Paris Sizzle

Street at Night in Paris

I love this shot that James took of a beautiful street at night in Paris. One of the things I loved about the trip was there were so many people out walking late at night. Even at 11-12:00pm, lots of people were sitting in outdoor cafes, walking around with friends...and just enjoying the night lights of the city.

“I love Paris in the summer, when it sizzles.” - Cole Porter

Have a fun weekend and create a little sizzle of your own!

The City of Lights

...in progress

I've been off the blog for a bit...working in the studio on two new abstract paintings. The picture above is part of a large 30" x 30" I'm wrestling with. My communication with the canvas is going up and down, back and forth...and I'm not getting what I want yet. Hopefully a little vacation will ignite some new ideas!

James and I are heading to Paris for a week! Some very generous friends of ours have invited us to stay with them in a beautiful apartment they bid on and won in an auction. We will all stay there for five days...then they fly home. James and I will stay on in a hotel for three more days. We've never been to Paris...so I'm sure we're in for a visual feast!

I'll be back in the studio after the 15th. I hope to have some wonderful pictures to share with you then. Bye for now...xox!

Back from da lake

"Priest Lake"

Hey there!...I'm home from Priest Lake and back in the studio now. We had a great time visiting my dad...hiking, canoeing and zooming around in his boat. I took this photo when James and I went canoeing the first morning we were there. It was so peaceful and the water was smooth as glass. We even managed not to capsize...miracle!

I also wanted to show you the photo below...of Bo, a handsome Parti Poodle we met there when we had dinner with some family friends next door. He's nine years old...and a total sweetheart. I had never seen a Parti Poodle before...beautiful dogs!

"Bo"

I'm back to painting today, working on finishing a new abstract. It's supposed to be 95 this afternoon so Maisie and I are hiding in here with the AC already on. I can feel Fall right around the corner though!

Art Showcase

Snippet from "Upon Delicate Earth"

Do you remember my post on Snippets? This one is from the painting in my last post. I'm playing with them again for future composition ideas. They are so much fun!

Check out The Showcase, a great new art blog. They are featuring my work for the next couple of days. Thank you, Robin!

Alrighty then...James and I are heading to the airport now on our way to Spokane. Time to check out for a few days. See you next week!

Home from Hawaii

Maui Snorkel Cove

Hi Everyone! James and I got back from Maui Sunday morning...we had a great time. This cove is one of the places we went snorkeling. How beautiful is that water! Coming face to face with a sea turtle really made our day too. They have to be one of the most ethereal and sacred creatures of the sea.

Still feeling a little jet lagged from the red eye flight home...but I'm starting to get back in the swing of things. Lots of chai tea is helping...thank you, oh divine creator of caffeinated beverages!

Hope you're all doing well. I'm looking forward to catching up on your blogs.

Back soon...xox.

I'm still in Moorea...

...at least I'm trying to be in my head! Sorry I haven't been back here in several days to show you more pictures. I'm finding it hard to concentrate on the blog and work right now with all that's going on with our dear friends, Steve and Kathleen. Steve, who has been fighting kidney cancer for almost two years now is not doing very well. We are still praying for a miracle to happen...so thank you all of your kind thoughts and words because every one of them helps.

Anyway, here are a few more of my favorite pictures...these in particular really bring me back to the wonderful feeling of being there. It was truly a magical place.

Back soon...xox

Leaving Bora Bora (from the ferry)

Dogs welcoming me the first day on Moorea

Dogs playing in the ocean


Sunset view from our Villa patio

Gushing about Gauguin!

"Arearea" (Joyousness)
by Paul Gauguin, 1892

"Pastorales Tahitiennes"
By Paul Gauguin, 1892

Oh yeah, she has the pre-travel jitters! I don't know about you, but I'm pretty much of a stress mess the days leading up to a long vacation. I'm not one who loves plane travel that's for sure...but more than that, it's leaving the comfort and loves of home and (DOG)...to venture out to places unknown. I always love it once we arrive at our destination...it's just the "before" and the "getting there" that kinda sucks!

One of the many reasons I'm excited to be going to Tahiti is because of Paul Gauguin...another one of my favorite Artists. Gauguin lived and painted in Tahiti during the last years of his life and produced some of his most beautiful works. I love the way he used bold color and primitive design to depict life on the Islands. He was truly a master and ahead of his time and I hope to see lots of his influence there.

Hope to be back here once more before we leave Wednesday afternoon.

Have a good Monday everyone!