jer & suz stuff

Winner!!!! Three in a row!!!!

2011-03-10T05:29:00.000-08:00

ArtiGras turned out really well. Another WIN, starting to become a habit, a wonderful habit. 1st in wood. I was told that all 3 judges were really impressed with Jerry's work.

This last weekend was The Gasparilla Festival. Jerry captured another top award, the $3,500 Mayor's Award. This show was in downtown Tampa, right on the river. Pictures-Winners flag for AritGras, Jupiter and Gasparilla, Tampa University (across the river from the show)

The next and last show of the season will be in April, "Mainsail Arts Festival" April 16th through April 17th. Location: St. Petersburg's beautiful downtown waterfront Vinoy Park.

Mt.Dora Art Festival!

2011-02-09T08:18:00.000-08:00

Jerry won Judges Choice in 3 Dimensional at the Mt Dora Arts Festival. Also mentioned in the Orlando Sentinel along with 2 other top award winners. He still can't believe he won. The piece "Party Cloudy" was a perfect name for the weekend. It rained off and on Saturday, but the people would go in and come back out every time, like you pushed a button. Everyone had umbrellas, big crowds, great neighbors, sold a few pieces inspite of the rain.
THIS SHOW IS RATED IN THE TOP TWENTY OUTDOOR ART SHOWS IN THE SOUTHEAST .....YOU DONE GOOD!
It is so nice to see a woodturner in the top award winners.
Next show will be Presidents Weekend, a 3 day show in Jupiter. Jerry was invited back this year because he won a first in wood last year!!!!! Only doing 4 shows this year, still has a day job.

Show Time

2011-01-27T06:09:00.000-08:00

What does a Floridian know about making a snowman, think this is a snowgirl.

Snowgirl is one of the reasons why we do Florida Art Shows in the winter!

Feb. shows-

Mt. Dora 36th Annual Arts Festival - Feb. 5-6-First time for this show.

Artigra, Abacoa Town Center, Jupiter- Feb. 19-20-21- Jerry took a Best in Wood in last years show.

Holiday Colors

2010-12-22T06:44:00.000-08:00

This little guy was my good morning gift. He stayed there until I got my camera.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday and a WONDERFUL New Year!!!!

2010-10-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

Autumn - the season between Summer and Winter

Show Time

2010-10-07T06:58:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we did the Melbourne, Florida show. Under new management. Set up and and take down went really well. Entertainment was good, quality of the show stunk, it seems they had buy, sell. I think the only people that sold anything were the vendors, especially the alcoholic beverages. The restaurants were crowded, we ate at two of our favorites. Saturday it was sooooooooooo hot, and the love bugs really enjoyed the tents, (getting out of the sun)! Sunday, we had a nice breeze and no rain!

2010-09-09T06:01:00.000-07:00

I have been slacking on blogging, this month seems to be not my month, everything happens in threes, gone pass three. I am not complaining, oh, maybe I am. Things aren't to bad, just little aggravating things. Did get away for a couple of days, which was nice, nice to return too.

Pictured above is from the Bascom museum in Highland, NC, they also had on display, old motorcycles. The second photo - leaves on the Hiwassee River.

Next month we have a show, Jer has turned some really nice pieces.

2010-08-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

(Please forgive the photo) Jer mentioned the other day that he hasn't seen anything on our (what's this our blog stuff) blog lately, so here it goes.
Jer's two favorite things to do, beside spending time with family and friends, happens to be cars and woodturning. He combined his two favorites-This is a photo of two of the trophies he made for the car club, I think it was for Peoples Choice Award, not sure. I was organizing, I know, again, and found this photo. I know there was more that he made, but this is what I found.

2010-07-23T05:21:00.000-07:00

Rut row, hurricane season! Hmmmmm, woodturning supplies?

This photo I took after Hurricane Wilma, had lots of damage.
Today, it's tropical depression "Bonnie". We were told there was a 20 percent chance of developing then, a 40, then 70. Right now we have a very small breeze, a little rain, now and then. Good sleeping weather.

Dogs 4 Sale during Mango Season!

Dogs want to go out, then in, then out again

barking now and then

I have to race out there

to get the mangoes on the ground

They find them, I get them

a little game they play

sometimes they eat them

if I don't get them

their laughing all the way.

Reeeeeeal Funny!

2010-07-12T06:22:00.000-07:00

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, Jerry hasn't had a whole lot of time for woodturning. Keeping his day job running, is a full time job.

The photo is what he looked like last night.

Dogs life

2010-07-01T09:35:00.000-07:00

Dogs Life!

Too HOT to post- she says with a grin!

So lets go for a swim

or play in the sprinklers

or dig a BIG hole -where a plant just has been

or to shake all over and let the water fly

some People have a fit- and I don't know why :(

I get lots of attention from doing these things

so why wouldn't I-do it again?

That is why a life of a dog- is so very cool!:)

Searching

2010-06-03T08:15:00.000-07:00

Searching for the sun, think it's found.

Been wanting to grow

with the trees all around

They have been watching

helping me along

Dropped most of my needles

but now the sun I've found

Now I'll be growing

like the trees all around

Suz

Multi Axle Turning

2010-06-02T09:28:00.000-07:00

For my birthday Jer signed me up for a workshop in bookmaking, something that I have always wanted to do and something that I have never done before. I have taken loads of painting workshops and have learned or remembered learning about in each one. I thought I would sign Jerry up for a wood turning WS at the same time, even though he has taught and mentored over the years, so I signed him up for a multi axle class, making birdhouses, and other neat things, a motive behind my madness, he he. He had a wonderful time and so did I. Look what I got!!!!!!!!!!! He is so good!!!!! Did I mention that I collect birdhouses amongst my stuff.

Next I would love to take a class on Batik and one on writing.

