Old Age. . . .?

Although the focus of my blog is to inspire and create (not about aging), I must mention a blog whose author has compiled a myriad of real life topics relevant to many seniors (www.Timegoesby.net).  The blog explores what life is really like as we get older.   What happens when we are forced to move or relocate from places we love and familiar surroundings?  What about ageism and job discrimination?  I've experienced both first hand.  I'll admit to feeling "OLD" at times ---but in the meanwhile, let's have a laugh or two about "old age."

OLD AGE TEXT MESSAGING

ATD – At the doctor

BFF – Best friend fell

BTW – Bring the wheelchair

FWIW – Forgot where I was

GHA – Got heartburn again

IMHAO – Is my hearing aid on

LMDO – Laughing my dentures out

ROFLACGU – Rolling on the floor laughing and can’t get up

  

Color Matching

The spring semester of "Art Color 214" is coming to an end.  I have a greater understanding of color theory, color application and how a single color can appear different depending on its surroundings.  Finding the correct color mix to achieve the true color of an object can be challenging.  Below is a simple color study I painted using acrylics.  Darker and lighter areas are still needed to create contrast, value and temperature change.   I'll post the final painting once completed.

 

What do I wear today?

Since "retiring" from the corporate world after years of wearing "business" casual and walking the "fashion runway" of office corridors, I need a major wardrobe shift.  How do I dress smart and chic for those mundane shopping errands or a casual lunch with friends?  Thanks to "Polyvore," a clever online concept for the fashion savvy, one can gather trendy fashion ideas at any age.   For me. . . less is always best!

Color Wheels and Palettes

It's hard to believe it's been many months since I last posted.  I offer no excuses other than an attempt to do better.  I admit my preference is reading and following more interesting and creative bloggers who post frequently and have something profound to share.   Earlier in the year, I enrolled in a "color theory” class at the local junior college.  Much can be said about taking "accredited" classes of which I highly recommend.  Time has been well-spent expanding my knowledge of color principals and application.  Our first assignment was creating a color wheel using Liquitex Basics acrylic paints, an important lesson for aspiring artists.  

Basic Color Wheel (Pure hues, tints and shades)

My Personal Palette (Acrylics)

Summer Daze

I'm really not a "summer" person and dislike those hot days that leave me depleted and seemingly in a "daze."  With that said, I have no excuses for allowing my blog to lapse into neverland.  So I'll "summerize" the highlights of my summer thus far.  I made this Romanian Apple Cake apple cake for my daughter-in-law's July birthday.  Everyone loved it and my son asked that I make the same cake for his August birthday.

Another summer high was a visit to Sonoma, California.  I fell in love with this area noted for its vineyards, wineries and quaint downtown area of art galleries and boutiques.  To top it off, we had an amazing lunch at "The Girl and The Fig."  A very nice day!

Mothers Day and May Blooms

"A single rose, given by one to another . . . a single rose, be it a friend, sister, or mother."

Happy Mothers Day to all mothers, grandmothers and caregivers.

I love irises, especially this one bundled in nature's tissue paper!

Stippling Technique

I enjoy experimenting with different techniques using ink. Here is my first attempt at "stippling" using a black Micron 08 pen. First I drew an almost invisible outline of the shells using an 4H pencil --- then I made small short periods and flecks with the pen point to produce the form and softly graded shadows. A really fun technique.

Here's a photo of the still life shell arrangement I used.