Now, I think I have had all the help from other volunteers I can, and I have to do the rest on my own.

The buildings need to be one unit, and I need to do all the details myself.    I won’t be able to get anyone to do it like [...]]]> I’m still working on the mural.

Now, I think I have had all the help from other volunteers I can, and I have to do the rest on my own.

The buildings need to be one unit, and I need to do all the details myself.    I won’t be able to get anyone to do it like I do it, or to do what I want, cause it’s just too hard to explain.

Also, I think tomorrow afternoon, the mural will be going back up on the wall, which will make it a bit more challenging to paint, but it will be okay.

Here are 2 more pictures of the progress:

Little did I know what I was getting myself into.  I had said yes to painting, and leading other volunteers, to paint the backdrop for [...]]]> About 6 weeks ago, I was asked if I’ve done murals before, by a leader from our new church.  Without hesitating, I said, yes.  It’s true, I have done a couple.

Little did I know what I was getting myself into.  I had said yes to painting, and leading other volunteers, to paint the backdrop for the Easter Musical which the choir and drama team will put on.  I had no idea it would be over 11′ x34′.  That is 11 feet by 34 feet, people.  Say it with me, “that is gi-hugic!!”

Anyway, not only that, but the choir director didn’t have much else to say other than to tell me they wanted it done on some sort of material so that they could reuse it–oh, the pressure!  And that the pastor would give me a picture of what he wanted.

He soon handed me a picture of old Jerusalem which he’d found, and said that was what he wanted.  He wanted it to be dismal, and of course, that is when I learned the size of the thing.  I would have to adapt this scene to fit this long landscape horizontal shape.

I worked on the drawing, and showed the pastor, to which he seemed pleased.  It took me a while to find a place to buy the material from.  After doing a couple days worth of research, I settled on using a muslin.  I would paint it on the floor, and it would get hung up afterwards.

The muslin’s arrival was delayed by several days, and when it did arrive, it was apparent they sent us much more than what we paid for.  That was okay, but this is when my work began.  I set out with a helper, to cut the fabric after having to use a big tape measure twice for the length.

After cutting, Pastor Tim hung it up on the gym wall.

Then we got the projector set up and pointed to see what size my drawing needed to be once on the fabric.

Armed with a big fat permanent marker, I set out to trace what I had prepared.  After a few adjustments, I got going in stride. 

Within an hour and a half, I had the whole thing sketched out, to the surprise of many.

I’m sore from climbing on the ladder, and squatting alot as I sketched.  The pastor liked it, which is really the one I’m aiming to please on earth, besides myself.  I pray God is pleased with my efforts and my service.  The outcome is less of an issue for God, I think.

I also searched throughout the many nooks and crannies of the church for leftover paint.  I have many cans which I will attempt to use and make interesting colors from, tomorrow.

Friday the painting starts.  I will have volunteers willing to help.  I’ll have more pictures friday or saturday.

Keep praying for our efforts.

What that means is, that I got myself a moleskine sketchbook(this is what I use for sketchbooks most of the time) and I drew a sign in page…

Then I drew a self-portrait…

Now, it’s been sent on to a guy in Newark;  This guy, Danny, [...]]]> I’m in a sketchbook exchange; specifically, the Moleskine X Portrait Party 3.

What that means is, that I got myself a moleskine sketchbook(this is what I use for sketchbooks most of the time) and I drew a sign in page…

Then I drew a self-portrait…

Now, it’s been sent on to a guy in Newark;  This guy, Danny, will draw himself and then me.  He will then send my moleskine to someone else, who will draw themselves, and then me, and so on.  I should get one from a girl in Israel.  I will draw her and my self, and send it on.  I can’t wait.

If you want to see some of the other artwork, check it out here…

If someone is interested, we could do our own moleskine exchange…let me know…

yes, that is an awesome giant easel.

And it wasn’t just purchased for me, it was made, by none other than the ever-talented Greg Lopez!!!

This is a counter-weighted easel, which means I can easily move it up and down and forward and backward with just one hand.  It was based off some other easels I’d seen [...]]]>

yes, that is an awesome giant easel.

And it wasn’t just purchased for me, it was made, by none other than the ever-talented Greg Lopez!!!

This is a counter-weighted easel, which means I can easily move it up and down and forward and backward with just one hand.  It was based off some other easels I’d seen which were in the thousand dollar range.  I intended to at least pay for the wood, but instead, I was told it would be a housewarming gift after we moved.  Talk about a housewarming gift.

It’s amazing.  Made from douglas fir wood. it can get up to 8 feet tall, able to have large paintings, and small ones too.  I can’t wait to try it, and of course, the Lopez’ get one of the first paintings.  And that is still just a very small way of saying thanks!  Greg, you are like a benefactor to my art, and every painting made on that from now on, is because of your efforts, friendship and belief in my abilities to create.  The words “thank you” seem like a very small, and week way of saying what I really feel.  But Thank You!!!

Now we really need to make that barn a working studio, cause I can’t keep this easel in what is to be a dining room.

