Chunking

When we get a type of snow that I've termed 'chunking', large clumps of snow fall from the sky to form a bumpy surface.  No deep and crisp and even for us, no sir!
We had 40 cm of snow yesterday which fortunately wasn't followed by too much rain.  Some Kitimites told me they saw clumps of snow the size of their palm falling yesterday which is actually a minor form of this type of snow fall.
Put your thumbs and forefingers together: now pull them apart by 2 or 3 centimeters; this is the size of 'flakes' that I've seen falling from the sky during some weather events.  You should see the speeds these ...well...I guess snow bombs wouldn't be too strong a term...can reach and yes they really do appear to explode on impact.
By the end of such winters I dream of entire clouds falling in quick succession from the sky.

Burying Aladdin

I don't know why I'm actually smiling. 
Spent the afternoon obliterating the market scene from last year's production on Aladdin beneath the next layer of paint, blocking in the yellow brick road leading to the Emerald City.  I was about halfway through when the musical theatre class traipsed in and gradually lined up side by side to mourn the passing of the previous scene; their reaction and empathy for my having to kill previous work was very gratifying.

Oldie But a Goodie

The Alcan Christmas sets have been installed at Mount Elizabeth Theatre.  I took a couple of photos of my areas which is Santa's toy shop.  This was my very first paid Large Painting. from about 15 years ago and I'm still rather pleased with the results.  (The chair, tree and toys on floor are set in place: the rest is painted which I fervently hope look like part of the scene)

Off To See the Wizard...very, very slowly...

I'm back in the old theatre/set painting harness.  On Cue community theatre has been recruited to assist with every aspect of the high school's musical theatre production of The Wizard of Oz.  There are at least 9 of us on board - that's how many people it takes to replace former theatre technician John and his lovely and talented (slave) wife Heather.  It feels so much nicer knowing how many other people are lending their abilities to the production since I normally am the only one to get snagged.

That's my partially completed corn field.  Actually don't have that much time invested so far.  Maybe...3 hours??  Kind of shocking how unfamiliar I am regarding what corn looks like...probably one of the most alien and exotic plants I've ever depicted!  I even have way more experience with tropical foliage.

Coming in at a much heftier investment of time at 20 hours is the gypsy caravan.  I have a commitment from the Drama teacher that this will live on, so the helper and I took a bit more time on it.  She had studied tole painting and her skills really brought the perfect feel to this.  Incorporating authentic wagon wheels shipped all the way from Winipeg (which is where a former techie happens to live.)  

Beginner's Success

I guided a student through figures and faces, ending with this face and exploring general proportions and shadows.  I asked her if she has ever drawn a face before and she replied that she hadn't. 

Took me by surprise! As first attempts go, this is probably the best I've ever seen.

New Horizons

The assisted living facillity tried out a painting workshop for the first time; I had 7 participants and one observer which was a very good turn-out - better than expected.  All really enjoyed the process (despite misgivings from time to time, naturally) and are looking forward to next week's adventure.

Would you have guessed that these were done by people with little or no experience?  I was very excited with the results and hope it goes as well when we 'do' mushrooms.  ; )

Craft Fair 2010

The Art Club Team - cramming as many paintings on and around the table as we possibly could.  Penny is posing with the bear paw mittens she purchased from a craft table.  I had my best Fair ever, selling all four of my recently completed paintings and we sold 3 more by a couple of the ladies there.
I dropped a bundle of cash on various items, which was no doubt fueled by the regular sale of paintings.
Time to produce something for the Craft fair in the mall in 3 weeks time!