Drawing A Day 57

Interior with Nude

Foggy gray morning, with light drizzle. Have I become a weather keeper?? Yet even these monochromatic mornings inspire me to delve into art making, using this palette to create an interior and then with the ease of cut and paste include a former image as a headboard installation. And thus discover how to reuse images in new ways. Collage on paint. 

Join me this eveing at 7PM at Iona for our first play reading. The Life of Frances Perkins, by Molly Schuchat in partnership with Playrights Forum. 

Be Creative. Feel Better. 

Drawing A Day 56

Naked Tree by the River

Attended a joyful performance of Lisystrata at Salisbury University with the role of one of the old women played by Francoise Boschart, a rising star. A story of what the world might be like if women ruled; ruled by withholding sex until men came to their senses and stopped fighting in wars. An ancient tale that the modern world might want to examine more closely. 

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Drawing A Day 55

Inspired by Dot  

Despite the power outage in Potomac, Dot Procter's exhibit opened with battery torches and some candlelight. Ironic really that her paintings so full of light would be in the dark. She has planned many events during her show, from dog portrait day to painting on the canal. Visit her web site or stop by the gallery. Dot was also the first Artist in Residence at the Gallery at Iona and I am thankful for her friendship. 

ARTIST DOT PROCTER was originally an accountant until she discovered painting after taking an art class. She will be the featured artist at The Art Gallery of Potomac from Feb. 24-March 27. Gallery hours are Thursday-Sunday, 12-4 p.m. The gallery is located at 10107 River Road in Potomac. Phone 240-447-9417. For more information on the artist visit www.dotprocter.com


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Drawing A Day 54

Two Roses

Moving slowly and doing my best to appreciate the big rains that have been falling all night. Dark gray morning, no sign of sunshine. These two roses inspire me to get going. 

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Drawing A Day 53

Sincerely

The sky is so red on the edge of the vista. Seeing the sunrise almost every day does have inspiring moments. Found a book on my shelf that I had forgotten about, "Moon Book" by Emily Eve Weinstein. A pictorial journal of a year of painting the full moon. Maybe in the back of my mind I was thinking of this book when I started this blog. Emily's artwork is gorgeous. Check it out. 

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Drawing A Day 53

Emotions Waning

I am creating a stress-free world for myself. Relaxation renews and refreshes me. Beauty uplifts me. Creating a special little something to brighten my day. 

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Drawing A Day 52

She's Thoughtful

Celebrated Presidents Day in style. Dinner party in Annapolis at the State House, with a Senate Session that moved from the marbled halls to the "in process" renovation House Chamber where George resigned his office. Music by Morgan State Choir members, speech by former Mayor of OC, Mathias,  touched on the 110 code of civility. Inspiring evening. Politics at its best. Special thanks to our State Senator, Jennie Forehand for extending her welcome to our party of three. Young minds witness the process of democracy. 

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Drawing A Day 51

Toes in the Water 

Ready for a winter break vacation. Walking along a warm beach, toes in the water, full sun on my back. AAAHHHH!!! Sometimes drawing these images helps me feel like I'm really there. Like Bert and Mary in the sidewalk chalk drawings. 

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Drawing A Day 50

Waning Moon

Enjoyed an evening of dancing to the 19th Street Band with old and new friends at Branded 72. Wind was howling when we arrived and settled down by the time we left. 

Learning about street artists and drawing the line between making art and messing up other peoples property. I encourage the making of art. Leave behind the ego high from risky behavior to mount the art. That seems contrived and selfish. 

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Drawing A Day 49

Goddess

A friend of mine is reading a version of the bible that gives her a piece from the OT, the new and a proverb everyday. She said it is not illustrated. What a pity! What a potential project! If you have ever visited the Ratner Museum www.ratnermuseum.com you can see an amazing collection of bibles and some have dazzling illustrations. Who were these early graphic artists??

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Drawing A Day 48

In Memory Of Maryanne

Last year Maryanne, the house manager at Arena Stage, passed away and I made this drawing for her. Today for this full moon I send healing and ease to her family. 

Yesterday's Meet the Artist reception at Iona was a huge success. We welcomed many new faces and had the support of local musicians, The Georgetown Residence, generous volunteers and dedicated staff. Both artists, Liz Wolf and Hermann Burger, fielded questions and appreciations. I continue to be inspired by their artwork. 

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Drawing A Day 47

Happiness Ventures In

Today we will honor two amazing artists at the Gallery at Iona by hosting a reception from 5-8 PM. Stop by and say hello. I promise there will be music, good food and great art, not to mention interesting conversations. Iona Senior Services, 4125 Albemarle Street NW WDC. Iona.org

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Drawing A Day 46

Fat Tuesday Reveler

Can't really remember when I saved this image of a drunken partyer in my brain's hard drive, but out it popped up this morning.

Sun just sharing some pink light in the eastern sky. Open to all the wonderful possibilities of the day.

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Drawing A Day 45

Fresh Morning Stretch

A reprieve in the cold weather and I dream of being by the shore. Yoga in the morning sun with views of the ocean to meditate on. Woke up to thirty degree temperature, but at least a few birds are around again. Spring must be on its way.

