beautiful sunflowers my husband bought for me to bedeck our front porch were devoured by deer. Being told the deer don't like fuzzy textures, silly me, thought the sunflowers were safe - oh well.
So this is my love affair this summer with the sunflower - in pigment. She's going to be strong and big, measuring 21 x 20 inches. She leans in modesty, like all those quietly baring wisdom and beauty. I'm caputring her in our kitchen, resting in a vase with her smaller peers for background. I want to emphasis the dark lushness of her face with the brilliantly colored petals for her frame and splashing of white sunspots around.

The first image here is the start, where I have traced my image and have applied frisket to preserve the bold whites. I have learned, in the "trance" of painting big, dark, juicey pigments I will paint across those whites if I haven't planned ahead to save them. The frisket is my sure way to secure whites!

Next, you see stage two - where I have completed and dried a loose wash of Aureolin, Thalo Blue and Carmine over the entire painting. This gives a mysterious underpainting that whispers through the upper layers of transparent watercolor. I've also worked in my wax crayon, mostly in pale yellow and whites for this painting. It feels like I will use more crayon towards the end to highlight light areas or add zings of bright color.

And finally, in stage three, I'm developing some underwashes for bigger areas and laying down the background. With these started I can see how deep to go with my values and color compliments.

I'm off to continue my romance with my sunflower. Hope your summer days are filled with somekind of enriching alure with the Many pleasures nature and life avail us.

Namaste'

Befuddled Entry

Oh my . . . yes, when will I learn that 10:30pm is not the best time to begin a journal entry? But I did it any way, and the next morning I went in to finish up the sketch - ha - I painted it on the wrong page. Now it was out of sequence - and - couldn't tear out the page because it already had an image on part of the page (see image above).

Oh my . . . what to do??? Ok, I'll cut it out with my exacto knife, hopefully in a graceful, artist manner and "Yes Glue" it into the place it was originally supposed to be! Actually it leaves a kinda intriguing window - but - I think, to make use of the journal page I will attempt some inventive way to stitch in another piece of watercolor paper. . . soon.

For now, this is what the re-positioned image looks like - back in the place it originally was to be, to be in sequence. And I'm still studying, allowing that "Universal Creative Mind" to invent the solution to my remaining befuddled journal page.

Isn't it fun, to be reminded how human we are? I aim at turning these lessons into an "exercise in humility". So, for today, I'm w-a-y humble!

Happy creating . . .

Feels like "Life on steriods"

Sometimes life is so abounding with amazing activities that I feel like I'm experiencing "life on steriods". But - believe me, that is NO complaint!

For the past several days I've been harvesting information for my upcoming "Women's Mexico Retreat 2009"! Between calling my Mexico contacts for lodging for my participants, my terriffic Co-Instructor, Damaris Pyle, to hone our content, presentation and locale, days have flown by. But hurrah!! Here you can see the results of my work:

This is the front portion and the back, when folded.

This is the inside portion.

I'm hoping you can clearly see the text of this double folding flyer. But if you can't, please contact me and I'll mail you an actual flyer - OR - you can check out the newly created (yes, another project occupying the last days) blogsite for more detailed information on the retreat! http://womensmexicoretreat2009.blogspot.com/

I've also been helping with a new and exciting event in Jacksonville, Oregon, my sweet lil' town. There are two men who are full of ideas and energy and have heralded wine tasting accompanied with talented musician performers. Their first event went wonderfully - 400 people in attendance. NOW, they are adding us local artists! I'm assisting with the committee to gather artists, their information for flyers and locate each artist at various businesses in town. With it being the first effort of this kind - some juggling of ideas and outcome are taking place. But I'm feeling very optimistic with business participation and artist's involvement. It will furnish a much needed networking of the community and artists. So I'll keep you posted on the details of the August 9th "Jacksonville's Wine and Art Festival", 12-7pm. Only 300, $20 tickets will be sold for this "attendance limited" event. Proceeds go to the Jacksonville Woodlands Association - so I hope we have plently of attendees to help out a great cause and have a delightful day in historic Jacksonville - and - maybe be astonished at the talented artists who live right in their midst! Call Jacksonville Mercantile at 541-899-1047 for tickets!

Well, whew, I'm sure you've read enough. Stay tuned for the next entry, "Befuddled Entry"!

Doesn't life just keep getting better and better!?!

Fourth of July Hike

For a few weeks now, we'd had a Fourth of July hike and following barbecue planned with several friends.

So around 8am we drive up Highway 5 towards Grants Pass and exit, headed in the Galice direction. The morning is quiet and cool. We are the first to arrive at the Grave Creek Bridge and park. I love the shadows early in the morning and notice swallows pirouetting as they dive under the bridge. Their white silhouettes against the dark shadow make me smile.

