sometimes you've got to . . .

. . . call in all of your favors? direct traffic? get all your ducks in a row? be the pack leader? find out what everyone wants for lunch? ask if birds of a feather really do flock together? if the early bird gets the worm what does the late bird get? tell o' Pharaoh let my geeses go?

Sometimes you've just got to . . .

look at the 'big picture' . . .
stop and smell the roses along the way . . .

Kim Roberti . . .

And now . . . back to the ballet. It's very interesting to see how Kim Roberti seemed to breath life into this familiar Degas statue of the little ballerina. The painting is called 'the young dancer'.

a letter to my dear ones . . .

My Dear Ones . . .
I’m writing you this letter because this journal is about sharing with you my efforts to become an artist. As I wistfully looked out my window at the crystal blue of the sky streaking through the violet grey blue winter clouds warmed by the peeking of the sun - I saw . . . a little wasp . . . building a nest on my balcony and I thought - ‘hey this is going to be a problem in the spring!’ Anyway today I had the privilege of being added to a second list - maybe a small thing to you - such a big thing for me! Also, I sold two paintings today! Does it count if it was a dear relative - since there was no coercion involved? Thank you Connie! Thank you dear relative where there was no coercion involved! Thank you reader! PS see my name at the top of the list? This post is dedicated to Bunty and to P.M. hope you both keep feeling better!

ovanes berberian . . .

Ovanes Berberian

Speaking of still life . . . of course many individuals are familiar with the works of Ovanes Berberian. I chose this painting because I wanted to become a still life painter and this painting was one of the reasons why. It looks so 'painterly' and I love the play of color across the garden of his canvas. There is color and drama in all of his works whether it's his landscapes, his still life or more . . . http://www.newmastersgallery.com/ArtistsB/berberian.htm

myra anderson 'ballerina and degas' . . .

Oh dear! Oh my! I posted this painting to show you that I am a person of my word! In the last 'gallery post' I said that I would do more painting! Less talking! And, that I was going to try to bring the beauty and the power! I think I have some beauty don't I? A little power maybe? Maybe you wouldn't have noticed if I hadn't told you that I couldn't get the ballerina in the gold tutu not to look as if she is sniffing the Degas ballerina's hair? I really did try hard! Well, back to work!

Connie Chadwell and Dan McCaw part 2 . . .

Connie Chadwell and Dan McCaw -

The Beauty and . . . the Power

I would like to apologize to those who would perhaps like to see a little more than the art of the ballet. I actually have hundreds of images of still life and landscapes and seascapes and wildlife - and more - that I love very much - and hope to share with you. In trying to be a better artist, I am, like so many before me especially drawn to a particular genre. Why? Please tell me about yours and maybe you can help me to better articulate about mine. I chose these paintings by Connie Chadwell (first painting) and Dan McCaw (second painting) because I am intrigued by the fact that all of you artists can 'say' something so powerful in a very detailed painting . . . and as in this case - you can also say something so powerful with so few details. I am in awe of how all of you painters and artists do that. I too would like to bring the power . . . usually I say I can and I will . . . but I think I need to do less talking and more painting . . .

PS This post is dedicated to Mr. Eugene Wang . . . a man of few words . . . whose words had the POWER to make me want to become a better artist.

Pauline Roche . . .

Paintings by Pauline Roche

I knew . . . but I was reminded . . . of how much people love the ballet and paintings of the ballet. These paintings would inspire any artist by their wonderful composition and the use of light and color. I chose the first painting for it's 'cool and refreshing' blue and the second painting for it's 'warm and cozy' pink. It's a cold winter's day and I hope that you enjoy their beauty. 'Be safe my friends - on icy roads - don't too fast follow - I want to see your lovely face tomorrow!' I just made that up. You can repeat it to someone . . . if you want to . . .

Danny McCaw and Peggy Montano . . .

