Sunflower

Just playing around with a photo I took when I was home.

"Poppy"

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Are you surprised?

Dear friends - for some reason, I can't quite say why, it was very hard for me to step back up to my easel. So many of you have been so wonderful to drop me little messages of encouragement. Several nights ago I called my sister LaVonne and the last thing she said to me was "Get into that studio and straighten it up so you can start painting again."

Normally I never do what I'm told. As a matter of fact I usually do the exact opposite just to be difficult. But for some reason I did exactly as I was told. I went to my studio which had turned into some kinds of disastrous "catch all" over several months. (I swear I think I saw a FEMA business card stuck in the door.)

Then last night I took myself into the studio with the intent to prime a canvas and stopped to consider my limited selection of acrylic paints. I don't care too much for acrylics, they dry too fast and my talent tends to be the slow and reworked kind. But I was in the mood for something...I didn't know what...and I wanted to feel that illusive feeling of "completion" (you all know what I mean - its that feeling you get when you're ready to wash out your brushes) So I did a very small and very quick poppy. a red poppy.

I was out of practice and felt clumsy and stiff - but it did feel good.

So here it is, thanks to all of you who have written, questioned, suggested, implied and down right ordered me to get back to work. I love you all!

My favorite photo of the church

Nuestra Senora de Refugio

The beautiful Nuestra Senora de Refugio Church in Puerto de Luna, NM

Nuestra Senora de Refugio Sunset - Puerto de luna, New Mexico

This is another wonderful New Mexico Sunset.
I know, I know - I've been really bad because I haven't been painting...hope this makes up for it a little. October was harder on me than I thought, those of you that read my other blog "The Zen of Paco" will understand.

The Last Sunflowers of the Season

While touring New Mexico we took a trip up to Tres Ritos, New Mexico where as children our father had taken us for vacations. A little further north, and about 25 degrees colder, we arrived at Sipapu Ski Lodge. The ski lodge is the oldest in northern New Mexico and is about 22 miles NE of Taos.

I remember that over 40 years ago this ski lodge had a small roller skating rink where our parents would take up to burn off excess energy. I distinctly remember my two older sisters, ages 15 and 17, performing a dance routine for the crowd to the music of the Venture's "Tequila".

There is no more skating rink there now...that performance may be why...

But this day we were freezing and paid dearly for tiny cups of coffee and walked around remembering those old days with fondness.

Next to the cash register there were these sunflowers. Too beautiful to be over looked.

Rio Grande Gorge

While in Taos we visited the Rio Grande Gorge. Its so amazing. As you can see you're riding along fairly flat terrain when suddenly you find yourself crossing a bridge over an incredible crevice.

We listened for the infamous "Taos hum" but all we heard was the beating of our hearts, the song of the wind and the screeching of my sister as a heavy truck passed over the bridge causing us to bounce slightly and causing her to proclaim she wasn't going another step.

The views both north and south are phenomenal. Its only fitting that this awesome treasure is tucked away up the Taos area.

This last photo was one I manipulated digitally so it would resemble an old linen postcard. Enjoy, we sure did!

Hope this makes up for my absence!

BEAUTIFUL NEW MEXICO SUNSET - ROAD TO PUERTO DE LUNA, NEW MEXICO

Sorry I haven't posted for so long. I have been on an extended vacation to my home state of New Mexico. I was there for several weeks, took over 300 photos and came back with tons of reference material and fresh motivation. Ready to begin again. I love New Mexico! I want to return so please send all your prayers and good thoughts my direction in support of returning to The Land of Enchantment.

In The Garden

I loved this painting!

The Redeeming Quality of Robert

I have been so busy that I missed father's day when I originally intended to post this painting.

I did this painting of my son Andrew and his father, Robert, about twenty years ago and is my only attempt at figures. The photo was taken at my mother in laws little farm in Los Lunas, New Mexico.

A Complete Success and a great party!

Just a few pictures from the bike show. We raised lots of money for The Brick Scholarship Fund.
We had a great time and one heck of a party after words. I would have posted photos of that but no one was willing to be identified.

I'll be back on Monday

I'll be away from my computer for a couple of days. Each year Dana and I put on a bike show with the proceeds going to charity. This year its for The Brick Scholarship Fund. We are very excited and proud to do this for our community. But the real bonus is that its a good excuse for all of us to get together. We will have several clubs represented as well as all of our friends both from Moberly and all around. We always have a great time. This is just a small sampling of our group. The photo was taken a few years ago, you'll notice my son Andrew on the end of the row, right side. His girlfriend Jamie is standing to my right (your left). Everyone else are the very best friends a person could have. I love them all.

So I'll be too busy to check back but guess what? When I return on Monday, June the 11th, it will be my birthday! YEA!!! And a big one too. Somewhere between 49 and 51..can you guess! With one major exception the first half of the century has been great, can't wait to see what the next half holds.

Not a good idea!

See, this is why you don't drink and drive...even if it is your birthday!

No name for this one...

Another oil on watercolor paper

The colors in this one took on a life of their own. I mean it, they tied me to a chair and ran amuck across the paper. You believe me don't you?

Don't click to enlarge without safety goggles...

Oldie but a goodie...

I have to be honest and say that I don't have much heart yet to post too much. So I have decided to show you something I did a million years ago. This was oil on watercolor paper. Interesting effect but not enough forgiveness in it for someone as inexperienced as I was (and still am). Once I put a color down it had to stay, no do-overs.

I need do-overs!

Sean Kelly Hart and his son Tyler

Dearest friends and family, I will be away from my blog for the rest of the week. My 28 year old step-son passed away this morning in his sleep. He had a heart condition and was in the process of being evaluated for a possible transplant. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
Labels: Sean Kelly Hart and his son Tyler

The Patio

This is a painting I did while attending the Scottsdale School of Art in Scottsdale, Arizona (well that was redundant wasn't it?)

This was a week long workshop with Ray Vinella. I loved studying with him and had the good fortune to do it twice. Google his name sometime, he's my favorite artist.

Lara LaVonne Jordan

This is the very first colored pencil drawing from my sister, LaVonne. Isn't it great?

She did this as a birthday present for her husband Dave. I think she has so much talent and I have encouraged her to keep it up. This is new to her so please feel free to leave words of encouragment in the comments sections.

Brass Bowl

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Small 5 x7 inch study of my grandmother's brass bowl.