The next carload arrives and we gather ourselves for the two mile hike. We have chosen the south side of the river to hike - for the shade - and are grateful for it later! The beginning of the hike trails along a steep wall of rock and then, softens to hills and fern forests. I was captivated by the colorful Madrone trees twisting bizarre angles with their branches as they reach for the sun. And often found myself lagging behind - me and my camera capturing Madrone postures. A small creek cascades down the hillside about 2/3 the way to Rainey Falls - a chance for our Golden Retriever to lay belly down cooling off.

The Falls appeared quickly, taking me by surprise. Usually waterfalls occur where a valley is narrow and there is a giant drop - but these falls reside in a wide part of the valley and are a jumble of tiers at a wide mouth. More playful than jaw-dropping for me yet, powerful and beautiful.

We spread out like little ants across the rocks looking for the best vantage point or a particular angle from which to look. More downstream, one can see the width and fullness of all the cascades, closer, the thrill of the dropping water and the raging white swells. Most everyone settles near the exciting falls and chatter while watching rafters and kayakers navigating the different pathways. I land a little upstream, more near a little cove with a sandy beach. There I pull out my sketchbook and begin a brief sketch as I nibble on my Luna Powerbar. Cody and Roland wander the shores and the sandy beach is a safe, fun place for Cody to wade and drink.

While combing the shores there, my dear, observant husband chances upon tiny lil' shells upon the rocks, nearly 3 feet above the water line. He comes to me with three of them "for my Journal". Can you see why I love him? So here you see the yellow Ochre-colored shell for which I carved out a window in my journal. Since I'm at the near end of my journal this presented a challenge - but heck, why not carve out a bit of the journal cover. So that's exactly what I did, and cut out windows with my Exacto Knife to protect the height of the fragile shell.

It seemed all too quickly our friends were picking up packs and heading back along the trail - homeward. Oh yes, I'd completely lost myself in sketching and forgot about the barbecue later. Food! Fun! Conversation! Ok, ok, I'm working on coming back from my right brain! Roland & I share a nectarine before trotting off after the rest of our group. The hike back seems farther . . . and that little toe seems to be talking to me too! Ouch! This might be the last hike for my ole' hiking boots and I'm relieved when we get to the cars.

On our drive back the wind blows around the car cooling our hot necks and Cody is sound asleep in the back of the Subaru. Suddenly we see a large dark shadow drop out of the woods on our right and lop across the road. What!?!? As we slow the car to let it cross the road we realize - it is a bear! How exciting . . . glad we saw her here rather than on the hike! As we near Galice packed with holiday rafters we notice the soft-ice cream sign and Roland is quick to respond to my inquiry, "Ice-cream?" We stop and relish a cool cone and nod, giggle and chat about a great hike.

Just another wonderful slice of life. Hope your holiday was just as much a "celebration of life". Cheers!

Around the Corner ...

Last Saturday, one of my chores was to drive to Grants Pass to retreive the piece I'd entered into the Southern Oregon Art Show at the Firehouse Gallery. We made it into a family adventure as Roland, Cody (our sweet Golden), and I piled into the car. The drive up was green and pleasantly wove us into downtown Grants Pass. The boys waited in the car while I ran in to gather up my painting.

I'd not been able to go up to the show reception since it was when we were on our camping trip to Trinity Alps area - so I arrived early to catch the majority of the show before people took home their pieces. I paned the room and discovered my piece in the first corner - AND - dangling from the corner of the frame was - a second place ribbon in the watercolor catagory! Oh my, I was so thrilled!!! Touring the remainder of the show I was impressed with the quality and variety - even more humbled to have received the 2nd place ribbon. Proudly, I carried out the ribbon and my painting, "Gnarled Silhouette". It's a piece I'd long wanted to paint as it's the view out my studio in early Autumn. Now I know someone else enjoyed the view too!

Goes to show you, you never know the joys just waiting around the corner. So don't be afraid of rounding those new corners! Happy trails!

Fun Teaching

My "Personal Journaling & Watercolor Sketching" Class is in full swing. In the Ashland Artisan Gallery on Main Street, seven students of very diversified skills and intent nestled into the cozy classroom and we warmed up with introductions etc.

The first three hour session was jam-packed with lots of information about beginning your journaling approach, supplies and various journals, basic techniques for drawing (line quality, value, volume) and, of course, homework assignments!

The following session was two hours and was a blend of painting/sketching, then some writing exercises. We began with an introduction to color, color wheel and color wheel theory. Here you can see the focused classmates watching their right-left brain sparking with an exercise. The writing exercises, hopefully, tailor down vocabulary and viewpoint to refine our thinking for journal writing.

Our third and final three hour class meets this Sunday. And a gracious gesture by one of the students has rescued us all from the confines of the Gallery's limited space (with 100 degree temperatures looming in the weather forecast) , to the spacious grounds of her home. It will furnish a comfortable, relaxed sharing for our ending class.

