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Ahhhh, They're Gone!

Pictures of my cats in the studio after the workshop students left on Sunday. The cats were not very happy with being locked out during the seminar and really enjoyed the privilege of being let back in. There was a lot of smelling, rolling, rubbing and purring!

More Student Work

Some pretty good looking pine trees emerged after the second attempt. See my tree demos on my 2008 Sketching Everyday blog.

My Students' Workshop Work

So much improvement was accomplished over the past few days! It's amazing!!

Students' LOOSE FLOWERS

EVERYONE TODAY DID REAL WELL WITH THIS WET IN WET TECHNIQUE!

A VIEW OF MY STUDIO AFTER THE DEMO.

Tigger Checks Out the Artwork

After the students left for the day, our newest art critic took a peek at today's workshop paintings. See more on today's Spirit Art Blog and Sketching Everyday.

TREES ~ "en plein air"

Today was an interesting day weather-wise. We went through half a dozen different conditions at least. Misty fog at 6am, then clearing to beautiful crisp 70's by 8. Clouding over by noon with a deluge at 2. Then clearing, cloudy, sprinkles and brilliant sun here again at five pm. It feels like three days rolled into one! I went out sketching "en plein air" ("in the open air") today. Three different spots and three different weather conditions! Fortunately I was in the studio during the downpour. This is a picture of a tree up the road from me. It's one of my favorites! See my gesture sketch on Sketching Everyday.

Self Education

Be kind... invest in you! Develop your potential and try not to be too hard on yourself. It's a little over a week until the start of my 2008 Spirit Art Workshop. "A man's mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild; but whether cultivated or neglected, it must, and will bring forth. If no useful seeds are put into it, then an abundance of useless weed-seeds will fall therein, and will continue to produce their kind." ~ James Allen

Fun Flower Quiz

I am a Daffodil What Flower Are You?

Happy Hummingbirds

Things are really hopping here in NJ right now. I've got 6 feeders out and they're all as busy as this one featured here in my first video. I filmed this last week on the first day of summer. It will only get busier as the season progresses.
I am LOVIN" IT!



For more information on how to attract and care for hummingbirds,
go to my FIVE STEPS TO HAPPY HUMMERS page!

Male Hummingbird

Here's a picture of one of our "Yard Dogs". He's got a busy job guarding his feeder and does a good job of keeping rivals away.

Female Hummingbird

Although this photo is a little blurry, I was impressed with the detail of the tail feathers. I'm not 100% sure if this is a female Ruby-Throated Hummingbird or an immature. It is often hard to tell them apart.

Keep that Sugar Water Comin'!

I had to make a "Sugar Run" today. We went through the last five pounds awfully fast! Here's a picture for you today of one of our little backyard cuties.

Jerry's New Toy

Our new addition to the family is a welcome gas friendly vehicle.

ARE YOU RIGHT OR LEFT BRAINED?

Watch this video and see if the dancer moves clockwise or counter clockwise. If she moves clockwise, you're probably more right brain dominated. You use more of your NON VERBAL, intuative, creative side. If you see her move counter clockwise, you are in the majority and are more of a left brain dominated, VERBAL, analytical individual. See "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" here.

WATERCOLOR CLASSES NOW FORMING

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MY SUMMER SEMINARS HERE!

PRETTY IN GREEN!

ABOUT CLEDON

I just recently was introduced to this word, "cledon", in a book called
"Messages From Spirit" by Colette Baron-Reid.

The way I understand it, cledons can come from anywhere. It might be a dream, an overheard comment, a song on the radio, something that catches your eye or the conversation of strangers. In this book, Colette says a "cledon" is a spontaneous message from spirit that is innocently and unknowingly delivered to you by someone. I interpreted this as being someone (or something).

"Once you've asked for a message from spirit, go out into the world and listen." ~ Colette Baron-Reid

"See my experience with "cledon" and a bigger photo of my nieces, Sandy and Sandy here on my Squidoo Animal Spirits Lens!

