Kids say the darndest things

This week I got invited to come into Anchorage Montessori school to give a reading of my book, "If We Hopped on Our Bike..." I was excited and a bit nervous, keeping 20 kids under five years old interested in me for 30 minutes could be a challenge.

I came up with a few questions I could use to get the kids involved. Simple things like, "Who has a bike?" "Have any of you named your bike?" These were a big hit. One of my favorite moments was when I asked,"Has anyone traveled to a place other than Alaska?" One little girl practically popped off the floor as her hand shot up. I pointed to her and asked, "Where did you go?" With a nice, loud voice she said,"I am wearing pants under my dress!"

It was a lot of fun and I hope to have more school experiences. Being able to read my book to a class and talk about different places in the world was a treat. And maybe tomorrow, just for fun, I will wear pants under my dress.

Dream Come True

Saturday was an exciting day for me. First it was the weekend of my 18th wedding anniversary and second I had a book signing at the Anchorage Museum. Having the art Museum invite me to come in with my book was a thrill!

They tied in my signing with the grand opening of the Imaginarium. Before, this kids hands on exhibit was downtown, hidden among shops. The recent Museum expansion brought the Imaginarium into the museum itself. There were adordable kids galore. I couldn't help but glow in their interest in the book. Some of the questions were a riot. My favorite was Allison who rested her head in her hands, tilted her head and asked me, " Why did you write a book?" Hmmm, good questions indeed!

Steve was outside the Museum enjoying the beautiful day when he caught a glimpse of Allison and her mom reading the book. A little native girl couldn't help but be curious. She was invited in to enjoy story time with Signore Greve and Celli. This will always be a prized picture for me!

Tomorrow I have an appointment with a group of pre-schoolers to read "If We Hopped on Our Bike..." I can't wait to tell you the stories that adventure will surely bring.

Summer Studio

This time of year I find myself reluctant to sit in my studio, even with all it's wonderful natural light. Beezil requests her bed be moved onto the deck. I can't help but join her.

I have never really been into plein air painting. It seems like so much work to haul it all out to some remote location. And as messy as I am, there is bound to be a paint mishap on my car upholstery or some other inappropriate location. The deck is better but there is still a lot of running back into the house for a needed ruler or missing eraser. But I have come to accept the inconvenience for the delight of being outside.

I am closer to the refrigerator for those creative fueling snacks. We have a great hammock for those muse infusing naps. Not that I would take long naps mind you, I am always diligent at work, ( just in case my manager/husband reads this). There is a downside. Bugs continually commit suicide into a wet canvas and I have had floating seeds, bird feathers and the like land on a fresh painting. But I think Beezil's contented face says it all.

There will be a sprinkle of paint somewhere that will make my husband roll it eyes at me. It's true, a masterpiece may have evidence of bug guts but it's all for the beauty of being outdoors.

I could draw that!

Have you ever made that statement while standing and looking at a piece of art? I think everyone has, myself included. If you follow my blog you have heard my rants about Jackson Pollock. I won't drag my soap box out again but YES, we all could do THAT kind of art.

I took a photo of this little bird off a menu at a sushi restaurant. I had to photograph it because after several attempts to quickly sketch it I couldn't get the feel right. The neck would be too skinny or too fat. It is such a simple image that you have to get it just right or it looked like a kindergarten creation. Whoa! Did you just say, "I could draw that."? Oh yeah, put your pencil where your mouth is buddy! Sorry, my art ego jumped in there for a moment.

The point is, often the simplest design is really the most challenging. With a line or two the clear message is made. No shading, no details. This is where graphic designers excel. A swipe here or a brush stroke there and the perfect logo is made. The perfect bird perched upon a restaurants name. Being a very detail oriented artist, simple perfection impresses me.

So, today I raise my paint brush to those artist who sit behind a computer learning the techniques that simplify the art of art. I will wrestle my ego to the ground I make it admit, "Gaaaa, I CAN'T draw that!"

Love and HATE!

I created this illustration a few years ago. You can tell by the huge size of the monitor. I love this picture, a moose on vacation checking his e-mail back home. Ahhhhh, sipping his latte and enjoying correspondence with friends.

Then the computer crashes, his deadlines loom while the mouse locks and the screen goes blank. He races to the computer store hoping for a quick, cheap fix only to be told it will take days and maybe the hardware is faulty which could be big money and AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!

Yes, love and hate in the world of technology. As an artist you would think with the simple tools of pen and paper I could avoid such drama. Sigh..don't I wish. My computer melted as I was trying to send a press release of my book to an interested distributor. I also needed to create a poster and ad for our annual Art on the Lake function. I also had on my list creating a sketch for a customer of a commissioned piece (the photos he sent me where on the computer). Nope, nada, not happening.

All hail the humble pencil. Bow low to the simple crayon. I lift my head in song to the white gleam of paper but now I give an officially snub to the *&#!* computer.

Take a Breath

Here is Josh Bell entertaining my customers during my show last Friday at Terra Bella Bakery and Cafe. The crowd was light. There were several culprits. Due do an error my listing was not in either paper's First Friday calendars. People can't come when they don't know where to find you. Also, the weather was beyond spectacular.

May is a tricky month to have a show. Alaskans have been sun deprived and wrapped in sweaters for months. If the skies clear and the air warms it feels amazing, you can't be inside. It just seems wrong. I understand, I really do but I was disappointed I didn't get to show off Africa to more people.

My show at Terra Bell will continue through the month so many will have their thoughts turned to Africa. I even got an email from a wonderful supporter who said they toured Africa Sunday while they sipped coffee. That made my heart very happy. Shows aren't always about making money. They are about giving someone a fun experience. Causing them to take interest in something that maybe never appealed to them before.

Elephants trumpet, giraffes glide along and leopards stalk at 601 E. Dimond Blvd. ( next to Bed, Bath and Beyond) Stop in and take a little vacation without even having to pack a bag.

Start your pedals!

Today is the first official work day of Bike to Work Month. Nature is smiling down on us with clear,blue skies and sunshine. I hope this gorgeous day helps people leave their car keys at home.

We spent a few hour Saturday afternoon at the first annual Bike Fashion Show. A fun gathering of bike vendors and bike related items. The Bike Fashion show was a great tongue and cheek presentation with people sporting bike fashion and fancy bicycles.

Yes you are seeing this right. This is a recumbent bike with a child's seat on the back. I don't know how many parking spaces it takes up but it does make for nice family outings. There was the odd, the cute, the practical and the sleek, all gathered for the show.

Make it a goal this month to make one errand run on your bike. A simple backpack can help you with parcels. Being on a bike path versus the maniac traffic lane will give you a new perspective, it will help you be good to our earth. It might help you find a new, health hobby.