Looking Back, Forging Ahead

I present to you my very first 2011 blog post with a recent painting I did titled 'The Artist's Refuge'. Enjoy!

'The Artist's Refuge'..........oil on canvas panel............8x10 inches

It's good to be back in the blogosphere! I hope everyone's New Year is off to a great start and that all your resolutions are sturdy and full of promise, like an acorn, that could be an oak tree eventually. An acorn, they're a hard nut to crack, ask any squirrel, they'll tell you.

~ Highlights of 2010 ~

'Jardins des Tuileries'.............gouache on panel............8x10 inches

There have been so many wonderful and exciting moments in the past year. Exciting group shows, prestigious plein air invitationals, mind bending roller coasters, indeed too many to list! If I had to pick my favorite adventure then my trip to Paris, France tops the list.
Oh Paris, can my blog ever do you justice? The things you showed me in your wonderful architecture and wondering populace were without equal. I'd like to tell the tales of the terrifying toilets, trying tourist traps, and terrorist threats. The musical washing machine, the striking thespians, the sub-par restaurant service, the robust espressos, the disgruntled proletariat, the strange dress codes, the street musicians. Too much to say in too small a space. The museums alone, the cemeteries, the churches and spontaneous choirs on a Tuesday morning. The gardens of Versailles and the fascinating fake farm of Marie Antoinette. My head was spinning, my feet were blistering. Too much! Not to forget the house, gardens, and lily pond of Monet in Giverny! That is all I can put into words. Below are a few pics of my trips highlights:



after a full day at Versailles Palace and gardens

Marie Antoinette's estate









standing next to Rodin's 'Gates of Hell' at the Rodin Museum











Ben standing where Monet once stood!








had an exhilarating time at the Louvre Museum







Pere Lachaise Cemetery (I enjoyed it so much we visited twice!)










Sacre Coeur was a treat!












could not start my day without this








the magical Seine River













Notre Dame is spectacular!
(and of course, so is Ben)








and of course a visit to the Eifell Tower was a must

To view additional pics of my Paris trip visit me on facebook!

~
Here's to a year filled with boundless joy, perpetual creative inspiration and prosperity!