2013 encasutic paintings

I haven't posted in a while because my daughter moved from San Francisco to an unfurnished apartment next to mine ( for 6 months) and I have been busy helping her get the need things to make her apartment into a home. I was able to get into the studio for a short time yesterday and am working on another re-do. But for now here are the paintings I have finished so far this year.

Saturday in San Miguel de Allende

While the north east part of the United States is being challenged by severe winter storms today, I especially appreciate living in San Miguel, not only for the beautiful weather, but the sense of community and the many activities available.

Breakfast at the Saturday organic market. The best in town, fresh, organic Mexican specialties.

I bought 3 kinds of cheeses after quizzing Pedro about the treatment of the cows, goats and sheep.He carefully explained how happy and free they are.

Then on to the artisan market. Because of the Writers' Conference, there are crowds of people in town.

Paper mache animals. They are very popular here.

local honey

A friend attending the Mariposa booth. Products are made by local women and the sales help them better their lives.

An adorable face

Hand beaded necklaces

Too many choices

Then on to the park to experience the beauty of the hundreds of flowers and plants. Every year, venders come from all over Mexico to display and sell. February is Spring and planting time.

 

Not only humans play in the park

I do love red encaustic

O.K. Just one more red painting. I am going to take a studio break - I think. I am expecting one of my daughters to come to San Miguel next week and I will be helping her set up in her new apartment, just across a courtyard from my apartment.

I have another workshop on Feb.18 & 19th and after that one, I may take a break from teaching also. I do enjoy it, but it takes quite a bit of time rearranging the studio, preparing boards and making paint for the students. I would like to concentrate on private classes. I can really give complete attention to the student and zero in on the advanced techniques they want to learn.

Also I am sorry about not following up on my promised news letter. I can't figure out how to access the list through MailChimp and my brain is tired of reading all the instructions. You really are getting my thoughts about my work on this blog post.

Here is another re-worked painting. Once again, red saved the day.

We are having beautiful, warm weather - up in the 80's and I am looking forward to working in my vegetable garden. The winter has been mild and there are still plenty of greens growing, but it is time to plant some new varieties.

No red in these paintings

I need a name for this one. Can you help? 24: x 24"

"Sisters" 24: x 24"

This is an older painting, part of my series, "With Arms Wide Open" It makes a nice triptych with the other 2 new paintings.

I do love red and made another red painting, but for a change of palette I used more earth tones, experimenting with rubbing in powdered pigments, using gloves and a mask and some oil glazes.

Lots of Layers

This was the painting that I was struggling with last week. Even with Victoria's help, I just didn't feel good about it, so I added lots of other colors and covered most of it with red. I like it now.

painting donated to an auction

This is the painting that I donated to the auction that will be held this Sunday at the Rosewood hotel. It is a benefit for the Children's Art Program that bring art teachers and supplies to the kids in the country side that otherwise would not have access to creating art.

Once a year, the kids have an exhibition of their work, along with the stories of their paintings. I was a juror last year and I was amazed and delighted and the talent and imagination displayed.

There is a color catalog of the art to be auctioned and there will be a champagne reception.