Caffeine. It's a beautiful thing.

While working on the Elevator Project, I sampled Russian Caravan Tea sent to me by a friend. The smoky scent was very strong when I opened the box, but it brewed up rich and subtle, great with honey and a touch of cream.

Those of you who enjoy tea may like to give this a try. Strange, exotic, quickly addicting.

Kestrel Elevator

Flying Kestrel, detail of Orono elevator project. This is almost 16' above the floor of the home.

The Kestrel does have a friend, naturally.

The full results of my time on the scaffold -- a complete scene to replace the former view into a dim, bare elevator shaft.

Why you haven't seen me lately

I've been making art way out west of here, in Orono. That project with the glass elevator -- it is coming along quite well, but I've been getting home late and very tired.

Here is where I'll be today, painting the upper levels:

It's farther along than this, right now; I've got the upper panels base coated and the top of the willow tree sketched in. Will be finishing the tree and adding two kestrels today, but by the time I'm done it will be dark out and photography will be difficult. Photos to come when I'm able to get them.

Florida in January!

That's where I will be, working with my good friend Martha Dodd on a mural project in the first half of January.

I will be sure to post photos. This is going to be so much fun. I don't miss Florida too much but I do miss my friends and family, and January? Good time to be there and not in Minneapolis.

Hazards of Moving

I now have TWO parking tickets from the City of St. Paul, within the last month.

This is because I am a noob who hadn't figured out the rules yet.

*sigh*

I do love it here, though.

The charm of little things

I've got a big, vintage peep-hole window in the door at this new apartment. This is because it's a 1920s building (and makes me feel as if Jeeves and Wooster might show up at my door at any moment).

The design of the tiny window-shutter is so charming. I am going to use it as the basis for a piece of art.

So what's in your world that inspires you or makes you smile? A chair, a cat or dog, an inherited teacup, a pair of old boots? Think about it, notice it. Being creative isn't just about making things; it's also in what we choose to see.

Screwy Little Houses

Screwy Little Houses, found wood pieces, oil paint and wax medium, about 7" high

This is what it looks like when I am purely playing and having fun. These bits of wood were half-buried in the late October leaf litter near ACVR Warehouse in St. Paul. I dug them out, thrilled to find three in one spot, immediately thinking of tiny houses.

They're now at Anita Sue Kolman Gallery at the Northrup King Building, at $35 each or $90 for the set of three. Designed as a group, they hang on a wall and cheerfully keep each other company; I hope they will go on to brighten up a small space for someone this winter.

Anita Sue Kolman Gallery has my art for the holidays!

Several pieces of my original art, starting at just $35, are now available at Anita Sue Kolman Gallery in the Northrup King Building. Come out Saturday 12/4, 12/11 and 12/18 from noon to 4.  I'll be there from 1:00 to 2:00; hope to see you!

Pear Squares #1 and #2, 6 x 6" oil on panel, $50 each. Below, Pleasant Company, one of two Happy Pomegranate paintings, 9 x 12" oil on panel.

Outward Bound

Someday, I'd like to teach workshops on making salvage art.

Outward Bound, 7 x 9" found objects, oil paint, wax medium. By Tracie Thompson, Nov. 2010

This is one of the broken-windchime bluebirds from my grandmother's backyard in La Belle, FL. The breaker box window, I found near an abandoned building in the Everglades, along the old Tamiami Trail.

Hopkins Honda Part Deux!

Detail of Finance Office window. I had such a good time with this.

Scene on the Finance Office window

Entry doors to the Service Area.

Next time I'm in the market for a vehicle, I'll look here first. The people at Hopkins Honda are great, and you can tell they really love working with each other. I always enjoy my time there.