Unpack or Not?

I got back from my trip to Hawaii early on yesterday morning. By early I mean just after 5am. I didn't hear very much news while I was away. I heard a little about the stock market meltdown and a little about the debate, but while I was waiting for my flight home at the Honolulu airport I checked my messages and there were a couple that were alarming - something about a fire in the vicinity. I managed to reach someone on the phone (before my battery died) to learn that the fire was considered under control. However as the car approached the junction of the 118 and 210 freeways on the way home I saw a hillside in flames and then the car was driving through thick smoke. Apparently high winds had rekindled the blaze. Flames climbing the crest of a mountain on the horizon were visible from my house. I took pictures of the fire from my front door - which didn't come out due to darkness - and then, why not, I went ahead and hosed down the house and trees for good measure.

The fire was 5 or so miles away with the wind blowing the smoke and flames in the other direction. I did eventually unpack my suitcase. I thought that if things took a turn for the worse I should have clean laundry to take with me during the evacuation. I'm feeling lucky that it didn't come to that.

New Work, Small Works

I brought these two new paintings to TAG Gallery to be part of the upcoming "Small Works" Group Show. This exhibition will be in the East Gallery and running concurrently with a two person show in the West Gallery. Each of the paintings below is 12 x 12", oil on linen.


One of the artists in the two person show is friend Carole Garland. I'm really looking froward to seeing her latest pieces.

Overtaken By Dusk

Unraveling the Day

Small Works

"Small Works" Group Show

October 1st - October 25th, 2008

Artist's Reception: Saturday, October 4th 5-8pm

TAG Gallery

2903 Santa Monica Blvd. , Santa Monica, CA 90404

310-829-9556

Relax at Massage Envy

This week I delivered these two watercolors for hanging at Massage Envy, in Rolling Hills Estates. "Whispering Sticks" and "Silent Waiting" will be on display in the Quiet Room, which is where one waits for a massage after checking in. Appropriate titles, don't you think?

Whispering Sticks

Silent Waiting

And, just in case you should happen to fall in love with them - they are for sale!

Snake Visits Again

I was heading out the front gate just as my new friend was heading toward the same gate. This time I ran back in to get my camera. The snake waited obligingly in place until I could get back outside and allowed me to take these pictures. I shot a few motion pictures as well, but until I figure out how to edit them I won't be posting those.

I hope my snake friend can help out by reducing the critter population around here. This week I was surprised on two occasions by a rat falling off the bird feeder - he was startled by my stepping out the door and lost his grip. The third time he managed to hang on as I came out and then disappeared up on the roof. Every single young vegetable plant and seedling has been chewed down to the root, perhaps by possums, but I'm not sure. This only happens while I'm sleeping. Cole, my cat, has stepped up to the plate to catch one or two a day. He brings them inside to show me. Unfortunately usually at 4:00 in the morning.

Snake

I opened the front door to find a California King Snake, a beautiful, big one - about 3 feet long. The snake's appearance got the dog barking, causing the snake to slither away, rather gracefully down the steps and into the wood pile. I'm happy about having him on the property (now that I've Googled to make sure it's not harmful). Apparently they make wonderful pets, and they eat rodents. Maybe I should have invited him in.

It's August Already?

I've been catching up on all the things that I'd been putting off, including; small home repairs and gardening. I've been researching rain water collection systems - I'd love to get one installed before the next rainy season starts - in October or November.



I'm signed up to attend a lucid dream workshop this fall. My dreams have been wild since I signed up - but except for one - not lucid.



And, I've been painting of course. TAG will have a group show in October, in addition to the two person exhibit in the West Gallery, the East Gallery will be all work 12 x 12". Currently the piece below is available, and can be found in the North Gallery.

Above and Below Katherine Kean
oil on linen 18 x 24 inches