Today Liz Wolf, Artist in Residence will lead a tour of her work and there will be a celebration for a 100 year old friend at Iona. Stop by for cake! 

Be Creative. Feel Better. 

Drawing A Day 44

Sunset

Happy Valentine's Day. May your day be filled with love, joy and peace. Make time to do something special for yourself.

Be Creative. Feel Better. 



Drawing A Day 43

Sheherzad's Dilema

Wonderful images from last nights viewing of Arabian Nights. The great art of storytelling linked to current event and timeless morals. Later in the month Francoise Boshart will perform in Salisbury Universities production of Lysistrata a Greek comedy. Lysistrata convinces the women to withhold sex from their husbands to force an end to war. I plan to attend. Join me. 

http://www2.salisbury.edu/calendars/Program/event_view.asp?EID=567092&ID=2&cTYPE=1&month=2&year=2011&cate=

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Drawing A Day 42

Green Springing Through

Weekends to sleep in and blog late. Anyone notice?? Tonight I'll usher and see Arabian Nights at Arena Stage. It is so good to be able to volunteer for local theaters. This season marks my 23rd year. Arena's new home is a wonderful architectural structure encompassing three theaters a restaurant and all the back stage space needed to put on world class theater. Visit arenastage.com.

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Drawing A Day 41

Dancing Ladies

Energy is restored by dancing the night away. Every other Wednesday night, the 19th Street Band and every other Thursday night, Slim Chance Band at the Irish Inn. No real dance floor, but lovely to squeeze in some steps between barstools and microphone stands.

Visit Lauren Kingslands grorgeous textiles at http://www.laurenkingsland.com/

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Drawing A Day 40

Candy Cotton Sky

Why is embrassing art as a healing modality so challenging for so many people? Why isn't it the norm? Got a headache...go make art. Feeling stressed.....dance for an hour a day. Have high blood pressure.......use more paint! Why so much resistance to ease and peace? There is a small group of people who understand the power and support of art making and to this group I send appreciations. The many artists trained to work with patients in hospice, cancer centers, children's hospitals, clinics, prisons and other institutions deserve more recognition and support. I will continue to use this blog as a link to these other wonderful organizations. Check out smithfarm.com, a healing arts center in the middle of Washington, DC.
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Drawing A Day 39

Dreaming of Waking

Maybe it's the cocoon effect of winter sleep or the approaching love holiday. Either way I wake with warm snuggy energy and wish it were a sleep in day rather than an up at six day. Don't get me wrong, once I'm up, I love getting into my day, working with my clients, connecting with the earth- seeing the stars!

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Drawing A Day 38

A Rose

I'm starting early and working on roses for Valentine's Day. Here's to a week of love and joy.

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Drawing A Day 37

Bountiful

Sometimes the images just pop out of my past and surprise me. This basket of fruits and veggies sits below the great Alpujarra Mountains of southern Spain.  I lived in a small village there for almost a year, drawing and painting and engaging in the village life. Made 50 paintings and exhibited them at the IMF in DC, sold all but a few. You can see them on my web site. Went back to the village 25 years later and not much had changed. They had graduated from one phone line in 1983 to wi-fi in 2008! 

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Drawing A Day 36

Lingering Snow

A gorgeous day leading to an early spring, I hope! Ready to create images of new growth, pink buds. 

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the graduation recital of Chinwe Enu, a vocal student from the University of MD. We met several years ago when I was looking for a soprano to collaborate on a performance piece. She applied and I hired her. Now she is ready to launch her vocal career. Google her and take a listen with joy.

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Drawing A Day 35

Strong and Beautiful

Feeling strong and beautiful and appreciated. Great way to start a weekend. 

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Drawing A Day 35

Caregiver in Green

I continue to work in the field of art and healing with older adults. I am always amazed at the many challenges  we caregivers have to find solutions for. A calm and reassuring energy creates ease for the client. So where does the caregiver recharge?? I find taking the time to write and draw about my experience helps me process all the giving. Dancing, yoga  and massage help my body feel renewed. 

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Drawing A Day 34

View Out My Window of Big Fir Tree

Bitter cold, snow looking dismal, wishing for more sunshine today. Saw an eagle soaring against the blue skies yesterday. Hadn't seen a bird in a couple of weeks. Groundhog lore says Spring is near. Can't wait for open windows and warm breezes.

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Drawing A Day 33

Morning Jogger

It amazes me that joggers will head out in the dark of the morning when the air is freezing and the streets and sidewalks still covered in ice or snow. I'm in my Florida state of mind. Give me warm sunny breezy and I'd be out jogging too.

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Drawing A Day 32

Low Full Moon

Remembering the moon and the snow and the early morning light sky. How peaceful, while parts of the world are at such unrest. When will we find ease to live peaceably as neighbors. 

If you are able to to get to UMUC in College Park, MD, stop by the Gallery and see the beautiful work of McArthur Binion. Strong color fields bring to mind Morris Louis, Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman. 

Be Creative. Feel Better.