I'm off to polish up some final demonstrations and samples ... Happy creating!

Journal Play

In preparation for my upcoming "Personal Journaling & Watercolor Sketching" Class, I'm busy filling in any missing or unfinished images in my Journal. Yes, some of them go back a ways.

This was our second and apparently, final snow shoeing day, May 6th. We returned to our favorite spot, the Natural Bridges turnoff on Highway 62 north of Medford. There is still plenty of snow and when we first start out it's crusty. But by the time we've picnicked and romped along the river awhile, the sun has warmed and softened the snow. And of course, we ended the days frivolity with a piece of homemade berry pie from Becky's! I loved the idea of suggesting some mileage traveled by trotting Cody's footprints across the page in my illustration.

Then I needed to complete an image from the trip I took back down to my ole romping (seems to be alot of romping going on in the blog entry!) grounds, San Jose. Yes, I did have a wonderful visit with my dear, much missed friends and although, with some frustration, got some shopping done - but - when I got home the only sight that I wanted to remember as my favorite sight of the trip - was leaving the Bay Area! Sorry, San Jose, I'm no longer feeling like any part of me longs for a revisit.

One of the last images I decided to attempt - was a portrait of one of the political faces. I'm doing more and more portraits in my journal and am feeling more comfortable with the results. So here is the resulting Barack Obama portrait. I've painted other African American portraits and am always intrigued by the beautiful dark shadows and rich colors of the complexion. I choose not to use any blues or cool tones, which sometimes can look "like bruises". Overall, I'm pretty pleased with the portrait although I think his head is a bit broader. But we're working on practice and personal expression here - so hurrah - I've actually had friends say it DOES resemble the man. To me that is success!

So, I continue prep for my class and wish you all - happy creating!

Show Up & Trinity Alps

As I promised, here is a view of my "Florals" show at Liquid Assets in Ashland, Oregon. It will continue through June 26th - so drop by if you get a chance.

Now that Summer is nearly in full swing we just got back from our first "attempt" at a week long camping trip. We'd long planned it around Northern California in the Trinity Alps area and juggled schedules so we could have a full week there!

We arrived on schedule and perused many campsites to finally establish the one that "nearly" fit all our criteria. Just up from the Trinity Lake, we peered down onto the water - but because California is experiencing a drought - see how far down the water was. That fact did help keep the camping population down and we had the entire grounds to ourselves save for two other campers. The quiet was palpable and nature magnificent!

Waking the very first morning to the squawking of giant black crows reminded us we were no longer at home in our cozy Temperpedic! The night air had been invigorating and the precautions for bears tested our "civilized" habits. But the planned agenda of hiking and swimming was about to change.

Our Camp Hostess dropped by mid-morning, just about as we finished our hot tea, to tell us we miscalculated our camping fees (how could that be, math oriented as I am?!) and I went out to talk to her. Apparently our super watchdog, Cody thought he needed to protect "Mom" and flew out of the trailer door. In doing so, he caught and ripped two of his toenails in the slotted doorstep - and yelped in pain. He eventually started walking normal but, when we looked at his bleeding toes and nearly detached nails - we were off the find the Weaverville veterinarian rather than a morning sketching in my Journal.

The vet saw us quickly and took off Cody's two bent nails. After the procedure, he came out with his pink tongue dangling out one side, looking pitiful, and our hearts just ached. We were instructed to not hike and keep him out of the water. Oh my, the direction of our trip just took a change.

We investigated Weaverville and I joined the "Highland Art Center" there. The manager, Yvonne, was delightful and remembered a friend of mine who'd had her transition several years ago but had shown in that very gallery! I did take time to sketch in my journal while Cody and Roland rested in the adjoining park. And with Yvonne's suggestion, enjoyed a yummy dinner at the local "Gardener's Cafe".

Our next day was decided by Cody's ability to get around - we drove to Lewiston, just south of the lake and over the bridged river, to their "Peddler's Festival". The day was warm, breezy and the festival music provided animated entertainment. We bought a bent wooden rolling pin (for our homemade whole wheat pizza dough), sipped lemonade and, rested occasionally in the grassy area.

Just up the road, I discovered a home/gallery that advertised as "folk signage". I tentatively wandered onto the property where three houses existed. To welcome me was a fabricated "space ship" with a coiled snake atop greeting me. One of the houses was apparently the "gallery" where I meandered amongst antique clothing, beaded lamps, bold "Erta-like" portraits, and, my favorites, the paper mache' figures. I never did see the artist or mistress of the grounds - but savored her creativity! We'd thoroughly enjoyed the historic town with their energized booths of collectibles, memorable characters and fantastic creations.

