BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Our little group played the other night in the Battle of the Bands. We weren't part of the competition, just the closing music while the judges were voting on the bands. It's great to play with these guys because they are the most popular teachers in Big Bear which means we can do no wrong!!    Battle Night

GENIUS LOST

Today Jim Henson would have been 75 years old. The world really needs him right now!http://youtu.be/jtqOaabx1j4

WATERCOLOR MADE EASY

Well...not so easy for me but love watching someone who makes it look like it is. I've mentioned before that I have become a huge fan of Sterling Edwards. I have a few of his DVD's and hope to attend one of his workshops in the near future. He does his paintings with so little effort and so fearlessly. Works with big brushes and paints with loose bold colors. Just fun!

My attempt -

BIG BEAR ON HIGH

Acrylic painting on Arches watercolor paper. I can make the watercolor paper work, just not the paint!!

FIRES

The recent fires in Southern California brought back memories of 2007 and the fire in our mountain area. Thousands of acres burned and mountain communities effected. Big Bear was evacuated and we spent many days with my son and daughter in law. Knock on wood...this fire season has been a bit calmer.

Big Bear Fire - Acrylic painting on Arches watercolor paper

A LITTLE BIT OF BLUES

Mr. Hooker's Hobo Blues. That's the way it was done!!



Bass Work - Reduction linocut on Japanese paper.

STAYING WITH PASTELS

While I'm on this pastel high and drooling over wonderful paintings created by fantastic artist, another site to mention belongs to Paul Bosman. Another artist who's roots are in Africa but now lives in the United States, his works are in oil, acrylic and some beautiful pastels. His colors are so subtle, yet draw you right into the picture.

Another of mine below. Really!!!

PASTEL ENVY

Reading one of my older art books, I happened upon some pastel paintings by an artist named Dino Paravano. He paints all kinds of subjects in oil, acrylic and pastels. His wildlife work done in pastels is what especially caught my attention. Truly fantastic. He lives in Arizona presently, but grew up in Africa which shows in his work. Time well spent on his website.

http://www.paravanodino.com/

One of my pastels below. Not quite the same!!