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Spirit Art Blog ~ March 5, 2007 ~ Love Of Cats ~

Cat and Kitten Portrait ~ "Kissifer, Sandy And Sandy"
15" x 22" original watercolor *Sold

Evolution in Painting

In today's Spirit Art Blog, I featured my newest Peony painting and I talk about evolution of a painting and the artist. "When painting, like in a dream, I become merely the driver of a vehicle, destination unknown - watching as the magic unfolds." ~ Sandy

"Joe American" Has A PLan!

Finally, someone who's making a lot of sense and talking about really dealing with the issues effecting us all! I think this is a very important video to watch, talk about and pass along. Emailing this video to our Senators and Congressmen couldn't hurt either! What have we got to lose?
E V E R Y T H I N G !!

Edgar Whitney Said

Edgar Whitney said; "Plan like a tortoise and paint like a rabbit!" Known to be a bit rough around the edges, Ed would often say or do something shocking to make a point and insure that his students remembered it. Another of his favorites about proper preparation was; "It's like going to the bathroom without pulling your pants down first!". Yikes, like me, you probably won't forget that one. See Sketches and more on preparation for this painting on my Sketching Everyday blog.

Edgar Whitney's Momma, Poppa, Baby

Ed Whitney & the Three Bears (Momma, Poppa, Baby Formula), Kennebunkport, Maine - 1979

Photo by Shirley Landgraf, Charlotte, N.C, from
The Edgar Whitney Watercolor Site.

The Legacy of Edgar A. Whitney

I'm Proud to call myself: "third generation Edgar Whitney". Years ago, I was permanently changed by his book, "Complete Guide to Watercolor Painting". It provided many insights into my craft and the principles of design. His writings continue to inspire and direct me. I am also grateful to have studied under some of his star pupils including; Tony Couch, Joan Rudman, Tony Van Hasselt, Mel Stabin and Frank Webb. All these people carry on with Ed's Creed in their own way, as I do in mine. Today, over twenty years after his death, Whitney's spirit, enlightenment and craft are still gaining momentum and flourishing in the hearts, minds and work of in his many disciples.

"Once students had passed through his hands, they were never the same again, and seemed to become completely indoctrinated with his ideas and convictions."
~ Ron Ranson

See a week of Edgar Whitney quotes on my Inspiration for Your Day Blog.

Sharp Curve

Trees with Spanish Moss

The Spanish Moss that grows on the trees in Florida gives them that distinctive southern look and adds unique character to the pines and hardwoods there.

More Florida Pictures - Palm Trees

My last day in Florida, I had my sister, Gaile, take me around to places where I could get good pictures of the trees.

The Joseph Campbell Foundation

Yesterday I got an email from the Joseph Campbell Foundation asking to post my work on their site!

"Myths are the world's dreams", Joe Campbell said in the 1984 interviews on DVD with Bill Moyers called "The Power Of Myth". Here he presented the idea that an artist's function is the mytholization of the world. "It's the artist's duty to keep the myths alive!", Joe stressed.

Golden Eagle ~ "Masks Of God"
15" x 11" watercolor painting, $349.00
~ inspired by one of Joseph Campbell's books

Don't Feed The Alligators!

Here's a photo of sister Gaile at a local park we visited.

Catching Some Air

This is a picture of my nephew, Cody skateboarding on the street outside his house. This awesome picture was taken by sister, Denise. See her wonderful artwork and photgraphy at: www.denisebush.com.

Discovery Cove at SeaWorld

Here's a photo of me and my sister Gaile, with my two teenage nephews, Dillon on left and Cody on the right. Dillon will graduate high school tomorrow and will be going into the Air Force in less than a month.

A Week Of Family

Just got back home this afternoon from a really great trip to see family. It was the first time all the Sandy Sisters had been together since 2000. This pictures shows all the girls in the Sandy family going from left to right with me - daughter # 1, then Denise #2, Momma Eva, Gaile #3 and Ellen #4. My only niece, Meadow is in front of me.
My dad, Big Al, is taking the picture.

Sisters In Florida

Here's a picture of two of my three sisters and me (on the left) in my parents front yard in Florida.

Florida Vacation

It's Friday morning and I'm emailing you from the lobby of a health club where my sister Gaile, is working out. Yesterday we went to Discovery Cove at SeaWorld and had an interactive dolphin experience, floated on the lazy river and snorkeled in the coral reef. Later we went back to the bird aviary where I got these shots.

Travel

I leave today for Florida. I'm going down to visit family and to check out some business opportunities. My blogs may get sporadic. I'll have my laptop with me, but I'm not sure where I'll find a remote access.

Beautiful Natural Images

I just checked out my photographer friend Sally Vennel's blog and she has been busy posting some beautiful images! This one is of Barnegat Lighthouse or "Ole Barney" as the locals call it. This was taken a week or so ago when the "Beach Plum" was in bloom. I didn't even know there was such a thing! Check out Sally's breathtaking photos at: Sally's Natural Images.

My Grandmothers' Peonies

My friend Bobbie brought me this beautiful bouquet of Peonies today. The photo doesn't do them justice. What a gorgeous flower! They always remind me of my grandmothers, even though I really can't remember for sure if they ever had them. Oh what a delicate fragrance and exquisite shapes these silk like white a pink beauties possess!

Hummingbirds In The West

Doug Barr sent in this photo he took of three of the many hummers he is currently feeding out in the Whistler / Blackcomb Mountains of British Columbia, Canada.

New Sketching Lens On Squidoo

I put together a new lens on Squidoo today called
Sensational Sketches In Six Simple Steps.
Of course I used one of my favorite subjects for the demo!

Sheltered From The Storm

We are having a cold, gusty, rainy Nor'Easter today, but the hummingbirds seem to be handling it just fine. Lee writes,"I was watching the wind blow EVERYTHING around this morning when I noticed a wee thing fly into my Rhododendron bushes. Yes, it was a hummer escaping from the weather! I grabbed my camera, took the screen out and captured him here."

My Furry Kids

I had a nice day and I hope you did too. We went down to the Borgota Casino for brunch and had some fun playing craps and the slot machines. We even came home a few bucks ahead. Later I spent some quality time with my big furry kids, Rudy and Rita. Now it's time to give the little ones that live in the house some attention.


These two drawings are from my 2006 Drawing Everyday Blog.

Yin Yang Cats

Tommy, our gray tabby, is really becoming buddies with our new addition Tigger. I got this cute picture of them today sharing a cat nap in the studio.

A BEAUTIFUL DAY

It was in the upper 70's here today and I decided to eat lunch outside in the sun. I took my sketchbook and my mini watercolor set with me. I started out by adding a wash to this pencil drawing I did at the beach last year. I ended the session by sketching the quickly changing figures I saw in the clouds. I'll be posting one of my cloud pages on the
Spirit Art Blog tomorrow!


My Drawing Everyday Blog will be starting up again June 1st!

Thanks To All My Friends

My Hummingbird Seminar went very well on Saturday. I saw some old friends and made some new ones too. Watch my web site and blogs for more seminars and presentations. I may be doing some workshops and seminars at my studio as well. Happy Humming!

Hummingbird Seminar

If you're local, remember to stop by A Wild Bird Oasis today! I'll be there giving my hummingbird Seminar from 10:30 - 2:00. Go to my main website for directions and more information! Hope to see some of you there!

DON'T BE CAREFUL, BE MINDFUL

Worry Creates Fear, Fear Creates Worry

Being careful suggests danger and sets us up to expect something bad to happen. Being mindful, on the other hand, is a conscious choice to focus your thoughts and energy in a positive way, on what you want in life. Take control of your life today by choosing not to receive bad news! Years ago I unplugged from the TV and unsubscribed from the Daily Rag. I decided not to get wrapped up in any bad news I could not change. I believe thinking about negative situations only creates more of the same. Some think I'm ignorant, but my life is much happier when I focus on the positive instead of the negative. Most situations in the news only affect my life if I let them. I stumbled on a site called
Life Strategy in my web walk this morning. I recommend
reading this good article about worry.



This Rabbit sketch is from my 2007 Drawing Everyday Blog.
The rabbit is symbolic of fear.