Now, I'm home, preparing for my "Personal Journaling & Watercolor Sketching" Class starting June 22 at the Ashland Artisan Gallery & Art Center. If you're interested - there are about 1 or 2 openings for this fun, expansive experience. Contact me or the gallery at 541-488-5698. Til then - happy trails!!!

Journal Catchup

There have been many fun distractions here in life - one was a visit from a longtime friend of my husband's with whom he used to go to elementary school! So several days focused on play and touring.

The first evening of their visit we spent in Ashland experiencing their "Quick Draw". Local artists have volunteered to sketch, paint, mat and frame up an original painting in their favorite media to be auctioned off to raise money for local a art association - all in about an hour. Our guests seemed to savor the process and wondered why any artist in their sane mind would volunteer for that. But, now that I've seen the process, I just may be one of the insane volunteers next year!

The next day we traveled to Crater Lake, a must on all tourists lists. Amazingly, there was still up to 15 feet of snow surrounding the lake. We had to hike up a snowbank to peer over into the lovely blue water. Now Gaye and I got adventurous, and another spectator joined us, in hiking across the snowbank to see an infamous tree I wanted to share. My journal entry here shows that twosome smiling and sinking into the snow at various points. They were both great sports. The outing ended with sandwiches in the new cafe recently completed at Crater Lake. It was definately a story for their travelblog.

Now, I'm doing more sketches and paintings that are recent happenings in my life and will add the text to those here in the next few days. I relish this catchup time when I flip back through the pages and wonder at how full and good life is. More soon!

Prep for Upcoming Show

Contrary to appearances, I'm still here on the planet. This is what happens as a show approaches, I'm wrapped up in framing, matting, labeling and delivery!! And delivery is this Friday at 10am.

But good news is, that I finished the big Dahlia, which has now been renamed with her complete and distinctive title, "Silver Queen". So all you dahlia lovers can identify her and appreciate her special glory. I'm actually pretty pleased with how she completed. At the end I struggled with darkening the background as opposed to lightening it. But since I'm the "Queen of Darks" - you know which way I went :) Here she is for your approval.

I searched for a wooden frame for her, envisioning something in the Purple Heart Wood realm. But alas, there was none. I stumbled across a lovely, and expensive, muted purple with undertones of pale, cool yellows peeking through (see below). And thank goodness, I was able to get 25% off because it was carried "in stock" at Central Art in Medford. Big plug for them in their service, quality of joining, and promptness of delivery (early even!).

Now, the mats are all cut, and today, I mount and close the back up with accompanying hanging system. It's possible the next image will the be show hung.

Oh, if you're interested and in the area, my show is at Liquid Assets, 96 N. Main Street, Ashland, Or, 541-482-9463. The duration of the show is from May 23rd - June 27th. Do hope you will drop by. Now I'm off to frame. Happy May!

First Paint Out of the Spring!

The first planned paint out of my Thursday group was scheduled for yesterday. The day began gray and chilly (45 degrees) - burrrrr! But I really have been yearning for an artist's day and packed up any way.

Driving to Eagle Point, past Butte Falls Mill and on the day remained monochromatic. Lovely green pastures with cows and their playful calves, and giant bulls next to ole' barns began to appear. At first, I wondered if I'd gotten to the correct address, but our hostess popped her head out the door, welcoming me. Only one of the member of our group was there and she was inside, keeping warm.

I took my camera and traveled the sprawling ranch and gardens. The photogenic sheep posed for me (well, at least one of them) and eventually, I found this vista of zigzagging berry bushes along the irrigation ditch that traveled out to wide, yawning valleys dotted with green spaces. Ok, I'll sit down for just a bit to get the sketch in my Journal and soon I was painting - I was "captured"!

As time disappeared, I began to notice sprinkles of yellow sunshine on the far-away hillsides and - SURPRISE - the day had turned gorgeous! Of course, the color began to pop out with glowing light on the scene and I painted til content with my image. Simple, clean and fresh - better stop. While cleaning up I managed to spill my water reservoir in my lap, swell. But I took the opportunity to sit in the direct sun and write out my text along side my image. The horses across the valley whinnied, the cows behind me began mooing back and forth to one another - and the landscape just sang.

What a envigorating day outdoors with my Journal. Eventually, I dried out and packed up to come home, hoping to preserve this warm feeling.

Another Small Jewel

In between the tuggings of Spring, the Big Dinner Plate Dahlia and gardening - I have managed to finish another small "Jewel" Dahlia.

These are from the proposed threesome, sized 5 x 7 inches. I'm really happy with #3, she's intimate, vibrant and somewhat mysterious!

I did change my mind about the framing. Originally, I'd wanted to mount all four Dahlias in the same frame with the large on the left and the three smaller Dahlias, the "Jewels" as I've named the 5 x 7s, off to the right, stacked upon one another. NOW, I'm framing them all separately.

So for today, my creative juices rest happy. But you know they are ever changing and every flowing. Who knows what will come next.

