the ballet

I had the opportunity to see the Russian National Ballet Theatre company dance the full-length in four acts Swan Lake.

I wish that I could describe how much this affected me. I was transported by the performance. I forgot where I was for an evening and floated, whirled, and soared. Those amazing artists make an activity which must be incredibly difficult look as easy as blowing a feather about.

I held my moleskin sketchbook in my lap and tried to capture something of the line, but it was really happening way too fast for me.

and another

Tropical flower, as common as sand and a beach towel in warmer places.

I could just paint these all day.

another family portrait sketch

Holiday time is great because I can force my family members to pose for me. They might not be too patient but sometimes they don't have anywhere else to go and I can sketch away.

Thanks to all my family for being my models.

a boy and then a man

A portrait from this past week.

A young man in that fascinating transition time.

in my mind

I am still in Florida in my mind.

It is really cold and dark here in Chicago.
Another small watercolor sketch from the deck overlooking a lagoon on a very sunny warm day last week.

I am not making excuses, I like this sketch, but I forgot to pack a brush with my watercolor pan set and had to make do with an 80 cent hardware brush with plastic bristles. I happily painted in the sunshine anyway.

a new start for all

Happy New Year to all my friends and fellow bloggers.

Thanks to some hospitable family friends, I was able to spend Christmas in paradise-that is Florida. Now I am back in the reality that is Chicago in January.

It is that wonderful time to think up lots of new ideas for a fresh new start.

Here is a small plein air watercolor painted at my friend's home last week.