Through The Keyhole

If You Wish You Can

I've recently completed some new paintings I'll start posting here as I get them photographed.  I've done one set of photos but it was overcast and I just couldn't get any decent images.  Here's the first.

If You Wish You Can

8"x8" Encaustic Mixed Media

These detail photos show what I love about encaustic. The texture is just so rich.

Aaargh! The Heat

It's 9:30 PM and it's 95 degrees outside. With an air conditioner we've managed to get our bedroom down to 78. I'm on my second popsicle of the night and Tanner fell asleep with an ice pack. It was 106 degrees here, hotter in the areas around here and is predicted to be in the 90's for at least a few more days. The hottest day ever recorded in Seattle. The news is showing video of the crazy snow that shut the city down this winter. They say it's to help cool us down but honestly, it just feels like taunting.

Here's a piece I finished awhile ago. I'd intended to do this for Artfest but I just couldn't get it done in time. It's too hot to do anything like this right now. I've scheduled a play date for Tanner on Saturday and I'm hoping it means some art time for me.

It's time to try to sleep now. I'm grateful for the electricity that keeps the AC going in my bedroom. I know others nearby aren't so lucky due to thunderstorms

One Boy Told Me

This is a sacred day for me, the anniversary of a loss I didn't think I would survive. I could spin into the depths of my mind, unearthing memories, reliving moments, getting lost in myself. Instead I find my grief has softened, like pages of a well read book. Today is the anniversary of an event that led me to finally live the life I had always wanted. I hold space for those memories to join me but I'm finding I don't need to dig for them. I remember and yet find I want to stay present. I've so very much to be grateful for.

This boy is brimming over with life and keeps me grounded in the here and now.

He got braces this week and for some reason I think they're adorable.

I've recently rediscovered Naomi Shihab Nye thanks to Misty. Here she reads a poem of found words provided by her son. Take a moment to watch and then hear the poetry in your everyday life.

Receiving

A recently finished painting. This one is titled Receiving. My palette seems to have moved into shades of sea green, teal, and turquoise. I'm not sure if this is an internal shift or a reflection of my environment.

I attended a demo by Diane Culhane at Daniel Smith's last weekend. Her ability to make a piece glow enchants me. Now I'm anxious to dive in to some acrylic painting. Life is busy though and it may be a week or so before I have an opportunity.

Seven years ago today this darling boy decided it was time to come out and play. We started today opening presents in bed and ended it with cuddles. There was swimming, pizza, carnival rides, many stuffed toys won, and enormous joy. A celebration fitting of the occasion. I'm so thankful to be one of his moms.

The Ladder Series Revisited

Quite some time ago, I began a series of ladder paintings. This is one that started out quite differently.

I really do love how the texture becomes so rich the more it's worked. I'm anxious to get back to my worktable. The more I do the more ideas I have.

I don't think this one is actually done yet. I don't like the muddiness of the collaged bits along the bottom and up the right side. It became too gray. It will likely evolve further before I declare it done.

Blue Monday

I recently finished this painting. It's been hanging at a show at the Center for Spiritual Living here in town.

I reworked this painting at least three maybe four times. It's rich with texture and color. I'm pleased with it finally. It took a long time to get here.

Here's some detail.