Monday, November 16, 2009
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8:49 AM
| Posted by
mARTa
The latest editions to my large watercolor moleskine sketchbook that I began this summer while on a road trip through the american southwest. We left Death Valley for a fall visit because we certainly didn't want to visit when it's 125F in the shade!
Friday, October 10, 2008
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7:40 PM
| Posted by
mARTa
We just got back from spending a few days at the beach with friends. The crisp October days were wonderful for walking the shoreline or napping on warm sand. The guys took their fishing poles and we had fun cheering them on when they caught something. This year Joe beat Rudy 3 to 1. But Rudy's one was a large lepard shark so I think it out wins Joe's 3 little sand sharks.
I enjoyed sketching Joe as he set up his pole, the distant coastline where the Western White House (Nixon's) sits, and exploring the colors of the seaweed washed onshore. I haven't forgotten my Guatemala sketches though and will soon find time to get color into those. But tomorrow I leave again for the weekend to Long Beach as I am running a 5k there on Sunday. Wish me luck!
Monday, October 6, 2008
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6:42 PM
| Posted by
mARTa
Oil painting exploration
I had wanted to share my adventure of Guatemala after getting back last Monday but I was barely home a few hours and got really sick with the stomach flu and an upper respiratory infection. I had been looking forward to going out for a nice steak dinner and instead drank Gatoraide and ate rice with broth for 2 days. I am on the road to recovery now and am feeling much better.
Tomorrow we leave for a few days at the beach in our 'casita' (our little trailer). So the Guatemala escapades will have to wait. Well, ok, here's the photo of me and the guys....no explanation needed right?
I spent the week catching up with my french homework and studying for today's test. I also had to catch up in the oil painting class. They were working on painting from a collage that had been put together from magazine images. I quickly put something together and then the instructor tweaked it some more and this was the result.
I really didn't care for the collage but with time slipping away I got started. I soon found that alizarin crimson was too smeary and I was fighting it. My bff Tricia helped me out by pointing out that A.C. being a transparent pigment would not go on smooth and opaque....dah...I should have figured it out myself. Then I went to Jana's blog and knew that it would hold some wise words for me; which it did. So I didn't give up! I finished the painting in the studio today so I'm now all caught up with my school work. Now, I can enjoy the beach for a few days!
I feel bad that I haven't had time to browse the art blogs or leave comments to anyone. I will get back on track soon....I hope!
It's 110. Degrees in the shade so that is why the day spa at the La Quinta Resort is void of people eccept for one crazy woman in a back malliot and her Tilley hat. Oh, that's me! Rudy is here on a gold tournament and I tagged along. I've had a nice pedicure, lunch and will finish off the afternoon with a 'celestial' shower outdoors. No cameras please!
I know I should be painting this fountain, but it's more fun to wade in it.
We had a great time in San Diego the past few days. Annie loved the Georgia O'Keeffe exhibit at the San Diego Museum of Art and the Eleanor Antin Historical Takes exhibit. We had a nice lunch at the Prado overlooking beautiful gardens. Later, Annie had fun watching the koi in the lily pond in front of the Botanical Building while Shon and I sat and sketched .
We grew weary after the long day, deciding to skip the zoo and instead headed to Amy's apartment, which she so graciously offered while she was having fun in Las Vegas with her Seth. We soon fell asleep and woke to a beautiful summer day on Thursday.
Shon and Marta
The morning was cool so we skipped the kayaking and went to the tidepools at Point Loma. Oh what fun we had splashing in the surf and picking up sea shells. Annie a bit disappointed that we couldn't bring them home but satisfied to take photos of our treasures to later sketch and then return them to the ocean.
We finished off the adventure with a drive over the Coronado Bridge and a drive through the area, stopping at a lovely park for lunch under massive trees. Onto Seaport Village for a short shopping trip before heading home.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
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6:38 PM
| Posted by
mARTa
Flash is a wolf dog. I was told that Flash had free reign of the neighborhood of cabins in Tres Ritos, NM. On my first day at the New Mexico cabin Grace wanted to show me the creek and to try my hand at skipping stones with her. On our way there Flash saw us and barked as we came close. He soon ran over to us to check me out. We immediately became best friends and he decided to join us on our excursion.
