M.S.G.

Here are three little monsters i've painted up to go in my story about a monsters support group aka M.S.G.

Rome (Palestrina) Italy - May 10th - 13th

We went to Rome for three days saw some great things and all I drew was this sketch of the train station as we waited for our train to Florence.  I have photo's though.

First:  A picture of me with our host Mario at his home in Palestrina. A view from the museum, the Colosseum, a fun shot of Roman ruins, and lastly a shot of Rob and I in the ruins.

Perugia Italy - May 6th - 10th

Next stop Perugia and all the little hill side cities around there.  Top left: A view of Perugia Top right:  The old castle above Assisi.  Middle Top:  A view of Assisi from the train station the old castle is seen on top of hill. Bottom left church tower in Assisi and Bottom Right a street scene from Spello.  One of our favorite towns of the area.

Below:  A photo of me in our hotel window, the poppies that are everywhere in Italy and next a dusk view of Perugia.  Finally, one of my favorite images looking down through the winding streets of Perugia.

Turino Italy - May 6th

We had a one night Layover in Turino and had a great time and the people were so friendly.  It was a beautiful town and I wish we had time to stay longer.  we got to the top of the church tower and I just had time for this sketch before they closed and kicked us out.  Here's a photo of Rob and I with the city behind us, and below is one of the buildings I was attempting to sketch.

Paris France - May 27th - June 5th

Ten days in Paris  and for Rob that meant an orange tart everyday.  There is nothing better than French pastries.  YUM.  We spent the time seeing do much that I didn't get much painted.  Headstones from pere la chase cemetery,  Statues from cathedrals, (top right and bottom right).  In the middle are several studies from Giverny   and on the bottom quick studies of Les Invalides and Our favorite day trip destination... Rambouillet.  We ate the best pistachio meringue as well as dinner that I can't remember what it was called but below is a photo as well as a photo of Rambouillet.

Calais France May 24th- 27th

After taking the ferry from Dover to Calais, we checked into our hotel and it had a view of a 13th century watchtower called the Tour de Guet(bottom right)in the Place D'Armes.  We spent an entire day on the beach and I painted the two studies above.  It was lovely.  We wandered the town eating pastries from every patisserie we passed went to the Museé des Beaux Arts to see several Rodin pieces and also went to city hall to see the famous 6 Burghers of Calais.  The final Painting was of a fun fountain near the train station where we waited for our train to Paris.

Just for fun I added a few fun photos of the farmers market, City Hall and the beach.

London May 20-24th

Top:  At the Tower of London we had the funniest guide.  I just had to draw him while he spoke.  Both the above sketches are of the Tower of London.

Middle:  The left is Windsor Castle and above Right, The Cliffs of Dover.  Our last day in England from the boat to Calais.

Bottom:  Here's the sketches I promised.  Just as I thought I didn't get anything blogged while on my Artists Dream trip.  I loved every minute of it however and my sketchbook is my favorite souvenir.  This first grouping is of Southwick Cathedral, the birds at St. James Park and a phone booth in front of the Tate Britain Gallery.

Artists Dream

We are leaving for Europe in a week and I am so excited.  I've packed to perfection(I hope)  and have great expectations.  I'm going to try and post from Europe but let's be honest here.  I intend to occupy all my time soaking in the sights so don't know how often I'll be able to get on-line to post.  Whatever may be I'll post all my sketches when I get back in about eight weeks.

First stop LONDON...

Broken Family

So I found several little bottles and set up a great still life. Unfortunately as I sat down to paint it, I bumped the table and one fell over, rolled off the table and shattered on the floor:( So I picked up the pieces and painted it anyway.

Tangerine Tango

It's been hectic over the Holidays and once again I am behind on updating my site. I've been following http://www.dailypaintworks.com/ and am going to join. It is a fascinating site that has weekly challenges for it's members. You can post every day and auction off your art. This weeks challenge was the color of the year ...Tangerine Tango :)

I found this Kokeshi doll in my house and I was inspired to paint it for the challenge. Yes there is not much tangerine on the figure but I thought it was just enough for a great little painting. I'm hoping this will challenge me to be more on the ball and post every day...or at least once a week :)

On a side note I have not heard back from the round of submissions I sent off, but it's still early and I have no doubt I will get picked up soon.