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I have been watching way too much coverage of the triple disaster in Japan, moved so deeply by the suffering these wonderful people are experiencing right now.

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I reworked this one that I’d put up in the show in May and am really pleased with the results now.  It’s a 20″ x 20″ acrylic painting on gallery-wrapped canvas, protected with three coats of archival varnish and it is for sale if anyone’s interested, $160.  I take credit cards through paypal.

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In 2004-2005, I co-wrote a screenplay with an individual who has become a real friend: Paul Lopes.  The screenplay was loosely based on his life and an imaginary reunion he’d have with his deceased father someday where the old man shared his wisdom with the younger protagonist on a park bench.  Called EMPTY SKY, the screenplay has been reworked a few times and submitted to a few contests where it placed well and received some favorable reviews.  I just finished this painting which is my depiction of the scene and happily will present it to Paul in the next few days. 

We’re looking for a producer if anyone with a heart for an existential drama/romance has an interest and pockets deep enough to fund a lower-budget indie.  It’s set in Asheville, NC and Nashville, against the backdrop of the music industry here and could definitely be a vehicle for a pair of country musicians.

Back to the subject of painting:  I struggled with this painting, having first laid in the largest foreground tree and sky.  It took a lot of reworking to get the distant trees and grass in a light enough value to work while still ensuring the bench stood out.  I hope you enjoy the end result. 

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I stopped by Operation Stand Down Nashville to drop off that organization’s proceeds raised during my art show last month.  Bill Burleigh, executive director, wasn’t there, but I rounded up a staffer to capture the above pic.  It was exhilirating seeing my mixed media piece front and center in the lobby, right near the main entrance to the offices!  I think the painting fits just perfectly there and am so proud they do too! 

If you don’t know about this organization, it offers a myriad of services year round to veterans, and over one weekend each October, runs a “stand down” event providing shelter, food, clothing, medical, legal, job and other services to homeless veterans in Middle Tennessee.  I happened upon the organization in 2005 when I was a reporter for the local newspaper.  I have continued to volunteer as my time has allowed, since that time.  Love the organization, management, and vets it serves! 

>I’m returning to watercolors right now, feeling the less restrictive medium will be a comforting change for the time being.  I am drawn to seascapes and looking forward to using my new Sterling Edwards palette.  I’ve watched a few short videos Mr. Edwards delivered on the jerrysartarama site and like his style very much.  I don’t expect to be doing work of Sterling’s caliber anytime soon, but he flows, makes it look easy, and has a very professional style.

I had to do something today that I never thought I could.

It has nothing to do with painting, but definitely one of the reasons I sought escape into the world of alizarin crimson and yellow ochre in the first place. Without going into detail, suffice it to say I pulled my head out of the sand, accepted a reality, and choose a course that I hope and pray is for the best for us all. The decision was not prompted by an angry, violent outburst but a cool acceptance of reality and facts.  And I feel a serenity about what I’ve done, despite what my loved one has warned and threatened.

I am aware of the great risks involved, that it could bring about a consequence far from what I am hoping for, but it is out of my hands and control.  I accept that whatever the outcome is, it is because of the choice of that individual and not my responsibility.  And I pray to my higher power to help us all in this.  If anyone’s reading this, please keep us in your prayers and send good healing thoughts our way.

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It’s Saturday evening, and David and I managed the installation of all my paintings (40 – exceeding 20,000 square inches of canvas!) in good time and — more importantly — without any huge fights! (Not that we do, usually, but, given the enormity of this project, and tension involved, I was sure we’d have a blow up or two!).  They are now showing at one of Nashville’s finer restaurants, The Mad Platter, on Sixth Avenue North in the Germantown Neighborhood.

The installation went so smoothly, I’m shocked!  The biggest piece, the 36 x 80 “Miracle in the Breeze”, went up as if it were made for that space!  And all the others laid out perfectly, too.  I was so afraid I’d not have enough, but it.all.just.fit.beautifully!  Marcia, owner of The Mad Platter, was sick and at home resting and only came to lock up at the end, giving us her stamp of approval and pleasure over the works.  They’ll be hanging there for six to eight weeks.

The show’s reception is set for May 2, and my artist BFF Bindy, is coming down for it.  Good thing, too since there are some 50 people who’ve RSVP’d for the reception and she’s got the kinda charm and personality that lights up any room.

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It was punishing me, just resting there, huge, taunting, belittling me in its blankness.  I’m talking, of course, of the grand piece for my show.  As previously mentioned, it’s a 36″ x 80″ wood support I’ve chosen to paint for the back wall, brick, in The Mad Platter.  I have to have it painted and ready for installation Saturday, and yet, I was frozen here. 

Then, on a hike with the dogs, it struck me.  I’d wanted to do something floral, and graphic in style.  Reverse sunflower?  Possibly, but sunflowers are so overdone.  I’d scanned my photos, poured over seed catalogs, and more.  It wasn’t until I left the worry to wander in the open air that I got the image I wanted. 

“Miracle in the Breeze.”  I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been one to take dandelions for granted and deigned them ugly because they are weeds. But as I walked, and the dogs chased the puffy seeds in the air, I couldn’t help but think about dandelions on their own level.  They are really remarkable, when you think about it.  First, the cheery yellow bud, then the fuzzy seedheads designed to be light as air to carry far and wide and propagate.  Who’s the weed nazi that determines the pecking order in the domestic plant kingdom?  Why are these weeds and things like roses, with their thorns and dropping leaves, desirable flowers? 

Not important now.  What’s important is that I can use this this — downy living miracle — and fill canvas with lovely colors and convey the meaning all at once.  Combine the miracle of it with motion and authenticity — and here’s the critical thing – look great on the red brick wall at The Mad Platter — all at once! 

So, it’s done.  Took me a full day to prep the support, and two more days and yeah, a great deal of paint – to get it done, but it’s there.  The mindgames are over, the canvas is no longer blank, and come Saturday, will look fantastic (IMHO) on that red brick wall! 

>One good thing about having company:  it forces you to clean! 

The day was a pristine, perfect 75-80 degrees with a slight breeze and we were able to hang outside on the patio when the family (my brother Barry, his fiance, Gretchen, friends and a nephew) came.

I spit roasted the lamb after marinating it in a blend of fresh rosemary and other seasonings and it turned out just delicious!  The ham was cooked as I’ve always done them, from my mom’s recipe, with pineapple rings, ginger ale, brown sugar and lots of cloves.  I threw in more fresh ginger slices and yeah, it was delicious! 

So, though I was unable to paint, the day was not wasted.  In fact, it was quite a lovely respite!