Family

2010-05-25T05:56:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of Jerry's fathers side of the family, His Mom & Dad in the middle of the photo. I only met Jerry's grandmother once, what a beautiful person.
Back in the 70's his grandfather, would go shrimping with us, (when he'd visit from up north) we would hoist a ladder off the cat walk down under the Rickenbacker bridge in Miami. Jerry's granddad would stay up on the cat walk and fish, and make new friends. One night, one of his buddies had some whiskey, I guess granddad had a little too much and was hanging by a harness over the cat walk, we rescued him. Have no idea where he got that harness. When we would leave everyone on the catwalk would tell him, goodbye. We would come back to Jerry's parent house and clean the shrimp, it was a good time.

turning

2010-05-23T14:06:00.000-07:00

Practice piece.-Look at this little gem, Jerry did this a few years ago, I couldn't part with it. I do not know how he did this one, looks difficult, think it is Cuban Mahogany, I'll get back to you on that and how it was done.
We look for fossils on the beach and rivers, mainly sharks teeth and shells. I have so many that I put them everywhere and any place.

Dupuytren disease

2010-05-20T04:26:00.000-07:00

Dupuytren disease
May 20, 2010 - Sorry I haven't posted lately, hard to type. I went to the hand doctor yesterday about my little finger, (I had a fall last month and my little finger made a right turn, ) I have to keep my two fingers bandaged for a month, go back in a month. While I was at the doctors I showed him the palms of my hand, he said that I had Dupuytren's Disease. Check out - http://DealingWithDD.com There are injection that can help. It tends to run in families. It is more common in individuals whose ancestors are from northern Europe. Now I know what is wrong with my brothers hands.

2010-05-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

More Wood!

2010-05-03T03:53:00.000-07:00

Beautiful weekend, dogs are back to cooling down in the pool, digging holes, eating my tomatoes, and relaxing in the shade, oh I can't leave out barking like a mad dog! A dogs life!

Worked in yard, mowed the lawn, I am back to doing grass art, just couldn't mow down those wild flowers!

Went to the Woodcraft store yesterday, Jer had to pick up some wood to finish a piece he promised someone, didn't have the wood so he had to place an order.

Jer had a wood alert Friday about some wood in Pembroke Pines, so he pick up three really big logs yesterday. Came home all bruised and cut up, his back is probably hurting today!

Last show of the season

2010-04-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

Did the Melbourne Florida show, I took a tumble, right down on the sidewalk, my little finger looked like an upside down L, a right angle, half of a T, get the picture, I pulled it back in place, Jer and I both almost pasted out. Much better now. I had jury duty yesterday so I had to sit around all day, which was a good thing.

Sold one of my favorites, but it went to a good home. The photo on the left is a photo of the other half of the tree. the photo on the right (far right in this picture) is the piece we sold.

We are trying a new set up for the booth, pedestals instead of those heavy panels, we are not getting any younger, yea know. We really need photos around, I think, have to do that before the next show.

The show was good, made four new customers and it's the last show of the season, and I got out of the yard.

Woodturning/carving

2010-04-23T04:31:00.000-07:00

We are doing the Melbourne, Florida show this weekend, so I thought I would photograph Jer's latest, wellllllll, it is already packed up. I wanted to post something, soooooooooo------here it is--- a little gem Jerry did awhile back, it is turned and carved. The piece is called "Life Circle" and the wood, Mahogany.
Jerry does a pieces that I like to enjoy for awhile, then I turn them loose, this just happens to be one. Enjoy!

Woodturning latest

2010-03-31T06:48:00.000-07:00

Just beginning, lots more sanding, polishing etc. This piece is 15inches wide and 5 inches in height, Jer still has to make a finial, that will probably be another 2 inches. He wants to finish before the Melboune, Florida show.

Happy Dog!

2010-03-22T06:24:00.000-07:00

Jerry and I did a show Saturday, only 5 hours and the space was free. It was inside and there was Wine, Dine and Design. The show was at a wine and self storage in West Palm Beach, a benefit for the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation & the American Red Cross Haiti Relief. There was music, really good food from local restaurants and of course wine, and we didn't have to set up a tent. I think the benefit did well, and we did too.

Yesterday, Jerry spent most of the morning out in the barn studio turning. Our next show is next month in Melbourne, Florida. Since he sold some pieces, he had to restock. We are not retired yet, so he likes to spend a weekend day making another masterpiece. Now that we have day light savings, he can spend some time in the studio after work. We even had time to take schizo baby dog (she is the oldest) for a walk in the park yesterday evening. We left the other two at home, that is the trouble with having three dogs, they need that individual attention.

We are in the process of revamping our booth, want to start using pedestals, it will make setting up and tearing down a whole lot easier.

Subconscious Staging,

2010-03-10T14:05:00.000-08:00

I think an artist best customer is another artist. Went to a Fine Craft Show on Saturday and bought Ninnie. She is hanging on the wall next to other artist works. She is the work of Nancy Kubale. I hung Ninnie on the wall not realizing that she fits right in with the other colors, bringing your eye right back to her. It's call "subconscious staging".

Another Car Event

2010-02-28T14:32:00.000-08:00

Did I mention that Jerry has the mad car disease, he was effected as a kid. I have to say I get a little teary eyed when we sell a car, I guess I have the disease too, I just have a tiny bit, not caring what I drive as long as it gets me where I want to go.

We had a good time, meeting our friends at the dinner for breakfast and then off to the car show. The weather was a perfect day, chilly in the shade, little windy but blue skies. Now that I have this phone that takes pictures, I forget to bring my camera, I have to stop that. I missed the opportunity to take some nice shots. The seagulls against the beautiful blue sky, pets and there owners, of course the nice cars. This show was for German cars only.

Artigras Art Show-Jupiter, Florida

2010-02-17T06:52:00.000-08:00

Back from Jupiter, not the planet, but the Artigras Art Festival in Jupiter, Fl. Nice show, and wonderful artsy neighbors. Set up and breakdown went very well. It was cold on Saturday. I think some of the people from out of town wanted to go back up north. It got warmer and no rain, that was a plus.
We set up Friday, Feb. 12th. Friday night it rained and winds, I thought I was in a hurricane, they were so bad. I really thought our tent and stuff would end up in Canada.
Saturday- the tents were all there, like nothing happened. Judges came by, didn't say much and left. Nice day but chilly. Sunday-The awards committee with the bugles and a big blue flag that read "WINNER", what a pleasant surprise, 1st in Wood!!!!!!!! Icing on the cake. No more to say but-------- WOW and a double WOW!
All orders for Artigra show were sent out today.
Susan
Jerry has to get busy for the Melbourne, Florida show in April.

Cold Trees

2010-01-12T08:08:00.000-08:00

No, this isn't South Florida, although it has been very cold. This is North Carolina near Bald River Falls.

Being from South Florida, always taking pictures of trees, and have seen trees in the snow, but never have I ever seen trees so beautiful.

Jerry picked up some cherry logs, small but really nice. We meet a guy at the gas station that had a pick up truck full of wood. He was going to chop it all up for fire wood, so Jer rescued a couple of pieces.

Jerry's next show is Presidents weekend-Arti Gras-Jupiter, Florida http://www.artigras.org/

Greetings From Florida

2009-12-23T14:39:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday

Which one you'd like to choose

And we don't want to forget

A Happy New Year?

Suz & Jer

Happy Turkey Day

2009-11-23T08:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

This last weekend, Fairchild Gardens had "The Ramble" Three Woodturning club participated, Jerry went to help sell on Saturday.

Sunday we went to Mandarin Hotel, for a car show. A beautiful day, alittle on the warm side. The food was wonderful, of course I ate way to much.

Disney Show

2009-11-17T11:11:00.000-08:00

What a GREAT weekend, the weather was sooooo beautiful. Setting up Thursday, it was a bit windy, thought me and the tent were going to take off, it was cool, and the sky was so blue.

Festival of the Masters

2009-11-11T13:35:00.000-08:00

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/downtown-disney/special-events/festival-of-the-masters/

Packing up stuff for the Festival of the Masters show, Friday - Saturday - Sunday

cont. from Oct. 27th post

2009-11-04T07:57:00.000-08:00

Shogun Kabuto

Well, we are almost finished, need some more sanding and polishing. The tittle is "Shogun Kabuto" (Warriors Helmet)-Jer and I both thought of this name together. Great minds...........

The main wood is Norfolk Island Pine, the top, 5 or 6 different woods and bone.

Now I can use the shavings for mulch, better get busy.

My Redheaded Dog

2009-11-02T05:34:00.000-08:00

Cars and Woodturning

2009-10-30T05:28:00.000-07:00

Sorry, sometimes I am a little backwards. This should have been #1. (Oct. 25th post) The log before it's turned, acually I am way backwords this is the other log that Jerry picked up, oh well you get the picture.

You really want to get backwards, Jer's first love happens to be cars. This VW truck was taken at a car event we went to last weekend. Liked his smile. The other photo is a Porsche engine part before the car.

Day 3 As I See it by Suz

2009-10-27T04:59:00.000-07:00

This photo should have been part of #7 before the shake down and before the discovery of the knots! He drills the hole, then he uses a chisel to hollow out the inside. Check out the shavings, need to get those, mulch for my trees.
Is this #10? Oh well, not very good with order. Jer took this turning down so the knots were showing. He went out to his studio last night, didn't do anything, I don't think. Said the piece was still to wet, whatever that means.

"As I See It" by Susan (continued from yesterday)

2009-10-26T05:37:00.000-07:00

#6 Figure out what the wood is trying to say and what shape would look right with where the knots or grain run. Jer said that this tree lost it's limb when the tree was very young. The knots didn't show up until he got into the piece, small knots but they were deep inside the wood.
#7 Whole new shape, take it down so the knots are fillet like a fish.

#8 Drill a hole in the top, and then go in with a very, very sharp tool (that could fly across the room or worse yet, suck your whole body inside) maybe this should be #7 what do I know.
#9 Jer is not finished with this piece so I will continue, maybe Jer will tell you his thoughts and techniques as he sees it.
I will say, "It's lookin Gooooood" that's something I do know.

As I see it by Susan

2009-10-25T16:45:00.000-07:00

Step #1 Break your back getting that log on the lathe, of course that is after you almost saw off your leg with the chain saw.

Step #2 Get as much of the wood shavings all over your body so that you can drag it into the house!

Step #3 Followed up by me nagging, so he can go back out and turn some more.

Step #4 Feeling guilty, come back in and ask sweetly - "How does it look, should I do this or should I do that?"

Step #5 Ruin all that sweetness by asking whats for dinner.

cont. tomorrow, maybe-Jerry doesn't appreciate my humor

Woodturned

2009-10-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

Just a glimpse of Jerry's masterpiece, he doesn't like me to call it that, but I like too.

The piece can be hung on the wall, something about a stud, it's heavy, or it can be left on the stand. It's almost 22 inches wide and 4 inches thick. How he turned this "Masterpiece" I haven't a clue. Maybe Jerry will start writing on his blog, especially after he reads about his Masterpiece!

Well he was complaining that I blogged on my blog and not his.

More Wood?

2009-10-16T04:24:00.000-07:00

Love this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson-

When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Jerry brought home some more wood last night. I said this before "a woodturner can never have enough wood" even when they have a small little car and a hurting back, go figure!

Continued - Art show

2009-10-12T06:43:00.000-07:00

Continued from http://remistuff.blogspot.com
We were so busy trying to survive the heat that I only took one photo. The tree is Cedar (had to get a tree into Jer's blog)and the man sitting on the bench was one of the musician waiting his turn to WOW the crowd. The music was another thing that kept us going, in one word FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!

Jerry has to get going on some pieces for the Disney show, and has to finish his Masterpiece, almost there.

Natures Designs

2009-10-09T08:24:00.000-07:00

Another example of Natures Designs, with Jerrys helped.

Timing is Everything

2009-10-06T04:14:00.000-07:00

The photo of Jerry and our dogs was taken right after hurricane Wilma. The tall trees in the background are Norfolk Island Pines, still standing but with less branches.

Both of these woodturnings are made from a Norfolk Island Pine tree. The blonde piece was turned right after the tree came down. The turning that is darker, was turned weeks later. If the wood lays around to long, it become pithy and it goes back to the curb. Timing is everything.

Norfolk Island Pine is a relative of the Monkey-puzzle tree, a evergreen tree (Araucaria araucana) native to Chile and widely cultivated elsewhere as an ornamental. The symmetrical branches have an unusual angularity and are completely covered by the stiff, overlapping leaves.

Blue Ribbon Winner!

2009-10-05T04:18:00.000-07:00

Melbourne, Florida is a quaint little town, close to the beach. Only 2 or 3 hours from the house.

Had a Good weekend. Jerry won a Blue Ribbon, icing on the cake. The weather was nice, although a little hot.

The volunteers for this show were wonderful! Our art neighbors were nice, all & all the weekend was perfect, and we got out of the yard!

Blogs New Look!

2009-10-02T05:24:00.000-07:00

How's the new look, I am going to get a blogger out of Jerry Yet! Not going to happen!
This blog will be mostly Jerry's creations.
This is a piece of Cedar on Jerry's lathe. It amazes me how an old log can become a piece of art. The finish piece you can see in the slideshow.
I have tried woodturning and it isn't easy, and I used a little piece of wood. Believe me, it wasn't a piece of art when I got finished!

Latest Woodturning

2009-09-29T05:53:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for a show in Melbourne, Florida, thought I'd post one of Jerry's latest. We have two shows this month- Melbourne and then Winter Park, both Florida shows.

Cypress Trees along the Dora Canal

2009-09-16T14:18:00.000-07:00

Cypress Trees - Most turners won't turn cypress because it's fuzzy and it is hard to finish.
Jerry has sold all of his cypress pieces so I don't have a picture, but do have the next best thing-The Dora Canal, which is lined with Cypress. I took this photo while we were in Mt. Dora.
We were told that the movie, Jungle Queen was shot on the Dora Canal. Was that the name of the movie, ?you know the one with Humphrey Bogart.
http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/pubtxt/cir1186.htm

http://www.lakecountyfl.gov/boating/the_dora_canal.aspx

Morikami Gardens

2009-09-11T13:22:00.000-07:00

http://www.morikami.org/index.php?submenu=Gardens&src=gendocs&link=Gardens
Morikami Gardens-
The photo above is a river of pine cones.

The Bonsai trees were unbelievable.

The weather was HOT.

Willow Tree

2009-09-08T10:15:00.000-07:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willow

Saw this beautiful old Willow Tree in NC this last weekend and just had to take a shot. Thought this tree was a good one to post for the Trick or Treaters.
Jerry is getting ready for some shows in October and he is not a blogger so we will see if he looks at our blog.
Suz

Jackfruit Tree

2009-08-31T12:39:00.000-07:00

http://fruitandspicepark.org/friends/ Check out the events coming up. We visited the Fruit & Spice Park yesterday and look what we found. The wikipedia, will tell you all about this tree. Just had to take a picture. I was looking for a Sour sop Fruit tree, but this was the closes I could get. Some of these trees were spindly looking and had these great big fruits dangling from them. Check out our other blog to see the other extreme of beauty.
remistuff.blogspot.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackfruit

Tour of Our Studio

2009-08-25T04:20:00.000-07:00

Have to have some kind of bullentin board with stuff you hold dear or for inspiration. Then comes "the Shelf" with Jer's stuff for shows and stuff to keep. With a Raven or two.

Top shelf, In our studio there is a shelf that has some of my favorite things. L to R-Pine cone, duck bottle opener, my mothers art case (well used) another duck, one of Jerry's turnings and a artsy box that I bought at an art show. We have two faces holding up a beam. I enjoy drawing the face, either distorted or whatever. Jer has his own studio out in the barn, where he turns wood or does his sculptors.

More Wood

2009-08-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

Jerry has more wood, be still my heart!

Crotches and Limbs, we're not talking about body parts here. A wood turner can never have to much wood! It was a pleasant surprise for Jer.

Personally, I wish it was a delivery from Cheap Joe's. I am going to have to sell a few paintings for that delivery.

Our daughters brother in law brought this wood over yesterday. It is from a Tamarind tree, I think.

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/tamarind.html#Description

Woodturning/Starfish

2009-08-14T03:56:00.000-07:00

Suz- I love the Ocean, so I asked Jerry to turn me a box of something to do with the ocean for our new bathroom. He came up with a beautiful starfish. As you can see I enhanced the photo.

PS http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victory_over_Japan_Day

Disney Show

2009-08-11T13:27:00.000-07:00

Nov. 13-14-15 2009 Booth 232

Woodturning

2009-08-08T13:37:00.000-07:00

This blog has been neglected since I have a new blog -

http://remistuff.blogspot.com/

So I thought I'd find a photo of one of Jerry's pieces that he has sold.

We found this piece of Florida Holly (Brazilian Pepper) Burl after hurricane Wilma. He left the natural edge and inlaid the turning with turquoise. Sold fast! Wilma produce enough wood for many shows.

It is very unusual to get a Holly burl big enough to turn a piece this size.

Porsche Parade 1998

2009-08-04T04:12:00.000-07:00

Woodturning and Cars-Jerry's Passion
Jerry has the Mad Car Disease or a passion for cars. His mother said he could name the model and year of every car when he was very young.

We have belonged to many car clubs over the years, AACA, the old Ford Club, Porsche Club to name a few. Maybe that is why he quit his job as an engineer and went into the car business. We have been to many car shows and outings. Jerry has bought lots of cars, he always says it's an investment. Have met some wonderful people, and some have become long lasting friends.

The Porsche club has a national event every year. We have gone to a few and Jerry became a National Car Judge. We were in charge of the Art Show for the Florida Parade (2003) and have entered some of the Art Shows, where we have sold pieces and won some awards. Jerry won BEST IN SHOW for a beautiful woodturning he did out of a piece of Cedar. Named it "Desert Rose" (Sacramento, California) forgot the year.

This photo was taken in 1998 Porsche Parade (Steamboat Springs, Colorado) - my granddaughter is the mouth on the left. Both the girls will be 18 this year, Ashley's birthday is the 20Th of this month and Sydney's birthday is next month.

The Parades are full of events, a Art Show, Banquets, Concours, Rally, Autocross and one of my favorite is the Social, they have planned trips, this particular Parade we had a Balloon Race that started right next to our condo, what fun.

Another Blog

2009-07-29T11:12:00.001-07:00

Keeping this blog, but guess what, this is so much fun I started another one.

remistuff.blogspot.com

Check it out

Mushrooms - Natures Beauty 2

2009-07-29T05:43:00.000-07:00

The orange mushrooms - Took this photo in North Carolina

The white ones, I took this photo yesterday in our backyard, a new crop. Posted May 30th Natures Beauty.

Rocky

2009-07-28T04:19:00.000-07:00

What a personality, almost human.
I usually don't paint dogs, but Rocky wasn't any dog.
First time I met Rocky, I had to paint a painting of him. Took several photos of him, the problem was, Rocky had cancer at one time and the doctors had to remove part of his jaw. As a painter I had to do, "plasinters surgery" (painters surgery) and paint in his upper lip. Had to abstract it alittle, so I made the tile and background abstract.

Butterflies

2009-07-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of my granddaughter, Alex (she is now 12, almost 13) with my friend, Linda's grandson, Chase. Alex and Chase go to the same school, but haven't seen each other since this picture was taken. They will meet when school starts because they are both in the honor society.
Chase was inspired by our blog, hope this doesn't ruin his image.
Alex is now terrified of butterflies, hope she doesn't read this blog.
I don't think anyone will recognize her because of the sunglasses. This picture will have to go into next years yearbook.

Horses- SAY WHAT?

2009-07-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

St. Johns/Mayport Ferry, Florida

2009-07-24T04:14:00.000-07:00

While driving back from a workshop in Myrtle Beach, we spend the night in Amelia Island, look for sharks teeth, then the next morning venture home. Love to take the St. Johns ferry (very short, but worth taking). It is the only remaining public auto ferry in Florida. It transports cars and pedestrians across the St. Johns river between Fort George Island to Coastal Jacksonville Village. My favorite bird, the pelican is always there to greet ya. The traffic director always has a smile and a nice greeting too.

This photo is the opposite of July 22 post, dominance - straight line. Notice echoing shapes. Notice the triangles in the palm tree and fence echoing the same shape as the ferry machinery?

Dominance- most important to the principles of design/One big shape, color, direction, etc. As per July 3rd post.

Creativity Test

2009-07-23T04:10:00.000-07:00

For those that logged onto the "Right Brain-Left Brain Test", yesterdays post, will understand why I love this photo.

Would like to change the color, maybe an orange and lavender, something that is as quirky as the photo.

Have to start posting Jer's woodturning pieces, have asked him to write something, we will see, keep you posted. The first show is in October. He has done some really nice pieces.

Right Brain/Left Brain Test

2009-07-22T04:10:00.000-07:00

Take the test-Are you Left or Right Brained
I guess I live in a Fantasy World, but I can snap out of it if I want, but who would want to.

http://www.wherecreativitygoestoschool.com/vancouver/left_right/rb_results.pl

Stop and smell the roses, it is amazing how much stuff is out there to see.

I love shape and color, I try to incorporate these elements in most of my photos and paintings.

My Left Brained friends can't figure out why I would want a photo of round cylinders. Couldn't help myself, I spotted the truck while driving to Ruby Falls. Traffic was busy, I had to maneuver to get behind the cylinders. Grabbed my camera and asked my grandson to take several photos, his right brain took over and understood what I wanted, after a little coaching he took 4 nice shots.

Shape - Curved, Angular, Rectangular

Balance with shapes - Small/Dark, Large/Light

Red Bird

2009-07-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Found the photo of my little red bird /Painting posted- July 3rd Titled "Red Bird" .

When I was in the mountains last week she came back but was

Much to busy to look my way.

I have a lot to say

and am much to busy to look your way

You have been gone much to long

Why would I even think to look Your way

Went to my feeder and it was bare

and I was in much despair

had to go elsewhere

to find my food

and had babies

but you did not care

Now your gone again

and you probably won't be back

so that's why I turned

so what do you think of that

We're Back

2009-07-20T18:49:00.000-07:00

We're Back-

What did I do before GPS, although sometimes I don't agree with her, she tells me to proceed to the designated route, that irritates me cause sometimes I can't find that route. Another bad thing, people won't learn how to read maps. I love maps! I asked my grandson to look on the map and tell me where we were, "I don't know how to read a map". maybe I didn't either at 17.

I remember when my son was a teenager and thought we were lost, I told him "no we are not lost we are right here", that made him feel better and he went back to sleep.

Another Tree

2009-07-20T04:37:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of a maple tree in Georgia. We stopped for a picnic, couldn't help myself, had to get out the camera.

I have always loved trees, could climb before I could walk. This looks like a nice climber, didn't dare.

Mushroom and Rocks

2009-07-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

Do you know this fellow? In the Carolina's.

Saw this little gem tucked back amongst the leaves, I was waiting for a fairy to land.

April/July

2009-07-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

Same tree different season.

Carolina

2009-07-10T17:49:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am in the Carolinas and this is my view! Got my grandson to come up with me and Betty. Betty is our Ausie, who just received a really short hair cut. She is a good travelier. Had a busy day today. The weather is really nice and we're a chillin. The dog and CJ are past out, too much mountain air I guess.

More Stuff-Woodblocks and Printing Block

2009-07-08T06:43:00.000-07:00

Thought this greeting card was really neat, couldn't pass it up. Now all I need is a printing press.

If there is some stuff out there to collect, I WILL collect it.

Here we have some woodblocks.

I bought a Woodblock starter kit from Speedball, haven't got up the nerve to use it yet.

Surimono just click on Surimono and it "explans it to you Lucy" Check it out.

Yes, that is a fireplace, I was born and raised in Miami and I get cold, plus it looks marvelous. When we built the studio, that was one thing I really wanted, and in the summer, it is a place for my bird/candle, thingy.

Moon Over the Everglades

2009-07-07T04:02:00.000-07:00

Moon Over the Everglades

This was the view this morning, 6am. Well not exactly, I took the photo and it didn't look as beautiful as it did in person. Put it in the computer, brought up Microsoft Picture It and look what happened! Just couldn't leave it at that, kidda like the color lavender, really like orange but it wasn't as purrrrrrty as I thought it should be. What do you think?

Vizcaya

2009-07-06T05:19:00.000-07:00

Vizcaya-House on the Hill-no hill but a beautiful view of the bay over looking Key Biscayne and downtown Miami.

Mangroves, Beautiful Garden and the House of James Deering -Statues and Jer at the top of a Waterfall.

Visited Vizcaya on the 4Th of July, fun day, took lots of pictures.

Vizcaya was built by James Deering, on Miami Bay, what a view!

This is a photo of one of the many walkways throughout the gardens. (brain coral)

The Statue of Liberty

2009-07-04T13:44:00.000-07:00

This is a photo taken around the time of world war 2. Have to get it fixed professionaly. Hope you enjoy.
Visited her before 911, was wonderful, went up into the crown. As I was climbing the stairs my Dad called from Miami, asking where I was. I was about half way up at the time and shared with him what it was like. Something I'll never forget. She is really beautiful...... Thanks to our NY friends for showing us around NY.

Red Bird

2009-07-03T04:35:00.000-07:00

While I was visiting North Carolina, this female Cardinal would perch herself outside and look in the window. It was like she was wondering why we were there. I really think she was looking at her reflection in the glass, worried that another bird was going to get into HER bird feeder.

I just had to paint her. I had the picture, so I didn't want to make her realistic, so I put a little weight on her and a little bit serious, had to put her bird feeder in there too..

Vertical lines dominate (echoing shapes) in this painting, so it is nice to see a horizontal.

THINK I AM FINDING PARTS OF MYSELF!

2009-06-28T14:43:00.000-07:00

This is sick, all these brushes. I think I have organized something, finally! Still have the closet and other places, there can't be anymore brushes?

Top of the Work table looks good. THINK POSITIVE. Top self looks good. Found all my palettes, you just don't want to know.
I unloaded my case from Springmaid. I was thinking, I didn't go in November, but it was March. This year is going by too fast. Glad I have this blog, I can know where I am.

Maybe I will be all together by the end of the year.

Where did you say my conscious mind went.?!'',

Workshop Artist

2009-06-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

"Think wrongly, if you please, but in all cases think for Yourself." Doris Leasing/Love that saying, so many times people will take WS and end up painting in the same style as the instructor. The other saying I have taped to my easel, "Accept the challenges, so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory" General G Paton

While organizing my studio (yes, I'm still organizing) I found my easel-One of my toys. Every painting WS I attended or put on, I would have the artist sign, there are some that I don't have like Gerald Brommer, Serge Hollerbach, Jan Kunz, Alex Powers, Warren Taylor, Judy Betts and there were more, I took there WS's either before or after.

The people who did sign -Miles Batt, Mary Todd Beam, Fran Larsen, Pat Deadman, Polly Hammett, Westerman, McClish, Don Getz, who told me about Carla O'Connor, Schink, Skip Lawrance, Virginia Cobb, Susanna Spann, Stehen Quiller, Don Andrews, Dot Brady and of course Jerry.

I am really impressed, didn't realize how many wonderful artist that I studied with

Nothing Lovelier Than a Tree

2009-06-27T06:25:00.000-07:00

Nothing Lovelier Than a Tree, and an old auto and a barrel hanging from a rope from the tree? Go figure?

Ravens, Dragonflies, Family, Friends and Legend-on & on

2009-06-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

Don't wait for inspiration-when inspiration does not come to me, I go to meet it. Sigmund Freud

My blog yesterday gave me inspiration to finish this painting. READ my blog June 1st and June 7th.
This photo is really bad, but you can get the idea what I was thinking?
Things I added to finish this painting-
My grandmother is pictured at the top, with the moon behind her. Birdhouses and a heart, of course a dragonfly (bottom fourth). The birdbath doubles as a bird with her chicks. I wanted to add a celestial mood to this painting and one of missing those that are gone and those that I never met. I cut the painting down and took the scraps and turned them inward. I dislike matting as much as framing. I also added line to keep your eye moving throughout the painting.

Finished, maybe, no really it is!

