Here and there

This is a reminder that for some time I could not use this blog, so posted to my other blog.  At one time I thought separating art and home blogs would not comingle... but I was wrong.   So for more art related posts, please go to
 http://janenesartsngardens.blogspot.com/

This image is from graphicsfairy website.

Things that go bump in the night.

Halloween is on the  horizon now.  So time to start thinking spooky.....   wooooooo.....  Guess who's the spookiest member of this household?   

KVIE Art Auction

This past weekend was the annual KVIE Arrt Auction.     Artists donate their art for the auction and the sales go to the public television channel.  It's a good cause.    Lodi Art Center had about 20 minutes to present the works of 6 of our artists whose works had been accepted for the auction.   My friend Jean was one of them.     We had a little get together at her house to watch.   Here is Jean next to her Yupo watercolor of koi.     


She received a phone call from them in the evening.  They told her it sold for well over her estimated price.    Win, win.       Made everyone happy.      

Jean is my sitting partner at the gallery now.     She is 84 and very active.     Teaches one community class Thursday afternoons. plus one class for the University senior program once a week. as well as showing her art in most local shows.      she is one of the people that just blossomed in her senior years when she had more time to devote to her loves of painting and teaching.      

Tapping on your brain

Ever have the feeling that something is tapping on your brain?    Well, the roofers are still not done.  They have extended the time alloted to one and a half more days.      Mainly because we have solar panels on the upper lever (that's over my head).   When you put a new roof down, they have to be moved and then moved again and a couple more times.    So, not only do I hear the tapping and hammering, I hear the scraping and dragging sounds.    I'm getting quite tired of it, but will be very relieved to have it done and enjoy the security of a good sound roof with a long warranty.     Here comes the truck again with another load of stuff.    

Smiling through

Took quick trip to the touristy part of Lodi yesterday and came home with this full moon made of painted tin purchased at Country Living at their Haunted Hollow event.   They have one in the front window on the back of a rustic bench.    Looks really cool there.      Got him in plenty of time for Halloween and think he's so cool, he may stay up through other seasons as well.  Patti took this with her Iphone.

 He'll be celestial company for this guy that lives in my kitchen.   I've had him for several decades, purchased from a ceramic artist at the La Selva Beach Art Show one year.    He stands about 18 inches tall, and is an old favorite.      

Home again, with goodies

Froze on the coast.    Well, not really, but the foggy chill in the mornings is something I'm not used to.     Got home yesterday to 99 degree weather.     What a shock to get out of the AC car and step out into the valley oven.

Rosemary drove for the whole trip, which  made it so nice for Cat and me, since neither of us would have braved the traffic in Santa Cruz, and winding around Santa Cruz mountain roads.      We had to get to Boulder Creek to our favorite shop.    Cat bought several things from Chris Flynn, who is so clever with her use of laces and vintage fabrics.     We also shopped at Carolines in Capitola, a shop that benefits many local non profits, run by volunteers.    We always stop there, always find something.   I bought a necklace and a beach wrap, doubles as a shawl/wrap.     Just enough to keep the cool sea breezes off my shoulders.     

Here are some of the goodies I came home with.     A chicken wire shoe for the garden, a red trivet, my new necklace and a piece of fabric.    I love how colorful they look together.

Dogs and I are glad to be home, but now every time I brush against the leashes hanging on the doorknob, they think they are going somewhere fun.       I just want to rest up for the day.   I unloaded the car this a.m. before it heats up again.  We are supposed to get Delta breezes today which should keep temp in  high 80s.     Should be wonderful day.    Hope it is for you too.

Did you notice there are no pics of the ocean, the beaches, or anything nautical.      Not this time.    Too busy doing other things.    LOL     

What's new

Hi again.   I'm still here.      I've been working like a trouper clearing my mountain retreat the sale of which will be final on Saturday.      My granddaughter took a lot of stuff for her own place, one grandson came another day and loaded, my son took the truck to do repairs and bring back a load another day.      Not much time for art.

But, I did get some gelli printing done on post cards to send to friends.   Here are a few with just the backgrounds.  

