Showing our faces in public.

 I am so accustomed to face masks now during this pandemic... I often do not wear lipstick.   No one will see it anyway.   But my abstract faces are right out there.  Mouths and noses exposed.   

When I draw the face, usually I start with outer shape. Then the nose.  Then eyes and last the mouth.   Then I divide the face up into sections where the colors and patterns can be used.  

These are jolly fun to do.   Even the drawing part is fun, but when the colors are introduced, WOW!  I hope you are enjoying seeing them as much as I love painting them.

Homeward bound

Traveling on Highway 4, West of Angels Camp presents some challenging twisting curves on a narrow two lane road. . Its actually pretty scary making a sharp curve and immediately dropping over a crest into an opposing curve.    Might be fun in a sports car, like my old 1956 baby blue Porsche.     But now in a relatively large SUV its more nerve wracking than fun.    However, there are other sights so beautiful and awesome along this stretch of road, its worth the few uncomfortable moments.   This is one route I could take between my country place outside of Avery, and home in Stockton.   So seeing this meant the mountains were behind me and home was ahead.    A transition I loved, whichever way I went.   

  Two of my grandchildren are bus drivers.    While they were in training, their instructor had them drive this road.    I can't even imagine how it felt to drive a school bus around those curves.   But they did.  I guess that was the ultimate test..... 

This sketch is farther west as the road ribbons over the descending foothills dropping down into the San Joaquin Valley vineyardscand farmlands.    I drastically  foreshortened the valley so I could include Mount Diablo on the other side. 

Series of stitch meditations

Occasionally I will find myself working in a series.   This one relates back to my childhood in a little mining town in Nevadas high desert.    Just a stones throw from Virginia City, my home town of Silver City was a fun place to be a child. We could walk to school. No traffic. No stop signs, just cross the street and climb the hill by friends house, turn left and continue to walk uphill to crest where the two room schoolhouse stood.     In winter we could ride our sleds down the snow covered streets.    The town is still there. Some of our friends and their descendants still live there. Its this place that taught us the beauty of simple things, and vintage things. Reliance on family. Right and wrong.  The love of open spaces, long vistas and the fragrence of wild sage brush.  The love of rocks and clouds and joys of friendships.   The wild horses are still there.   This is what inspired these pieces.   Fa

Thrift store find

I picked up this quilt yesterday in a Lodi Thrift Shop for $5.99.  It was tied in a plastic bag, folded so I didnt see more than a small section.   I figured as a cutter it would be worth the price so didnt bother to unwrap it.    Later when I took it out of the bag to launder it, I was surprised to see it is a usable piece.    Only the edge of borders on the sides show wear.    Its made a new home on my bed.   

A sad note.

My awesome brother (and only sibling) died in February.   By this time last year when we celebrated his 80th birthday, it was apparent he was losing his valiant battle with a very advanced agressive cancer.   We talked on the phone every night.   We visited in person a week before he passed. His wife and the family were so supportive and in my mind heroic in their devotion and care.    He was one of a kind.    I was lucky to be his sister/sidekick while were growing up.  And even as adults i knew he would always have my back - and it went both ways.

Update

Well I see that I stopped writing in this blog in December of 2015.  A lot's gone on since then. I was searching at that time for a more convenient place to live. Something that didn't have 17 steps up and 17 steps down every time I came and went. I was increasingly frightened of falling on those stairs and in fact had one minor fall that was like a wake up call for me. Two other falls in my sweet Garden also were making my gardening time worrisome.

So I started looking at other options. My favorite which ended up to be my option of choice was to move into a senior mobile home community just 20 minutes from our current home. So I can still be close to my family and yet be independent living and be more secure as my age is creeping up on me.

In the early spring I found my dream mobile home. One that has a sunroom facing Southeast which is an ideal Studio with wonderful morning light and not as much sun in the afternoon.

