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!!!

My Winning Painting and Artist Statement!

Pia the Flamboyant Flamingo
My winning painting will be sold as a poster during the
Pine Island Art Association's 43rd Annual Art Show and Sale. Over 100 local artists will be participating in the annual event. There will be over 500 original works of art in pastels, oils, acrylics, watercolors and mixed media. All are ready to hang at affordable prices.
The show takes place in in the heart of the
MATLACHA ART COMMUNITY.
Matlacha Community Park, 4577 NW Pine Island Road, Rt. 78,
just west of the Pine Island Bridge.
Dates for the show are: February 14 and 15, 2015,
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
All proceeds from the sale of my poster will benefit and further art education within the community.

My Artist Statement:

I best describe myself as a “graphic impressionist”. Rose, a graphic....what? Yes, you read it correctly a “graphic impressionist”! Two totally separate ends of the artistic  spectrum....right?

Let me explain, Lucy: The graphic side stems from my very rigid catholic school, good little girl, eduction. “Color in the lines, and by all means it must look real!” There was a nun at every turn enforcing the rules, practicing knuckle enhancement. In the eighth grade, Sister Attila the Nun, accused me once, of tracing my contest entry drawing. She ripped it up and threw it away. Other students came to my defense, they saw me create my masterpiece, but there was no changing her mind. Crushed and never fully understanding her tyrannical behavior, I forged on. My creative spirit, temporarily bruised and confused.

The impressionist side stems from my formal art school training. “Let loose, take command, feel the art and banish the fear.” As you can only imagine I was captured in a creative conundrum. The nuns and their inflexible rules, like sugarplums, danced joyously in my head. 

For many years I continued to struggle, searching for my style, longing to be both deliberate and fearless with each impending stroke. Life, children and other creative endeavors diverted me in many directions. It was easier to be sidetracked then to conquer my creative insecurities, and sidetracked I was. Now retired, I have the time to explore my first love and creative passion, painting. I am back in the imaginative cradle so to speak and comfortable with my gifts. 

Along with my very supportive husband, we retired to Southwest Florida in 2007. I have recently joined the Pine Island Art Association; one of the best decisions I have ever made. I’m working with incredibly talented people, creating simply for the love of their craft and expression. 

“I am inspired everyday by my tropical surroundings; the aqua blues of the ocean to the colorful birds and gorgeous foliage, that never fail to capture my attention. My love for color is on fire. As oxygen is to my lungs, sustaining life, so does color sustain my soul and fuel my spirit. I benefit from a rare condition called Synesthesia. I see color before form.”

So how then do I merge my conflicting styles? Easy, I’m a Gemini! My colors are similar in either style that I choose to paint, however, I paint in both styles. At my age, I consider these dual personalities a blessing. Why then, can’t I own them both? It was suggested that I paint under a pseudonym. No, I thought, I want to claim it all! Hence, I am a “graphic impressionist” and I just never know who is going to show up. I am more apt to paint a fanciful idea graphically. My impressionist side, however, takes me wherever my spiritual guide, on automatic pilot see fit. Many times I even surprise myself. 

So from my happy heart to yours, ENJOY! Thank you my sweet little nuns! You taught me well!

Vase With Flowers...Impressionistic 

A Peaceful Place...Impressionistic

A Family Affair!

Our beautiful daughter Kathy, husband Brian, grandson Mike, grand-daughters Hannah and Sophia.

Baby gator about 2 years old...

Airboats, Wooten's Everglades Airboat Tours.

Busy otter eating some type of fish!

Grand-daughter Hannah and I shared my camera for a while. We were both fascinated by these giant grasshoppers. 
They put on quite a show and seemed to love the camera. I do believe they are called lubber grasshoppers and are about three inches long.

I only have eyes for you!!!

Ugh!

Follow me!

Hold on!

Room with a view...

Amazing creatures!

Hannah took this shot! Great photo Hannah!!! 

This sweet little deer followed us on the swamp buggy part of the tour! A great deal of history in this area.

Florida, Everglades...Mother Nature at her finest...

Smallest post office in the United States, Ochopee, Florida!

Grandson Michael holding his catch, a Speckled Trout. We enjoyed a fishing charter earlier in the week, in Matlacha, Florida. The entire family went and everyone caught a fish except Grandma. She was too busy capturing photos!