Happy Creating!

A Tangle of Delight

Ohhhhh, being home with the tease of Spring everywhere! The days grow longer and we are tap dancing between cold, hail, snow, cover-the-jade-tree weather to near 80 degree sunshine, wanna-buy-plants and garden weather!

And in between all that swing of weather is this "obsessive romance" that is culminating with my Dinner plate Dahlia painting. The more I paint and feel a part of this flower - I become more and more unable to leave 'her' alone. I just can't stop going back into my studio, contemplating changes, design elements . . . Also, it's a really exciting time in the process - the anticipation of how creativity will solve and unite the entire painting. Often, when I finish a piece - I sit back in wonder as to WHO really painted it. I honestly don't want to know - as long as I continue to be a vehicle for this kind of work, I'm very happy.

So I'm going to abandon you now, for the treasure time with my Dahlia and will report back soon. Well, at least as soon as I can pull myself away!

Travel Day

Today, we head back home. But the "busy-ness"of getting ready for our 3pm flight begins early, as Roland discovers he can't find the plane tickets. Now this isn't a giant problem because they were e-tickets and we just call the airport and tell them of our dilemma. The tickets will be waiting for us at the airport. The condo agreement includes washing and drying the towels and bedding. We spend the day laundering, hanging particles in the warm sun to dry and folding, along with journal catch-up and packing.

Once in the rental car and headed to the airport things transpire smoothly. We pass all the plantain plantations and wave g'bye to the vendors roadside stalls. At the airport we wait, are searched an re-searched, have our water bottles confiscated, and eventually board the plane.

Next stop, LA and Customs. They have forgotten to arrange Customs' buses to take us to Customs, so we sit in the plane for about 20 minutes. But eventually, we get all the formalities done and emerge out into the baggage pickup area. Fascinated by the lil' Beagle who is the trained "Search Dog", we stand and watch how his Master pushes down on each suitcase and the pup sniffs. We have a two hour layover but once seated and waiting in the loading area, we realize that our partners-in-travel have "well" used that time. Bringing back some chopped carrots for munching turned into a contraband search and "strong" questioning (the carrots were found by our lil' Beagle, by the way). I was astonished when I bought a salad, drink and bottle of water and the total came to over $20 dollars. Wow - airport prices!

The last leg home was solemn, yet anxious - we were ending a fun week - but - we were gonna see our lil' Cody pup! Our arrival in Medford, Oregon is met with crisp night air and we find our baggage and head home. We'd called our house/puppy sitter when we were in LA and she knew we were coming - but late (11-ish). As we drove up to the house our hearts were warmed to see the lights still on and lil' Cody come running out to greet us. We were h-o-m-e and very glad.

Final Day in Mexico

Feeling sad to find it was our last day, here, in Manzanillo, we decide to make the most of our time. All four of us venture north to sample Barra de Navadad. The drive north takes us through arid areas and small villages, eventually delivering us to Barra, as it's known for short.

The bustling town is packed for market day and we wander or tour, depending upon one's viewpoint, much of the town just in search of a parking place. Small businesses and vibrantly painted buildings add zest to the pulsating energy in the streets. First we trail the market streets - this market is set up, extending into many and various different streets. The booths are set up within the streets themselves so that businesses exist behind the booths, adding another dimension. Alot of the merchandise we saw looked familiar from the Manzanillo Market. But, as usual, my favorite part was drinking in the faces and traditions of the wonderful Mexican people. My favorite face was that of this lil' boy, watching in anticipation, the making of his candy coated ice cone!

After the Market we drift toward the tantalizing beach on the west side of Barra. We arrive relatively early and find a pleasing spot to land, just in front of a open-backed restaurant. Once we were seated and settled, one of the employees comes to offer us drinks and lunch. We order and nest in for the day. The beach is intriguing to us because the beach slants steeply into the water and, eventually, we learn why there is a lifeguard boat patrolling close in to the shore. The life guards are watching the swimmers as we find the bottom falls off quickly AND there is a huge undertow! We bounce on the bottom, attempting to judge when the next big wave will break and laugh when we miscalculate - and - get dunked! I manage to whip out this sketch during the afternoon. Mike attempts boogie-boarding with the new friends we've made, seated next to us, but realizes that the waves break too close to shore to even consider riding. We all enjoy the warm sun and the quiet joy of friends and fun.