It also has a nice laundry area of very convenient roomy kitchen with space for every member of the family to be cooking at the same time which is fun especially around the holidays.  Another thing that helped me determine this was the one was a large enough dining room for my long table to open up so I can entertain my friends and also have my art groups over to make art around one big table.   I had given up entertaining because only a couple of friends would brave my stairs in daylight and none after dark or in the rain.  Now everyone comes to visit.

This is a gated community and feels very safe the neighbors are friendly. I have gotten involved in some of the community activities such as the Arts and Crafts group that meets Tuesday Mornings.

This year I entered the golf cart parade at Christmas time as the golf cart was a a birthday gift that followed a bad scare with DMV who decided my eyes were not good enough to issue me a driver's license again. I followed up with many eye doctor appointments and finally was able to pass the their test well enough so that they filled out the forms that I could take to DMV and get my driver's license renewed. This was a very nerve-wracking experience and I know I won't be able to drive too much longer as my eyesight is failing and it's a progressive disorder that I have.   But I still feel like I'm safe enough to drive to my local activities. I don't drive at night. I don't drive on freeways. I don't drive to places that I'm not familiar with unless someone is with me.

I'm all settled in here.  The kids helped tear up the carpets and paint the floors for me in that same nice green that I had at the house and all my furniture fit.  They moved everything for me, they helped me pack.    I'm very glad I made that decision while I could still do it for myself and found a place that I'm delighted with every day. 

Christmas Cheer

The decorations are up.
Decorating in the trunk.

And on the herb sign at end of kitchen.     I always wished there was a window there but it gives me another wall to decorate.     

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.      

Lifes challenges - just keeping up

I am so thankful for my life and family and friends.     So many are facing huge challenges, healthwise or family problems of one kind or another.    I have been very busy last few weeks with working on things for the Spring art show, at the same time fixing up things around the house and garden in preparation for winter.   

This is the next doll to alter for Halloween. 

 My solarium is on the South side of my bedroom, built onto the deck.  It has always been the nicest warmest place to spend a winter day.   It seems to get to 80 degrees by 11 a.m. and then stays constant until 4ish.  However, because it is built over the deck there is no protection from the cold coming up through the floor, so I added a big area rug, moved the furniture around, and put in one of those electric mock fireplace heaters.   Now it will stay cozy longer and I can move my things out there earlier in the day.      I had to put some darker color valences up to help reduce the glare and  bright light to protect my eyes.     I also got rid of most of the clutter, so it is more open and delightful.  This is the first year I'll have a door.  That was my birthday present from my son, who built it from scratch and hung it so it slides back out of the way.      I'm looking forward to many wonderful days toasting in the sun filled room with my journal and supplies, or my wire bending projects, or whatever I happen to want to work with, listening to public radio with the dogs curled up on the big chair.         

Projects lately have been taken over with all these matters and designing tickets, invitations, flyers and post cards for the spring art show.   There are so many details and comparing prices and delivery, etc.     Today I'm taking the day off and heading out for my flu shot.    My friend Frances is in the hospital, and may get home today, so I'll want to stop by with somthing good for her to eat.    

Scary things that don't go bump in the night

Halloween is approaching with kids and grandkids putting out the decorations for a big party.    So, to do  my part, I'm horrifying some recycled dolls.      This is the first batch of tiny dolls from the thrift store, ready to come creeping out of their graves.     I'll post more pics later. 

Playing catch up

Oh my, I'm way behind in posting much here and I glanced around and found some things I'd like to share here.    Some are things I made, some are people I know and places I've been.     

This first pic is my granddaughter and her creation.     she cut up a red t shirt and pinned in the red white and blue ties as straps.    My job was to stitch it for her.    She'd better wash it by hand, it will never hold up in washing machine, but the look is cute.   

 This pic was taken of friend Charlene who did a demo of transfer techniques for photographs at the Stockton Art Leage this month.  there was a good turnout as usual, and I was totally surprised by how many artists didn't know anything about transfers.     They were very interested and appreciative.    Mixed media gals use transfers all the time, but for watercolorists, oil painters and photographers, this was unexplored territory.    

 these next two pics are from a trip to visit Pat and Char at Pat's house in Folsom.  The little plants are lantanas.   The colors look so good together I had to take a snap.

