Just back from Costa Rica

Absolutely a grand 8 plus 1 days of traveling over the gorgeous country of Costa Rica with the Caravan Tour.  42 people saw diversity of this lovely nation as we would never have seen it on our own.:  Rainforests (pelted with rain while on river boats), seeing spider monkeys, howler monkeys, and white faced monkeys, iguana, sloth, many species of birds, crocs, cayman,  etc.; saw coffee plantations, pineapple plantation (so very interesting), banana plantation, plantain plantation; ate the best meals with all of the previously named fruit plus mango and watermelon, every single meal. Crossed hanging bridges, walked the black beaches of the Pacific Ocean, toured the big city (walked some 3 to 4 miles to see a museum that was closed on that one day), went to another museum.  Stayed in the most varied of settings from quite elaborate in the city of San Jose to almost primitive in Tortequerro Rainforest, to almost too pretentious on the Beach.   Our guide and bus driver were excellent and the guide did a fine job of molding us into a family of people that were considerate and kind to each other.

     Have done a few paintings and will post them as I get them done:  Here is a couple of kids on the beach.  It is a small 10 by 8.  Did it very fast with no drawing, just painting the shapes of colors.

Computer mouse overworked ! ! !

Some EARLY RESOLUTIONS concerning the paint world

Going to list them fast and without much sub topic  pertaining to them:  be grateful (for things like the time to paint, a place to paint, the freedom); give myself credit (for the persistence I have, for my passion, my accrued skills, interest, drive, smarts); no jealousy of anyone (nor any unkind words towards another artist as a put down); hang out with people that are positive and not negative about my art or life in general; be true to myself; go ahead and risk because mistakes are OK and actually a form of growth; get some action going on a bodacious plan; and above all be honest and face truth.  

One more little item for the next month:  For the 26 people killed in New Town, I am going to do  that many kind deeds (completely unexpected, maybe unplanned, to friends and unknown, just to have some small thing come out of that horrendous thing that might have a positive affect.   Jump on the bandwagon with me.

Here is a recent small painting available:  "Stew Ingredients"  (priced at $500)   12 by 16  framed plus tax     Until the end of January.  This is a one time opportunity and I like this little pic a bunch.

Sam, Zi Zi, and Harrison

Did this painting for Daughter and Son in Law in Estes Park, Colorado.  The dog sleeps with Samantha every night and never moves a muscle.  They are inseparable.  It is a lovely thing to watch.  And, this is the most unusual dog--low to the ground, extra large head, long body, and large tail.

Christmas Greetings

Brrrrrr.  It is actually cold enough to build this snowman (just no snow) and my heater's been a non-working unit since Monday.  Have had a couple of days of our coldest weather-19 degrees and 27 degrees.  Been camping out in insulated underwear, socks, jeans, hoodie, and jacket worn all day long and all night long for two days.

May the season be a grand one for you, healthy and happy, spent with those you love.

Favorite Christmas Cookie Recipe

Made these the other day for a cookie exchange party we had for PAINT (prof. artists in N. Tex).  Isn't that a great acronym!

Cranberry/Walnut/Oat Cookies

3/4 c butter
3/4 c sugar
3/4 c packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 c flour
1 t vanilla
1 t baking soda
1/4 t salt
2 3/4 c oats (either regular or 1 minute)
1 1/2 c dried cranberries
1 1/2 c walnuts

Mix all together.  Drop 2 inches apart on pans.  Bake at 375 for 8 to 10 minutes until firm and LIGHT brown.  Cool 4 min and transfer.

Doug Clark at Trinity Arts Guild. I had the pleasure of introducing him.

Doug Clark did a sculpture of a buffalo at the TAG meeting this Monday night.  I had the privilege of introducing him and that is pure pleasure, as he is one of my favorite folk.  He is a teacher for more than 20 years in art in the Ft. Worth Public School System.  And, he is a glue for connecting a bunch of us artists to paint in plein aire.  

     Here is a painting I did two Saturdays ago at the Botanic Gardens in Ft Worth.  Doug had set this up, then we all went to lunch at the Kimball Museum and to a docent guided tour at the Amon Carter Museum.  The Phillips Collection is a great show at the Carter.  Be sure and see it.