I want to talk about two things . . . beauty and color. Maybe you are like me. I have a few friends in the hospital at this time . . . and . . . after sitting for hours in various waiting rooms (looking at some beautiful paintings) I was thinking about the kind of paintings that make people feel better. The second painting by Peggy Montano reminds me of a painting you may see. This watercolor painting will certainly make you feel better as you feast your eyes on the various colors and create your own story of mountains and oceans with the abstract patterns. The first painting by Dan McCaw shows how exquisite beauty can be painted with just a few colors. Two styles of painting - both - of beauty - of color . . . hope you feel better my friends.

PS I am working on a beautiful painting with wonderful colors even as we speak. If I don't blow it you will see that I have combined both elements mentioned in this post today - beauty and color. If I say the painting is nice - you know it must be nice. When have you heard me actually complement anything that I myself have done? I rest my case. Nothing to report on the food front today. Ate old leftovers. Feel nauseous. Need oreo cookies!

facing the challenge ahead . . .

It's 8:30 pm and I am finally working on my 'soooooo cute' challenge. As for cuteness I give it a 7 possibly 8. You'll see it soon! I was pondering my next challenge. As they say - so much to do - so little time. I do know one thing . . . after work tomorrow (about 12:00 noon) I am going to the art store to buy a large watercolor pad with my 40 percent off coupon! I have some fabulous challenges ahead . . . there's the watercolor challenge, the art patron challenge,there's one with Degas - he personally challenged me (the man - not the hamster VanGogh 'Scoop!' Degas). I would like to get to the point where I can do what this 'man painting at the art gallery' (photo by Cameo Kaisler) can do. I would like to be able to throw down a Degas just like that . . .let me repeat . . . just like that!

Bev Jozwiak

Please click to read quote by Bev Jozwiak

SHE HAS DONE IT! I will always be thankful to P. Montano. She has furthered my education in the art of watercolor. Up to this point I must admit that I had no idea about the richness, the fullness, the beauty of watercolor! One thing she did was to introduce me to the art of Bev Jozwiak. So many paintings and subject matter to choose from! I chose this one because of the beauty and the excitement of the foreground against the excitement of the background. Something I will have to try one day . . . water, water, I want some water. . .colors! 'Myra' I said to myself 'one way to have fun in life is to have fun in paint!' You can quote me on that . . . if you want to . . .

myra transcript from interview with 'kevin couric' . . .

'Carnations'
Please Enjoy All Of The Beautiful Flowers

Painted by Carol Marine

Kevin: Myra when it comes to art what is your greatest hope and your greatest fear?
Myra: My greatest hope is that one day someone will buy my art. My greatest fear is that the next day they will return it.
Kevin: Myra you have been accused by many interviewers of going on and on and on. . . how do you respond?
Myra: Well um, it’s the resilience - if you will - of the human spirit - that is - the ability - or what have you - to overcome adversity - uh, the reason - dare I say - will - if I may be so bold as to speak directly to your question while at the same time expostulating briefly . . .
Kevin: Uh, that’s okay. It’s a one hour show. Finally tell me, Myra what encouragement were you given in order to face challenges?
Myra: I was told that if you have challenges in life you must remember that life can be compared to a ‘24 hour day’ - it doesn't stay dark forever - and if into each life a little rain must fall - remember that it’s always darkest before the dawn - the sun will come out tomorrow so you'd better hang on til tomorrow - the grass is NOT greener on the other side - just carve a little molehill out of that mighty mountain - there’s NO 'biz-ness' like SHOW 'biz - . . .
Kevin: And with that we are out of time - see you next week . . .

Dedicated to 'PJ4000' in Chicago 'Thank you. I probably would have gone further without your support!' I may have sigh-co-logical problems.

Artists' tips . . .

Mary Sheehan Winn

As I mentioned before, I am having trouble with my computer so I am not able to scan or upload my own pictures without great difficulty at this time. Tip #1 I thought I would share with you the fact that I did a charcoal drawing on cardboard - without taking the charcoal off of the surface of the cardboard for perhaps 90 to 95 percent of the drawing. I must say that this was a fun way to draw. I didn't worry about being so technical. The result was that the drawing was actually in that more relaxed style that I am looking for! I hope that this was not a 'one hit wonder'. I'll show you that drawing tomorrow. Tip #2 I really appreciated the idea that Mary Sheehan Winn had on her blog. The way she describes the scene in this post makes you feel as if you were there. Her fabulous tip gave me ideas of how to use various items I have around the house. I have a fabulous idea! Thank you artists! I will keep you posted . . .

oil pastel!? what you talkin' about connie chadwell. . .

