Out of and back from (South) Africa

It is a land of big skies and purple mountains. It is a coast with the
turquoise Indian Ocean crashing its shores. The air of traditional cultures,
struggle, and renewal hugs the mountains, the villages-and the malls. So much
to see and to hear and to eat and to drink in. Three weeks in South Africa
have left me with a sense of awe and curiosity, wanting even more. I am just now beginning to digest all of what I experienced and drew. My first posts here represent what struck me most- that people walked- from the early hours
of the morning, through the day. Their silhouettes dotted the landscape as the fiery sun set; wrapped in their winter clothing, determined to make life good for themselves and their families for another day. They walked the highways, through the sugar cane, out of the townships, the cities, down from the mountains.

I Broke Even

Last weekend, I earned the good soul award by traveling to Atlantic City on a community (not mine) bus trip. Well, I'd be lying if I said that I didn't get a kick out of a good run or two at the slots, but truth be told, I would have been more of winner if I had spent the whole time drawing!

The Art of Conversation

Sometimes the art is not only on the wall. During a recent trip to the Met with my friend Tony, the Bacon show proved to be provocative for those attending, and a great opportunity for me to capture the characters that flock and comment.

Sunny, Southern California-NOT!

When I was asked to be one of a panel of judges for the Arts in Fashion competition in LA, it didn't take me but a minute to say "when do I leave?!" With visions of palm trees, surf and sun, I took off, only to spend a grey, cool weekend in LA. No sun, no star sightings, and it was cold... The competition yielded amazing talent, wonderful colleagues and a dinner at a great restaurant, LOUIE, where I spent a few meals, fascinated by the open kitchen and the little army of chefs.

Say It, Tell It, Feel It, Hear It

When drawing with a group of students in Bryant Park a few days ago, I heard voices. Rhythmic, powerful, pounding and passionate. I followed the voices and found myself compelled to stop, to listen, to absorb, to applaud these beautiful young urban poets.
My drawings hardly do justice to the messages that they were sending through the spring breeze. Alive, exciting, meaningful-it was a real treat.

A Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On

With an unexpected 90 degree weekend bestowed upon the Northeast, they swarmed in droves to the ocean, moi included. And like most on that fine beach day- low humidity, sweet breeze, crisp air, cold, cold, water that just did your soul good, smelling it for the first time, I brought out the sunscreen and slathered up on skin that had not seen the light of day since last July. Beach balls, beach blankets and bikinis.(not me!) But some could not help themselves and the April temps had just not given them those extra weeks toning up to be ready for the season. All in good fun, it was packed- and glorious. Sometimes the urban in sketching is getting away from the urban.

Spring Thaw

A recent spring day brought me to the flea market- always fun and after poking around and finding some goodies, I sat down to draw. It was late afternoon and the strong sun cast its lovely shadows on old furniture and the die-hards left marketing.