I’m sorting Art Club’s artwork into portfolios to give them at our last hurrah lunchtime pizza party today. I’m as excited as they are that we get to be together one last time this school year. We’ve had fun AND they made some cool art. Win win!
May 14, 2013
I enjoyed being a Career Day guest speaker. The fourth graders were great listeners! One class even clapped after I read my poem, “sing your song.” Others ooo’ed and ahh’ed at my artwork as it appeared on the smart board. I have a new skill now too: Smart Board Operator. I’ve already been invited back for next year!
May 10, 2013
This afternoon I’ll be speaking to three 4th grade classes about careers in art. I’ve had a few: gallery watcher, gallery crew/gallery watcher, graphic artist and art director. Currently I’m a fine artist and volunteer art teacher. I’m also to work in references to reading and math. I’m going to thrill the teachers when I say, “Artists need to know how to add and divide fractions.” ‘Tis true! I’m sending each child home with a copy of my poem, “sing your song”, as well as a brochure of summer classes offered at the McLean County Arts Center and business cards for Main Gallery 404. I added an extra copy to each stack so the teacher can have one too. Next week my Art Club will receive the same packet. Oh, how I love sharing the fun of creating art with others. Especially children. *happy sigh*
May 10, 2013
a pastel sunset
always prettier
in person
muted shades
a quiet decent
from sky
to horizon
wispy clouds
with soft edges
made me think,
“a pastel sunset”
Photograph taken from the sidewalk while I was walking Blue dog last night.
April 5, 2013
I love my RAV
Just sayin’
When I bought her in late August
I had Art Haulin’ on the brain
This picture shows eight pieces stowed upright, between the seats
There is one more “big one” lyin’ flat in the way back
(18” x 24” plus frame and glass)
The back is usually reserved for Blue, soccer balls and groceries
…though not all three at the same time
Two of these nine pieces I dropped off for the next art show that opens April 19th
Details to come…later
There is art to unload right now
I love my RAV
Just sayin’
April 5, 2013
I finished making the second piece of art last night at 6:00pm. Loaded up the frames I’d bought last week (when they were half price) and my reluctant youngest son. Art framed. Check. Art delivered by 7:00pm. YES!!! Supper was a late dinner date for two, a boy and his mom. Breakfast eaten on couch with cartoons on. Guess it’s time now to clear the remnants of art making from the kitchen table…before lunchtime rolls around. Kitchen table art is my favorite kind. A solid oak circle placed in the heart of the home. Feels right.
~ Janean
March 29, 2013
A l’il excitement walkin’ the dog this morning. Started off the same as usual, on the literal bright side, with sunshine, blue sky, glints o’glittering light upon the melting snow. Next thing I know, Blue’s hand-me-down pinch collar fell off as I walked him through the park. Second day in a row. Yesterday I heard the, “clunk” as that silver metal collar hit the ground with the leash attached and I grabbed ahold of his regular collar ninja FAST. Today we both heard the clunk and that too smart for his own good pup took off at an all out run! He headed for the fence line, darted to a grove of pine trees, while I ran the other way, snow boots makin’ tracks, and shouted to that racin’ dog, “BLUE! Come and get me. Good boy.” I wanted him to stay in my line o’sight. I kept on running, and called out, to keep him in the park, and away from the road. The road scares me. He has no sense. Crazy dog wants to chase cars. Blue got close enough I could catch him, it’s a game he sorta loves. Me? Not so much! Grabbed that collar, clipped the leash and caught my breath as we walked on toward home. I’m a long distance walker. Walking I can do. Running has never been my thing. (Insert a visible shudder as I flashback to high school P.E. and that mandatory run ‘round the track.) Home now. Thankful. Breakfast, coffee and art making is next for me. Gotta have the art made, framed and delivered between 5-7pm tonight ‘cause the “What’s So Good About Good Friday?” Art Show is tomorrow. Ah. Art. That always makes me smile. Quiet content kind. Even when I’m runnin’, literally and figuratively, on not much sleep ‘cause the wee hours of the night are calmest for art making in this house with busy on Spring Break boys, a wild woofing pup, and cat that sleeps atop me at night. That’s my day thus far, and a snapshot of what’s ahead. Saw the sun comin’ up from my bedroom window and said, “Good morning.” Needed that calm and peaceful moment to face what was comin’ next.
March 28, 2013
up and at ‘em
feet on the floor
children still sleepin’
dog and I
out the door
it’s half past six
there is a cold snap
in the air
we walk upon
the sidewalk
snow packed
here and there
we turn a corner
toward the park
the dog and I
on our favorite walk
there is pink mist
thick on the horizon
in front of us
on either side
me without my camera
then I look behind us
the dog wonders,
“Why did she stop?”
the sun was rising
fiery red shown
from behind the clouds
blending to pink
golden too somehow
spectacular
amazin’
so movin’
I said aloud,
“Thank you, God
Today is Yours.”
He is the Creator
The Greatest Artist
His palette holds
every color
His canvas is the sky
He created everything
even that dog
and me
March 27, 2013
One of my closest friends and I have been texting, literally since we both woke up today. This is nothing new between she and I…we both have A LOT to say! Best of all, we just say it. No holds barred. No walls.
So, at 8:40am, when she texted me a sad face 😦
I replied…
No sad faces
I have a f’ing rule!!!!
I cannot bear them
My heart is already breaking a zillion different ways
I’m making an egg and toast and coffee for me
Dog needs to stop woofing!
Or I could just go back to bed. Like all day.
That oh, so smart woman, a beyond marvelous friend, responded, “Do what works for u… :)”
A smile! Much better! That just helps me cope.
I wrote again to say:
Food
Art
I’ll be ok
Have a happy Florida day!
She believed me, for she knows me well enough to read my barometric pressure, even while on a l’il bit early Spring Break getaway, from more than a few states away.
It’s nearly 10:00am now. My breakfast has been consumed. First mug o’coffee is in my weary system too. I planned ahead and made an extra mug today. Knew I needed whatever amount o’kick in the arse it’d give me.
~ Janean
March 22, 2013
Turquoise Tangles 