Connie Chadwell

Sad Songs

This painting by Connie Chadwell is sooooooo cute! How in the world can you paint such a wonderful painting using oil pastels? They are as much a mystery to me as watercolor. (P. Montano has helped me to appreciate watercolors . . . I wonder if she knows anything about this oil pastel business?) Anyway, this painting is entitled 'Sad Songs'. Connie's delicate use of many color notes throughout the painting is both cheerful and inspiring. I too would like to paint a picture that is soooooooooo cute - but in oil. I think I can . . .and I will . . .just you wait and see . . .

Andrew White . . .

Drawing by Andrew White

I have found it! Like hidden treasure! I have seen many wonderful pencil and charcoal drawings that I would like to share with you in the future. Here I have found a beautiful charcoal ballerina drawing that shows the softness and realism that I am looking for in my own work. I consider my style of drawing 'early clunky'. I believe I can loosen up a bit . . . I can . . . and I will . . . just you wait and see . . .

what robin said . . .

That's what Robin said. I like it and I'll try it. (Artwork by Robin Cheers)

Myra the week in review #2 . . .

Taffy Apple by Mike Naples

Interviewer: What have you learned this week Myra?
Myra: Well, I’m really amazed how artists paint 'every day objects' in such beautiful ways. You know there’s even one artist who paints masterpieces on grains of rice and toothpicks . . . like Rembrandt’s ‘Mona Lisa’ and that other thing by that other guy. You have to have a magnifying glass to look at them but they are very good.
Interviewer: You spend a lot of time alone don’t you? Uh, what else have you done?
Myra: I put a painting on ebay and I was amazed by the number of people who looked at my work!
Interviewer: How many?
Myra: Two. I told you I was amazed! You know that ‘painting a day’ guy actually stole that idea from me. I never consciously thought about doing a painting a day but I would have eventually.
Interviewer: Yeah, right. Any actual good news?
Myra: Well, I live in a very nice building where maintenance schedules regular visits by pest control. These wonderful people are always amazed THAT THERE ARE NO PESTS IN MY HOUSE - except for that little snafu with my hamsters Monet and Renoir the firsts - may they rest in peace! Anyway, they contribute this to my paintings. Of all of my visitors, pest control are the only ones who show real enthusiasm for my work. So I thought now there’s your market Myra. THAT’S where you show your paintings! Have a cheese and wine - well maybe not cheese - at pest control places!
Interviewer: I have ants so I'll definitely be there! And what are your goals for next week?
Myra: At the end of the day, after I have done good to others and the hamsters have had their treats, and I’ve polished their little nails and brushed their little teeth - I am going to continue to try to be a better artist!
Note: This interview is dedicated to pjmontano and the lady in chicago who said that she liked my painting of ‘ladies in hats’.

kurt anderson and eugene wang . . .

Kurt Anderson (first painting) and Eugene Wang (second painting) are masters of beautiful, lush color. The first painting conveys beauty and that word again - femininity - by the use of light and shadow and by the the use of color and complement (I told you I read books!). Eugene Wang took this subject matter to a whole new level with his composition and choice of colors. He 'painted a real feast'. Okay Mr. Anderson and Mr. Wang! Tonight I will work on a painting with femininity and beautiful colors - just you wait and see . . .

dan goozee and karin jurick . . .

It's fascinating to see artists create wonderful masterpieces using one color range. What is that called? Basically Karin (in the second painting) used yellow, ochre, orange and umber along with the complement (I read books) and an exciting hint of blue/green/violet in the corner. The woman's skin tone, hat and bodice (in the first painting) by Dan Goozee are in the same basic color range with the excitement of greens and blues at the bottom. I love how he made the light play across her hat. Two exciting paintings! I am going to paint a masterpiece in one color range with an exciting hint of another color . . . just you wait and see!

Kim English and George Coll . . .

