Goodbye 2011

On the eve of a New Year - so much has happened in 2011 with lots of growth both personally and as an artista. 

What an amazing time, with a new year ahead.  A whole year, 365 days to create, enjoy, and grow!  But, before I go on about the upcoming year, I want to take a moment and reflect on my accomplishments in what will soon be last year.  I finally plunged into my art....head first.  2011 was filled with discovering my creative self, refining my skills and just painting, painting, painting.  I had many failures, but I had many successes. 

My heart is always drawn back to watercolors....I just love the many and varied ways they can be used, but even though I love the medium, I also realized that I particularly enjoy black and whites.....an odd combination, I agree.  The exciting discovery for me was that by combining mediums (watercolor and acrylics) I can continue embracing both loves - black/white and watercolors. 

2011 will always be dear to me, as it was the year that I sold my first painting!  WOOHOO.  Okay, I know it isn't all about selling and should be about creating, but what a confirmation it was, to have someone pay me for what I love to do.  Not only did I sell my first piece, but I also had a successful show (not exhibit, but craft show).  Yes, I sold work, but more important, I got out there.  I put myself (my heart, my emotions and my soul) on display, and it was well received.  Another giant step forward. 

What promises does 2012 hold?  Mostly, I am now approaching my painting more as a business, and not so much as a hobby.  This year, I will no longer make time time here and there for creating.  The goal is to dedicate solid time to my craft.  I don't want a day to go by without having art in it - whether that is painting, drawing, journaling or simply looking at other's work.  For myself, the longer I am away from it, the harder it is to get back to it. 

Along with dedicating time and space each day to my work, I am also going to create a web page for myself.  The 21st century is here, and it is time I joined in.  Look out cyberspace and make room for my web page, face book and tweeter accounts.   And, of course, I will make a concentrated effort to keep my blog current (okay, I know I have said this before-but, it is a new year after all). 

I also must ask myself, what will I get "rid" of in 2012.  First on my list, are the distractions.  Not only the "things" that distract me, but also the people.  You know who I mean - the people who have nothing to do with their time, so they also want to waste my time. Farewell distractors - you know who you are. 

With much excitement, I wait for the approaching year.  Happy New Years Eve and may you all have a prosperous, creative 2012. 

Long Time - No Post

Fishing Boats in Fajardo

It has been sometime since I last posted, I have been busy painting!  Life has been interesting in Puerto Rico over the last several months.  I have been working on my Portfolio with hopes of doing an exhibit in San Juan in October.  Also, I am going to be visiting some of the local galleries in order to get some of my paintings sold. 


Being that I am in Puerto Rico, nothing is simple here.  Having had a business on the mainland, I thought it would be a relatively easy process to sell some paintings on the island....I thought wrong. 

Street Lamp in Old San Juan

First, and foremost, in order to do anything here, you have to have a tax identification certificate. Nothing so unusual about that. What does make it a bit more tricky is going through the process of dealing with the Departmento de Hacienda (P.R. tax dept.) speaking limited Spanish. It only took me two trips. I did think ahead enough to go online and download the form I have to fill out, and Thank goodness it was available in English. The form is very repetive, but relatively easy to fill out. With that done, I made a road trip to the Puerto Rico Dept. of Taxation located in San Juan.
The first thing you notice upon entering the building, is that you must sign in, and show Identification.  The guard at the desk will then direct you to where you need to go - or not.  Sometimes, like in my case, they direct you to the wrong office, where you are again directed to another wrong office, but, eventually you wind up where you need to be. 

Orchids growing in the parking lot of Condo Villas del Mar

I proudly handed over my completed form, only to be told, I had to provide two copies of the form.  Surprise, in the entire building (and it is large) there are no copy machines available to the public.  Disheartened, I went back home.  I made my copy on the printer, and struck out again the next day.  Success!!!  The lady took my forms, stamped my copy and handed it back to me.  I should receive my Tax Certificate within 30 days via the mail. 