Have had three dear friends pass away in the last year -Mary Jo a wonderful artist, Art & Mary's daughter, Carol and last Sunday, Gary.
This is my way to express my feelings, and I am not that good at writing or verbally expressing. People don't have a clue what I am talking about half the time, or they're thinking something else.
I started this painting when my parents were ill, the other day I grabbed it out of my pile of The Unfinished. Haven't painted much in the last 3 years except in workshops. Started this blogging stuff, drawing, painting, doodling and little by little started to bring back a little creativity.
Feel better.

Fliddling-My Grandfathers Passion

2009-06-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

Music was my grandfathers passion. This is a photo that I dearly love. My grandfater (standing) played music whenever he could, around Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Texas and Missouri. I guess this photo was taken in the 20s, and the fellow with him was a musician also. Never met my grandfather, but heard many stories.

Wish I could come up with a poem or something really creative, maybe later.

Looking 4 Sharks teeth

2009-06-22T14:42:00.000-07:00

I like to fool around with photos, like Microsoft photo shop etc. this way I can get the values or change the color, and so on.

I took this picture when my daughter and I went to Myrtle Beach for a Workshop. Had a really good time.

Love the way that the background blends into the figure.

Horses

2009-06-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

This is a painting I did of my daughter and her baby. I did this about 15 years ago. Sorry about the photo, didn't want to take it out of the frame, lazy about that. Love to paint, dislike to frame!The other painting is of my horse Cloudy, did this one 20 years ago. Cloudy was a good old boy, had a mind of his own. Came back to the house a couple of times without a rider.

Both of these paintings are hanging in my daughters house. Again bad photo.

The photo at the top, I took this morning. Daisy a big draft horse, what a big baby. (Look at those eye lashes.)You go out riding and she likes to eat bushes, sometimes takes them up by the roots. Daisy belongs to my daughter. I don't have any horses anymore, I leave that up to my kids.

In The Dog House!

2009-06-19T06:13:00.000-07:00

In the Dog House.

Think I broke my two fingers yesterday.

Betty decided, with her evil half sister, the instigator, to take a little tour of the neighborhood. Wasn't a good day to do that! There half brother told on them, so I caught them before they got to the neighbors chicken coop. They are both going to be orphans if they keep it up. Don't really know how they scaled a 5 foot fence, and got over the live wire (they're a bit overweight.)

Who's Teaching Who?

2009-06-17T04:12:00.000-07:00

What are you thinking
What's on your mind
Wish you could tell me all of the time
You swing on your swing
& curse at your toys
Say that I am bootiful &
sing with joy
You call out our name & we do the same
My question to you is
Who's teaching
who?

My three favorite birds-

Of course Birdie, our African Grey, my very favorite, she is almost a person.

More Dragonflies

2009-06-16T05:35:00.000-07:00

It is amazing what a camera can do. I have a Super SteadyShot 5.1 mega pixels Sony camera that I bought 6 or 7 years ago. I usually only keep a camera for a little while, but this Sony is great. I am no expert, but love to photograph stuff. This camera, I just aim and shoot.

When I was in junior high (middle school) I had to choose a career and then make a report. Mine was to be a photographer. Ended up instead a typesetter and paste up artist, as my career, . I have always had my camera and a paintbrush at my side, started off with a Brownie, then the Polaroid came out, of course there was the home movies but my parent were in charge of that. I use my photos to inspire me to do a painting, not to copy the photo, that is a different art.

A Trip to the Past

2009-06-15T06:50:00.000-07:00

Blogging is too much fun! Really wish I would have cropped this before posting, but I was busy reading other blogs.

This is a self portrait of me going back in time.

You don't want another poem?

2009-06-14T08:10:00.000-07:00

Like my do?

2009-06-13T16:37:00.000-07:00

Just Beautiful

POET'S VINO

2009-06-12T03:59:00.000-07:00

TOO MUCH VINO?

MY LIPS I CANNOT FEEL

SO WHATS THE BIG DEAL

SO HOW DO YOU THINK I FEEL

TOO MUCH VINO!

THAT IS WHY I AM A LITTLE BIT TIPSY

& THAT IS WHY I FEEL LIKE A GYPSY.

I STARTED TO ROAM

FAR AWAY FROM HOME

NOW THAT I'VE HAD MY WINE

I'VE STARTED TO PINE

BECAUSE I CAN'T FIND MY HOME SWEET HOME

ALTHOUGH I AM NOT A POET

I THINK I CAN THROW IT

THE WORDS I MEAN

ARE IN MY MIND

NOT IN MY VINO?

Artist Friends

2009-06-11T06:11:00.000-07:00

Alrighty then!

Jer turned this bowl, well it was kidda plain, needed some friends, so I thought I would invite some of my "Artsey Friends"- Paint, woodburner, woodgrain, Norma, Dottie, Jean, Dianne, Anne and Jerry. Think he sorta liked it, didn't say much. I especially like Normas hand, looks pretty neat. Fun to do, had to get use to the woodburner, no pain no gain.

Ready For A Workshop!

2009-06-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

Missed my November workshop in Myrtle Beach. Ya start out with a clean work table with a plastic garbage bag attached, but by the end of the week it starts to look like my studio at home. Ya have all your meals cooked for ya, good southern cooking. They even have someone at breakfast to make omelets and stuff. OK, back to reality-

Gotta get my studio organized, yea, I am still talking about that. The pathway to the computer is getting like a maze, can't have that. Dug up some old unfinished paintings, gotta do some painting. So much to do and so little time.

Been so busy peeling my mangoes, and bagging them up, maybe I should go see the acupuncturist about my mango peeling hand. This photo was taken after I had already filled 10 bags. I have to race the dogs to the mango tree every time I let them out, they like tomatoes too.