5″x7″ watercolor on 140lbs. watercolor

A quick piece, loosely based on a cemetary which we can see from the boys’ playroom window.

It’s a quiet place I walked to, while I was birdwatching.  I also watched this squirrel rest here for a few minutes.

I should have photographed my process, but by the time I thought of it, it was too late.

(approx. 5″x7″ watecolor on watercolor moleskine)

Mixed with this painting, comes a lesson.  Something about transience, and our inability to keep things the same.  I’m still learning and processing it.

This tree in our backyard went [...]]]> This post is long overdue.

I should have photographed my process, but by the time I thought of it, it was too late.

(approx. 5″x7″ watecolor on watercolor moleskine)

Mixed with this painting, comes a lesson.  Something about transience, and our inability to keep things the same.  I’m still learning and processing it.

This tree in our backyard went from this…

to this,

in about a week.

It turned yellow just as I was starting 30 Places, so in my mind, I made a mental note to paint this in the next month.  I had no idea how fast this…

…would happen.

It was a matter of a couple days.

I started sketching the tree when it had probably half of it’s leaves, but by the next morning, when I went to paint it, it had less than a quarter.

It was extremely fun and enjoyable to paint, even though it took me several days to actually get it done.

And as is often, when I approach something I haven’t done in a while, I feel a small trepidation.  Doubts about my inabilities.  But once I start to do it, as with this watercolor piece in my moleskine, I am amazed at how my skills in the medium come back to me, and I am thankful to God for my talent.

I checked my email a couple times, and logged into this blog, to check my comments, but other than checking for a recipe conversion, not only did I stay away from the internet, I stayed mostly away from my computer, except to upload some pictures.

It was weird [...]]]> Yes, the first day is over, and I survived.

I checked my email a couple times, and logged into this blog, to check my comments, but other than checking for a recipe conversion, not only did I stay away from the internet, I stayed mostly away from my computer, except to upload some pictures.

It was weird not going to the computer all day to check on facebook.  I felt the pulling of it, but I’ve always been pretty good with my will, and you can pray for my continued discipline….

I don’t know what anyone else is up to, but I know that I did a lot today.

I cooked 2 meals.  I played outside with Willik.  I made pumpkin pie.  I explored the immediate neighborhood and took several bird pictures, soon to be posted at my the photoblog.  I went thru several boxes in the studio/guest room, and I found some of the supplies I need for the next few weeks, with Fabio’s help. And tonight, after the boys were in bed, I even made some art.  The whole reason for this endeavor.

I just finished, and although I’m not thrilled with the scan(it’s a bit too light), I’m happy with the piece.

“honeymoon in venice”

approx. 4″ x 8″

sharpie and colored pencils on watercolor paper

He’s young and energetic, and keeps everyone guessing…

The one and only,

PHOENIX LORENZ MIR

Here’s what he created this morning, in front of my very eyes…

(click on drawing to see large version)

and if you’re [...]]]> Let me present to you, and artist I love. He is up and coming, and I can’t wait to see what else he’ll produce.

He’s young and energetic, and keeps everyone guessing…

The one and only,

PHOENIX LORENZ MIR

Here’s what he created this morning, in front of my very eyes…

(click on drawing to see large version)

and if you’re not familiar with who he is, he’s the one about to get hit by the “obstacle” while he and his brother prepare in “Ninja School”.

It’s great!  It keeps me in touch with people I know from all over the globe.  I can chat with a girl from Indonesia if I want to, and I can write an email to my husband, even when he’s next to me.

I can find out all kinds of information, [...]]]> I have one with the internet.

It’s great!  It keeps me in touch with people I know from all over the globe.  I can chat with a girl from Indonesia if I want to, and I can write an email to my husband, even when he’s next to me.

I can find out all kinds of information, about any subject under the sun.  I can self-diagnose if I’m a hypochondriac, I can learn all about the churches we will visit(provided they have a website), I can find out if a book is any good before I even start to read it.  I can also be inspired by many artist, and learn from watching their videos.  It’s amazing!

But it’s also terrible!  It sucks away my time more than anything.  If I sit down to “just check my email”, I end up staying there for at least a half hour.  It provides me with many excuses for not doing many other things that need doing, and many things I’d rather have done.

It also helps evil-intended people do many harmful things to others, and makes it too easy for people to forget what it means to have a real conversation, or a real connection with others.  It enhances people’s abilities to stretch the truth and live in their “la-la” land.

Yesterday, I came across something wonderful on the internet.  One of those projects that deserve to get looked at by everyone, cause it’s so cool, and clever and poignant.  It doesn’t hurt that one of the installations is about/in Brasil.

So check it out:

http://28millimetres.com/women/

Click on Brasil’s map to see it.  The others are interesting as well.

And let me know what you think, or if you have other sites/art projects to recommend.

In the meantime, good luck not getting sucked into the internet too much.

That’s what I did last Thursday on my first pottery class, through the Adult evening school of Pennridge School District.

At first, I thought I wouldn’t be able to use the wheel at all, because I’d been informed when signing up for [...]]]> That’s what you call when you make any kind of pottery on a spinning wheel.

That’s what I did last Thursday on my first pottery class, through the Adult evening school of Pennridge School District.

At first, I thought I wouldn’t be able to use the wheel at all, because I’d been informed when signing up for the class, that one of the teachers; the husband, was ill, and he was the one who really taught the wheel.  I was a little disappointed, but decided to sign up anyway, cause I needed some creative outlet, and a chance to meet some more artistic people.

Well, last week at the class, the teacher–Loretta, told me she’d be willing to coach me on the wheel, even though I had no prior knowledge.  It was so much fun.  I became instantly addicted, and spent a few hours watching YouTube and other videos, trying to learn more about it.

I managed to make a japanese-style mug with no handles.  It’s not completely finished, as I have to trim the bottom, and glaze it before it’s fired, but I’m so excited about it.

The class is 10 weeks, so if I make at least 5 more things, averaging just over a piece every 2 weeks that would be awesome!

So, as soon as I can I’ll take some pictures of my stuff.  In the meantime, if you have any experience with making pottery on the wheel, drop me a line.

Yesterday, after a particularly challenging morning with Phoenix, and during some much needed quiet time while he was in his half-day Kindergarten, [...]]]> I bought these at Bolton Farm Market the other day.  It’d been a long time since I’d eaten some pears.  They looked good, and they had an unusual name, which now I can’t remember.

Yesterday, after a particularly challenging morning with Phoenix, and during some much needed quiet time while he was in his half-day Kindergarten, I opted to draw and listen to a book, instead of doing anything else.

I still don’t have a studio set up, so I had to do a little digging to find some supplies.  When I did, I set the pears up near a window, and drew them.

They made me happy, and brought me sanity.

8×12 pencil drawing on textured heavy eggshell-colored bond paper

Fabio took the day off work, so we could spend it together.  After we dropped off Phoenix at school,  Fabio took me to a place we’ve never been to before, called Tom’s Restaurant.  It’s been there since 1936.  It’s in Brooklyn, but it felt [...]]]> My birthday was full of surprises,  just the way I like it!

Fabio took the day off work, so we could spend it together.  After we dropped off Phoenix at school,  Fabio took me to a place we’ve never been to before, called Tom’s Restaurant.  It’s been there since 1936.  It’s in Brooklyn, but it felt like we were in Cuba, or in old Jewish New York.   Their specialty was pancake, and I had pancakes with mango, blueberries and walnuts.  It was really good.

Then, we picked up my friend Liza and my godson Luke, and as a surprise, Fabio took us and Willik to the Guggenheim, to see the “I want to believe” installation, and other cool stuff.  I was impressed by Paul Klee’s work.  He was an artist from the turn of last century, creating around the 40’s and yet, the art is so modern! He has works in oil, watercolor, gouache, charcoal, transfers, pencil, and mixed media.  One guy did all that, and just encouraged me to keep on pursuing whatever varied materials I like to use, and not feel as if I have to be pigeon-holed.

The “I want to believe”show was very cool.  Made you think, and brought some concepts and ideas up close.  It was thought provoking and interesting, as well as educational.  The artist is Chinese, so there was a bit here and there, about Chinese culture and folklore weaved in.

Willik liked it as well, and I’m hoping he’ll write and draw a bit about his experience.

After the museum, and a high priced parking garage, we headed to Brooklyn again, to have lunch with Liza.  We hung out for a bit, and then left.

We came to Queens, picked up Jill, and headed to Mineola, where my sister and Stacey were both cooking a surprise meal to honor Jill and I, since her birthday is also in April.  We had Bacon-wrapped Filet Mignon , breaded fried shrimp(my fave), roasted garlic mashed potaoes, garlic sauteed spinach and rice.  It was awesome, and delicious!  Who could ask for anything more?!

I got great gifts, including $50 gift certificate to spend at Target, for the new house, and converse sneakers, a new dressy shirt, some chocolate, a necklace.  I’m set.  Look out for those pictures I’ll be taking with my macro, as soon as I get a chance to use it.   Willik made me a great drawing, and Phoenix told Fabio that he wants to get me an orange phone.  I’ll just have to wait on that one, I think.

I got several birthday calls from far away friends as well as close-by friends.  I got lots of brthday emails,  orkut and facebook greetings.  It was a wonderful day, and it feels good to be alive.

Thank you God for one more year, and a chance to honor you more and love you more.  Thanks also for great friends and family who love me and support me.

Isn’t that exciting?!

I’m feeling sick as a dog today, with a crazy cold, but that makes me want to get better even quicker, cause I got to get back to work on my city drawings again.

I’ve got one almost [...]]]> I have a friend who is interested in buying one or more of my little city scenes.

Isn’t that exciting?!

I’m feeling sick as a dog today, with a crazy cold, but that makes me want to get better even quicker, cause I got to get back to work on my city drawings again.

I’ve got one almost finished that I will be posting soon. Stay tuned.