Too Much CNN, Haiku

Too Much CNN (Coronavirus News Networks)

I woke to find a

Lump of fear in my chest and

I wondered why, why

Much news of sickness

Joblessness, leadership-less

Weighed me down, down

No call for help, hope

Goes unheeded as I know

A path will unfold

From the mud, lotus

An open heart welcomes hope

Let us hope blossoms here

I heard a friend speak

On giving space to feelings

Even those unbidden

She said recognize

Their presence and be with them

Release them, sense relief

Drawing on Friends

Does it matter whether you personally KNOW the subject of your drawing?  A teacher once suggested that I paint/draw people I knew....friends and family.  Here's two friends who have brought me much support and joy and comfort.

It Starts With A Drawing...

Friday April 10, 2020

My paintings typically start with a drawing.  Sometimes I sketch the composition on paper, wrestle with the design elements, then re-create it onto a canvas.

Back to the Drawing Board

Greetings to my fellow creators (and we ALL create).

Lately, I’ve been tackling anatomy.  As a counterpoint to measuring ratios of head to body parts or memorizing muscles and bones, I’VE BEEN DRAWING!!

In the beginning, there was drawing.  For me, it started when my mother drew pictures for me, then…DRUM ROLL…she handed the pencil to me.  Life began anew.  After that, no white space was safe.  I drew everywhere, every day.

Featured on these pages for the next few days are people I know.  Some have gone onto glory; some have aged far beyond the drawing presented.  Most are still on the planet enjoying their daily dose of love and laughter.

Black and White to Color

Intriguing faces come in all colors.  Sometimes I convert, or extrapolate, the values in an image that's black and white into an image boasting a full range of hues.

Life Drawing is My Favorite Sport

 Today, like Monday, I took advantage of the life drawing sessions available here at the Vermont Studio Center.

Feeling Fortunate

This is DAY TWO of my month-long residency at the Vermont Studio Center.  Yesterday I learned there had been 1,300 applicants.  From a blind jury process, I am one of the 55 artists and writers selected for this exquisite opportunity.  I get a studio, fully equipped, as well as a room and meals -- mercifully prepared by someone other than me.

The Center is nestled among residences and commercial properties in this tiny town of Johnson, Vermont, population circa 3,500.  My studio, Number 3, is in the Church Studios, and yes it was a former church, still boasting substantial stained glass windows.