Hi artists,

Had a crying jag tonight because I was trying to explain something about my artwork and he just threw up his hands like "why are you asking me?" although he didn't say that because he can't talk. All of a sudden it hit me how alone I am. I know in reality we are all alone, but for years we were a team, and now his illness has left me alone to be a caregiver.

What I was trying to explain to him is that I can no longer mat a piece of Canson paper and glue a seaweed design to it and feel finished. Venturing into watercolors, and especially textured acryllics has made me want more. I still want to use seaweed, but I want to combine it with paint.

Anyway, it's a whole new area for me and I am ready, so tomorrow I will start.

I have been told that tears are God's rain. That's nice, but I'm the one left with the red swollen eyes.

Good night sweet princesses and princes,

Lisabeth

Evening All Artists,

Today I went to a cosmetic dentist because I chipped my front tooth. During my first visit she said she would put a temporary cap on the tooth until the real one was ready, and clean my teeth during the second visit, today.

How did I end up with two caps and two veneers?

She had to have explained everything to me, I must have agreed, because she did the work. My mouth is very sore which will go away, I'm sure. I will have four brand new front teeth in two weeks!

When the money woman told me the cost, I almost fainted. Good thing there was a counter to hold on to.

Then I thought, why not? I am a caregiver who woouldn't think of giving herself a gift - a large gift. I went for it. It feels good, if a bit indulgent.

Signed up for a Color class with the judge who liked my NYC picture. His name is John Massimino if anyone wants to google him. The class sounds great, plus he critiques other work you bring from home.

Since my watercoloring and acryllic texture with stuff stuck in it, I'm not happy with only seaweed.

Yesterday, I matted a piece of paper and arranged seaweed into a picture I named "Out of Here." Something was missing. I guess I'll figure it out. I know I'll figure it out!

CU Soon,

Sore mouth Lisabeth

Good evening Art folks,

Today I met with the Madison Art Society for the critique of our pictures. About 40 people signed up, myself included.

The pictures, one by one, were placed on an easel in front of the seated audience. He critiqued landscape after oil landscape, apples (no pears) truly conservative pieces. Finally, they placed my NYC on the easel."Whose is this?" he yelled.

I raised my hand and said my name (I'm new ).

"This piece is fantastic", he said. "The composition, the overlaps, I love it and was considering it for first prize, but ended up chosing the boat. You have done a great job."

My day was made. Seaweed rules! NYC rules!

Live in the light,

Lisabeth

Hello Creative types,

Had a great studio day. Layered Stucco textured acryllic over paste textured. Stuck in some more finds from the woods. Tomorrow I'll look at it, maybe photograph it, Sure is different than what I have been doing.

Tomorrow at 1:00PM I will be among the members of the Madison Art Society who signed up for a critique from the judge of our show which opened Friday.  I met him at the party and asked him not to be too hard on me.. We both laughed fake NY laughs.

I can't wait, after he critiques a barn, many apple oils, several acrylic pears, five watercolored sailboats, then holds up my "NYC" (it is in my gallery on this site) pressed seaweed. Most people have never seen pressed seaweed, because I don't think many have made it their medium. I promise to report.

Off to ......you know the routine.

Risk is good,

Lisabeth

Hello you bundle of talents,

Today I attended my first reception (5-7:00)for the above mentioned Madison Art Society etc, etc. I joined about a month ago, and since each member was allowed to contribute one painting, I gave NYC.

When I first entered the room, which was packed with wine drinking, hors d'oeuvre chomping strangers, I didn't see my picture hung among the many others.

Trying to stay calm, I poured myself a Perrier and took another look around.

My pressed seaweed NYC was placed on the wall just to the left of the sign-in, sign-up desk. It was either a good spot, because everyone coming in and leaving sees it first, or it was a terrible spot, practically out the door!

During the two hour evening I met a wonderful old timer who was involved in hanging the show. "I just loved your picture," she said. See that spotlight three spaces to the left on that horrible big painting?" I looked where she pointed."Your picture was in that spot, and at the last minute someone decided that space needed a larger picture and moved yours to where it is." She made my night.

I didn't win the $100 first prize, or the two $50 honorable mentions, but I won something in my heart. Madison is a very conservative town, there were more oils and acryllics of apples and pears than I could count. But, over the desk, close to the doorway, NYC the only non-painted work in the show proudly hung!

That't it for me. Sleep well Artistes,

Lisabeth

Hello arties,

Help! I keep getting notices of comments or mail or contact from people, but when I go to my sight, I can't find any messages or comments from anybody. Please don't think I am ignoring your messages, I just can't find them!!! Where's the instruction book to this site?

Why didn't anyone tell me how messy it is to work with acrylics? I mixed three colors with a paste additive, and ended up working with my hands! I Left the painting. Look again tomorrow. My best cargo pants got it!

Also washing up. Is there any secret, or technique for cleaning palettes with lots of watercolors and acrylics smeared all over them? I need an Art Slave. I think everyone does.

Husband sleeping in his favorite chair, breathing labored as usual. he may get his Dynavox V soon, which is a small box with a keyboard that speaks the words he types. He has tried it with some softwear I found online, using my laptop. It's great when his friends stop by.

I think I need to read more about acrylics. Making that picture, whether it is finished or not, was a high for me.

Using hand lotion,

Lisabeth

Hello all you creators,

Happy to report, no cancer or tumors or anything spotted on my scan. Just a fine, healthy (even if a bit old) organ.

Good day, lunch with longtime girlfriend I hadn't seen since Sept 10. She couldn't believe the change. When I saw her, I couldn't walk, didn't know if I would continue with art, didn't really care about much.

Larry had returned from yet another operation at Sloan Kettering and was very weary and sick.

That's what I like about Life - it changes if you work on it!

Watercoloring Valentines for my granddaughter, Lulu and three great nieces.

Loose and fun.

CUsoon,

Lisabeth

Hey, all you Arts,

The best thing about today was my yoga class. Maybe I need it, but the whole experience 2hrs, 15 min, is like a huge gift I gave to myself.

I feel different, more centered, more relaxed, content with my life.

Time for work, I wonder if it will show?

Do your best (Buddha's last words),

Lisabeth

Good evening Artistes,

Today my husband drove me to the Scranton Library where  Madison Art Society was receiving work for their 33rd Members show.

I entered "NYC", and there were several ohs and aha's when the elder members saw NYC in pressed seaweed. Next Sunday 1-4 is the critique by John Massimino, whoever that may be. I have never sat in at a critique before and can't wait.

I met a beautiful woman there who gave me hugs and her card. She lost her husband to cancer 10 years ago. I think another angel has entered my life.

On the work front, we had a surprise visitor this afternoon who ate up my work time, but it's nice to see friends from the outside world.

Tomorrow after yoga class, I have plans to work with the acryllic additives that came in the mail today. I'll let you know what happens.

Live in the light,

Lisa