Spider Lilies at the Beach

I can't even begin to express how important this certificate is.  You need it for everything.  If and artist displays their work in a gallery, you have to have a tax certificate.  If you sell crafts at a school christmas craft fair, you have to have a certificate.  In fact, one of my friends didn't have a certificate.  She was selling some handmade items at a school bazaar.  Unfortunately, the tax police made an appearance and asked her for her Certificate.  She speaks no Spanish, and the police spoke no English.  When she failed to produce the tax cert. they promptly handcuffed her, and took her into the parking lot, and gave her a ticket with a fine of up to $5,000.00.  She was so upset, mortified in fact.  The end result was she hired a lawyer, spent the day at court, and wound up with nothing more than having to take some classes on how to do business in Puerto Rico.  The lesson to be learned here, get the tax certificate.  I cannot do any business until this arrives. 

Friends
Painted at Botanical Gardens in Rio Piedras

The next step will be to become a registered Artisan of Puerto Rico.  This allows me to sell my paintings as a legitmate Artist on the island.  To get this, I must make an appointment with the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Assoc. (PRIDA).  They typically will see people on Tuesday and Thursday.  There is very strict criteria to qualify as a local Artist.

First, I must be either a native of Puerto Rico, or a bona fide resident (I am a resident).  Next, the work must be done by hand and it must be inspired by life in Puerto Rico.  Things that qualify include the fauna, flora, symbols, people, life of Puerto Rico. 

Once I am granted an interview, I must submit 5 paintings, and go through an interview.  If I qualify I will be granted the certificate on the spot, if not, the interviewer must tell me what I need to do to improve my chances of becoming registered.  I am working on my Portfolio now - once completed, I will call and set the appointment. 

The paintings I have posted are the 5 I will be submitting for my interview.

Waves at Isla Verde

Other things I am working on include a 6-7 painting study of waves.  I have completed two of them and find them fun and challenging.  I think they will make a fantastic exhibition. 

Thats all the latest and the greatest from Isla Verde, Puerto Rico.  Once I get my appointment, I will post how the entire process went, and whether or not I was successful in getting my certificate.  







dandelion card

Classic Brown 5x7 folded card

Modern greeting cards and party invitations by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

A Day of Painting

El Morro as viewed from Isla de Cabra

The outting to Isla de Cabras was less than successful.  As soon as we got into the car to head out to the island, the skies got cloudy and the wind blew as if a hurricane were landing.  Not to be stopped, I got out all my supplies and set up for my first painting.  The wind was blowing so strongly, that before I could apply watercolor paint to my paper it would dry on my brush.  I am sure I looked like a performer from Cirque del Solel - pinning down my paper with one elbow, trying to keep my palette from blowing away with my foot, paint brushes in my mouth, water container in the other hand - yikes, not the best circumstances for painting. 

Old San Juan

The island itself is beautiful.  Just a quick history on Isla de Cabras - it is a small island, and in 1883 a small hospital was completed to house the local lepers, all 35 of them.  In 1926 a leper hospital was built more inland, and the in 1942 the US inaugerated Fort Amezquita which served as a military reserve in WW II. 
Since then, Isla de Cabras has been made a recreational park.  The hospital and fort still stand, but are in disrepair.  There is a small restuarant, picnic areas and bathrooms available.  Entrance into the park is 4.00 per car for parking, although this varies depending on who is working.  

Pelicans are abundant on Isla de Cabra

The area is very lovely, with fantastic views of El Morro, Old San Juan and large cargo ships going in and out of harbour.  What I found most fasinating were the pelicans, who spent the entire day flying, and diving for food. 





On Sunday, I went once again to Old San Juan, and got some great pictures of the Cristo Chapel in Palomas Park.  Hoping this week to get the sketches and photos into one well composed painting. 

Cristo Chapel by Palomas Parque

Also, did the drawing assignment for draw, sketch, doodle which was to draw something round.  Right now I am engrossed with waterdrops.  Such simple shapes and designs and so hard to realistically capture.  I also thought it would be fun to do my drawing on ATC 3 1/2 X 2 1/2.....I like working with the small sizes - not sure why, just find it fulfiling. 

