Congrats to Steven Kenny

Congratulations to Steven Kenny!!!! 

I am sitting here, enjoying my favorite Christmas gift, a copy of the art book, Spectrum 19, The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art, while sipping my morning coffee.   Much to my surprise (actually, I always knew he would end up here!) on page 275, is my friend and former Middle Street Gallery mate, Steven Kenny.  Actually it's his painting, "The Imposter".  Good Job, Steven!

Stonewall Jackson Shrine

On our way to Williamsburg this year, we drove past the sign for the Stonewall Jackson Shrine for the 10th time.  This time, I took the turn that leads 3 miles back to what we thought would be a marble monument.  Much to our surprise, it was the actual building where he died after being hit by "friendly fire".  The building which contains many period furnishings,  was open to the public and a park ranger was on hand to tell us all about the building, the grounds and the history of this little shrine.  The ranger was an extraordinarily good historian and this was one of the highlights of our Christmas.  I am so sorry I waited so long to take that little side trip.  My new years resolution this year is going to be "I am going to be open to new experiences all the coming year", or "stop procrastinating!"

Williamsburg Christmas

 

We spent Christmas in Williamsburg this year.  Here are two shots on Christmas Eve in the old town square at the Courthouse and Powder Magazine.  There were braziers burning throughout old town to light your way.  This is the crowd, all given little candles and singing carols just before the lighting of the tree.  Of course, the other photo is the magnificent tree on the lawn adjacent to the magazine.  Just before dark, the canons were fired repeatedly along with the firing of the muskets in front of the magazine. 

Dianna The Huntress

I am getting ready to start a new painting, Dianna The Huntress.  I have a lovely local girl (Courtney) for my model, along with her two Dobermans.   I love to include animals in my Gods and Goddesses paintings.  We have had our photo session and I am reviewing the photos for the pose that strikes my fancy most.  At this time, I am sooooooo torn.  A standing pose in a classic Greek stance, or a crouching pose with more action.  I am going to spend this morning doing some thumbnails in an effort to come up with a perfect composition. 

Flora Finished

Flora is now finished.  No pictures of this one, you have to come to the solo show in April to see it.  After the solo showin Alexandria is over, I plan to have a few of the paintings made up into postcards and notecards.  Flora is definitely one I will make into a notecard. 
You are all invited to my solo show, "Everyday Gods & Goddesses" at The Art League Gallery in the Torpedo Factory Art Center, Alexandria Virginia in April. 

Merry Christmas Before I Forget!

The holiday season gets so crazy, all the presents to buy and wrap, cards to send, cookies to bake, decorations to hang and the list goes on.  If I don't get another posting up for a few days, I know you will understand.  And, Before I forget, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.   

Transparent Underpainting Ruined!

I tried to continue yesterday, the two panels that I created a transparent underpainting on and I hate them now.  As soon as I put opaque colors into the scene, I lost the jewel like colors that I was so happy with before.  OK, so I am being very hard on myself right now.  The pictures look pretty good, but I really did like the clear, bright colors better.   Naturally, no photos.  Guess who forgot her camera and laptop yesterday?