Shadow Chandelier by Atelierbbb

My obsession with chandeliers has led me to find this interesting rendition by Stephane Barbier Bouvet of Atelierbbb.

Who needs crystal and gold when you have paint?

Chicago!

I had an short but sweet trip to Chicago over the weekend for portfolio reviews. I stayed at the Palmer House Hilton and was amazed by the lobby. The historic hotel first opened on September 26, 1871 only to burn down less than two weeks later in the Great Chicago Fire. The hotel was rebuilt in iron and brick, and was advertised as "The world's only fire-proof hotel." It was amazing to know that I stayed in the same hotel as Oscar Wilde, Charles Dickens and Mark Twain (well, the same location at least).

Not only was the lobby ornately beautiful, it was also full of interesting people - from a huge wedding and the National Roller Derby Competition. Never have fish-nets tights and helmets looked so good in freezing weather.

Check out the Windy City Rollers.

BOOKS Books BOOKS!

Everyone knows that my house is full of books. Yves and I turn stacks into nightstands, coasters (eek!), and decorations for the walls. We have an addiction - healthy but cluttering. So we solved the problem by buying yet another bookshelf. . . and purchased more books to fill it. Three of my new favorites are:

1. The Grammar of Ornament by Owen Jones

I wish I could time travel to shake Jones' hand. Such a beautiful collection of patterns.

2. Indian Miniature Painting by Anjan Chakraverty

A wonderful collection and history of one of my favorite styles of painting, covering the Buddhist palm-leaf manuscript illuminations of the 11th - 13th century and the "Company" paintings made for European patrons in the late 18th and 19th century

3. Edge of Desire by Chaitanya Sambrani

A must have book featuring a collection of the most dynamic contemporary artists in India

Two Works in Progress

Above: Detail from "Hanging On"

Hanging On, Mixed Media on Canvas, 30" x 40"

Cascade, Acrylic on Canvas, 41" x 60"

Mo' Momix

Momix (a company of dance illusionists under the direction of Moses Pendleton) will be coming to the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts on October 22 and 23. Fascinated by the clips I've seen:

Lunar Sea

Botanica

You can find tickets here.

A Break

Every once in a blue moon when a good friend comes to visit, I'm able to become a tourist in my own town. Somehow (when I'm hiding in my studio), I forget how many wonderful things there are to do in New Orleans. Here are a few of my highlights from an amazing break from studio life.

1. A visit to the Audubon Zoo . One of my favorite places in New Orleans, the Zoo has incredible landscaping to match its spectacular animals. I especially love the spider monkeys.

2. Strolling down Julia St. to visit the galleries : Arthur Roger, Jonathan Ferrara Gallery, and Soren Christensen.

3. Snug Harbor for Topsy Chapman. Stunning. Watch this clip of Topsy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UImpq7bSgEw

4. Buying bread and Chocolate Croissants from the Maple Street Patisserie.

5. Browsing the costumes at Funky Monkey and Fall selections at Fairy on Magazine.

6. A Hornets Game! Who knew I would enjoy professional basketball.

Now . . .back to the studio.

The Sketchbook Project:2011

I am now one of thousands participating in the 2011 Sketchbook Project. I chose the theme, "Help!," and I look forward to working through a sketchpad again - playing with pen, watercolor, and collage. The sketchpads will be part of the permanent collection at the Brooklyn Art Library.

Read More about the Sketchbook Project.