But our "eating" agenda is calling us. We've read tale of a charming restaurant in Malaque "that won't disappoint" us. This is a smaller village and, after a short drive, we are on dirt streets with chickens and loud Cuban music in our ears. Our dinner mission directs us back to the beach where we find the "Restaurant Maya". Actually we enter through the back, beach entrance which is wide open to the ocean view! We are seated overlooking the same "strongly slanted" beach front as we'd left in Barra. But this time, we were given a fantastic display of young boogie-boarders who HAD found a way to master those fast breaking waves! The five or so youngsters would examine the breaking waves from the shore and when they saw the "perfect" breaking wave, would rush into the ocean, throw down the boogie board and jump aboard - flying right into the wave!!! They'd catch it, ride up into the break and usually, turn and ride down the wave. A 360 degree circle! But then again, the most fantastic rides where when they did NOT turn and just shot UP through the wave - into the air - breaking into aerial acrobatics! They were better than ANY planned entertainment! And then - let me tell you the food and atmosphere was EVEN better than the "entertainment"! I had a ginger, curried chicken to die for and food presentations were so lovely, we photographed them! And all this amidst the above sunset over the ocean! Perhaps we'd died and gone to heaven :) It was the perfect ending to our final day in wonderful the Manzanillo area.

A Day of Catching Up

After yesterday's whirlwind adventures, I've opted to just relax at the condo today. I'm w-a-y behind on my journal and I'm seeing that I've forgotten some of what we did on which day. Better write it down!!! I love recapping the feelings and faces that people our travels and the day passes quickly. I do take a break and wander down the beach, relishing the play of the sand being washed up by the waves. There is black and gold sediment that appears less in weight and it forms mesmerizing cascades from one tier of sand down to the next tier. The day is, of course, lovely and I paw through display of a beach vendor selling colorful women's wraps, dresses and beach covers. I got the yellow one :) and then back to the condo.

The guys had joined up for a trip up to visit the brother, living nearby, of a family who own a Mexican restaurant in our home town of Jacksonville, Or. They arrive back home with tales that paint a very small town and the personalities there. Roland sampled a "crawdad-like" treat, prepared by the lady of the house there - and hasn't died yet! En route home they passed and toured this family business making bricks by grinding up coconuts! Interesting.

Our dinner adventure began once more taking the local bus system. What a view - seeing the wild traffic and the shoppers and the people coming home from work. I love the mix! What we learned was, to request that the bus driver tell you when he approaches the place at which one wants to exit - and you're pretty safe. So our driver yells, "La Toscana!" And we depart, plunk, right into the restaurant doorway.

The old building has a European feel and they seat us on the large, wide patio. Surprisingly, the wind was coming off the water briskly but, the view was so inviting we decided to weather it and ordered our meal. The sunset provided a glowing backdrop to cruise ships, oil tankers and other huge ships strolling out to sea. But as dinner progressed, table by table of customers headed inside to a warmer climate - and - we did make it to dessert. But took our coffee and dessert inside. Now it was cramped inside, and they placed a small table next to the TV (yes, showing a soccer game) and the kitchen door - we laughed at our vantage point. Dinner was yummy and the evening playful especially traveling home with the bus driver playing "chicken" with the brand new Mercedes Benz bus! Did I mention that the bus drivers don't use their clutch to shift either?

So until tomorrow ... buenos nochas!

A Colima Visit and More

Our computer has been rebirthed over the last few days - thus taking posting potential away. But now I'm back, and taking you off on a driving day in Mexico.

We leave Manzanillo en route to the capitol, Colima. Our route is via the back road, to see how the rural people really live. We pass salt flats that have been turned into salt factories and numerous fruit/vegetable stands. The sunny warm day turns hot once we get to the big city. We ponder why there are so many local people, including children, out on a week day. Only to discover it is the Governor's birthday and it's a holiday. We tour the Governor's home, savoring this stairway mural and then, take a break in a local park to sketch. I loved the ole' Mexican men, gathered there just to hang out, undoubtedly while women and children are involved in activities or making a big dinner.

I'd been told about a terrific place called "Hildago's Hacienda" and we hunted avidly to track down what it was and where it was. Ahhhhhhh - north and west of town, near the volcanoes and Comala. Have you ever tried getting directions from people who speak a different language than yourself. It was hilarious and we 'toured' many parts of the capitol that day.

En route we did drive past one of the famous "Dancing Dogs" statues, standing 18 feet tall in the center of a roadway "round-a-bout" (a legendary funerary vessel of the area) and on - to the Hildago Hacienda. Unfortunately, we arrived late in the afternoon and all of the facilities closed at 3:30. But we did get to experience partially, this man who was before his time. A universal artist, Rangel Hildago, studied and taught furniture design and painting as well as supported ecology and native plants. Behind the hacienda was an extensive layout of plants including groupings of coffee plants, orchids, succulents, cacti, bamboo, and turtles. The 5-acre or so space is now a part of the Universidad De Colima (www.ucol.mx/ceugea) and educates students. We missed the museum and the garden as well as the cafe - but WOW - what and amazing man and what a fantastic legacy!

