Friday, October 29, 2010

Strange Growth and Zabrina's Close Call



I’ve been noticing these growing in my garden this past season. When I first saw them, it was at the peak of summer when the Foxgloves were blooming and occasionally dropping their petals. These are about the same size and of a similar color. However, when I went to pick one up I realized that it was attached to the ground – and that it was actually something growing. It turns out to be something fairly common, called a stinkhorn. It's a fungus that grows out of an egg that is buried just underground. As if that isn't strange enough, it seems that certain varieties cause a tremendous stench when they let loose their spores, hence the name. Luckily these seem to be an odorless variety.

Bear and both cats were out with me while I was taking the above photo. I was focused on getting a clear image when Bear commenced alarm barking and rushed towards the fence. I looked up to see what the danger was and saw a coyote loping up the hill, and then another. It’s unusual to see them out during the day; especially so late- it was about 3pm. I looked around quickly to locate the cats. Tasha was right by my feet calmly chewing on grass, but Zabrina, who had been nearby a moment before was nowhere to be seen. I started up the steps toward the gate. I wanted to check for sure that she hadn’t gone over the fence toward the ravine when up she popped onto the top and stood on the edge of the fence with big, big eyes and a very bushy tail. She didn’t want to jump down and just remained nervously balanced on the edge. I realized that the coyotes might be just on the other side. I opened the gate and ran out, scaring them away and managed to get this shot in just as they disappeared over the edge of the ravine. Thanks goodness for Bear’s alertness. I hope Zabrina’s learned some wisdom from the close call.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

TAG Gallery Interview



Vent © 2010 Katherine Kean oil on linen 10 x 10"

TAG Gallery has a blog and has been running a series of interviews with exhibiting artists all year and this week it's my turn. I have been the interviewer many times in my life and I must admit it was a kick to answer someone else's questions!

If you've got the time, take a look at my interview on the TAG Gallery blog. Feel free to leave comments or ask more questions. I promise I'll be checking in often to respond.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Fall in Action



Even though around here it seems the hottest weather has waited for September and October and that could make it seem like this is still summer, it is indeed the Fall season. How do I know? When I look at the ground it is covered with bits that have fallen off of trees; little pods, nuts, leaves, green olives, small twigs, larger branches. While I was out trimming the dried Sunflowers, all around me things were dropping. A plop here, a plunk there, as walnuts fell off the trees, one every few seconds. Loud crinkly flutters as plate sized Sycamore leaves drifted down to the ground. The squirrels were in a nut gathering daze, not caring that I, the two kittens, and the dog were a mere yard or two away.

I haven't been painting a lot this past week, since I've been attending to the details of prepping for the exhibit. I've just updated my website, adding new images and reorganizing a bit. I think I've simplified it and hopefully it will be easier to navigate - let me know what you think. Also, I just sent out an email blast this week about the Atmospheric Exhibition with all the key dates. If you did not receive one and would like to be notified of upcoming news and events, click here to join my mail list.

Thursday, October 07, 2010

Atmospheric Exhibition - Save the Date

Trace in the Sky © 2010 Katherine Kean
oil on linen 30 x 40"





Atmospheric opens in less than a month - November 2. The paintings are photographed and the cargo van reserved for delivery. The Press Releases have been sent out, the announcements printed. I hope that if you are in the Los Angles area in November that you'll be able to attend. Here are a few key dates and times:


Artist's Reception: Saturday, November 6th from 5-8pm


Artist's Question and Answer Panel: Saturday, November 13th at 3pm


TAG Gallery
Bergamot Station D3
2525 Michigan Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90404


Gallery Hours: Tuesday -Saturday 11am-5pm


Extended Hours: the gallery will also remain open on
Friday evenings - November 5, 12, and 19 from 5pm - 7pm &
Sundays - November 7, 14, and 21 from 11am-3pm


Click here to preview selections from the exhibition.


Also showing:


Sally Jacobs From the Ground Up and Susie McKay Krieser Building a Story.


I hope to see you there!

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