Drops of Rain - graphite 3 1/2 x 2 1/2

That's it . . . this week, will be busy for me.  Water Color Society paint out on the beach on Wednesday, and then getting ready for a visit from my Stepdaughter for 10 days.  Hoping to get her involved with the Art adventure too, but will have to see. . .

Tis Spring - Flower Drawing Assignment . . .

Okay - so we don't really have seasonal change here . . . however, for those of us who live in Puerto Rico, we can tell the difference between Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall as slight as those differences might be. 

Since I really don't have a choice of tulips, crocus, snowdrops and daffodils, I drew the flower that is most readily accessible to me - the Orchid.  This was an enjoyable assignment - nice and easy and fun. 

I am looking forward to drawing and painting at Isla de Cabras - it is always a good day when you can get outside, enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, and hopefully I will get some great pictures drawn and sketched. 

Orchid - Graphite Pencil

New Drawings

I have been working on a couple of large pieces which aren't ready yet.  One is a close up shot of a pink rose. . . just haven't had the time to get much done.  I have also been creating lots of ATC's. . .

Yesterday did an exercise on value.  First I setup my model - which was an apple with only one light source.  I ended up loving this picture, and I think I am going to end up painting it in full color.  After taking several pictures and spending at least an hour editing my picture, I did a quick pencil sketch only trying to depict the value range of the apple.  I was looking for four values - light, medium light, medium dark, dark.  I started by laying in the medium light first, which pretty much dictated where the white would be.  Next I darkened up some of my shadows on the back of the apple and around the background, leaving the darkest value for the shadow behind the apple (the cast shadow). 

The next step was to do a monochromatic painting of the apple only trying to capture the value variances. 

My husband liked the pencil drawing better than the watercolor - but he is missing the point. . . the idea was to capture the darks and lights, and I think I accomplished that.  The last step of course will be to do a full drawing of the apple, relying on the picture, the sketch and of course the value painting.  .  .  more to come!  Firday it is off to Isla de Cabras (Goat Island) for painting. 

Back Again . . .

CASA BAVARIA

It has been a while since I have posted, but life has been hectic and crazy.  My hubby has had a severe case of shingles on his face and around his eye.  My life was consumed with being a caretaker, cleaning, cooking, and taking care of the dog.  Fortunately, he is much, much better and is returning to work tomorrow!!!!  He does still look a bit like Cuasimodo, but he is My Cuasimodo and I love him. 

View from the Restaurant

The weekend before Valentine's Day, my love wanted to take me out for a surprise.  So, we got into the car on a beautiful Saturday morning and headed into the mountains of Puerto Rico.  After about an hour drive we were in a small town called Morovis.  The bamboo covered road winds through the mountains, the views are spectacular.  All of a sudden, out of nowhere, a restuarant pops up, and we pull over. . . we have arrived at our destination.  CASA BAVARIA!!!  Thats right, a little taste of Europe right in the mountains of Puerto Rico. 

German/Puerto Rican Waitresses

The entire restaurant is setup into many levels of open patios, with a big tree growing in the middle of the all the levels.  All of the waitresses are dressed in dirndl dresses.  As far as food goes, there was a nice selection of German food and beer.  Carlos and I ended up eating Schnitzl and Roulade.  We bought big beer steins for 10.00 each and then filled them with import German beer for 2.00.  The portions were large and the food was excellent.  For those people not into German fare, the typical selections of Puerto Rican food is available.  Although Germany has many wonderful tarts and pasteries, Casa Bavaria was definitely lacking in the area of desseert, with the only option being Flan or Tres Leches (definitely neither are German.)  My suggestion, skip the dessert and spend the money on the beer mugs and beer!! 

Schnitzl and Roulade

After a long lunch, we drove on into the mountains of Orcovis, which just a wonderful, quaint artisian town.  It was a beautiful day, and I highly recommend visiting Casa Bavaria in Puerto Rico!!! 

Cheers

Rejection

First rejection is under my belt.  Submitted my work for a juried site, and received a response that "we feel that your work is not ready at this time."  Ouch. . .I requested specific feedback and finally received that today.
1.  Contrast and rendering:  Many of the pieces did not show a wide range of value.  The graphite work did, but not the colored pencil and watercolors. 
2.  Composition:  While the compositions were lovely, all the work felt very academic.  We would like to see you in your work. 
Double Ouch. 

