Not 68.9 Million

I read where Modigliani's seated nude has gone for 68.9 million- a record for his work. I wonder where it went. Let us at least hope it will be in a museum where people can see it. I read a wonderful short story by Susan Vreeland in her collection, "Life Studies", that is a fictionalized account of Modigiliani's daughter. "In the Absence of Memory" is well worth reading. Too bad that there is such a discrepancy with works by dead artists selling for huge sums while living artists are often making few sales at all. I think that there are lots of good artists around these days, with works at reasonable prices. But maybe that is the problem? I read where a fellow was ready to write a cheque for a painting, then when he found it was $2,000 and not $20,000, he didn't want it! I guess he just wanted to be a big spender- but if you like something, why not have it? If you enjoy it and 10 years later, it is worth more- well, good for all. If not, then you've enjoyed it for ten years and will probably still be enjoying it - so who cares what artificial price is on it? In the meantime, I'm carrying on with my own "Life Studies". This one is a coloured conte' drawing. She is standing, not seated - but I'd probably consider 68.9 *dollars*, rather than 68.9 million!

practical application-

Today I was going to spend the morning painting on a very large painting (well. 30" by 48")- but, instead, found myself working on my cat problems. My daughter's two cats are currently resident and have been menaced by a large prowling cat. CatStop electronic devices in the garden are out there- but have to be turned off if Digby and Isabella are let out. They *love* the garden but are terrified of this other cat that has attacked them. I take a water-gun out when I'm gardening and have succeeded in my shots, some of the time. Other times I end up chasing the cat and amusing the neighbours. Desperation leads to desperate measures - so now I have made up a poster and will print it out and post it up. -Oh well, art put to practical purposes.

Another kind of sculpture!

Before it is too late, I thought I'd post a picture of this year's Hallowe'en pumpkin. I'm against all the commercialization of Hallowe'en decorations. It is getting so people think they can't carve a pumpkin without buying a stencil. I decided that scary was not the way to go- stencils can be scarier!- and that I would just have to come up with a not-seen-everywhere design. I did a carving as if Picasso might have done it - and this is the result. I even got a few compliments from the trick-or-treaters coming around. However, it is from artistic glory to the compost box for this piece of sculpture.

trying again-

There seems to be no rhyme or reason when photos won't "publish" - can't click "done" if "done"does not appear!

Fraserview Church View Gallery

Sunday, the View Gallery opened a new show, following Margreth's.Larry Tillyer is the featured artist. This is called "Around the Corner" and is streets and houses around Vancouver. Done in Larry's colourful style, it is a joy to see. Barb Bowen, as usual, has done a great hanging job and the space shows off the paintings well. We are fortunate to have Fraserview doing this community outreach and giving artists a space to show their work. I know I certainly appreciated having paintings on show early this year. The picture shows Larry with Barb Bowen and a glimpse of Larry's impressionistic take on a house. I think I"d like to live there!

From October 21-

Steveston Folk Music Guild put on a very enjoyable evening's entertainment on the 21st. Marvin forgot his picture (!) and Rita hadn't finished hers, but Bonita, Adrienne and I took our paintings of Elsa for display. Elsa was really pleased with them all.Each one was individual and captured different aspects of the model and the idea of performance. In the photo, Bonita's painting is just peeking over Elsa's shoulder. It shows the drama and ambiance of performance. Adrienne's is in her colourful style. In mine, I wanted to have a lot of warmth as well as the sparkle of the model. Elsa has a wonderful voice and can do those "trills" to perfection. (Do not expect knowledgeable music critique from me!) - Jose Gimenez is Guitar in the duo - Sangre Morena. Songs from many Latin countries were performed and Elsa often made variations on her costume to suit the country. There was a good crowd out- even on a rainy evening!

Music and art together-

A few weeks ago our drawing group was fortunate to have Elsa Rojas Marquez model for us. I did a pastel as well as several sketches. Elsa allowed us to take photos so I had a photo-reference as well as the pastel.Then, it turned out that Sangre Morena - of which Elsa is the "voice" was slated to perform at Britannia on October 21st and Rita McArthur arranged that we could show our artwork. I decided to work on a painting as it is more "complete" looking. The pastel would have to be matted and framed with glass to be shown properly. I also wanted the painting to have more warmth than the conte' drawing. So - here it is! I will take it to the performance on the 21st.