This just in: Swine flu is NO FUN.

I've been pretty much flattened for a week now. Mental function practically nonexistent.

This, however, cheers me up tremendously:

MUPPET BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

The other vids from the Muppet Studios folks are lots of fun, too, but I've been wanting a Muppet version of this song for ... enough years to qualify me for Serious High-Level Dorkdom.

Culture

On Sunday, 11/15, I went to Tea with Tarts and Tartuffe, an outing organized by Twin Cities TOSCA. Their events are always a lot of fun, and I got to learn a little about Moliere and watch a collegiate production of Tartuffe, which was a hoot.

The sketches are about 3" x 5", done in ballpoint pen in my little Moleskine notebook during the play. I was very taken with the costumes ans characters, so I did my best to catch a little of the feeling of them, and these are the results.

More Fruitiness!

Pleasant Company (Happy Pomegranates #2), oil on panel, 9" x 12"

Finished early this afternoon.

Fresh produce

Above, Happy Pomegranates, oil on panel, 9" x 12".

Below, Pear Friends, oil on panel, 18" x 18", by commission.

Extremely Minnesota Show!

Three of my pieces have been accepted into the annual Extremely Minnesota juried show at Robbin Gallery!

Opening reception is this Sunday, Nov. 8th, from 2 to 4 pm.

Hope to see you there! I saw some of the other submissions when I entered my pieces, and the quality was outstanding. I'm honored to have been included.

Workshop announcement

I have a painting workshop scheduled!

Turn Your Photos into Paintings

Saturday, Nov. 21st, 10:30 am - 4:30 pm at Maple Grove Arts Center, Maple Grove, MN.

You bring a photo you love, and I'll show you how to transform it into an original, expressive painting in oil or acrylic. Some painting experience is helpful, but beginners are welcome.

$65 tuition; bring your own materials.

Examples of the process, workshop outline, and materials list are HERE.

Drawings from the weekend

Below, a drawing I made yesterday around 5:30 pm, standing near the lake. I really love this tree, and have been looking at it for most of the year. I've already started a small painting based on this sketch.



The other drawing is from Saturday afternoon. I spent the weekend at my friend's house, babysitting Greyhounds while she and her husband were out of town. One of the things I enjoy is the chance to draw the dogs, who are such fantastic models. This is a sketch of Biscuit, who moved before I could finish her face properly. I still like the drawing.