A studio workday!

I spent the day matting paintings for the Bailey sale in April.  Not one to wait until the last minute, I wanted to be ready since we are busy with guests for the next couple of weeks.  This time I'll take a few more abstracts and see how it goes.  Here are a couple:

The orange one is only 8x8, the pastel is about 9x11, and the other is about 17x22..  I think I added about 10 to my stock.

My other task was to sign us up for a bike tour of Palma des Mallorca.  Yikes!!  3.5 hrs on a bike.  I need to get going here and will use the exercise bike on the ship.   It should be a fun day though and a nice change.

Test

Test mail

Busy Busy.....

    “Copper”  mixed media   sold!

 

 

It’s been interesting getting to sell my artwork on Sanibel this winter.  I’ve been selling it on Saturday at Baileys and in the Clothesline sale in February.  Several pieces sold, thankfully!!  Even George got into the act for the clothesline sale because I had to help with judging on FMB that day.  One more sale to go then I can take a break until next year.  Right now I’m waiting to see if I get accepted into a gallery, an experience I’d like to try at least.

 

San Cap does a fun fundraiser for FISH.  Bailey’s store donates cloth shopping bags which artists paint a motif on in acrylic.  Then they are placed on display and there is a silent auction.  Last time I looked my bag was at $100.!!!!  Imagine, for a shopping bag!!!!   One favorite was up to $200.!!!!    Rumor is they are cut apart and the paintings framed.   I doubt very much they toss potatoes in them!!!

 

G and I are getting excited about our big adventure which starts mid April.  We sail across the Atlantic and around the Mediterranean stopping at many ports.  Some I have visited and several I’ve not.   George none!!!  Then we will stay in Italy for another week and enjoy the sights around Rome.   I’m of course in pack-think mode.  Always a challenge but fun to puzzle out.  Of course getting it on the ship is easy…just flying it back might be an issue. 

 

For the next weeks we have friends and family visiting and we are looking forward to some beach time and playing cards. 

  “Live Oaks” pastel

Key West sunset sail

We've been enjoying a few days here with friends. Lots of walking, visiting historic sites and eating delicious food. The Audubon House had all the beautiful prints on display.

In Paint the Beach mode.....

Third day of PTB and Sundowner tonight is much anticipated.  I've written out instructions and tried to think of everything, have several lined up to help and headed by Helma, who will do a good job keeping it straight.  Because this is new to us, I don't quite know what to expect, but hopefully it will go as smoothly as check-in has so far.

I was able to paint yesterday and woke up way to early in anticipation of the day.  Off I went at 6:45 to get situated at the little café.  Because I had visited there while hanging posters, I knew what and how I wanted to paint.  Oils, instead of pastels, for the bright colors.  I think I did a passable job on it and will make a few adjustments today while on the island then frame it for Friday.  I started another of the view where I am painting in the photo but quit about 2.  I was pooped!!  Finishing will have to wait for another day.

Tonight I'll get out the pastels and see what I can do.  I can work fast with them and make changes easily.  Wish me luck!!

 Tuck Away Bagel & Wafel Café  on the easel

Beautiful.....

Dinner at Matanzas was lovely.  Sitting by the bay with the warm breeze blowing...can't get much better.  

Our water was turned on Monday morning, thank goodness!  We had to turn the hose on each time we needed some to shower, flush or rinse.  Really makes one appreciate indoor plumbing and having water available at a touch.  Such a tough life, I know.

We spent the day catching up and shopping at Costco to load up with supplies.  Now I need to repackage the meat and freeze then go to Publix for the smaller stuff in less than King Kong size.

I'm trying to follow my favorite Sonoma Diet to take off a few ##s so that was the last dinner out for a while I think.     Good fresh, home made Mediterranean style cooking is always delicious but takes time to do.  George likes the food too and always sheds a few as well.   We signed up for the Rec center lifetime passes.  $10 ea for life.  Such a deal!!  They have indoor and outdoor pickleball and other classes.  I was interested in Zumba but they always meet during my painting times.  Maybe I can jiggle while I paint..will I look nuts?!!!

Sunny Florida

After a smooth trip from SC to FM we have been working to get the house dusted and ready to enjoy. A small glitch..no water due to lack of a phone call, keeps us from a few tasks. We are using a neighbor's for the minimum and hope to be fully functioning tomorrow.

It's beautiful here, no sign of the storms, but in the 90's. We are going to FMB for dinner on the beachside and to pick  up mail and check the art association. Receiving for a exhibit is Wednesday so I need to find some art to enter. No judging this time and since we can't show a piece more than once per season it needs some thought. Our work from Maine will be exhibited in the next show.

Nice to be here and I am looking forward to studio time.