2009-06-07T05:19:00.000-07:00

OK now, let me try to explain what my subconscious was thinking? (Usually haven't a clue what my conscious mind thinks)

The ball and the world represents to me, balance that regulates the movement of time, spinning, a place in the universe, live in the moment.

The birdbath, a symbol of Birth and Death, Chistening.

Ravens - Balance-Southwestern Native Americans, the Raven was their Storyteller. Passing down Wisdom and knowledge from each generation, myths, stories and parables. Beware, one could never tell if the stories told were truth or perhaps, a mischievous lesson.

The faces represent truth and mischievousness. The faces are shaped in the form of an egg, representing, new beginnings, potential, family and ancestry.

The faces are mask, trying to fit in with the Ravens, plotting perhaps a trick or two. Good and Evil. oooooooo, this is getting to deep for me.

Ravens

2009-06-06T18:58:00.000-07:00

Cropped this down so, I don't know, know it is a bit scary to me, and I painted it.

I like to photograph my paintings while I am working on them or prop them up somewhere, so I can critique.

Different cultures believe different things about the Raven. After I painted this one I happen to read, that when Ravens are perched on a ball he serves as a representation of living in balance, maybe that one was wishful thinking.

Ravens were also known to be tricksters. Native American tradition holds the Raven as the courier of energy flow that brings about change and creates new realities. They are very smart and they are known for collecting bright, shiny objects to decorate their nest, sounds familiar.

Tomorrow I will show the whole painting and try to explain the symbols.

The Studio

2009-06-06T05:54:00.000-07:00

Can't believe the studio gets so disorganized in such a short time. Have so much stuff. More books than brains.
Found one of my old not finished paintings, doesn't look too bad, but I don't get out much. Going to get all this stuff off my workbench and do something about this painting.

This lizard is a friend of the courtyard lizard. Had one of these get in the house, not a pretty sight. thought I would have to move.

Friends

2009-06-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

Mt. Dora-Another car event- that's when water was beverage of choice.

This year the same friend took a photo of me standing next to a person that stand about 5 ft. and probable weight 85 lbs. I look about 6ft 8in and weight- 400lbs.. My drink of choice is still water and now I have added wine to the list.

Art-Life Experiences

2009-06-05T04:09:00.000-07:00

Looking out our living room window, (the lizard is on the outside), he loves our courtyard. The courtyard is in remembrance of my Aunt Mae. Everyone calls these lizards "Jesus Lizards" because they walk on water.
The other picture is of a pathway to my life experiences. Raining this morning, just thought it looked mysterious, had to grab my camera. Maybe I will paint a painting, not what it looks like; the photo does that, but what it feels like.
An exercises that I like to do- write different moods on a piece of paper, cut them up, and put them into one of Jerry's turned pieces, pull one out and paint a little painting of that feeling. Sometimes I will take that mood and make a series.
Take Life's experiences and express yourself, in your painting or your journal, in your writing, whatever- Something Only You Can Give To Your Art.

"The Big Fish"

2009-06-04T13:05:00.000-07:00

About 2 years ago while at my daughters house taking care of her horses, I dug up two of her plants and they have taken over. My kind of plant.

Remember the movie "The Big Fish" well Jer said I was like the women that her plants took over her house. I don't see anything wrong with that.

Another hint- You don't want your warms and cool colors to be even, have a dominance.

Texas-Kansas and Rhode Island

2009-06-03T05:20:00.001-07:00

A field of Flowers and a Summer Breeze just seems to go together in my minds eye.

In real eyes, I see, not so good composition- evenly divided space, I need to crop this photo at the bottom or top. A good composition should have 1. Texas 2. Kansas 3. Rhode Island or 1. Large shapes 2. Med 3. Small or lots of smalls etc.

Mushrooms and Dragonflies

2009-06-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

Check out the dragonfly on this special cow, Made Jerry stop so I could take some photos of the scenery and happened to get a photo of this cow with dragonfly motif. Didn't realized till months later when I dropped my dragonfly button on the floor, picked it up and placed it on the photograph, and noticed the dragonfly, little freaky.
I was letting the dogs out one day (right after my parents passed away) and something told me to go over to the bamboo and woooowlaaaa, there was this beautiful dragonfly, he waited till I went in to get my camera. Haven't seen another one like this since. So now every time I see a couple of dragonflies, I tell Jer, there go my parents, really freaks him out.

Did you know that Dragonflies are among earth's oldest creature, they were the winged shamans of Zuni myth and legend, they carried supernatural powers and was said, spiritual transformation in their flight. Was thought to swiftly carry the spirits of ancestors to their beloveds.

Well, since some people are wanting me to paint again, I decided to go out and paint mushrooms. My inks and such are about dried up. Wanted to use yellow on the mushrooms, but the yellow is a watery tan. Love the color green and orange. Have to be careful with loving a color, less is more. Have to have a dominance also, in color and in shape.

Turned, Carved and Painted

2009-05-31T08:14:00.000-07:00

jer turned, carved and I painted these pieces. The smaller one reminds me of a sea urchin.

Went to a woodturning social last night, had barbecued ribs and chicken from one of the local restaurants, was sooooo good, but the highlight of the night was the Bluegrass band. Wow, they were awesome! A family of 7, Mom, Dad and 5 kids, so talented. They played so fast on the fiddle and the banjo that I thought I saw smoke. At one time the kids were playing the fiddle all together and everyone of them kept up. I'm thinking the youngest was 8 and the oldest 20.

Natures Beauty

2009-05-30T14:03:00.000-07:00

Isn't nature Beautiful! Even when it comes in the form of Fungus.

Back Away From the Tree!

2009-05-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

There not very big but they have lots of meat. Love MANGOES! My Mom use to hoard mangoes, peel, freeze and have them all year. I have inherited the trait. I think I'm getting peeling palm. I already have the shape.