Thursday, May 21, 2009

Two reptiles and a painting


I took a break from the studio today. I should have spent the day cleaning and organizing my studio, but instead, I spent the day outside, digging in the dirt and working in the yard. It was a good day to be outside, since it isn't too terribly hot yet (about 88 degrees F for the high). Plus, I had a few plants that really needed to get into the ground. I pretty much wore myself out, but you will be happy to know that I was wearing sunscreen and lots of it. Maybe tomorrow I will manage to clean the house and the studio.



We have seen tortoises pretty much every day. I LOVE that. I think I am addicted to the tortoises, because even with two or sometimes three sightings a day, I cannot resist squatting down to say "hello" and take a couple of photos. Yesterday, we also saw a horned toad. They are so well camouflaged, it would be easy to step on one. Even in this photo, you can see how well they blend with their environment. They aren't as quick as the other lizards I see. Obviously, or I would have photos of other kinds of lizards. These horned toads are the only things slow enough (besides the tortoise), for me to get a photo. Hmm...I wonder if a horned toad is considered a toad or a lizard?? They look more like lizards, even though they are called "toads". I will do some research and get back to you. I haven't given up on the idea of a nice lizard photo. If I get one, be assured that you will be the first to see it!!

Yesterday was another long day in the studio. It may not have been as triumphant as the day before, but I managed a slightly overworked third painting to act as a triptych with the two I posted on Tuesday. I will post a photo when it dries a bit. I also mangled a small painting, and then did this one. It is oil on canvas, measuring 16 x 12 inches. I used the same colors on this small one as I did on those larger three, and I must say I am enjoying the colors.



A special thank you goes out to my friend, Nancy Medina, for mentioning my work in her blog and for all of her incredible support and comments. Thanks, Nancy! You rock my world. Welcome to all of you who find me through Nancy's blog!

8 comments:

pRiyA said...

so you see tortoises just sauntering past where you live. gee!

Guzzisue said...

88 degrees - thats about as hot as it gets here all summer!! tortoises always seem to have faces full of character don't they?

Archie and Melissa said...

hi karine!
oh i love seeing windows into your world. the sesert is beautiful and so are your new paintings!

L.Holm said...

Hi, Karine - wonderful photos, and accompanying description. It must be amazing to have these guys wander by. Congrats on tackling the planting. The thought of cleaning my own studio makes me want to lie down. Beautiful colors in your painting.
Liz

Jean Levert Hood said...

I love your blog and your paintings, Karine! Your love of what is around you comes through in your pictures and writings.

Linda O'Neill said...

Cute and reptile don't seem to go together but they do here! Nice shots, Karine.

Your painting is beautiful...It's so interesting to see how your work is changing because of living in the desert. It's taken on a more ethereal, mysterious quality to it. I love what you're doing!!

ArtPropelled said...

Enjoying this peep into your day. Tortoises and horned toads; New abstracts out the old.

julie king said...

this is evocative of an opening in a wall that has no door. the lit hallway is calling me to enter and immerse myself in the sunlight. it speaks to me. can you tell? it is quite lovely.