Season's Change

Oil on Panel, 8x8"

This is another challenge from Karin Jurick's "Different Strokes" site. I was having trouble seeing where to take the 3 white pumpkins until I thought of the single, beautifully colored leaf that Paz posted on the first day of fall. Using that as inspiration I splashed fall colors onto the ground and let them reflect back up onto the pumpkins, which I cropped to emphasize just the one in the center. There are some good posts this week - look for Kim Ratigan's in particular for a fun take.

Yesterday's News

oil on panel 8x8"

The marvelous Karin Jurick posted a photo at her newest blog,Different Strokes From Different Folks , a community of artists working from the same reference photo each week. Its a blast to see all the choices that get made, so stop in and see them.

The title for my version comes from my husband (who is responsible for many of my best titles!). He was referencing not the newspaper, but the way we view older people in our culture. Sad, in a way; on the other hand, what a lovely way to start your morning with a newspaper in the sun and a bag of what? Bagels? Jelly doughnuts? at your side!

** I just got a note from my daughter, the one who inspired the Keyboard painting. She informs me that the bag is filled with oranges. Hmm. Delicious and healthy, but I think I still prefer jelly doughnuts. With powdered sugar.

No Batteries Required

oil on panel, 9 x 24"

Old tin toys - what's not to love? The dump truck is especially fun, both the back end and the front loader really work. I know I'll be painting these again - I'm thinking a Huge version of the truck is on the list.

Keyboard

Oil on panel, 16x12"

Cruising one of my favorite junk shops for still life objects, I spotted this board where the shop keeps all the keys for various display cabinets. It struck me as such a metaphoric thing: the keys to things we desire; the way that, like humans, the same form is replicated yet unique; the question of locking-in versus locking-out....

I also enjoy the fun of the word play with "Keyboard". When my daughter was in middle school she announced she was taking a keyboarding class - which surprised me because she hadn't shown any interest in music. Ummm - computer keyboard, Mom, not piano....

Elijah

Oil on panel, 8x6"

This is our dog; he has Perfected the manipulative "why not" look, as in "Why can't I go?" "Why can't I have more treats?" "Why isn't it time for a walk?" etc. When we give him a serious "No" he droops - ears, tail, and everything in between. Then he sulks. On the other hand, he has also perfected the Snoopy "happy dance" when the answer is "yes". He's a great dog :-)