Sunday, September 30, 2012

Friday, September 28, 2012




I just watched last night's Project Runway about designing baby clothes.  It was one of the funniest.  The nightmare came when they were each given the dolls that cry and you need to take care of for almost 24 hours.  I couldn't imagine attempting to create with six crying babies in the room.  It gave me palpitations.  The one liners cracked me up.

when first told about the challenge - "they are so little and don't talk.  it's like designing for a cat."

in the design room when all the dolls begin to cry - "now I know why Judy went off the deep end with Liza"

"why are you putting a baby in a cocktail dress?"

and the next morning when Tim takes the dolls away - "this is perfect because I was going to neglect him anyway."

And while we're at it, here is a photo of another oddity.  A boat in a library.

The Provincetown Library actually has a big boat which cuts through two floors.

A boat in a library.  Super, super cool.


Thursday, September 27, 2012







These are my first two "in studio" works since I returned from my dune intensive in Ptown.   The BW is oil stick on Arches Oil Paper, 16"x12".   The painting is over an older dune painting that never quite worked but for two months I didn't know what to do with it.  Tuesday, I knew it was time to go into it.   Oil on canvas, 20"x16".

Last night I grabbed the fixings for dark and stormy's: spiced rum and ginger beer.   I needed a celebratory treat because I am now officially a RI resident...and have cleared a long list of "must do's".  Also, my roomie had a horrific day on Tuesday and so I wanted to treat her a little.   Drinks, apples and cheese, while we both sat in the living room, chatting and drawing in our sketchbooks.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012





Today is DMV day.   I've spent the morning gathering paperwork and will head down for my RI car registration, plate and license.   I realized that I've been procrastinating because although I'm thrilled to be in New England, there is something really sad about giving up my WA license and letting go of my plates.  Bringing sketchbook in preparation for a day of waiting in line.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Friday's sky was ever-changing and quite beautiful.  After our walk on the breakwater, it was late afternoon and we were headed east on Commercial.  I looked toward the water and saw the most vivid rainbow I've ever seen.  It was perfect for my last full day in Provincetown...highlighting a very special week in a magical way.  And so very gay.




Some more photos from my walk on the breakwater.   









Sunday, September 23, 2012


My friend Matt joined me on Thursday night for the remainder of the week.  On Friday, we walked out on the breakwater.   I've always walked part of it, but this time we went for the whole thing.  It took about 40 minutes each way.  The sky and light was fantastic.

















We travelled Fire Road to the edge of the earth.


Thursday, September 20, 2012


last night...

painting outdoors on my deck at sunset.  bliss.   now that i've sufficiently woken up, today will have much painting time.  




More dune photos from my 4wd tour - 














Tuesday I took a 4wd tour of the dunes, heading out to remote areas. It was an ecstatic experience. This landscape speaks to me so powerfully. I hate glaring sun, love lots of trees, and yet there is magic in this fragile environment that is working so hard to survive.

When the pilgrims landed here, a month before heading to Plymouth, this land was heavily forested. They chose not to stay because not only did they think there wasn't enough fresh water but also feared they couldn't clear enough land in time for spring planting. Interestingly, we saw signs of fresh water coming up from beneath. Much of the dunes sits on a massive water table.

The second photo is of one of the dune shacks.   There are a few, now in trust, that are offered up for  artist residencies.  You are dropped off with your supplies and picked up a week later.  There is no indoor plumbing or electricity.   They have a hand pump where you collect your water and walk it back to the cabin.   And they do have an outhouse nearby.  Kerosene for heating.

The idea intrigues me but it feels a little too primitive.  Making art is enough of a struggle.  I don't know if I could handle the additional challenge of meeting my basic needs along with it.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012





black swan. blue tears.

(at whalers wharf)

Tuesday, September 18, 2012





ayup. theres a weatha rollin' in.

the wind has been blowing hard all day. even now, as I'm stretched out on my bed with the door to the deck open I can hear the wind whistling strong through the beach grasses and my deck umbrella is still wildly flapping away. We had two days of clear blue skies...and I'm honestly thrilled that it's going to storm tonight or tomorrow. For me, it's not the northern Atlantic coast without good storms. I find them truly invigorating.

I plan on staying in most of the day tomorrow and work some paintings from the many photos I've taken. The idea of holing up in my little place sounds delightful. If it's raining I'll pull open the curtains and watch the sea while I paint. If not, I'll set up on the deck. The thought alone is bliss.

dune/marsh vignettes -











dune immersion -
yesterday was a bike ride through the dunes. in a couple hours I'm doing a walking dune tour with a park ranger from the National Seashore. Later this afternoon...it's a dune tour by 4WD where I'll get to see more remote areas as well as the dune shacks. And in between, I'm printing out some of the images so I can work from them.

Monday, September 17, 2012





After not being on a bike for over 30 years I spent a blissful couple hours biking through the dunes taking many photos as research for paintings. Joyful tears fell while in the midst of this surreal landscape.


Last night's sunset:







Sunday, September 16, 2012



the ocean is naked at low tide...


Saturday, September 15, 2012






A few hours ago I arrived at my little (very little) nest in Provincetown. After running out for groceries and then making up the bed, I've been sitting on my deck, which is entirely surrounded on three sides by sand and beach grasses, watching the sunset. This is my view. I can feel a sea breeze and hear the birds and the crickets. It is going to be a good week.



Thursday, September 13, 2012





In two days! My little condo is on the beach and almost across the street from this landscape. I took the photo a couple weeks ago when I took a quick roadtrip to Ptown. Looking forward to an exciting, productive and restful week.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012





from one of my in town walkabouts...

Tuesday, September 11, 2012





had a really nice open studio weekend. saw some old friends, some more recent friends, some fam and met new folks. it was also profitable. thank you all who came down, over and up!

the pottery studio in my building was doing raku firing demos in the parking lot on sunday, which is where i took the photo.

Friday, September 07, 2012

Thursday, September 06, 2012







Regrouping from a whirlwind NYC 20 hr trip which was filled with rain, wind, art and music. The Donna Festa show at the Painting Center is pretty damned fabulous. If I could, I'd lap up one of her paintings. Sarah Charles' show at Dizzy's was brilliant. Now trying to get ready for my weekend long open studio...as well as finalize details such as get a RI driver's license, new car registration...and wrap up an application for a residency.







Tuesday, September 04, 2012