Swamped today....

via Regina Hacket at Another Bouncing Ball, here is John Balderassi's In Still Life 2001-2010. You can create your own still life. There is also an iPhoto app included.

This is the one I made:

Floating leaf at the park...


This is what I felt like all weekend - slowly meandering through the hours of a luxurious three day weekend. Each morning I woke basking in the joy that comes with nothing on my calendar after being strapped for a couple months.

The few things I did do came about spontaneously and last minute...all based in fun, relaxation and adventure. It was a pure vacation.

Now today doesn't feel like a vacation. I'm working six different reports for three different people at the same time, handing each off to an assistant or my volunteer to work part of it and then return it to me so I can work it in another fashion. My head is spinning. And I've scrawly post-its covering my desk reminding myself what step of the process each report is in and what's next.

Calgon...take me away.

From yesterday evening...

This little vase was sitting on the table next to us, closest to the sidewalk while we were eating outdoors on the bistro patio, under some large trees. There was a car parked on the street in back of the vase. The late afternoon (6ish pm) sun was still so bright creating much contrast with the light. I'm surprised I can't see reflections off the car, or the iron grate of the fence right beside the table.

While hanging out yesterday with our feet in the water I asked Eric if he had any suggestions for dinner. "How about the Thomas St. Bistro?" he asked. It was a perfect suggestion. I had first heard about the place many months ago but because it's not quite on the beaten path I wouldn't remember it and so was glad that he did.

They were running a special fixed menu last night. 5 courses for $18 or 5 courses plus 3 wines for $25. We were in an adventurous mood and opted for the meal with the wine, having no idea what we'd be served. We finally saw last night's printed menu halfway thru the meal. Chicken skewers with fruit served with a couscous with cranberries. Little meatballs made of 4 meats (I think lamb, pork, beef, veal) in a nice brown sauce with some greens and a rice. A roasted Anaheim pepper stuffed with a delicious spanish cheese alongside a tomato saute. And a wicked amazing cream of vegetable soup.

The spices used in each dish was brilliant. The bistro serves a Mediterranean cuisine. The final course was a spongecake soaked in rum and honey with a little homemade whipped cream. It came with a nice Pinot Grigio and there were two different reds with the dinner portion.

It's a very tiny little bistro with a strong European feel. A comforting place. My kind of food retreat. We both said we'd be returning again. And again.

And I'm thrilled to find a new food haven with reasonable prices that includes free of charge a 10 block walk all uphill after dinner to work off the lusciousness of the meal as I return home.

After a wonderful day inside, about mid-afternoon I had a hankering to head over to Cal Anderson Park and spend some time in the sun and at the wading pool. On my way down I called Eric and he was up for it as well. We enjoyed a few hours in the sun with our feet in the water. We were each feeling low energy. He was recovering from a week of being really sick and I was finally relaxing after a hectic spell.

We watched dogs romp, saw little kids play in the water, chatted up D who wandered by, noticed a guy almost get psycho to a park guard…and talked about kink and art all while our legs dangled in the pool. Good company and good location.

It was an easy and delightful summer afternoon which ended with a fabulous meal in a brand new favorite place. I'll write about that tomorrow.

After I returned home from the Cha Cha Lounge last night and looked at the photos I shot, I found this. A random, rogue image...

Another drawing from 1995. Red and white pencil on colored paper, 28"x22"

In the bathroom stall tonight at the bar...

Last night's art walk was a joyful event filled with exciting introductions, caring people and wonderful conversations.

My day began at the office about 5:30 am and it was a nonstop very hot 95 degree day until I staggered in the door about 10 pm last night. Nearing sleep I remembered that beginning today, for the first time in months, I have 3 days with no obligations, no appointments (fun or business), and nothing, nothing, nothing on my calendar. If I do anything, it will be a spontaneous action, not a planned one. I drifted off with a smile.

So I rented some movies, shaved my legs and am sitting in my chair with two fans blowing on me while immersing myself in delicious laziness. Today isn't as scorching as yesterday and the next few days will cool even more. Perfect.

"The Egg" - tea, conte crayon and white charcoal on paper - 28"x22"

I was going through my iPhoto library, looking at some old work. This drawing was done back in 1995, while still in New Hampshire. Seeing I'm in the throes of a massive doubt place with the art, it was nice going through old work...trying to see where I'm going as a painter, what I need to work on even more, and walk down memory lane.

30"x40", oil on canvas

I was asked to show at the West Seattle Art Walk and will be opening a month long show featuring about a dozen of my pieces at Windermere at 4526 California Avenue SW tomorrow evening, July 8th. I'll be there from 6-9 pm. Pop in if you're in the neighborhood!

Also, the next day begins West Seattle Summer Fest, a 3 day street fair. Info found at the link.

It's a busy week with training a new assistant, art show on Thursday, dinner with good friends tonight...and committed to finishing 5 book illustrations.

If I don't post much or only post photos...that's what's happening.

On Thursday evening just before art walk, Bill, Daniel, Craig and I had a last supper before they left Seattle. It was wonderful spending time with them although this trip, due to my busy life, didn't leave us as many opportunities to get together as in the past.

Our sweet Craig, without prompting, picked up my camera and began shooting as we were sharing our goodbyes.

Photo from this weekend. I love this photo. It was shot by my friend Mark who kindly gave me permission to post it here.

I shot this Saturday night.

Happy 4th of July...

Yesterday I was supposed to head out for a weekend of fun, frolic and camping. But yesterday morning I woke quite ill and it left me shaky and therefore housebound for the entire day. My car is packed and will finally be heading out to join in some outdoorsy, woodsy frivolity.

Art Walk tonight!

Many wonderful shows. Check out the Lawrimore Project, Greg Kucera Gallery, Davidson Gallery, James Harris, Ouch My Eye and so much more. But hopefully you'll pop into the 619 Western Arts as well. For more info on First Thursday, go to FirstThursdaySeattle.com.

In my studio:

6-9pm
619 Western Ave
4th floor south - The Sophia Room
Seattle, WA

Hope to see some of you there.

Yesterday was a huge day.

After ten hours at the office I immediately rushed down to the studio where I spent almost five hours working. I walked into my home after 8, peeled off my clothes and crawled into bed.

It was a highly productive time. With the assistance of a beautiful boy, I was able to work on a few problem paintings while he prepped 12 finished canvases with hanging wire for a show next week. From there I was able to sign the backs of the completed paintings.

The works in progress are still a mess but due to yesterday's accomplishment I woke with a clearer mind. I had put an immense amount of pressure on myself by attempting to complete two new paintings in 5 days. For me, with the more abstract pieces, it's a nearly impossible task. I can't rush these paintings. They come together because of the process. It's an accumulation of layers...the history. Even if the canvas gets entirely covered with new paint there is a character that emerges because of what came beforehand. The surface from the past speaks to the future of the painting.

But if I'm painting more realistically and from observation, I can paint quickly. It dawned on me this morning that the two paintings don't need to be part of the "Bleeding Vessels" series. So on Monday after they've dried, I will return to those pieces with a new direction and paint from life.

One more from Montana. Really swamped for the next few days.