Sunday, August 3, 2014

the dancer



 Just in case you're wondering if I'm coming or going these days I'll tell you now I'm still here - but slower. I've been working on a couple of new things, this being one of them. I haven't seen anyone like this in my travels up and down the beach but it would be kind of nice.

One thing about my blogging habit is that I've come to demand of myself some new painting or drawing (at least) for every one. Talk about painting oneself into a corner, eh? Crow's pictures used to come much faster but now they too require days rather than hours (or minutes, in some cases).  Besides, it's summer and walks take longer.

I hope you're enjoying the best of summer wherever you are. Meanwhile, here are some words of wisdom from H.L. Mencken:

The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace in a continual state of alarm (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing them with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary.
 


ps: Don't forget your sunblock. I did that one overcast day and wound up with a rash that lasted ten days.. and most of my long sleeve shirts are turtlenecks :(

25 comments:

  1. Just to say I am visiting......as I always do. I didn't realise until you said that you were still here, just a little slower, how much I would miss you if you were not here. I'm certain that applies to all your other guests.

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    1. It's always good to see you, Tom. My output has been in a steady decline these past few years, mostly because of my self-imposed rule regarding original artwork. I can't keep up the pace and still produce pictures I like. As for being here, I shall stay as long as I can. Nice to know I'd be missed.

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  2. I'm happy I checked in. I love this! And the quote...but the painting more.
    <3

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    1. I'm glad you did too, Gina. Now it appears you're back from holiday I shall send you a note :)
      Glad you like the picture.

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  3. I see a metaphor for life emerging from the salty seas, as it probably did, to sparkle and foam so briefly and then fall back.

    It's very nice (The picture I mean. Life is more complicated)

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    1. I first saw her as part of the sea itself but when I drew the scene I knew she must be grounded. I'm happy to know you you like the image. Art is often about sharing simple metaphors for complex realities, don't you think?.

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    2. Indeed, and different people can see very different things in the same piece of art. Your art has something special about it. I'm not sure how to express it... even with minimal use of lines it always seems to convey something much more than just the basic scene. I like it very much.

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    3. I really appreciate your gracious compliment, Andrew.

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    4. Sometimes . . . sometimes I do feel sad that I am not able to express my thoughts as well as Andrew.

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    5. You do very well already, Sean.

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  4. And, "How do we know the dancer from the dance?" That is W. B. Yeats, I believe.

    Hope you keep having a delightful summer. And don't stress yourself about more pictures. A collage of Crow's experiences would be just fine.

    Blessings and Bear hugs!

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    1. I'd forgotten that line, Rob, but it's profound.

      We've been more lucky this summer than last with more temperate weather, but still, it's often to warm for me to sit at my drawing table for long periods. Perhaps I will recycle some of Crow's pictures added to stories we've never shared.

      Best wishes :)

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    2. I'll bet you have lots of pictures and lots of stories. We'll wait for those like the cat who ate the cheese.

      BBh!

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    3. You're one very sweet Bear. Have you been hitting the honey jar again?

      :)

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  5. Quite lovely. The color's give the atmosphere of the setting, at least to me. I like the bells (around ankles), if that's what they are.
    Nice post, I enjoy your blog.

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    1. Thanks, Mike. I'm glad you like my dancer and, yes, those are bells :) Now I just have to hold the color levels together as I go into the next stage.

      I enjoy your blog too.

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  6. Hi Susan,
    I’m not surprised you haven't seen anyone as illustrious as your lovely picture in your travels up and down the beach, but I’m sure in Vienna, city of dreams, that would be a different matter, as she would be visible immediately …..
    I'm in the spell of your charms divine
    Dressed like a queen, with life so gay
    You are the love of my heart today

    Heaven, Vienna mine
    Laughter and music and stars that shine
    Wonderful city where I belong
    To you I sing my song
    best wishes

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    1. A really lovely poem, Lindsay. I can almost hear it in 3/4 time like Strauss's Tales From the Vienna Woods.
      :)

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  7. Gives a whole new meaning to "dancing up a storm!"

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  8. I find it hard to stay focused in the summer.
    the Ol'Buzzard

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    1. There's nothing worse than sticking to your chair while trying to paint.

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  9. Delightful dancer even as she is, lightly sketched like a dream.

    Our summer has been and still is far too hot for me to be creative! I can barely keep the garden and myself watered
    in between visits from family and blogging has crawled to a near halt. Good for you in keeping up your part!

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    1. Thanks, Marja-Leena :) She's far along the way to completion now so you'll be seeing her again soon.

      Long periods of tremendous summer heat aren't typical out there and I do sympathize with the discomfort you've been experiencing. Otherwise, I'm glad to know you've had the loving and entertaining company of your family to share the long days.

      Yes, I've been slower with posts, but still here :)

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  10. First, I love this new drawing! Second, Mencken's fine quote, while discussing "The whole aim of practical politics," could just as easily be describing the whole aim of religion. Third, I am distressed to read about your sunburn. Not good at all. Protect yourself from another happening ever again!

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  11. It's always so nice to see you've been by for a visit, Lydia. I'm happy you like the drawing, particularly because it will soon show up again as a painting.

    I guess Mencken's quote can be applied to all rigid dogmas.

    Thanks for the good wishes about the sunburn. Happily it's better now and I haven't forgotten the sunblock since :)

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