Okay, so now for my rant about this evaluation......it is WATERCOLOR.  I happen to like the soft qualities of watercolor.  Does everything have to scream vivid colors?  and....please, please realize that work is first scanned then downloaded and then uploaded - yes, folks, some color quality is lost in the process. 
Academic quality of work . . . really, really?????   I am at a loss of words for that critque, but then who am I - obviously I have no judge or taste as far as "art composition" goes.  So, with that off of my chest - it is back to the drawing board. . . in every sense of the word. 
But, being one not to be deterred, I am going to now recreate my portfollio and in a month resubmit again.  Most likely the evaluation this time will say "colors are way to vivid and composition is too artificial."  Okay, okay - I know, "sour grapes." 
The plan is to do a study in color . . . going to be working with blue.
Went to Luquillo yesterday and got some great shots of waves, water, and sea.  I think a great place to start with the color "blue."

n

It's Over, but it has Only Just Begun!

Collage watercolor painting of Afraican Tulip and Elephant Ears

Well, it was a long week, but an exciting one!!!!  Judi Betts' exercises are extremely challenging and at the end of each day, I was exhausted.  However, I have gained much from the experience and feel that many of the lessons learned can be applied to my own work.  So, what did I learn?????

Technocolor Goat

Lesson 1:  Think outside of the box.  My drive for perfectionism, and realism have definitely created walls around my creativity.  Unfortunately, there are many, many artists that can paint very realistic and beautiful pictures.  The trick is to stay true to myself, yet stand apart from the rest - to acheive that you must think outside of the box and be unique.  My assignment from Judi - do the graphite drawing "Pain and Comfort" and make it more "flamboyant" - give it some "ump"....she gave me 2 months to get that done : )

Lesson 2:  Let your name be known.  I always scribble my name real small in the corner or along some object within my art to make my name "blend" into the picture.  Well, I want people to know my name and associate it with my work.  So from now on, my name goes nice and bold on the art I create. 

Ink and Watercolor 5 minute sketch of Michele

Lesson 3:  Draw, draw, draw - paint, paint, paint.  I am so worried about getting a piece right, or screwing another one up, sometimes I don't do anything at all due to not wanting to waster the paper or the paint.  Hey - it's only paper (yes, expensive paper, but paper never-the-less.)  I bought a really nice Art Journal, and I made myself draw in it.....and now, I find I am doing something in it all the time.  I sketch in it (good sketches and not so good sketches) I journal in it, jot down ideas, scribble colors I want to remember, glued my tickets from El Yunque painting expedition, did a collage on one page - it really has opened me up to creating something....and that is ADDICTIVE.  I want to draw and paint so often that it becomes as natural and easy as breathing . . . you just do it. 

A Page from my Art Journal depicting El Yunque Trip

I worked some more on the Variation of a checker board with the shells.  I ended up really darkening up the surrounding areas....and I am satisfied with the way this has turned out.  In fact it does have an abstract quality to it, and I would tell you in a heartbeat - I am not an abstract artist, but I really am pleased with this piece. 

Finished Abstract Shell with Variation of checker Board

We did another underpainting at El Yunque called Mingling.  Basically, you really wet your paper in random areas leaving 1/3 of the center white.  Then you put color on the page making sure that your paper is tilted, and you let the colors run and mingle together.  Once this has completely dried, you have your underpainting and are ready to put your subject matter on, as you would on a blank piece of paper.  Mingling created beautiful backgrounds for my work in El Yunque. 

Wild Ginger with Mingled Underpainting

Our last day was spent creating another type of underpainting which basically resembled quadrants on the page.  You run one line horizontally across your page (not in the center) and then add 2 or 3 horizontal lines to create uneven blocks.  The next step is applying very light colors in the blocks. . . either red, yellow, blue, green or orange (not purple, brown or grey).  For once - leave no white at all.  After this has dried you sketch in your subject matter.  Then the fun begins.  You paint over the color blocks, only using that color's compliment.  So, if you have a green block, you can only use red on it, if it is an orange block, you use blue on it etc......It absolutely helps to write what the base color is and it's complement along the margins of your paper.  I created two goat drawings using this method.  Both need some more work, and unfortunately, I painted over my goats tail, and still need to correct that....but the end result is pretty interesting. 


