The Grindstone

Yow! I know I've been neglectful of my blog lately, and I have been meaning to post about my wonderful trip to see Ed and Laurie in Florida. I got all the reference pix I needed for some upcoming sculptures, and some unexpected useful ones for other purposes! Woot!

But as soon as I got home, I had to plow into some pressing deadlines. Once those items are crossed off my list, I can post about my trip and get to work full bore on the new rearing Friesian stallion. I can't wait!

One of these list items is the Winter 2010 issue of The Boat. I had to really hustle to finish Part II of the "Painting Convention" series, but I just did. PHEW. Above is a teaser to that portion of the article. I want this series to help other artists reach their goals and potential when it comes to realism, and -- as usual when writing instructive articles -- I've learned a whole lot in the process. By having to put something on paper, I'm forced to really evaluate my perspectives which in turn deepens my understanding and improves my own work. So I gotta say -- I'm eager to jump into more paint jobs! Nonetheless, in the Summer 2010 issue, the series will be completed with Part III, and I suppose I'd better get to work on that soon!

"Our delight in any particular study, art, or science rises and improves in proportion to the application which we bestow upon it. Thus, what was at first an exercise becomes at length an entertainment." ~ Joseph Addison

The Grindstone

I'm Free!

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That's pretty much how I feel now that the Haffies are done! Like a busted dam, a whole slurry of pent-up creative projects have come spilling out. More bas-reliefs are in the works with preliminary sketches, I'm well along on V2 (the second version of Valinor) and I started the armature for the mini Friesian who popped into my head while watching "Prince Caspian" (the movie.) He's got a name, but now he just needs a body! And the 182 breed references I printed out should guide me well -- phew. I'll still be working on the mini stock horse though -- never fear!

But Hubby advised me to change the name for V2 since (and I didn't know this) it's actually the name of a Nazi rocket! YIKES and YOW. On the other hand, I've referred to this piece with this name for so long that I don't want to confuse folks by switching it. So I'm going to put my brain cells to work to come up with a new name that incorporates "V2" but steers it away from being a doomsday device!

To serendipitously celebrate this new freedom, I'll be visiting my long-time buddy, Ed Gonzales, this weekend and my pal, Laurie, will be joining us for a mad cap romp. He breeds beautiful Arabians and I could use some good reference pix for my two Arabian sculptures in the works. And trust me -- there will be pix of general craziness to share when I return! So until then -- have a wonderful weekend!

"Caring for friends opens the heart, and gifts us with the privilege of sharing the fruits of our self-imposed and necessary solitude." ~ Max Elliott

I'm Free!