This is the week that buds

High temps and early rain awoke the sleeping giant.  I've been watching this tree since New Years.  This week out came the buds. Next week they will be leaves.

Speaking of buds, this is my grandson Cody.  I've been watching him always and I call him Bud. I did this painting from a vine charcoal drawing from an earlier time.

Rhonda

I did a charcoal sketch of Rhonda and painted it on an oil primed surface. This is the first of many paintings I want to do of her. 4"x6" oils on board.

Morning sketch

I arrived in Albuquerque New Mexico early this week. Tuesday morning, I went out
to sketch this scene. I used pastel and pencil on a moleskin. I hope to do a studio
painting from it. Forgive the lighting, it's the best I have for now. I got back to Minnesota
yesterday evening and want to post this.

LaNor 1947-2012

This is a 'pic' of us kids back in 1959 at Christmas.

In less than ten years, we had dispursed. It was rare

that we would ever come together again.

That's me, the little guy on the left. Behind me is

my sister LaNor. She was a wonderful sister. She always called

 me on my birthday. I love you LaNor, I will miss you and

your silly jokes.

Auld Lang Syne

An old friend from high school stopped by today. We used to

draw hot rods in class.  So I painted a hot rod for "Auld Lang Syne"

Rhonda

I was invited to a friends Christmas get together this holiday season. I accepted. I met
a girl, Rhonda. Wow, she is very pretty.
The next day my friend called and said Rhonda commented I could give her a call. I did.
We got together for coffee, and watched the ball drop on New Years Eve. It was a fun
time.
I asked if I could sketch her, she looked so beautiful sitting there. This is my sketch, on a
moleskin with vine charcoal. It smeared a little. I'll do more!
 I want to see her again.
Now I understand the meaning of,"Happy" in New Years. I'm happy to have met her.
(I mentioned I'd like to do a post on my blog about her, she was ok with it!)

Looking to a New Year!

Commerce!  The buying and selling of trade. I will now be

offering one of a kind gilded frames and art through my

blog.  Starting the first of the year. I'll keep you posted.

Oil painting by Gerome. Courtesy of Minneapolis Institute of Art.