Goat on Rectangular Underpainting


It has been an intense week, but so invigorating and exciting.  Planning on going out on the beach on Sunday to do some sketching and drawing.  Until then - adios.

Watercolor Workshop with Judi Betts

Art Seminar with Judi Betts

Day one of the workshop is done, and I am having breakfast prior to leaving for class on day two.  The majority of the morning on the first day was taken up with introductions of Judi and of the participants in the seminar.  However, even then, I took some valuable lessons away with me. 

First, I am so starting my Art Journal.  When did these come into existence and where was I.  Each and every person in the class had an Art Journal, of course, I had to peek into a few.  Everything is in them; notes, pencil sketches, ink renderings, full blown watercolors, a picture, a dab of color.....I just love these. 

Judi told a story of when she was in Japan taking classes.  She was drawing the sky, and her instructor said, "yes, you drew the sky but, now draw the wind in the sky."  Interesting dilemma! 

Judi demonstrates

I have read many, many books on watercoloring, watercolor mixtures, paints etc.  and a resounding theme is to work with a limited palette.  The suggestion from Judi (and again, I have read these in several different books) is to have a palette of 9 colors with a possibility of 11.  So in other words work in "triads" - each triad being made up of one red, one blue and one yellow.  Any additional colors, should be attained from mixing those three colors together. 

The first triad is called the Desert Triad and it is made up of Yellow Ochre, Indian Red and Cerulean Blue this is also known as the "earthy triad".  The second triad is called Transparent Triad and uses Cobalt Blue, Rose Matter, and Aurelian Yellow. The last and final triad is called the Staining Triad and it has Windsor Red, Windsor Blue, and Windsor Yellow.  In addition to these 9 colors, you may also consider adding a Black, Cadimum Orange and Permanent or Brilliant Orange. 

Today, was spent learning the Variation on a Checkerboard underpainting.  In essence you place uneven, slanting vertical and Horizontal lines creating a different size squares on your paper.  Or you can place wavey slanting vertical and horizontal lines.  Once this is done, you must decide whether your painting will be a warm painting (think fire; red, orange, yellow) or cool painting (think water; blues and greens) or grey (made by mixing the colors of your triad.)  Once this is determined, you then begin filling some of the outlying square on your checkerboard, with variations of the colors you have chosen always staying within the range of the traid.  Judi suggested you should aim to never duplicate a color.  As you work the colors onto your paper, you should leave the center of your paper white, and only paint diagonal squares.  You end up with something that looks very "abstract."  You can see the "checkered pattern on my work below.

Remember:  Start Light and Save White (in fact, I think I should have done my underpainting a bit lighter.)

Once this process is completed to your satisfaction, and everything is completely dry, you then paint your main subject right onto this checkerboard pattern.  I decided to paint shells onto my Grey Checkerboard pattern.  My biggest problem with this right now, is that my "subject" is totally blending into my background.  Today, I will try darkening my background to make my shells "pop" out a little more, and then do some detail work on the shells.  Then I have to pick subject matter for the "warm" and "cool" squares I am painting. 



First Stages of Checkerboard Variation Underpainting

 I have really struggled using this technique, I found it difficult to put my subject right on top of something already painted, and I found I would get "lost" within my painting. However, in looking at the "potential" of the picture, I believe this technique is going to bring movement, energy into what would ordinarily be a relatively dull painting.  I am excited to continue exploring this style of painting. 

Cup of Java

Cup of Java

Assignment 3 - your favorite cup.  Naturally, my favorite cup was in the dishwasher, and the only cup available was a glass one....arrrgggghhhh.  So, I made myself a nice pot of coffee and tackled the task of drawing a glass mug filled with coffee sitting on a glass wicker table.  It turned out pretty good, I saw after I was done that my dimensions are off slightly on the top rim of the mug, but again, I can live with it.  I really felt it important to do the entire background this time, to captuer the feel of the glass and wicker table.  One of my weaknesses is backgrounds and composition. 

