Started another illustration for the book. In this one - it shows the ark covered in little pieces of (what I like to call) “flotsam and jetsam” that represent the memories and lessons we will all leave behind when we depart this short life. I find myeslf collecting ideas for these tiny pieces while I am out and about going about my business. I’d love input from anyone who comes up with some great little things I could stick on to this ark. I especially like things that conjure a memory for whatever reason.

“Nature Boy”

24″ square acrylic and mixed media on distressed brown paper mounted on wood.     

 Quote on the bottom, under the ‘ocean hill’: (from the song “Godspeed (Sweet Dreams));

Dragon tales and the “water is wide” Pirate’s sail and lost boys fly Fish bite moonbeams every night And I Love You”

…and this completes my last commission of the summer! Now - on to the illustrations for the long awaited and anticipated, ‘Daddy’s Boat Grace’ - stay tuned!

p.s.: just noticed that sun beam at the top of the piece that must have snuck in between the trees where I was photographing this - thought I should go retake the photo but - unprofessional as it might seem - I kind of like it!

…”what’s doin?” is something my highschool friend’s father used to ask me and I haven’t thought of it in years - the brain is a strange lump of gray matter, huh?

…this is “what’s doin’” in my studio today !

…and tomorrow and the next day

Took off to visit my friend Barb this weekend at her adorable new home in Madison, NJ. We threw our children on the train and headed into the city to meet our other dear friend, Meghan and her son, Max at the Museum of Natural History. What a treat and an inspiration! I could have stayed in the Hall of Biodiversity for the whole day. This exhibit on one whole huge wall is a work of art that had my heart pounding with inspiration.

The gems and minerals exhibit was also spell binding. My background in museums had me feeling my roots and I was one happy girl.

That evening Barb’s girls planned a very special party for us with a Hawaiin luau theme. Our contribution was sparklers! Never too young to learn about fire safety!

This is my favorite shot of Joannah - reminds me of the photos of Picasso with his light, drawing in the air.

This is how Simon and Parker went dressed for camp today. The camp is run by a couple of young British blokes who seem to find it amusing to see what they can make these young, innocent Yanks do for a laugh. Apparently, quite a bit. Parker is sporting the octopus costume I made Joannah when she was about five - just another victim of my art degree.

“Happy Natalie” 24″ square, mixed media on wood

I’ve been waiting to photograph this piece for about a week. The weather here in Central, Mass. has not been cooperating. As it is, I had to run out and photograph this outside (my preferred place) and quickly shoot before the dark clouds let loose their booty once again.

Yes, this is very like my earlier piece called, “Happy Everything”

This piece is a commission and has been made to be more personal to little Miss Natalie.

Hope she enjoys it and that it suits her for many many years to come.

Looky what I found in my mailbox!

My dear, sweet friend and freakishly talented artist - Carla Sonheim  (http://carlasonheim.wordpress.com/ ) sent me this darling little owl, who I have named “Athena” - the goddess of Wisdom. She will act as my little idol of healing and hope.

Thank you Carla with all my heart.

While I was out in my garden photographing Athena in the Joe Pye weed, my little friend Ava wandered over to see what I was doing…she likes Athena too!

Last week, when I was recovering from the shock and trauma of the accident I thought I would do some art therapy.

This is what I did in my sketch book. I thought alot about the physics of how things (planets, billiard balls, people, cars in traffic, grains of sand…) come together and move apart - the energy between the objects, etc… (I know sounds a bit like I had too much percaset that day) but it is an intriguing thing to think about while drawing. I’m thinking about doing this for a commission client who wants a very large piece for their entry way. Maybe do it in nine smaller squares…

On my recent trip back home to NJ I ran into a friend of my sister’s who I had designed a tattoo of the number nine for a few years ago.  Here it is in all it’s glory! Just another thing to add to my resume.

This is my new kitten, “Owen”. He’s helping me rest and get back in to the studio slowly since the accident last week.

He’s my new studio mascot.