Pasta Party

Our pasta making party began serendipitously when my sister thought up the simple idea of enjoying the whole process together then sitting down to enjoy it together.

We’ve learned some things along the way like, more wine less bread, charcuterie to help the pasta makers stamina, and stick to one type of pasta. This year it was ravioli. Two kinds- sweet potato with a browned butter and shallots sauce; and meat filling with a marinara.

Gallery at the Park Show

For me, this was a long time coming. Over fifteen years ago, I took one of my watercolor pieces to this gallery to be reviewed by the board as to whether or not I could become an exhibiting member of the gallery store. I mean, I wasn’t even asking to be admitted into consideration for the exhibit gallery- just the store. I was rejected with a, “but keep up the good work and you will get there,” letter. I slunk back to retrieve my art.

My art has slowly progressed so that fifteen or so years later I am honored to be exhibiting my work for a month in the main gallery. I was humbled and thankful that so many were willing to come to the opening reception, especially since it was hours before the Super Bowl.

Leo, Pam and I had some great help with having this show.

Paint Your Spouse

At first I thought I’d change into something really nice, comb my hair again, check my make up; but then I realized it probably wasn’t necessary.

Only 23 minutes to complete these masterpieces!

Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativos, Buenos Aires Argentina

This was such a gem that we almost missed. Our last day to see anything we might have missed and I thought, “What the heck, let’s give it a look.”

“located in the former residence of the Errázuriz Alvear family, a grand mansion built in Buenos Aires between 1911 and 1917 by French architect René Sergent. The family acquired a vast collection of European and oriental art during their time in Europe, which was used to decorate the palace upon their return. In 1937, the building and its collection became a museum for the public after the state acquired it following the death of Josefina de Alvear.“

Joslyn Museum, Omaha, Nebraska.

It is possible to see this entire museum in 4 hours (less if you whiz through). We even ate lunch in their lovely cafe. The grilled cheese with kimchi was fantastic. I often feel like dining on vacation is like a sabbatical; I get new ideas about food preparation to take back home.

This is the third museum where I’ve seen the beautiful work of Rosa Bonheur in fairly quick succession, the Louvre, the Joslyn and the San Diego art museum.

Twombly, Joseph Cornell and Basquiat

I always try to fit a little art into my vacations. I have been to Washington DC so so many times and have never been in the Hirshorn. Finally I went. And as much as I really like abstract modern art, mmm mm, some of it is a joke on us the viewer. I still think Jackson Pollock pulled the wool over our eyes and yet I’m smitten with Cy Twonbly.

The Hirshorn is a museum that is “doable” in under and hour top to bottom, even if you, like me, dwell upon a few favorite pieces.

I’m a sucker for Joseph Cornell’s quirky boxes; the way he curates and arranges the things in each box is a whole ‘nother level.

Jesus Icon

A little intimidating. Jesus.

Wherever gold will be played, an underlayer of bole is painted on in about 10 layers after which it is sanded as carefully and smoothly as possible. Gold will show every little flaw that lies beneath it so we start with 600 grit and work our way down to the finest 1200 grit.

A thin piece of tape is placed around the outer edge to form a frame and then I am ready to lay down the gold.

You can see in this closeup the etched in lines that will guide me when I begin painting Jesus. I used an etching pen that I also use for scrimshaw etching.

The gold is glued on with a mix of rabbit skin glue and alcohol. The gold is so incredibly intimidating; it will float into the air with the slightest breezed, it will curl up and become useless with the tiniest smidge of water. The gold leaf is cajoled onto a gilding pad and a sharp knife cut the size piece needed. The knife needs to be sharp enough to cut the gold cleanly but not so sharp that is cuts the pad.

The prayer is written beneath the painting; you may or may not choose to share it. Once the clothing is painted on, the prayer will be forever hidden.

I’ve covered the gold with parchment to protect it while I paint.

Makoto Fujimura at Pepperdine

I’ve been following Makoto Fujimura’s art for a couple decades so when a rabbit trail led straight to the gallery where my son-in-law is going to law school, I realized I could visit my newest grandchild and see an artist’s work I revere.

Photos don’t do the original work justice; the multiple layers hide and appear beneath the next layer making what might appear to be a plain orange-red canvas into a complex dancing fire.