I love doing these drawing assignment, they are such great practice and really make you "see" whatever it is you are drawing. 

I had to finish this drawing tonight, as my week will be busy with a watercolor painting workshop I am participating in.  A week of intense painting, I figure I will be pretty wiped out by the end of the day.  Class goes from 9:30 until 3:30, and Wednesday we will be painting in the Rain Forrest - El Yunque.  I will be posting about the experience and uploading my finished works. 

Again, your feedback both good and back is welcomed and appreciated. 

The San Sebastin Street Festival

Calle San Sebastin

First, an explanation of what the San Sebastin Street Festival is.  Each "town" in Puerto Rico has it's own Patron Saint.  San Juan has San Sebastin, and so for 4 days, San Juan, locals and tourists, celebrate the Patron Saint with lots and lots of partying.  The bars open their doors and sell drinks which you can drink out on the street, there is one food vendor after another selling local food, bands are playing on each corner, parades with people in elaborate costumes go through the streets at night, and there are lots of Artisians selling their art.  It is the Mardi Gras of Puerto Rico.  Additionally, this festival brings to a close the Christmas and holiday celebrations - yes, I know we celebrate the holidays for a lllooonnnnggg time, from Thanksgiving until January 16th to be exact.  And like clock work, all the lights and decorations came down this weekend.  Puerto Rico is falling back into some normal routine again. . .

One of the Buildings housing the Artisians

My interest was no so much in the drinking and partying, but in the artisians.  Our orginial plan was to get into town on Friday afternoon, and out no later than 5:00, as that is when the craziness really goes into full swing.  Unfortunately, everyone in Puerto Rico had the same idea, and we could not get into town.  My girlfriend Valerie scouted out the traffic and parking situation.  She called around 12:30 and said it was madness and mayhem.  Plan B . . . .

We got up at 6:00 AM on Saturday, and headed out the door by 7:30.  Fortunately, Old San Juan was quiet, and we were waiting at the door of Cafe Cultura when they opened for breakfast and coffee.  On our way to the Cafe, I stopped to figure out the best walking path to Calle San Sebastin, and immediately, one of the street bums, saw an opportunity to make money.  He approached, and said he worked for the "Tourism company" and was on his way to work - yeah right.  With dirt two inches thick under your fingernails, and smelling like a brewery I don't think so.  For about 30 seconds we stood there and listened to his "helpful" advice, and then I said, "I have to go to the bathroom", and we walked away.  The next words out of his mouth were going to be, "Can you give me some money for all the great advice I just gave you."  NOT. 

One of the Vans with people sleeping in it

After breakfast, we walked up to Calle San Sebastin.  As with everything in Puerto Rico, the vendors were late, and many of them were still sleeping in their vans, not set up.  Carlos and I took a stroll along the city walls and through a few of the parks.  By 10:00 everything was in full swing. . . .and yes, beer and Pina Coladas were already flowing freely (It must be 5:00 PM somewhere - right?) 

Children in Costum dancing

The art was Fantastic.  Each artist creates poster art commemorating the Street Festival.  I was torn between several but finally decided on one depicting the big parades with people in colorful costumes.  Absolutely lovely.  In addition to that, I also snagged a wonderful necklace made out of coconut - it looks like the most exotic polished wood - just love it!!!  Some prices were great - bought a pair of stainless steel earrings for 5.00 and some prices were outrageous....there was a man selling small 3 king figures for 800.00 (needless to say I passed that one up.) 

Food Vendors and More Artisians

The street festival is spread over a large area throughout Old San Juan.  We wandered around, checking out the sites, the art....had lunch of bacalitos and local beer, sitting in the park listening to salsa.  As we were sitting there I saw the traffic begin to pour into Old San Juan.  I thought it was going to take a minimum of an hour to get through traffic to make the 10 minute commute back home to Isla Verde.  By the time we got to the car, and drove out of the parking garage, the traffic had vanished, and we made the trip home lickety-split, and got home around 3:30 PM - just in time for a nap. 