With all the donations and give aways lately, I still felt a pressing need to add a couple of the smaller gelli plates to my studio.  LOL   In turn, I got rid of lots more stuff.Last evening Henrietta Sparkman gave a demo at Lodi Art Center  on monoprinting with household objects.   She is giving a full workshop on Saturday, some of my friends are going.    I'll be in the country.  

I have been using household objects for years so think I've got it covered in my own work.  But, you know, you always can learn some new trick.    I learned last night about using acrylic  printing inks.  They were much heavier than I expected and I would have called them paints - but the labels said inks.     I always use paints.    Might want to try inks someime.

Sam and Pepe are the featured artists this month.   It took a long time to convince them to show there again, and I promised them as much space as they wanted, they could mount their own show, and set up their lighting - and use the front windows.     they did all those things, and it was such a great opening reception, with most of the people they had invited, plus the regulars and fans of their work. 













I have a new injury I have to show you  - because it is the shape of a heart.    My dog was scratching at my wrist to get my attention.  Didn't break the skin, but an hour later, this appeared under the skin.    Getting older means getting bruises and minor injuries.  

Finally, here is a pic of Frances trying to embarass Sam and a guest.     He doesn't look unhappy about it.   LOL   

 

Tripping down memory lane

Internet or obscurity?    So many things are changes, I thought I'd poke around in my past online whilst wasting time waiting to go to a friends house to see a movie.    I found on online exhibit I made years ago is still there!   Surprise!   Figured by now it would be gone.    Here it is.

Checked around some more, and found an article I wrote. http://www.sanjoaquinhistory.org/documents/HistorianNS12-2.pdf

Then looking further, heres a book talk with my friends.   http://www.sacramentobookcollectors.org/alteredbooks.html

Oh my, I'm popping up again with this collection of photographs I processed. http://www.oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/kt000022zq/entire_text/

And the Harmony Grove Cenetery Records. http://www.oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf8j49p2tm/entire_text/

Here's another article. http://vault.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/john_muir_newsletter/photograph_collection.aspx

that's enough for now.     Just thought I'd share a bit of the past with  you.     Once we move on to other things, the past seems to disappear.  But apparently, not on the internet.

May First

Cinco de Mayo, Grandson DJ'x birthday, Jean Janssen's opening reception as featured artist at the gallery.    Lots of thing to make this day special.    Renewed old acquaintance with one of the best collage artists I know - an unexpected treat catching up.

I've been cutting up slices of cheese and salomi for tonite's reception.    Most of Jean's good friends are bringing food of one kind or another.   it starts at 6 and ends at 8:30.  We always have a few locals who "dine" at our reception.   LOL     Jean's bringing a white tablecloth.    I'm bringing some beautiful glass pieces for serving.   

The top plate is one of my favs.   Purchased at a gift shop in Capitola back in the 90s, which I could not resist. the plate is two layers thick with the floral painted between layers.    The second one is from a little gallery near Davcnport which I picked up on the way home from the coast years ago.

 

This is how they looked stacked with a Martha Stewart faux carnival glass dessert plate on top.   I think they'll look great at a watercolor show.    

I've got the camera battery pack plugged in, so hope to take some pics tonite for Jean's family that can't be with her for the event. 

Hope you have a grand day.     Feels like summer here.    

Mid March

The other day I heard one of my good friends fell and broke her arm.     I asked the mixed media group to help  make a string of pennants/prayer flags for her to cheer her up, as this will be very hard on her.      Here is the one I made - she loves all things cowgirl, and bling.    

 The sun was so hot yesterday that my poor deck plants suffered, so I moved them around - putting the geraniums where they can get a little reprieve from the sun.     Here they get sun most of the day, but are not backed up against the house where the heat is reflected.   A lot of the little spring things suffered as well, so I cut them back.    I'm getting one or two strawberries every day and  love having them close at hand.    Temperature hit 80 degrees yesterday - in mid March this is very strange.  It will shorten up our Spring season.  It will me in the mid 70s all next week according to the latest news.  And no rain forecast. The drought is going to be serious business this year.       I'm glad I have the succulents, as we will have to watch our watering carefully.

The white lilacs are all in bloom again.   I've been waiting and watching.      I had to water behind the studio last evening as it gets little attention there.  I did not notice the french lilac blooming over my head, but this morning when I was surveying the landscape, I noticed the lilac behind the studio is blooming away.    I'm glad I didn't miss it.    I usually cut some for my DIL.     

