The Jones Legacy

My grandmother gave me this painting today, she made it in the early sixties. It is now my favorite possession.

Does Bruce Willis as John McClane count as a 'period film' actor at this point?

So I'm sitting down watching Die Hard for the first time ever.  The only thing amazing about this statement is that it is 'the first time ever'.  Growing up with my brother, escaping adolescence without seeing this movie seems like an impossible feat - and yet here I am. 

I started an entertaining new series of marker drawings featuring my favorite period film beefcakes and let's face it - everyone loves Bruce Willis, right? I'll give it a try. 

The first two, Mr. Darcy and Ichabod Crane are a little wonky, but they were quick and fun to do and each one gets better and better.  If anyone has any beefcake requests please let me know.   

I did start some paintings but am currently working on a series of tote bags made of recycled jeans and other materials.  I'll be posting those soon too.  Hope everyone is well these days. 

Enjoy.

'gotta go to work gotta go to work gotta have a job'

I am working on a painting based on this photo.

Help, I forget how to paint

I'm finally going to see the Frida exhibit in Philadelphia on Sunday.  Yay.  

Hot Mess Photo Shoot: new paintings coming soon.

This weekend we pulled the old crew together (me, Dawn and Laura) and hauled way too much crap to D.C. to visit Laura's sister Janet.  Janet was looking for some up-do photos for her book (she was the only actual professional involved here)  and I needed some new fashionista photos for paintings.  I am working on the photos now, and at the same time wishing I was a better photographer.  (Annie, you were missed this weekend!)  But there is some great stuff in here and I have just had a lot of coffee. 

Anyway, I have finally finished a long, dragged out move.  I have a beautiful bright new studio and after this weekend, some actual momentum.  So here's to actually getting some painting done!   For real this time!  

After Steven Meisel

This is the largest marker drawing I have ever attempted.  Markers make for a tough medium. It's difficult to get flat color and smooth transitions, but they are fun to work with.  

I have been staring at this picture now and again since it first was printed in the Italian Vogue in 2000.  It is one of a large selection of Steven Meisel shots from a pretty interesting series which included NO copy.  Those crazy europeans.  Anyway, I love that this model has the same haircut my mom has been wearing for years.  

I am tempted to post a picture of my studio as it sits so you can see why I'm not in there painting.  It's a friggin' MESS.  One of my New Years resolutions - throw out everything. 

Anais Nin

Like it or not this woman is one of my heros. She was...crazy... but she was crazy amazing.

..and relief washes over me in an awesome wave

I learned an important lesson the hard way.  Saying no upfront is a lot easier than living in agony for two months and then saying 'ok, no'.  I just want to go on record saying, no non-portrait commissions for me.  Anyway, happy day, I am free to paint for myself again.  

In celebration, please enjoy this pretty picture by Steven Meisel.

A productive and very fragrant day

Today I helped a friend put together her store on Etsy.  Tara handmakes her own soaps and they are AWESOME.   Check it out:  www.splintsanddaisies.etsy.com  

What are you doing here?