The day was capped off with the Puerto Rico Symphonica - the highlight of the concert was a classical guitarist.  I was amazed to see how few people attended the symphony - especially given how cheap the tickets are.  I guess people are more interested in listening to salsa and drinking on the streets of San Sebastin than listening to classical music.  I must say the concert was my favorite so far. 

All around, a perfect day and evening in Old San Juan.

A Day at the Beach

The Beach at Isla Verde

Spent the day yesterday laying around on the beach.  Puerto Rico has been celebrating "Three King's Day" which means no work, and lots of partying.  Everything here was closed Thursday, Friday, and Monday.  In all actuality, "Three King's Day" is bigger here than Christmas, although both are celebrated.

Our Lifeguard - GUS

I packed up the cooler, a book, and the dog and off to the beach we went.  It was an absolutely fabulous day - temperature at around 75 degrees.  Perfect for getting some sun, and jumping into the water.  There were some people on the beach, all tourists. 

Here is the interesting part. . . local Puerto Ricans don't go swimming in the winter, even though it is 75 - 80 degrees.  Yes, I know, it is odd.  So, whenever you see someone in the ocean swimming in December, January, February etc.... you know they are tourists. 


Our little Spot on the Beach


Big happenings this week in San Juan.  Beginning on Thursday and running through Sunday is the big "San Sebastin" Artisan Festival.  I am sooooo going.  It should be interesting, as during this festival all the bars open their doors and actually vend drinks on the street.  Again, lots of partying, but even more interesting will be to see all the Crafters and Artists.  I will be taking lots of pictures and will tell you all about it.  Then on Saturday night it is off to the Symphony.  Stay tuned -

Gus digging for gold, drugs, human remains?????

Dear Diary - Assignment 2

Dear Diary

The second assignment for Draw, Doodle Sketch was to draw a piece of crumpled up paper.  This was tedious, and I really got lost in all of the little nooks and crannies of the paper.  In looking at it, it almost looks abstract, but I like it and am satisfied with my accomplishment. 

I thought I would make it more interesting by including text, which also proved to be a challenge, but did help to keep my place with regard to sketching.  Was thinking of making the entire background dark, but wanted to give it a day, and see if I still feel the same way about it tomorrow.  Obviously, once I black in the background, there is no going back.  What do you think - leave it white, or make it black? 

A Day In Old San Juan

Started off the day having breakfast at my most favorite Cafe in Old San Juan "Cafe Cultura."  It is a fantastic place right off the plaza. 



Inside Cafe Cultura


My hubby and I are trying to get a better feel for Old San Juan, so we basically just started wandering around the streets.  Up one street and down another. 


Apartments in Old San Juan



Currently My Back Yard

Currently we live in Isla Verde directly on the beach. 

 

However, Old San Juan offers such a sense of culture, ambience.  We started discussing the logic in renting out next place in the heart of Old San Juan.  Naturally, it would have to be in an apartment.  My greatest concerns with making that move is the traffic, the traffic, the traffic.  Second runner up would be parking, and lots of tourist partying their butts off. 



The City Walls Encircling Old San Juan

 I talked to several people who work in OSJ, and the scoop is that none of them live in town.  The reason given was traffic, traffic and more traffic, followed by no parking and lots of drunk tourists. 
Living on the beach is wonderful, and the commute into Old San Juan is less than 10 minutes.  So for now, unless an apartment in OSJ with cheap rent, and with parking comes along, the decision is to stay in Isle Verde or perhaps move into the Condado area and just visit Old San Juan when the urge hits.

On a bright note, I visited several Art Galleries on Calle Fortaleza in OSJ.  Two of them were way on the Modern and Abstract art side, Galeria Botello and Galeria Exado, where my work won't fit into at all.  However, the last one I visited, Galeria W. Labiosa the owner (Wilfred Labiosa) is interested in seeing my work, and perhaps (if he likes my stuff) selling my watercolors there!!!!  I am very excited.  Next week will be dedicated to painting some small Puerto Rico watercolors, and taking them by.




Feliz Navidad from Old San Juan