Another Week Filled to the Brim and Spilling Over

Had just told myself that I must learn to say "No" a bit more often.  And, moments ago accepted the responsibility of judging the "Shining Stars" for another year.  So much for new resolutions.

Grapefest was a wonderful, tiring, exciting time for four days.  Sold fourteen paintings and did a demonstration that I will post in a later blog.

At the same time, I was under a time limit to get a commission done for a woman for her husband for their 25th wedding anniversary.  Had about 8 days to get the gallery wrapped canvas, get it gessoed, and the painting done with enough drying time to put a light varnish on.  She is coming tonight to view the painting, of which I am very pleased.  It was a back and white photo, and I kept my colors in a muted value, which gave the painting an ole world quality look.

What a Vacation! ! ! ! !

  Been to the British Virgin Islands on the most flamboyant, luxurious week of my life Was taken by a young man celebrating his 20th wedding anniversary with a beautiful retake of vows on the beach of Virgin Gorda silhouetted in a magnificent sunset.  He took 11 adults  and 9 children.

We snorkeled, went to the Baths through tunnels of huge boulders, kayaked, swam, got a lesson in sailing a Hobie Cat, danced and danced with ages from 3, 5, 14, to adults, ate the best food I've ever eaten, swam wtth dolphins (the highlight for me), played ping pong, and shared a great week of life.

"LIVING THE BEST LIFE" PROJECT

Just started a "Living the Best Possible Life Project", which also might be called a "Happiness Project" with a group of three other women.  We will meet once a month for a year, have a "Resolutions" chart to hold us accountable, and have chosen, individually,  a spiritual mentor or leader.  This is going to be an interesting project.  Daughter, Holly, is the person who initiated the idea with me.

Couple of weeks ago had a photo sent of one of my paintings hanging in a collector's home.  Such dear people I am happy to be hanging with.  Here is the image:

Dinner with Three Lady Friends LAST NIGHT

Trying a new recipe can open new doors.  Made a pretty strawberry, cream cheese, cream, sugar recipe that I put in pretty containers to serve.  Baked graham crackers and butter to a crisp stage, put in the bottom of containers (beaded glasses), put the mixture above in, added a layer of strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries, then whipped cream and one berry on top.  So now I had these lovely compotes.  Decided to invite my three women friends for dessert.  During the day, got the energy to extend the invitation for a simple dinner of kale salad, olive bread, chicken soup topped with avocado and cheese and green onions, and peach tea.  So, now we have that planned and what is the purpose of this dinner.?  Let's plan a trip to Arkansas and the Crystal Bridges Museum.  We get our dinner over and move to living room and make out plans.  All because of a new dessert needing to be tried.

Here are a couple of images going to NATURE REFUGE SHOW.  November 3-23, 2014.  Location is the Ft. Worth  Community Arts Center, 1300 Gendy, Ft. Worth, Texas.

Flipping Art

Have recently been asked what I think about flipping art, meaning: buying art at one price and selling for a profit.

Since I have been a Broker in Real Estate and have done a lot of flipping of both residential and commercial real estate, I have no qualms about flipping art for a profit.  But, this is not the only problem  that is rearing it's head.  Artists are saying that since they created this product, they should be a part of the  profit made, be it a small 3% or larger.  I  disagree.  How would this ever be determined as a future sale is made?  Life of artist?  Too many questions that don't have reasonable answers.

Two  of my three paintings going to Art in the Garden:   Short duration Show: Sept 4,5,6,7, 2014
Held at Botanic Gardens, Ft Worth, Texas     During Gallery Night go and have refreshments.

 Top painting is Tea Time. oil, 18 x 24

     Bottom painting: Hidden Hare, oil, 28 x 22

Let me Give You a Typical Day

The one thing that I have fallen into this summer is sleeping later.  Must rectify that soon.  Have been getting to bed earlier, but still sleeping.  And, my darling precious Trudy (rescued on Feb. 1, 2014) who sleeps on her bed next to mine, does not make a sound until my feet hit the floor and she gets a "Good morning, darling".
     Started the day with breakfast for the two of us, Trudy and me.  Then did some watering out in the yard as Trudy does her daily investigation of what critter has been in HER territory through the night. Then read my morning devotional that Hunter, son, and Liz and girls got me started on some summers ago and a short bit from a book that four of us will read and have an agenda to add "brightness and laughter" to life.  The book suggestion came from my daughter, Holly, who was reading it in her book club.  Then came out to office and did office work (sent a couple of cards, emails, entered a show).  Since I knew my evening was going to be full, went to gym early.  I usually close it down from 9-10 p.m..  Took four paintings to a new gallery that wanted to have some paintings from me during the Gallery Walk in the Fall.  From there I ate a salad (maybe the worst salad I have ever eaten.  But, I must have been hungry) Then drove into Grapevine for a meeting there.  Left the meeting during the demonstration only because I wanted to be a "show" at a friend's reception in Keller.  Then home to feed my dear Trudy.  It was past her feed time, but not a word of irritation did she make.  And, that is a very typical day, though each day has it's own personality.

This painting is on it's way to the Bosque Classic.  This is an International Show that little ole Clifton, Texas, has presented for years.  They put on one of the best shows in the nation.

Becoming a Collector of Art

Becoming a collector of art (or anything) is an exciting adventure.  You must ask yourself some questions along the way:
  Is it well done?
  Is it priced too much?
  Do I really like it or am I just collecting?
You need to read about the artist (web, what magazines say, galleries).  The more you know what makes him/her tick, the more you know the artist's innate honesty.  And, you want to deal with honest people.  Talk to gallery owners, being aware they are just an opinion.  Talk to the artist.  What attracts you will be unique unto you. What attracts you will be different than what attracts your neighbor.

The following piece just won an Award of Exceptional Merit from the International On Line Show: