I have been struggling with some of my studio work, and these little pleinairexcursions have been a great exercise in capturing a moment, color, light…and knowing when to stop…plus an added bonus of fresh air, and making art in public.
What better way to show off some new paintings, than with a new color on the wall? My latest paintings are colorful. I’m hoping that navy blue is neutral enough to let the art shine!
I have thawed out from this mornings painting (you can see it in my instagram or fb stories) . Now that its warmed up to 37 degrees, i thought id take my paints down the street for a second plein air painting. Todays a great day to be here because Robbin Lee Weingartner is hsving an open house in his studio–with Nicholas Denham performing live music.
I dont have a plan for a particular print, but the studio is open to the public, you are welcome to stop by and see what i end up making…or come to make something yourself. Ill be here until at least 5pm.
You might remember, when a few months ago, I sketched Washington Hall, along with the row of shops on old US Route 62 in Old Washinton.
Sketching With The Ipad – on Old US ROUTE 62 -Old Washington, KY
I have finally finished carving the 9”x24” panoramic woodcut of the scene. My plan for today is to proof it, and then print an edition on paper.
just printed the rest proof. I am over the moon happy with how it looks!!! maybe a few more bricks around the horse?
carved some more bricks–to bring out the horse… let’s put it through the press and see how it looks!
I’m happy… now time to print on the “good” paper
hacemos este anamacion de conchas de la playa con Sami y Chelsea, las niñas de mi maestra de español Leticia Gomez Salinas
Saturday, my friend, Jose took me to the small village of San Pablo Huitzo for the celebration of Huitzo’s patron saint, Pablo (Paul)
I visited San Pablo 3 yearso ago, to learn about the Universidad de la tierra (University of the earth). It is a great program. It alone is worth visiting the little village.
At the fiesta, we visited a fair with organic produce, livestock, handicrafts, textiles and a demonstration of a solar powered water pump.
Like most Mexican villages, in the center of town, there is a church and city building. Between the two was an elaborate structure. It is a firework display that a team of people spent months to build and plan…all for the big event of the fiesta.
The structure was not just covered with fireworks and moving parts, but also with lights, which illuminated the night, as we waited for the firework display.
After much bell ringing from the church, the priest started leading the congregation through singing vespers. Not far from the church is the city hall, where a rowdy group of young people played loud, toe tapping secular music, while people danced.
Jose and I were standing between the church and city hall. Some of the older people were complaining because the ‘barrachos (drunks)’ were making too much noise and racket…they couldn’t hear the music coming from the church.
I thought it was perfect symbolism. Paul is one of my favorite saints, because he had a dramatic change in his life…so much that he changed his name (he was originally called Saul—back when he was bad). I thought the barrachos dancing in the streets symbolized the life of ‘Saul’…the devoted people in the church represented ‘Paul’
I tried to take some photos of the firework display. In my opinion, photos of fireworks are never as good as enjoying them in real life. I put my camera in my pocket, and enjoyed the beautiful display. It was one of the most expressive firework displays that I have ever seen!
Shortly after the fiesta, I experienced a radical change that changed the way I think about things (not as dramatic as Paul’s conversion…but big enough for me). I thought San Pablo must have been watching over me.
Thanks Jose and San Pablo Huitzo for the wonderful experience!
In Mexico, the simple things in life are big adventures. I spent the morning looking for the village cobbler (shoe repair). the first one I visited, could only sew tennis shoes, so he told me to go to the next street, where there is another cobbler, who can sew leather shoes…i was a little disoriented because I didn’t consider the dusty alley he was talking about a street, but eventually found the other cobbler–even though there was no sign.
I had to ask people in the street. it turns out, you go through a gate, into what looks like a residence and there is a window where you can tell a woman what you want done, and leave your shoes.
she is going to restitch the seams in my shoes, give them a fresh stain, and new insole. they will be ready on Friday and will cost approx. $3 USD. the last time I went to a shoe repair in cincinnati, the repair was twice as expensive as the shoes!!! one of the many things I admire about Mexican culture is the way they repair and reuse things… in the USA, consumerism rules, and it’s designed to be easier to buy another than repair when something is broken.
FYI. Here in Mexico, they also have people who do TV repair
I can’t take good photos of the moon…some things just have to be experienced, not necessarily captured in a photo…i did want to share the beautiful view of the moon rising over the valley in Soledad Etla. It was breathtaking. It’s going to be a perfect night for watching the #eclipse.
Ken is a self-taught artist from rural Kentucky, whose work includes painting, printmaking, and pottery. He considers himself to be a 'lifetime learner' and uses art to explore and learn more about the world around him. Much of his work reflect his optimistic views on rural folk culture, river life and simple pleasures.