I worked out in the studio for a few hours yesterday, mostly putting things away and looking for a mixed media project for the group on Thursday.   I had a couple ideas, but not settled on one yet.     

Now, to get outside for some gardening.      Art will have to wait.

Storm of the Century due here tomorrow.

How scary is that?      I'm quivering in my boots.    Since I live upstairs, I get buffeted pretty hard with high winds, and they are expected to be in the 20 -35 mph range with gusts up to 60????   60?    I've never been here with winds like that.   Normally I like wind.    It's exhilarating.  This time it's just plain scary.    We are also expecting several inches of rain.     I hope the gutters can take  the run off this year.      I might take doggies and go downstairs with the kids.     I doubt anyone will be home however, with the odd work schedules they have.       I'll be worried about Matt on the highway in a big truck.     He says it's much worse when he returns an empty, so I'll hope he has a heavy load.       My neighbor was looking nervously at the big street tree out front.  Says he will have the longest reaching branches removed next time we have it trimmed.    One overhangs the front of my house and two overhang my driveway.     His car is also in danger.     

Let's see if I'm ready.  I have batteries.  Water.   all electronics fully charged.    Flashlights.   Food.    Yep? 
I wish we had the house reroofed this year, I expect we will have some shingles torn off.      I'll let you know later.      

Where did July go?

My goodness, I looked back at my blog and realized my art output has dwindled to nothingness.    Not really, just nothing to post at the moment.  I've been working on a new altered book.    It is coming along and will be ready to view in the next week or two.   It's surprising how much time it can take.

I've also been sorting the family photos and boxing them.     They were so disorganized, having come from my own stash, to some from my folks, my aunt, and some relatives that sent more.      it has been fun looking through them again.      My brother is working on a video on our Dad's time in Alaska.     I really only started digging through this mess to find three particular images.  I found two, so somewhere there is another box or bag.    

I'll be back soon with photos and more art.   

Visit with Tuff

A bunch of friends descended on Rosemary's new residence for her first get together there.      We had such a good time.    Here is a pic of a beautiful rose in her backyard.

 This is her new backyard with the landscaping finished.      Very low maintenance but with a lot of interesting textures, colors, and shapes.    It is charming.     

And here is the little king of the premises.     Although Rosemary's husband might dispute that statement.   LOL
This is Tuff, a soft, silly, independent little guy who was groomed for the day.      Looking good little fella.    Sorry I didn't bring the girls with me this time.    

Easter

For many years, Easter has been a quiet time for me.    Most years the kids travel North to be with inlaws, and I either stay home or some years I went to my brothers.   His is the perfect place for an Easter Sunday get together.   

Large yard, fenced, green and lush.  Perfect for hiding eggs and watching the children having fun.       He and Kris still have young grandchildren and even a great grandchild, which makes the holiday a lot of fun.      I miss having the young ones around.   I'd love to be there today, but my eyes are so bad, it is not safe for me to drive far.     I am going for an eye exam Tuesday and expect to be told I am ready for cataract surgery soon.  This will be a turning point and I will be able to head for the hills again, or even to the beach without finding another driver.     

So today, I will content myself with baking a chicken and veggies, feeding two grown grandsons that will be home off and on during the day, and doing laundry, artwork, and watching a movie.      I had an alternate plan but the breeze is coming up and the pollens are heavy in the air.   Need I say more?    It's going to be a lovely day here in my studio and garden.   My faithful little dogs are tickled pink that I'm here today to put them rough their paces and give them treats. 

I did not send Easter cards this year, but instead used an image from The Graphic Fairy online to make this little card for some friends, which I emailed to them.   Sally is the one who told us all the joke about having ADD and chasing chickens.       The friends I sent this to will get it.    

 

I hope you have a perfect Easter Day.   

When life give you a lemon....

grab your sketchbook and draw them.           I found the Strathmore Toned Sketch paper pads at Michaels yesterday and bought one with tan pages, and one with grey.   I had been watching Aaron Bros to pick one up, but they still don't carry them.      May I stop here a  moment and grouse about our local Aaron Bros?     One clerk for the entire store.     12 customers waiting, wandering, wasting time while he works on a framing order.     Grrrr.....     Some of us put down the things we would have purchased and left the store.       I feel sort of compasionate towards the clerk, there is only so much he can do with one set of hands and eyes.     But, this happens so often at Aaron Bros, management is to blame.     Or the corporate level who determines staffing needs and budgets.       Grrrr......

