Inspirations from the sea...

I just got back from an escape to the tropics of Puerto Rico and want to paint all that I saw there, well mostly.  We drove through an area crowded with people eating at outdoor barbeque stands by the beach - walked the lush paths of El Junque Rainforest Park and swam in the salty waves where we found large patches of live sand dollars under our feet.  When you lift them in your hand, they sidle around on prickly bristles that cover their bottom side....it tickles!  We then released them. Here is a pic of some of the beauty to be found there..... 

The Painters Keys

I enjoy reading Robert Genn's twice weekly letter to artists, though I don't always get to read it (!).  This week is about spring cleaning.  It is something I'm slowly working on.  I'm trying to organize my art work, supplies, etc along with the house.  I'm endeavoring to create a place that is conducive to painting, organized with the supplies I use most, etc.  
  Robert says that putting the old paintings in the fire and starting fresh is good - in theory.  Actually, he advocates storing them to peruse occasionally.  He also says that giving away a painting or sketch to a friend or studio visitor is good - for you and the friend.

Baltimore Museum of Art

I went to visit the Baltimore Museum of Art with my parents during a short stay with them.  We especially enjoyed the 'Cone Collection'.  Two Baltimore ladies, the Cone sisters, collected more than 3000 art objects, visited the studios of Matisse and Picasso, etc. and brought it all back to their apartment in Baltimore.  You even get to walk thru the 'virtual' apartment.  I truly enjoyed seeing the work of Matisse over his life span, how he evolved from realism to lively, colorful, pattern-full work.

 The museum also has a vast collection of American furniture, china and silver, Indian and Oceanic art, a contemporary photo exhibit.....and a wonderful restaurant with YUMMY Oyster stew.  It made me so homesick for my Annapolis childhood.