Art by Kim English and George Coll

This first painting by Kim English represents what the modern day masters do so well. He conveys life, femininity (try to say that word three times) and movement with so few strokes. If you look at the ballet paintings of George Coll (and other outstanding work on his blog) you will see how a gesture painting plus vibrant color translates into wonderful art.

mike beeman . . .

Artwork by Mike Beeman

As promised here is Mike Beeman in his studio with his special helper. This beautiful painting is just a sample of the way he creates poetry with pastel. "What's his little helper thinking?" I asked my hamster Van Gogh 'Scoop!' Degas. "Artists are cool people!" he said.

lucie geffre' . . .

Painting by Lucie Geffre'

This painting by Lucie Geffre' of her sister represents another thing that I love. As I mentioned before I love photos of artists in their studios. I also like photos of artists painting. I believe that all of my favorite, wonderful, talented artists should have a photo like this on their blog or web site - simply for my enjoyment. Is this too much to ask? (Please see my growing gallery of inspiring works.)

I would also like to do a painting of this size one day. I'll keep you 'posted'.

three 'cheers' for robin . . .

Painting by Robin Cheers

This is a very beautiful painting by artist Robin Cheers. This three panel painting displays what I admire in Robin Cheers' work. 1. She has what I would call passionate brush work. 2. Her rendering of the subject matter is simply beautiful. 3. She always has a certain freedom of painting that I have yet to acquire. She's up there with all of the other modern masters of our day. (see link on the right)

myra the week in review . . .

Painting by Eugene Wang

Interviewer: Well Myra, after a couple of weeks of trying to be an artist how is everything coming along?
Myra: Well, I used to wonder how Spencer could be on the computer all day while Heidi was at work. Hello? 'The Hills'? Well anyway, now I know that evidently Spencer was blogging.
Interviewer: Huh, did you learn anything significant?
Myra: Yes. I was reminded that good news can make you happy. After some sad news I was naturally feeling a little blue and then . . . Marie Fox and Mary Sheehan Winn were the first ones to leave encouraging messages on my blog. Later that day . . . when I looked at a painting that was troubling me I finally got it! The background should not be green I must change it to blue! (see below 'At the Monet Cafe ')
Interviewer: I'm totally fascinated. Anything else?
Myra: For the first time, someone listed me on their blog. Eugene Wang. It's an honor and a privilege.
Interviewer: Any goals for the coming week?
Myra: Yes. I am not what you would call a natural born artist. I taught myself how to draw and paint. So at the end of the day . . . after I have done good to others, and my little hamster is walked and fed, and he's kissed his Papa goodnight and is tucked in his little hamster bed . . . I am going to continue to challenge myself to become a better artist.

cartoon and crayons myra . . .

Yes Myra, with a little spunk and determination, anyone CAN be an artist!

Well, maybe not everyone!

an artist in his studio . . .

I forgot to get the name of the artist in this photo so I don't know who he is! I love this photo because one day I would like to paint a large fabulous painting just as he is doing here. I love his artist stance. What?! Even my little hamster Van Gogh 'Scoop!' Degas thinks that this is a cool photo!

Cartooning . . .

I keep little photo albums where I put funny cartoons along with pictures (cut out of magazines) of inspiring artwork and artists in their studios. I will take a picture of them and show you soon. This is 'one for the book' or album don't you think?

Painting by Eugene Wang

In the morning when I'm having my coffee I like to prepare for the stresses of the day by admiring the artwork of many wonderful artists such as Eugene Wang. Over the past few years that I have known him Eugene has consistently worked at his trade. His skill and dedication are much to be admired. (See blog link). Well, just took last sip of coffee. Time to get to work!

mary's got the pepper . . .

I love this painting by Mary Sheehan Winn . . . and not just because it's lunch time (and let the record show - today I am eating a salad). I love it because it's a beautiful still life painting with wonderful abstract qualities and deliciously vibrant colors. When you read Mary's blog you will see that she is an 'artist's artist' . . . meaning that she cares enough to give you tips and help you out. I'm admiring her painting and eating a salad. My doctor would be so proud.