While Grace and I sat and sketches the wildflowers, Flash roamed the area, ever our protector. Once he was sure the area was safe and free of BEARS, he came and plopped himself down right next to me (smashing the flowers I was sketching). He sat until we were finished and then walked us back to the cabin, ever a gentleman, seeing us safely home.
I sketched this in charcoal from a photo I took of Flash when he sat next to me. I am hoping to get it into a mat soon and send it to Flash's owner, Shirley.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
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2:18 PM
| Posted by
mARTa
You can go to Dianne's blog for a detailed description of our weekend trip to Long Beach, Ca. She is correct in that I got more sleep than she did but after joining her for lunch on Saturday I headed to the aquarium and while waiting in line I began to feel queasy. Unlike that hangover feeling, this was something I ate. I decided not to spend the money to sketch at the aquarium and instead headed for a restroom and then just tried to keep hydrated. I sat at the lighthouse and people watched and did a couple of sketches. Then I wandered to the bookstore and relaxed in the a/c till Dianne's class was over. We had a fun weekend and of course we didn't really get drunk, just happy! This is a photo of Dianne at the show; in case she's denying she was there:
Here is a view of the harbor from our hotel room:
and here is my sketch of the Queen Mary, as she sits docked for eternity it seems.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
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5:52 PM
| Posted by
mARTa
On our first day at the cabin Grace and I went for a walk to the creek. She wanted to show me how she skipped stones in the water and I gave it a try also. Once we'd exhausted our supply of small flat stones I sat to do some sketching. Of course I had extra supplies along in case Grace wanted to sketch; which she did
.
We sat in a clump of wild geraniums and choose those for our subject. We used the scrap wc paper I had brought along for her and my travel set of Neocolours. We quickly lost ourselves in conversation while we sketched. The wolf-dog that had accompanied us on our walk finally came and plopped himself down next to me. I had a new friend.
Monday, July 21, 2008
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6:57 AM
| Posted by
mARTa
click on sketch above to see all the New Mexico photos on Flickr
I am home and feeling much more relaxed and rejuvenated. It's amazing what a little r&r can do. I spent most of my time at my sister Marissas cabin in northern New Mexico. I had plenty of time to sketch/paint, hike, take lots of photos, knit and spend time with my Gracie, who at 11 years old still enjoys time with her nina mARTa.
I had no encounters with bears but the local dogs and squirrels came to welcome me to the woods. The flower fairies dressed for the occasion with their finest display of color and foliage. The birds all came out to sing and from the creek came a steady rhythm as it ebbed and flowed through the meadow.
Of course being a city girl, after a few days I was more than ready to come back to civilization: which for me is my iphone, city sites and the morning news!
Marissa, Terry, Elliott, Sara and Grace,
Thank you so very much for putting up with me. Now that I'm home I am realizing just how beneficial this break was for me. I love the cabin and the beauty that surrounds it. I know you will all enjoy it for many years to come. I loved spending time with all of you but my favorite time had to be the beautiful hike we did that last day up there. I am missing all of you. much love, nina
Very, very quick sketch done in less than 2 minutes! The cable car was loading people at the turnaround so it wasn't moving. I added the color at home.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
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12:43 PM
| Posted by
mARTa
For the holidays Amy's boyfriend, Seth put together this DVD of our trip to Europe in October 2007. What a special gift! It's taken me a few months but I figured out how to copy it into my itunes library and into Youtube. Hope I did it right and you can all see and enjoy it!
