Returning to Work - Finally!

Glowing Cathedral

8 x 10" colored pencil on Ampersand pastel board

Glowing Cathedral - WIP progession

Change the World a Little Today

Next Three Stages of a Work In Progess

"Glowing Cathedral"

8 x 10" colored pencil on Ampersand Pastelboard

Today, Bloggers have united to talk about good deeds we have done and promoted on our blogs, so I will, once again, share my Kiva experiences with you.

Check out their website for more info here. Feel free to check the background information, the press coverage and validity as well. I think you'll be impressed.

"If you give a man a fish, he eats for the day. If you teach a man to fish, he can feed himself and his family." This is a philosophy I buy wholeheartedly and have always wondered how most of us could "teach a man to fish". Here's the opportunity to do just that.

The micro loan you make (I have done as little as $25) could change one person's life forever; many of these third-world entrepreneurs are asking for less than $1000. They live a life I can only imagine. But, I so respect and admire resourcefulness and feel it should be championed. You can check out my lender page here; of this I am proud.

(If you really want to feel like Santa this year, a Kiva gift certificate makes a wonderful gift for that person who literally "has everything".)

I also want to share that I have just applied for my passport as I will be going to Bolivia in March to work directly with some local artisans and merchants and to physically help to build an orphanage. My job, before I go, is to collect as many new and gently used art and school supplies as I can before I go; I hope to ship a ton! (Artists, you know you have a lot of "good intention" art goodies laying around that will never be used - by you! Let me know if you decide to part with them.) As an artist and an overly blessed American, I think its the least I could do. I'll keep you posted on this news, you can bet!

New WIP - Cathedral

8 x 10"

colored pencil on Ampersand pastelboard

of the Columbus Greek Orthodox Cathedral

The above piece I have not as yet named but it is a landmark on the south side of the Short North Arts District, The Greek Orthodox Cathedral. It is a beautiful building both inside and out; the congregation has been so generous in sharing their wonderful church with us, its neighbors, for various community events, fundraisers and their own Greek Festival.

The bricks used to construct this church are a very light and warm tan during the day, but when lit at night, they glow. Whoever designed the lighting was a genious.

I really like the way the orange plays off the blues and purples in this piece. And, once again, I have fallen in love with this pastelboard; I may never go back to paper! (Oh, yes, I will....)

Your Shopping Woes Solved!

Hoo boy, I've spent hours today setting up my new store through Cafepress.com; I think it's looking good if I do say so myself. Since most of you are currently banging your heads against desks, walls and steering wheels trying to figure out what fabulous holiday gifts to buy for your friends and loved ones, I suggest you start at MY STORE!

And just to nudge you further, here's a really, really cute picture of my sister (check her out in "Reverie" below) and me a long, long time ago (when apparently people let their children run around in their underwear). I am the one on the right who is proudly wearing my roller skates and carrying my doctor bag (which had candy in it, if I recall.) So, now that you know I was once incredibly adorable, you might feel all warm and fuzzy toward me and check out my store!

My children think the whole world was in black and white when I was little. Wonder why?

"Reverie"

drawing of my younger sister

An Open Spot on My Calendar

"Calibogue Sound Sunset"

Colored Pencil on Ampersand Pastel Board

8 x 10"

Because it is now getting dark just about the time I am waking up and because it is flipping cold out already and because I usually detest being even slightly chilly, I almost hated to finish this drawing. It was at least keeping my mind in a warm place for a while.

I snapped my reference photo for this in July while in Hilton Head. If I recall correctly, it was about 9:30 p.m. and still around 90 degrees. I most assuredly had spent an entire day in the sun.

If you, too, are generally averse to short days and goose bumps, I hope this piece warms you up a bit. However, if you are lucky enough to already be living somewhere fabulous and temperate all year long, please do not send me a note to tell me about it unless it includes an invitation to be your houseguest for a month or two. You can make my flight reservations for right after the Holidays.