In memory of artist, designer and director
Also her creation: Hair Hats
Nice personalized autograph depicting a monkey with a sailor hat, drawn by Martz in the front of my copy of "Warm-Up Drawings". (Gee, I almost like it better than my own monkeys. Those ears and teeth are so great.)
Here is the cover of John Martz's new collection of warm-up drawings in small, adorable book form.
Lou Reimuller made a special recording in 1992 of the song "Blue Heaven Blues", originally done by Charlie McCoy, Bo Chatman and Walter Vincent in 1930. On this cut, Lou plays the National guitar and the National mandolin by laying one track over another. He is also singing. This is a Hokum Scorcher's song from their "Feed the Kitty" album.
Windsor Newton has information about varnishing fine art paintings on their website. I can't help but notice that some of the paintings in the art shows I have been in are very shiny and intense. Mine, on the other hand, are more matte because I have not varnished them. Why did I not varnish? Because I use thick paint layers and oil paint normally takes 6 months to a year to thoroughly dry. You are not really supposed to varnish a painting before that. Still, I know that my paintings would be much more vibrant in color if I varnished them. So, before every show, I debate whether I should varnish or not. Is it dry enough, I ask myself? I usually decide not to. Besides, varnishing is very difficult to get just right. The Windsor Newton website also says that acrylic paintings actually need varnish more than oil paintings do. I never knew that!
Okay, it's time to blog about myself again. What's a personal blog for if I'm not using it keep people informed about what I am doing? I've been working hard at paintings for my next big show. The show is not until Feb, but it will take tons of time to get everything ready for it. My art is not quick art and I don't just "crank it out" (read that somewhere on a blog), although lately I have been working on some things simultaneously out of necessity. I don't want to reveal too much about my plans yet because I have some surprises in store. Let's just say, I am incorporating more music into my art daily.

I have blogged about his collection of vintage paper moon portraits before, but Steve Chasmar has now organized them into 3-page set on flickr with additional souvenir portraits such as the ones shown here. They are hilarious and lovely. For more, visit this link: