I have to say something. I have been holding it in for too long, and if I don't get it out, I might pop. Why do we think things that are cute or fun are only for children? Why is it that only children get to have fun? People see my paintings and drawings of animals and they say, "Oh! That would be so perfect for a child's room!" Or "You should illustrate a children's book!" Well, I hate to quibble with you people, but I did NOT paint those animals for kids. I painted them for adults. I painted them for me!!! I painted them for YOU!!!! And you know what? I think adults need stuff like this a lot more than kids do. Life gets too darn serious, old, boring and ugly when you grow up. If you aren't careful, you will end up surrounded by plain white walls, grey clothes, and one old, dusty book about something boring and serious that you've already read on your bookshelf. That's why you need me and my art. Because I know how to have fun. I know the value of cute. I understand what cute can do for your outlook on life. Oh yes. I do.
"i love everybody." Oil on canvas, 40 x 40 inches.
And we all could use a little more of it.
There. I said it. Have fun. Giggle. And jump rope for a while. Or swing on swings. And find something Cute! (preferably something with sophisticated shadows, just for an element of truth.)
Wanna see something amazing? Yeah, I knew you did. Watch this:
I've been seeing a lot of roadrunners lately. Yesterday, I was making lunch and I kept hearing this noise. At first, I thought it was just the wind. Then, I realized it wasn't a normal wind sound, so I opened the front door and startled a roadrunner from under the front eaves. I think he/she was after the baby birds that are cheeping away there.
"Sauntering." oil on canvas, 9 x 12 inches.
In other news, I will be the featured artist at the Grateful Desert Herb Shoppe and EcoMarket in downtown Joshua Tree next month. The downtown galleries and shops have events for the Second Saturday each month. So if you find yourself in Joshua Tree on July 12th, from 6 to 8 pm, come on down to the Grateful Desert and say "hello." I will be showing desert animal works only.
I am heading to Seattle soon for one week to film for another online class with Carla and Steve Sonheim. It will be part of the "Art of Silliness" Summer Art Camp, which will begin at the end of July. I will keep you posted here, or you can sign up for my newsletter:
What are you up to so far this summer? Has anyone read any good books lately?