Monday, December 17, 2007
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4:12 PM
| Posted by
mARTa
The studio is now open. The flow of creativity should begin soon as all supplies are close at hand, yet neatly stored. In this space I can draw, paint, read, watch television, work on my computer, listen to music, do yoga, make sketchbooks, knit socks, make quilts, sleep and dream.
mARTa's B & B
Located in sunny southern California, mARTa's Studio is just a little over an hour away from so. California's best sights and attractions. Within a short time you can be splashing on the shores of some of the Pacific Coast's best beaches or be playing in the snow in the local San Bernardino Mountains. Maybe a desert oasis surrounded by majestic palm trees is your dream or visiting some of the country's best museums in Los Angeles, Orange or San Diego areas. And of course Disneyland is less than an hour away.
The studio is a spacious 12x12 foot room which can accommodate two people with a double sofa bed, wi-fi Internet access, radio and television. All bedding and linens provided. Bathroom down the hall with tub/shower combo. Breakfast consists of freshly squeezed Blood Orange juice (when in season), a pot of hot coffee and assortment of breads and pastries. Champagne and chocolate on request for certain guests (Casey). Also for your pleasure the jacuzzi is open year round and the swimming pool is warm enough from May through October. And for friends like Gabi, come on now, little kids can sleep downstairs on the floor!
The best part of staying at mARTa's B&B studio is that it is totally free of charge!!!! Only condition is that I get to tag along for all the fun! We can go sketch, paint plein air, shop, eat, shop, take day trips, shop and take a break for massages at the day spa!
Several weeks notice is required so I can get the time off work!!!
So Casey, Ronell, Sandy, Deborah, Robyn, Sharon, Anita, Gabi, Wendee, Sherrie, Knitting Painter Woman and Natalie..... Come on over!!!
Today we got up early, had a good breakfast and set out for sightseeing. We were still tired as with the time change it has been difficult for all of us to get back in sync with our internal body clocks. After breakfast onto Victoria Station to buy 3 day travel cards and take the LONDON TUBE to The Tower of London where we were facinated by so much history. I especially liked the suits of armour and took some good photos.
Then a ride on the Thames from The Tower Bridge to Westminster where we spotted Big Ben, The Houses of Parliment and went into Westminster Abby. We then walked to Trafalger Square passing no. 10 Downing Street and sat ourselves down for a nice lunch at the National Gallery's cafe. We were done...so sleepy that we will leave the tour of the National Gallery for another day.......back to the B&B and we all took long naps....Adam is still asleep...we left him a not:)
gotta run......ciao...untill next time I check in!
Yeah! I found internet access........yippy! ok, but I have to be quick.....We arrived safely though a bit late with no time to rest. We were hungry and so tired. We wandered a short way and found the Traveler's Tavern where Adam and Amy ordered 4 pints and some fish and chips. I normally don't like beer but it was good......London..we are here.
Monday, October 8, 2007
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5:18 PM
| Posted by
mARTa
Hello everyone! Tomorrow Rudy, Adam, Amy and I take off for a trip to Europe. Adam is joining us for the first 9 days to London and Rome, Amy continues on with us through Florence, Barcelona and Paris and flies home 6 days before Rudy and I come back around November 2nd.
I am hoping to update my art blog mARTa's art as we travel from city to city with stories and hopefully some sketches or photos of where we are. If you'd like to follow along check the blog every few days... or not...I won't be offended if you just delete my emails!
I've already posted some sketches of our trip preparations and looks like we are all set to go. I have caught a cold and am taking my airborn and drinking lots of fluids. Hopefully it will pass soon.
This week we arrive in London on Wednesday around 3pm local time. Just in time to get settled in and take ourselves out for a bite to eat and check out our surroundings. We are staying at the Elizabeth B&B near Victoria station, a good starting off point for much of our sight seeing.
Wish us a good flight and good health and I'll check in again soon!
marta
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I am a 52 year old middle age woman (middle because I plan to live to be 100 years old!). I pursue a passionate life and savor every moment I am here. I have been given many gifts of family, love, vocation and talent. I love people, especially the young children with cancer whom I am privledged to care for as a pediatric oncology RN. I balance the difficult work I do with fun things like traveling to far away places, learning new languages ( I speak 4 now), knitting, quilting, reading, and being an outdoor girl: hiking, kayaking and camping. Just sketching and painting my way through the world before me. I hope you enjoy your visit here.
