CHIX!

CHIX!

A sincere Thank You goes out to Mary Buchman for commissioning me to capture her spirited group of ladies. These talented ladies sing in a quartet known as CHIX! CHIX! is part of a much larger group known as Sweet Adelines. 
"Sweet Adelines is a highly respected worldwide organization of women singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop quartet harmony through education, competition, and performance. This independent, nonprofit music education association is one of the world's largest singing organizations for women." (quoted text is taken from their website)

As luck would have it there was a practice session going on at Mary's house the following day. I was invited to hear the ladies sing and get to know them a little. Photos were also allowed. My friend Judy and I attended. Mary's pups greeted us with doggie enthusiasm and deemed us friendly. Thankfully after a couple of sniffs below the knees! We could feel the energy in the room immediately. Mary's dad who was recuperating at the time joined us as well.
Their voices harmonized and the angels sang. I was moved to tears when they sang Hallelujah!

From left to right I learned that Louise is the most flamboyant. She loves color, plays the accordion and wears crazy hats. She claims I captured her necklace and rehearsal shoes perfectly. We are not sure how that happened. I guess we are just kindred spirits at heart. Call it intuitive! She is a riot!
Second, is Barb who raises orchids and also breeds Papillon dogs. Two of the group owns pups from one of her dog's litters! Mary owns two. Barb was amazing and shared some interesting facts about their group and copyright laws on music and her pups. Barb is so full of enviable energy. I wish I could bottle it!
Thirdly, we have Cathy. I was told that Cathy would be most likely to wear my signature peace symbol. Each of my paintings has one somewhere. A twinkle in her eye gave her highly spirited personality away. Our hippie souls connected! She is the shortest in stature, however, the deepest in voice. She owns a green parrot who sometimes harmonizes with the group during practice in her home.
Fourth, we have very sweet Mary. Mary is an avid golfer here in the community where we live. Mary loves to cook. She has a chef's hat hanging in her beautiful new kitchen. She owns two Papillon dogs. Mary is also caring for her elderly dad. I learned that purple is one of her favorite colors.

Armed with all the visuals and some insight into their love of life I was enthusiastic and able to implement my ideas. With a little bit of math for the layout and some research on Papillon dogs and green parrots, I was ready.

This painting has brought me such joy and has added another chapter to the story of my creative journey. 
Thank You, Mary Buchman, for enjoying my work and helping me to share it and make others happy as well!

"TEE OR TEA"

"TEE OR TEA"

The christening party/unveiling of “Tee or Tea” went extremely well. To be perfectly honest, I have been recuperating ever since! I should also mention that our daughter and friend are here visiting. Her friend April has been recently transferred to Florida due to her employment. We have looked at over thirty houses in the last several days. April has signed a purchase and sales agreement and has made an incredible choice.

My heartfelt thanks to Suzanne Cummings and her husband Dick for hosting this magical event. The food was incredible. Cooking, besides decorating, is also one of Suzanne’s many talents. 

About sixty people attended the event. The unveiling took place after everyone had eaten and was settled with a beverage of their choice. Champagne was then served and Suzanne gave a sincere toast. She complemented all the talented people in her life, but said that I touched her heart the most with my art. What greater compliment can an artist receive! She has touched my soul and cemented the fact that I am on the correct path. Making people happy with my art and getting paid for my achievements are quite the accomplishment for any artist.

So as promised, in a prior blog post, I reveal “Tee or Tea” in its entirety. Again, a special thank you to Mary Ann Coyle for getting this old bike rolling. My only regret is that Mary Ann was not here to enjoy the festivities.

I do apologize for the delay. However, life has an amazing way of just being life. Enjoy!

There's Always A Story!

Leader of the Pack

Beautiful Mary Ann

Sneak Preview: TEE or TEA

There's Always A Story:

It isn’t often that an artist has a living painting thrown right in front of his or her path! Driving out of the community to do some errands Will and I noticed a woman of interest riding a three-wheel bicycle.  She was dressed a bit eclectic but within the boundaries of acceptable Florida garb.

“STOP! STOP! I have got to take her picture,” I cried. I introduced myself as an artist and asked for permission to take her photo. I discovered her name to be Mary Ann Coyle and she lives only a short distance away from us. I had never seen or met her before.  She consented as long as I didn’t post a photo of her naked on Facebook. I assured her that, that would not happen. Hysterical!!! Obviously, she knew nothing about my style of painting. We are now friends on Facebook and hopefully will continue to be once she sees how I portrayed her.

I am assured that it was the straw visor adorned with pink silk flowers that first caught my attention.  A yellow long sleeveless cotton printed dress served as a coverup for her navy blue and pink floral bathing suit. Slip on white sneakers with a small shell pattern completed the Haute Couture. Her bright and beautiful smile bejeweled the entire vision.  We won’t even mention the bright blue noodle which rested comfortably in her bike’s carry all basket. She was on her way to noodle aerobics or at least I hope she was! 

Mary Ann began modeling and became quite comfortable with the whole photo-shoot, makeshift process.  I was confident that I had enough evidence to implement my idea of a bicycle built for two or a few.  My inspiration came from a French painter, Michel Boulet. I had the pleasure of viewing his work on a cruise that we had taken several years earlier.
I would share with Mary Ann the completed painting in a few weeks or so I aspired. As life would happen the few weeks turned into a couple of months.  Being retired can be very busy and honestly, I don’t know how I ever fit work in. 

The painting entitled “TEE or TEA” is a commissioned piece by a very beautiful lady who I recently met through mutual friends. My whimsical and colorful work bonded us immediately.  My new friend has a talent for decorating and she has captured the colorful spirit of Florida in her home. Suzanne needed something fun and long for above her couch.  Hence my idea was executed.  I will post the painting in its entirety once it is hanging on her wall.  A christening party and unveiling are planned for this Thursday evening. Champagne and all. What a riot!!!

It is truly magical how these events have come to fruition and I am fortunate enough to recognize them as blessings, smothered with an abundance of gratitude.  So kicked in the butt by the universe I began to focus and worked hard to engineer this painting. Also, to mostly figure out how to put a smile on the face of many. When women recognize their body parts in my work they giggle and identify.  It helps us to realize that growing older with a few extra pounds enhanced by cellulite does not define our worth! 

In my third trimester of life, I realize that there is still so much life to live and my purpose defined. Keep that fat jiggling long after you have stopped. Embrace your cellulite, stay active, eat healthily and yes, miracles can still happen at any age!!! This growing old stuff is really OK!!!