But the day was still young and we'd heard tale that the small town of Comala was having a festival for local coffee and baked goods. We loved this smaller, more quaint and authentic village. And the festival ended up being not just a 'coffee & pastries' festival but, a week long "Holy Week" celebration! The square was decorated, ready for the evening live music and dance, along with vendors selling children's' toys, balloons, clothing, crafts, furniture and food (yes, the coffee WAS delicious and we brought some home) and the pastries were fascinating and delicious too!

Twas' way past lunch, so I suggested we just sit at a covered patio cafe on the square and get some appetizers. The promenade was busy, noisy (traveling musicians) and entertaining. Once we'd ordered our appetizers, we couldn't figure out why more, and more food just kept coming. Seems it's part of the festivities for Holy Week. What a pleasant surprise! We laughed and languished as the afternoon moved toward night. Finally we decided to take the large freeway back to Manzanillo, arriving late and ready to head to bed. Twas' a fun packed full day etching many memories in our tired brains.

A Day on Manzanillo Beach

Today, I decided to sample ideas for the commission pieces I'm doing in trade for this free week here at the condo.

Roland and I struck out, in the perpetual lovely weather (nights: low 60 degrees, days: sunny, clear 80 degrees), to canvas the north end of the beach. The woman commissioning these painting gave me three things she particularly loved about the area the she would like included in my designs. One, was the joyous and varied canopies enlivening this locals gathering place - which may become a thing of the past. We strolled the lagoon area behind the beach where the tides move in and out, creating boogie board and shell hunt possibilities. This area was quiet and languid in the early morning and we moved back to permanently locate in the active beach front. We selected a canopy in the front row that jutted out, giving me a great perspective of the full southern span. I'd considered starting one of the originals on a larger watercolor sheet, but, just sitting there absorbing the changing light, the quick moving vendors (who I wanted to include in the design) and the variety of "local characters", I opted to just sketch in my journal - to attempt capturing the "feel" of the day.

So I sketched ... and started adding color ... and adding different aspects of the scenery as the day amended itself. More boats came (the banana boat looked hilarious), vendors with many colorful "floats" passed and masses of families consumed the vacant canopied tables. Roland and I commented upon how heartwarming it was to see how strong the family unit is here in the Mexican culture. Grama, Aunties and, all the way down to the GranKids, come and spend the day together. What a beautiful concept! I have a few visitors shyly wander up to ask "Artist?" and I motion them to come see. One charming young fellow, Nio, came back three times during the day to follow my progress. We started up a conversation (well, broken) and discovered he'd lived many places, even Vancouver, BC! We exchanged emails and smiled at the prospect of a friendship sparked from a comfortable exchange. I was some frustrated and pleasured with my journal entry ... frustrated by the fast moving scene I'd only been partially able to capture and pleasured with sitting in the warm shade, feeling the ocean breeze cool the day and relishing the submersion in the local activities.

Our dinner that evening was fun AND delicious! Now we were confused, thinking the lovely landscaped lodging and restaurant across the foot bridge, and overlooking the lagoon, was "Playa Real". But we never did learn it's true name - which is unfortunate because our experience was terrific! The food great (a yummy chili relleno) and a zany waiter (who teased us with 'Iguana Flan' where, he elaborated, "they had milked the teeny, little iguana to use their milk!"). We enjoyed watching the early evening bats fend for insects and laughed as we descended the hill, back to our condo.

BACK in Manzanillo!

Who knows where I went - first it was a dead battery - and then days fly by. But don't worry, I intend to finish touring you through our trip to Mexico. Ok, day 2.


Our mission today is to hit the large, local Saturday Market. We're so anxious, that we get to the area early and decide to watch Mike eat breakfast and drink in the surrounding sounds and sights. We walk to the Market and what a wealth of images for an artist. I was shooting all the time - attempting to freeze OR just get the "right" framing or emotion of a face. It seemed like miles for my feet and my camera finger. But I did get a sweet slice portrait of this young Mexican girl SO intent upon pouring our fruit drink into the glass. I love her innocent, round face and deep brown eyes. After we all go back to the condo to revive.

Roland seems to rejuvenate with vigor - and the plot for the evening is in progress! For dinner, he purposes taking the local bus to the other end, way south, to the Manzanillo Centro. Now, usually, I trust Roland and I love the adventure of taking a local bus - BUT - we have been warned that the buses do not seem to have rhyme or reason with their destination. Not to mention we don't even know how far away this "Centro" is located!

Finally I "trust the Universe" and wave g'bye (possibly our last!) to our comrades and off we go to the bus. WHAT an experience! People watching was delicious and once we arrive w - a - y down south in the Centro, it's an all new perspective. More government and city buildings, library (being built) and the square where this giant sailfish pirouettes into the evening sky. Seems the port is not only the largest on the west coast, but is also known for their sailfish. We wandered the area, getting rather hungry. The certainty of big, good restaurants began to fade as we searched. Finally, in vain, we settled on the biggest, most sophisticated place we could find. Now, don't laugh - it was a Chinese Restaurant!!! Not bad enough? It was the worst imaginable!!! Can you imagine a chicken chop suey that tastes like Styrofoam? We laughed!!


