A 3y/o take on an old theme

My grandchildren, aged 2 and 4 years are up for Christmas and then off skiing, if it stops snowing. Last year, Theo, painted this picture of Santa over the trees. He was 3. Both he and Phoebe love to paint and when they come I usually set something up and let them go at it. They have completely different styles. Theo prefers small brushes and gets his nose right next to the paper. Phoebe likes big and makes lots of strokes and keeps going over them with different colors. I am quite amazed at this picture because there is no mistaking what he was trying to paint.
Merry Christmas to all and to all, a good night.

After the rain

Sunday, a rainy day, fine for imagining a sunny field, barn and a puddle from the rain. Lots of time to paint today after a wonderful dinner party last evening. Hosting dinner parties is fun from the moment of deciding what to have, then preparing it to saying goodnight to the guests. The liquor cabinet takes a big hit, but so what, it positively effects creativity.

San Francisco Bay in December

The weather has been spectacular even when it starts off a touch nippy. The group wanted to paint trees and we found one in Sausalito along with a few boats. Painting is a great way to handle the holidays; a little sanity between delicious parties and great friends, and...lots of wine.

Portofino Italy

I was in Portofino on 9/11 and could not believe the story that people were telling. I was sketching and taking pictures. With all flights grounded for the next few days I continued to sketch and paint. It was not easy to concentrate, yet, it was difficult to get details on what had happened.
Portofino is a charming seaside town attracting wealthy vacationers to its expensive shops. It has this small opening to the sea and is splashed with sunshine. Despite the upscale neighborhood, the wash is hung out and extends from many windows. A huge church is on the hill in the corner and has steps in front. I did this picture from my sketches just last week. I have fond memories of the place.

Back in Mexico

It's December and I have neglected the site. I was in Mexico over the Thanksgiving holiday and got some painting done. It was grand to sit on the beach with old friends and just gab. Lots of surfers including my kids who came along. Many stories but the scariest was my rental car had the oil light come on while heading to the airport. Stopped, found oil leaking, left the car, and got a taxi to the airport for my flight home. Hertz contacted and they picked up the car. Next, my credit card had a $4700 USD charge. No explanation; the ball is now in my court to file a claim. Here is some of my recent work while in Mexico.

The top one was done on a rural road and I soon had about 20 kids, first watching and then pulling out my brushes and turning the bolts on my easel. I then felt something warm on the back of my leg and this little naked kid was peeing on me. Quite a day.