Captain Rick giving fish cleaning instructions! PaPa cooked Mike's catch on the grill for dinner! Yum!

An old boat resting peacefully on shore. Mangrove accessorized the shoreline for miles, creating a great place for several species to migrate. Snook and redfish were spotted but not interested in our bait. 

School vacation, always a great time for everyone! We enjoyed a fishing charter earlier in the week. The day started off very cool for southern Florida. Sweatshirts and towels to keep us warm. Down to bathing suits by 2PM, however. No one wanted the day to end so we stayed an additional two hours. Bladders extended we returned to dock about 4PM. What a relief!!! Lots of laughs and a great family event. We later enjoyed our catch on the grill. 
Wooten's, located in the Everglades, was a new experience for all of us. Alligators and North American Crocodile, reign supreme throughout the area. The family really enjoyed the airboat ride. The swamp buggy ride was narrated by Shelley Wooten, grand-daughter of the original founder. She was very informative and captured everyone's attention. 
We later dined in Everglade City. 
What a week! So blessed to have our beautiful family with us. They return to Massachusetts on Tuesday. 
Hopefully, with fond and lasting memories! 

Pine Island Annual Art Show and Sale!

Sit A While

Sweet & Sour

Ta Dah 
This weekend I will be exhibiting three of my paintings at the Pine Island Art Association, Annual Art Show and Sale, in Matlacha, Florida.
The show will run from 10AM to 4PM on Saturday and Sunday, February 15 and 16. The Show is located inside the Matlacha Community Building in Matlacha Community Park, 4577 Pine Island Road, just west of the Pine Island Bridge.
I am honored to exhibit in the company of so many talented artists. Many fine works will be on display.
I have also entered several of my fun and fanciful drawings from my 
Doodles of My Mind Collection.
So come on down and enjoy the show!

Gingerbread Tradition!!!

The Crew!!! From left to right, Sophie, Mike, Mike's girlfriend Brooke, my daughter Kathy, Hannah Rose

The Village...Sooooo Sweet.........

Hannah Rose made this one...

Gingerbread Row

About ten years ago now, my retired teacher friend Mary, asked me to help her with a gingerbread house project. She would be hosting the event at the Boys Club in Fall River, MA. About ninety children showed up that day and a great and busy time was had by all. Several more volunteers helped as well. Mary had been saving and rinsing empty milk cartons from the school lunch program for several weeks.
Lots of sticky fingers with many a lick to clean them off afterwards. 
Mary suggested that this would be a great project to do with my own grandchildren.
She graciously gave me the leftover candy, crackers and candy. I would just need to buy more frosting. Try the dollar store, she suggested. They are much cheaper there. Later I learned that this gracious lady had paid for the entire project herself. Teachers! Our Unsung Heroes!!!
 Little did I know then that this would become part of our Family Christmas  Tradition.
To my surprise the kids asked if we could make them again this year!
I really thought I would get that eye roller glare from the little darlings, if I had suggested the project once again.
Maybe they are just getting to old, I pondered.
Mike's girlfriend Brooke joined in this year.
This event is usually a Grandma exclusive. No friends allowed, at the children's request!
Daughter Kathy joined us as well. Yeah!!! 
A Sweet Christmas Blessing!!! 
Start your own tradition with your little or big ones.
Very easy and loads of fun!

You will need:
 paper plates
 small milk or juice cartons (square works best) save or drink contents
 canned white frosting (try the dollar store)
  box of graham crackers
  Christmas candy any variety
 candy sprinkles
 Christmas Peeps, etc. etc. etc.
 plastic butter knives work best,
 keep an eye on the little ones, little fingers work too

Spread a dollop of frosting on the bottom of a carton, press firmly to a paper plate. 
Carefully break graham crackers into squares for the main body of the house.
Spread with frosting and press firmly on all 4 carton sides. 
Press two more squares at the peak of the carton forming a roof. 
You may want to staple the opening of the roof closed first.
Let the edges of the roof hang over the main body. 
Fill in the peaks of the roof with pieces of graham cracker or a large dollop of frosting.
Let the fun begin!
Spread extra frosting around the house and let your imagination run amuck. 
There is no right or wrong way!
Each is unique, take lots of photos. 
They are fun to see year after year.
Feeling the joy!!!

Now all I have to do is clean the frosting off of my camera!!! YIKES!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas!!!

"Logic will get you from A-B... Imagination takes you everywhere" Albert Einstein 

2013 what a year!!!  
"A future king was born in the flesh
as an
Omnipresent King of Kings rules in spirit."
A year filled with blessings to numerous to record.
I wish for each of you
the
Peace and Warmth of the Season!!! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Mama Turns 90!!!

My mom turned 90 years old on Sunday, December 1, 2013. She was born on that date in 1923. She owes her longevity to her daily glass of wine!!!

Just a bit surprised when she discovers who traveled a long way to attend her party!!! My husband and I flew up from Florida to Massachusetts to enjoy this great event! She did not know we would be there!

Ninety is looking pretty darn good! She is still so beautiful inside and out!!! She still cooks up a storm!!!

Mom arrived in this beautiful car along with her sisters!

Cell phone anyone!!! Queen for a Day, was photographed many times over during the evening!!!
I just love this photo!

Mom clowning around with her three younger sisters. She has been telling me for several months now that she was turning 90. She has lived the longest out of all of her family! She is sibling  number 11, coming from of a family of 14. You go Mama!

Mom pictured with all of her grand-daughters and great-grand-daughters!
Do you think she likes being the center of attention???

Testing the cake with great-grand-daughter Charlotte. Charlotte's mom Kristen made the beautiful cake!

She danced the night away!

Grand-daughter Kristen and her daughter Charlotte. Kristen planned the event with her mom Terry. Together they created an incredible event! The decorations were outstanding! Fond memories for many years to come!

Three of mom's best friends, Sophie, Helen (my mother-in-law) and Dottie. Dottie lower right is 94! WOW!!! 
Also pictured is Aunty Edna in the far background, also 94.

My two beautiful grand-daughters, Sophia and Hannah, dressed for the occasion!
The theme for the party, "The Roaring Twenties".

Cousin Ricky dressed for the event. Looks like he could be the mayor of New Bedford!!!

Cousin Patty also dressed for the event! So beautiful!!!

Our beautiful Mom turned 90 last Sunday! It was a surprise event and over the top beautiful. Mom arrived in style, chauffeur and all. She was overwhelmed with emotion when she saw how many guests had attended in her honor.
After the meal guests were asked to tell a funny story about mom! There were many! She is a character and says whatever is on her mind! For the most part she gets away with it! She was also presented with the book that I wrote, The Promise of a Better Life. The story of her family and the legacy that they have left behind. 
She danced the night away! 
Crying, laughing and screaming that she was, Queen for a Day! 
My beautiful mom! We are so blessed to have her! 
She has taught us the true meaning of love and family. 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!!!!!!!!!

Back To My Roots!

Pastel drawing from: "The Red Boat Chronicle"

Pastel drawing from: "Forever Grateful" 

"Passion and purpose go hand in hand. When you discover your purpose, you will normally find it’s something you’re tremendously passionate about."~Steve Pavlina~

Back to what I really love to do! So fortunate to be enjoying an art class in Matlacha, Florida. I had several different art groups to choose from. Thinking long and hard about what place makes me feel really happy when I visit, the choice then became easy!
Fooling around with some inexpensive pastels that I had purchased for my grandchildren, I became intrigued. The control of the medium, for me, was refreshing. I wanted to learn more and what better place to learn, than an art class.
I have been blessed with an incredibly talented teacher. She is working with me on creating more depth in my work. There are about ten very creative and supportive students in the class all total.
Perspective, has always been one of my issues. I'm trying to conquer that issue and also taking away the fear of deliberate strokes. "It's only paper after all", my new mantra!
Both drawings are rendered from photographs I have taken, and featured previously on this blog. You can click on the links under the drawings to view the posts.
Matlacha, Florida is old Florida, converted into an artist community. Galleries, shops and restaurants line the main street.
Every cell in my body heightens with excitement as soon as I cross the bridge to get there. I no longer have inexpensive pastels and I am working my way up the chain. Sometimes passions don't come cheap, however, worth every penny! "It's only money after all." Working on that issue too!
Have a wonderful day!!!