Okay, I feel better now.  

Here are the lemons.    

The lemonade part of this post is that if Aaron Bros had been on their toes, they would have made more sales, but then I would not have gone to Michaels, and would not have found the new sketchbooks.     Sorry the color didn't show of the tan page.    Looks purple on my screen.        

Panic Attack

This morning I could not find my blog online.    The whole blogspot site was not working, and it gave me some moments of panic when I think how many years and how many posts I have here.      It really is my working diary/journal.   I'd be devastated if it ever just disappears.    

The color of the month is red

 The first red I selected for today is a brilliant crimson red amaryllis which resides in my garden.














Next is the little red owl that lives on top of the microwave.

Then there's a red trivet on the counter top. 

This lush rich textured pillow sits on the side arm of the couch.      I just love looking at it and the shadows and lines.       Red is beautiful.

Christmas eve posting

I just posted some of my december activites and decorations on my family blog.   Here is the link in case you'd like to see my little house decorated for the holiday.   Most of the holiday decor homes I've seen on line are all in white. White walls, white trees, white everywhere.    They make me shiver they look so cold.     My house looks warm.    And cosy, and cluttered, and inviting.  At least it does to me.    Come on over and have a little visit.

Winter's Child

Here is a quick sketch I did this morning - where the weather today at 11 a.m. is up to a grand 42 degrees.      Lately it's been in low to mid 20s at night and daytimes may reach as high as mid 50s.      California Central Valley is not used to this cold.    Icy railings and steps outside.     Birdbath frozen solid.     Many succulents have taken the cold bite and are drooping and turning to mush.     Geraniums!   Poor things.    I'm glad I have some inside for new starters in the spring.       Even some in my solarium, next to the walls, got frostbitten.      Anyhow, here is the sketch.

No fancy tools for quick sketches.   A number 2 pencil and my sketchbook, followed with colored pencil accents.    

Art is where you find it

Yesterday a group of us took off for the foothills, picking up one member of our little group in San Andreas.   Our plan was to drive north up Highway 49 to Sutter Creek and on to Amador City for the annual All American Porch Sale.     When we drove into her senior Mobile home park, we saw a sign o the door to the clubhouse that said ART SHOW TODAY.     Hmmm.... So we checked it out and there were some good artists' work being shown.  All residents.   Several water color painters, one mixed media, two jewelry makers, a quilter who also weaves and does just about anything with fabrics.    Good snacks were provided including a big pitcher of sparkling lemonade.     It was a hot day so it just hit the spot.   What a nice group of people.  Made me want to move there and hang out with them.   

Then we went to the community garden just down the road where signs had gone up - ART SHOW TODAY.    What a hoot.   Only a few artists, one I met before in Lodi who is a good friend of Francis'.   Again, a mixed media artist, a couple watercolorists and a jewelery maker.    The master gardeners were giving lectures and the whole thing was very festive.     But we were in a big rush to get to Amador City to meet up with other friends  for lunch.   

Part of what we planned to do was gallery hop in Sutter Creek but we didn't have time.    The porches and sidewalks  in Amador City were full of bargains, and each of us came home with something.  I got a new sign for my garden that says Bird Sanctuary, hand painted by the artist showing them on the covered sidewalk in front of Sandy's shop "Country  Living".     We've been friends for nearly 40 years.   I used to have a shop there in town too.   She used to teach macrame when it was the hot item.   I feel like I've lived several lives since those days, and here she is, still  successful in her own little town.    The same with the gals in Buffalo Chips sandwich shop.   Family business now being run by the next generation down from the gal that started it. They use the same pie recipes.    I'm a pie person, so appreciate the quality and freshness.   A good pie is a piece of art.  

The first weekend in June appears to be a great time to visit the foothills.   There were yard sales, flea markets, the Italian Festival, and any other number of things that we whizzed past.   There just are not enough hours in a day.      I hope you are having a fun weekend too.