The trip home on the bus made up for the food. My favorite image on the bus was the young lady going to a birthday party (apparently) with the pink frosted cake in tow. Not in a box or your Tupperware container - nope - just naked, out there for a face or hand plant. But, amazingly, she made it to her destination despite our bus driver being an expert at playing 'chicken' with various other vehicles! What a day ... g'night.

Getting to Manzanillo

This whole trip was initiated last year over Labor Day. I was doing an outdoor art show on the Museum Grounds of Jacksonville, Oregon. A couple approached me inquiring if I'd consider trading commissioned paintings for them - for - a week's stay at their condo in Mexico? What, why, of course. During the next few months we worked out the comparable size and number of paintings to equal the $600 rental for the condo. And, now here we are going to Mexico in the cold, rainy month of March, for a revival of spirit and assembling material for the 3 proposed commission paintings of Manzanillo, Mexico.

It was 2:30 am on March 14th and , "Beep, beep, beep," chimed my alarm. The trip to Mexico had begun. Meditation, yoga complete, it's breakfasting, feeding Cody (he gets 3 bites from my banana) and final packing. At 5:30am our 'partners en route' pick us up and we wave g'bye to Cody (he looked so baffled) and Joan, our house/puppy sitter - and were off to the airport. All proceeds smoothly thru Medford, Oregon and LA Airports. Between Medford and La the sun rose out the window adjacent to us and caught this flash of color in the airplane. With a 2 1/2 hour layover in LA I had a chance to play with some contour drawing (without looking down, just lead one's pen to 'trace' the outline of what you see). And around 3:30pm, Mexico time (we've lost an hour) we land in the small, simple Manzanillo Airport.

About a 20 minute drive from the airport into the city of Manzanillo, we pass plantain orchards and hill after hill of arid, scrawny treed terrain. As we approach the north end of town colorful buildings begin to pop up, some fruit stands and soon, the turnoff to our condo, "Club Santiago". Our neighbors include private, modest and well maintained homes. Once parked we climb the stairs to find our spacious two story condo with lovely golden colors on the walls and newly tiled bathrooms.

We're anxious to touch the ocean and walk down, after settling in, thru the "Oasis Restaurant" to this welcoming view - ahhhhh! The boys decide they must "get in" and we saunter along to laugh as they bob up and down and in and out of the modest waves. It's a dreamy landing into this warm and colorful land and we can't wait to wake tomorrow to start sampling local life. Buenos Nochas!

Reporting Back!

Where have I been? Well, actually Manzanillo, Mexico! And I guess in the hubbub of preparing for the trip, my blog took less priority. But I'm back a-workin' now and will attempt to catch you up from even before we left.

I had set personal goals of getting my smaller Dahlia pieces done before I left. But, well, I did finish one and feel very pleased with 'her'. She is 5 x 7 inches and along with two other of her sisters, she will be within the same frame as the larger, more graphic Dahlia you have seen started previously in this blog. I wanted to create an unusual graphic presentation with strong pieces. Here she is and her name, for now, is #2.

In preparation for the trip, I labeled particular images on reserved journal pages, then I'd printed out the images and took them with me. I had hopes of 'catching up' with my journal during the vacation. But you notice I said 'had hopes' - well, I didn't. So along with adding to my plein air painted images of the trip in my journal, I'm also currently adding 'backed up' pages from before we left. One is in honor of the daffodils that are speckling the landscape up here with happy, spring-promising color. Now we also have hyacinths but they may or may not make it into the journal.

Tomorrow I'll launch you on a tour of Manzanillo, Mexico. Til then "Happy Trails!"

Three Small Dahlias

Here I am ... I've finally found myself. I've been in a whirl of ordering materials for my upcoming Journaling class, designing and frame sizing for five pieces for the May Floral Show and, oh yes, don't forget our new "going to the gym" committment three times a week.

But in between all that good stuff, I have been working up value studies for three 5 x 7 inch Dahlia pieces that will fit in the same frame as the BIG Dahlia piece I've already started (yes, the one you've seen some progress upon). So here are the three lil' gems. I got so involved with the rich value studies - they took over a day and a half. Now, I will go to tracing the images to watercolor paper and begin painting.

It's a good time to have lots of projects to work on ... the days can't make up their mind as to whether they are in "Spring" or "Winter". So the more inside activities I have - the happier is my creative "kid" within. And tonight I venture off to a meeting re-creating Open Studios here in the Rogue Valley with the new and thriving Ashland Artisan Gallery and Art Center. It's an exciting prospect where the artists create the Open Studios themselves.

So, life is good and ever reinventing itself. Keep those creative juices flowing!