The month of May has been a very busy month around our house, lots of social events to attend along with spring yard work. But one area in my home was accumulating cobwebs. Can you believe I haven't work in my studio or my sketchbook at all until yesterday? After taking my favorite dog for a long walk, I spent the rest of the day working/playing on sketches and color studies for a few new things and can't wait to start painting again today. The weather is looking promising... I just might dust off that french easel and work outside. Hope you are enjoying the holiday today, I know I will.
The arch way as you enter Little Italy in Providence RI.
Most of you know I'm crazy about acorns, couldn't resist taking this picture.
Thursday we drove to Providence, RI to pick up our son Gian from college. We decided to spend the afternoon and evening in their version of Little Italy. I couldn't believe the energy, it felt like a weekend. The restaurants and cafe's were full of people, most were outside enjoying the beautiful summer like day. The art galleries were all open and full of patrons, there was actually a tour guide taking a group though all the shows. You wouldn't believe the amazing cars, Lamborghini's, Ferrari's, and Porsche's. We enjoyed a great meal and spent the evening in the plaza sipping wine and taking in all the sites.
Melanie is a former student that is graduating from Alfred University next weekend, with a degree in Graphic Design. Yesterday was the opening day of her Senior Thesis Art Show. My husband Chris and I drove three hours to surprise her.
The proud and very tired almost graduate.
Her cell phone never stopped ringing as friends called to congratulate her.
Did I mention she was one of my favorites!
Her Dad flew in from Michigan.
My husband the photographer had to take a creative shot to celebrate the day.
Friday night was also another of my favorite students Senior Art show in Rochester. Jenn is graduating with a degree in photography from Brockport college. Would you believe that neither Chris or I had cameras. Luckily Jenn is in town and I'm planning on going back to the gallery with her and my camera to document the event. Every Art teacher should be so lucky to have such wonderful students as these young ladies. I feel so honored to still be a part of both their lives.
When I saw this newly released video by Jonsi my heart soared. It is so inspiring and complements my part in Susanna's winged messenger project. Being the overly excitable art teacher I had to show my students the video before posting it, when they started writing down Jonsi's website I knew it was a hit! I've included the words to his song, print them off sing along.
Remember you can do anything, Pursue your dreams!
Go Do - Jonsi Go sing, too loud Make your voice break-Sing it out Go scream, do shout Make an earthquake
You wish fire would die and turn colder You wish young eyes could see you grow older We should always know that we can do anything
Go drum, too proud Make your hands ache- Play it out Go march through crowds Make your day break…
You wish silence released noisy drummers You wish white noise surrendered to summers We should always know that we can do anything
Go do, you’ll know how to Just let yourself, fall into landslide
Go do, you’ll know how to Just let yourself, give into flood tide
Go do!
Tie strings to clouds Make your own lake- Let it flow Throw seeds to sprout Make your own break- Let them grow
Let them grow (Endless summer) Let them grow (Endless summer)
(Go do endless summers)
You wish surprise will never stop wonders You wish sunrise will never fall under
You wish surprise will never stop wonders You wish sunrise will never fall under We should always know that we can do anything
Today is the first day of my next adventure...I've been inspired by Susanna's, "Winged Messenger Project" blog for about a year. She designs and paints delightful messages which are left in public places for unknowing strangers to find and hopefully get some inspiration. I'm putting a little twist on the project hoping to inspire my high school art students. For those who follow my blog, you know that I am a life long learner,and always ready to step out of my comfort zone to try new things. Remember my endeavors learning how to paint Graffiti? Pursuing your dreams doesn't always pertain to the large accomplishments in your life, sometimes its the small events that generate the greatest happiness. For the next year I'm using my wings to share my dreams and accomplishments with my students.
A morning gathering driftwood at the beach with my husband and dog, Lync. Can you guess what's in the background of this picture?
Who would imagine finding swans swimming in lake Ontario.
As we were walking to our car, I noticed the couple parked next to us were getting ready for a bike ride. Hmm, someone else pursuing their own happiness today. I showed my wings to Bob and Roberta Fisher and asked if I could take their picture. They kindly agreed. Roberta is a career counselor and loved the message of the wings. I would say that was a positive sign.
A special thank you to Bob and Roberta for taking part in the first day of my adventure. I hope you enjoyed your ride.
The month of May has been a very busy month around our house, lots of social events to attend along with spring yard work. But one area in my home was accumulating cobwebs. Can you believe I haven't work in my studio or my sketchbook at all until yesterday?