 Here's just part of the group that got together to make altered vintage tags at Pat's house.    I didn't get my camera out in time to catch the rest before they drove off.     Thanks to Rosemary our chauffeur for hauling us around and all our stuff.    It was a good time to visit in the car.   We took a road I had not been on in decades, so that was fun too.      Foothills are so lovely regardless of the time of year.  Right now they are golden.

 the post cards I swapped out with the Carving Consortium were done on the opposite side of recycled cards.  I just thought I'd show the address side of one.   these were all from my aunt's stash of cards from friends.    My art is on the other side.  I showed them earlier.

 this is a stitched face on an old napkin.      It's large enough I'm using it as a cover for my sewing machine which is always set up.  And it usually has red thread in it.    LOL    My favorite color for stitching on paper or fabrics.   

 this is a picture of the shoulder/arm area of one of my favorite blouses.  I bought it years ago at the White Pines Flea Market.  I bought it because I loved the linen print.  Seems to be made of tea towels.  Everyone is wild about it when I wear it.      My friend Rosemary made  me another one from a vintage tablecloth, but I loaned it to Pat so she can make one for herself.    I particularly like the splash of yellow under the arms.      

the next pic is me modeling and  taking a "selfie" for Rosemary, who plans to teach her sewing group how to make these shirts.   it looks pretty cute over a turtle neck also, but this one has such sweet summery/springy colors I just slip into it.   Looks really good with white pants or white skirt.

BTW it took ages for me to crop around this pic - the background was such a mess I didn't want it to distract.    I need to get out the pad and pen for doing this work instead of using the cursor to move the photoshop elements tools around.       I have not tried them with  my  new computer set up.       

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.   

portraits class again

It was a long time between Mondays when the seniors meet to paint together.     John's class has grown each week.  We now have a water colorist painting in her own style.    We were a group of 10 yesterday.  This time I expected we would work on hair, but instead, we had a new assignment.       Do the same face as last time, but this time do two of them, as mirror images.      This is tough.   

I've never been able to think in reverse, so my brain was doing flip flops trying to do this.     I hate that.     So, this is as far as I got.   No one else did much  more than this.    It needs lots of work.     Hmmmm....Shall I continue or do something I like to do instead?     Frankly, I don't see any reason to continue this, as I'm never going to put myself through this particular hoop again.   But, I'll probably paint them, just not thinking about the reverse thing.  


So, I moved on to something close to my heart.     My youngest grandchild  Candis is graduating high school this week and I wanted to make a chock full of her childhood pics kind of book like I made for her brothers when they graduated.     But, had a school assignment that was similar and she's having fun doing it for herself.    So, I decided to paint her portrait.      I took it to show her mom and made a few little changes she suggested, so it's about ready to frame.        

I had purchased one of Robert's paintings to give her, as it also looks a lot like her in a different pose.     She'll get two paintings in stead of one.       Here is how it looks at the moment.    I already see something that needs to change.       I have one more day to go, so I'd better get at it.    

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.   

Art takes a back seat

I was asked to make the post cards for the Lodi Annual Spring Art Show at Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Winery again.     This time, as it's getting close to the time for mailing, I had to say yes.     Anyway, it's fun.   But it also takes many hours on the computer.  I'm using the Vista Print web site program to build it step by step, then sending it out for Board approval, then tweaking changes.    I sure hope they settle on this last version, as my poor neck and eyes can't take many more hours tweaking it.        My painting has slowed down and nothing new has been done to it, but I have done some little works in my journal, so it's not a total waste of art time.      Some stencils came in the mail today from Stencil Girl and I'm very anxious to use them in the journal.    They have the best designs for the kind of work I like to do.       If you want to see how they use them, go to their blog and you can find tutorials, also on You Tube.       They were a little pricey and no discounts, but I had to have these.    Sunday when I volunteer at the gallery with Phyllis, I'm going to take them and the journal along and in spare moments - I'm going to be playing with them.

Tomorrow is Saturday, it will be warm and sunny and I have a grandson who owes me some work, and also need to earn some more money, so I'll be out supervising and barking orders. / With the boys in college it's hard to find them available.  

Out and About

My friends and I finally got away for a few days at the beach.    It was a long time in planning, then colds and life got in the way.     For the first time in months, we had rain.   Just what you want when you get away for the weekend.     LOL     We did more inside things than we normally would.   Here is a peek inside the Santa Cruz Modern Art Museum.     The first group of photos is from the rooftop sculpture garden.   It was one of my favorite places.     

 The next two photos are from the metal sculpture exhibit. They had a station set up for people to try embossing metal sheets.    We had to try it too.

  Next we visited the local history section, which was very nicely and professionally presented.       This old guy was there to greet us.  LOL
At one point there was one of those warping mirrors where I snapped a self portrait.

At the entrance to this section the flooring was etched tile with the map of the monterey bay vicinity.

 Walking back to the car we were amused with the antics of blackbirds eating a piece of bread on the wet sidewalk.      

 This window display caught our eyes.    It is so typically Santa Cruz.   

 Wouldn't this make you want a beret?

Back at the house we enjoyed the kids artwork on the window between family room and kitchen.     The beach house is really set up well for kids activities, and the loving grandparents allow them to express their creativity and help make it their own special place to visit.

 On the way home we went to Sunset beach where we saw our native plant and California state flower, the California Poppy.     It's really early so there were not many out yet.  Hopefully a little more rain and the banks will be covered with them.      

 Along the road to Sunset Beach we spotted this cute little shed that we'll probably be sketching.    

We had planned to go home via Watsonville and Gilroy to stop at the Bosc outlet, but at the last minute we decided to go north up the coast, and stop at Davenport and Pescadero.    The church shown here is in Davenport.    

I had a little camera problem at this point so have no more pics of the trip to share.   It's all okay now though, and I'm ready to roll on again.
We didn't do any sketching or artwork at all. But we cooked and laughed and watched Downton Abbey and some Brit videos of Rosemary and Thyme and Jeeves and Wooster.    It was a fun trip.  The Dogs rode well and enjoyed all the attention.       Now, back to normal life again.    I'm already looking forward to the next trip.   

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.

Merry Christmas Past

Here is a scan of a Christmas Card my dad sent to his dad from Alaska in 1923. I believe it is printed directly on a piece of thin bark which has been pressed flat.     Maybe my brother can use it in the video he is preparing on Alaska using photos from Dad's time and also from his trip there.      

Thanksgiving Day

Who blogs on a holiday?  Who has time.      Well just a quick minute.    Here's the Thanksgiving card I mailed out this week.    You may be on the receiving end.         This is one corner of a collage we did at the Mixed Media group last year, with Roberta as instructor.     I knew this would come in handy one day.  These are my folks.       My aunt had them pose in this position, as they were often puttering in the garden.     Give my mom a pair of pruning shears, and my dad a shovel or pitch fork, and they were right at home.       I'm truly grateful that I learned my love of gardening from them.    

Hope you have a happy Thanksgiving.      Janene

Something very special

A friend has got a few of us involved in making a necklace.     In looking for things I could use in mine, I dug out some old jewelry.   This is a piece my mom did in teachers college back in the 20's.      I wore it a few times when I was a young teenager because it went well with a sweet dress I made over from one of her college dresses.   I remember it was a pale green and pink print on dotted swiss.      My mom taught home economics so you can bet I learned a lot from her.    There was not much she could not do.   From baking to sewing, she had it all down pat.

Here is the necklace, I set it on an envelope my dad mailed back from Alaska (where he was working in a copper mine) around the same time period.  They did not meet until the mid 30's.   What the heck, I think I'll post their pictures here as well as the jewelry.