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Woody's January 09 Blog began March 2007 about me |
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Click Here To See Where Woody's Watercolors Are On Exhibit in 2009
click on any photo with a blue border for a larger image
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 6 x 4 inch watercolor |
Working Small (1/31): This morning I made some progress on my miniature paintings. My format is 6 x 4 inches (24 square inches) which meets the rules for miniatures. But, the poppies in my compositions may still be too large to fit the requirements for a "real" miniatures according to MasterWorks of New Mexico. So, I'll keep painting and work even smaller. I plan to paint 15 of these small watercolors and then hang it up because this is a real pain. |
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| Goodbye to January (1/30): One month down and I've already posted over 70 pics on this blog. That's not counting all the images I've linked to. I really wonder if some folks (on dial up) could even load this page. My site has had 1450 hits since last November - but those computers must be on broadband. Miniature Watercolors: This morning I'm going to try painting miniatures. It's a new thing for me. MasterWorks has a section just for miniatures. They are judged from the actual paintings so I have another month to paint some little bitty paintings. Below is how far I got this morning. I started five little watercolors this morning - I plan to do fifteen before I give this up.  the photos I'm working from are above each painting |
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| Blast From The Past (1/29): I met Yeoh Jin Leng in 1989 at an Asian Pacific Arts Conference in Columbia, Missouri. I had lost contact with my friend in Malaysia years ago. But thanks to Google and the internet we are back in touch. Jin Leng has long received worldwide recognition as artist and sculptor. He was born in and schooled in Ipoh, Malaysia, he completed his education (which included teaching qualifications) at The Chelsea School of Art and Courtauld Institute. His work has been exhibited all over the world and he has received awards and prizes in many countries, including Malaysia, the UK, USA, France, Germany and Japan. He has also represented Malaysia as an artist and cultural ambassador around the world and at UNESCO. His current artistic interest are on themes related to the cosmological and aesthetic foundations of art of an Asian origin. In Columbia, I was giving a presentation on the art program I had developed at my Middle School in Kansas City. I also had a couple of watercolors on exhibit at the conference. Artists and teachers from countries around the Asian rim, as well as the US were in attendance. This was right after the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 so the delagation from China did not show. I made many friends at that conference in Columbia. We were to choose between visits to the art museums in St. Louis or Kansas City. I remember suggesting to Jin that he go on the bus to the Nelson in Kansas City because of the large collection of Henry Moore Sculptures. Jin said he would be going to St. Louis because he had studied with Moore while in England. This made me very aware of the quality of the many Asian visitors to Columbia. Jin Leng is now 80, living in Kuala Lumpur, and remains quite productive. He is currently part of a major exhibit in Napels, Italy. Jin has a daughter living in Italy. If you want to read more about the spirit and passion behind Jin's art CLICK HERE. Below I posting a drawing by Jin from his Napels exhibition as well as one of his sculptures on display.
 Jeganathan Ramachandram (left) and Yeoh Jin Leng in a crossing of artistic and spiritual paths. |
 Yeoh Jin Leng |
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 The Rio Wildlife O.K. Harris Rio Grande Aquarium |
Public Art (1/26): I'm on the docent travel committee at the museum. Today we finalized plans for a bus tour of the public art installations around the city of Albuquerque. I also discovered that the city website has posted a link to "Flicker" where photos of the communities public art is posted. Like many cities the art is funded through the 1 % for art program established in 1978. It's great to live in such a progressive community. An amazing quanity and quality of public art abounds through out the city of Albuquerque. CLICK HERE for a link to public art on flicker.  Albuquerque Sunport |
 Yucca I-40 East |
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Gigapixel Panoramic Inauguration View: Fantastic - check this out - and he created it all on his mac laptop
Just click on the image - then you can zoom in anywhere in the crowd
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| Saturday Morning Painters: This morning several watercolor artists will start painting together again at the La Mesa Church. It will be good to be back to painting with my Saturday friends again. Perhaps I can finish my watercolor of "Little Miss Sunshine" this morning. I'm taking my watercolors of "Blossom" in the snow for critique. I didn't get my painting finished this morning - but I did make a good bit of progress. One photo shows the painting as I was working on it this morning. The other pic shows the painting after I peeled of the frisket which was keeping certain areas white. Now it's ready for the finishing touches. Hopefully, tomorrow - I can finish the painting so I can enter it into MasterWorks of New Mexico. Just Today, I received notice that all three of my entries into Western Federation of Watercolor Societies exhibition in San Diego were rejected. So I'm free to enter them elsewhere.
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 click to enlarge for details |
Taos Watercolor Workshop 2009 (1/22): As most people know, who read my blog, I've been driving to Taos, New Mexico, every June since 1985. The drive is much shorter now that I live in New Mexico - but the reason is the same. I go to paint watercolors with my friends at the annual Watercolor Workshop sponsored by Adams State College. This year the week long workshop runs June 14th through the 20th. As before it will be held at the beautiful and historic Sagebrush Inn in Taos. Ken and Louise Blair, Sagebrush owners, are fantastic hosts and the meals are to die for. Warning - You will put on pounds. Still - Consider joining us this June. |
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Does Your Battery Need A Re-Charge ? |
Feedback (1/21): I hope Amy does not mind - but I'm posting the content of her recent e-mail to me: "Hi, Woody! I wanted to let you know that as a result of your printmaking workshop at the NAEA convention in New Orleans last year, I ordered some Dick Blick water-soluble Screen Printing ink in magenta, cyan, and yellow to use with my elementary students. I’ve used them so far with a class of 4th graders, who made styrofoam plate prints of paisley designs, inspired by India, for our International Children’s Day art show. They loved layering the colors they way you taught us in the workshop. I don’t have photos yet, but hopefully soon. I really like the inks, and am thankful to you for introducing me to them as a product, and to the technique of brayering them on in order to create highly interesting and unique coloration of relief prints. Thank you for continuing to stay engaged in art education, and for all you do to share ideas and support teachers. Your influence is wider than could ever be measured. Are you headed to Minnesota this year? Amy in TN" Sorry, Amy - I'm not attending the NAEA National Conference - not this year. I do encourage art teachers to attend these conferences whenever possible. If one can not attend the national - Please, do plan to attend your state art conferences. These conferences are a wonderful resources to recharge your art teacher batteries. |
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| New White House Web Site CLICK HERE |
What A Crowd: I stitched together satellite photos of yesterdays inauguration of Obama. I'll have to wait to find out if our neighbors really got to the mall. If they made it - perhaps they can find themselves in the photo. Click on the photo below to see a larger version.  click on the photo for a better view |
 Cool Photo CHARLES DHARAPAK / AP Seattle Times |
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Watercolor Demos (1/20): Last nights watercolor society meeting had several demos going on at the same time. This new experimental format went over so well that we may try to do it once every year. What a great way to learn.  Day of Service: Obama ask that yesterday be a national day of service. He even put in his personal labor to back up his words yesterday. As a retired teacher who volunteers for three organizations, I'd urge a "life of service" for other teachers when they retire. Put your skills to work for the rest of your life. Just last night I finished editing the February newsletter for the New Mexico Watercolor Society. Next I'll tackle updating the website for the New Mexico Art Education Association. Next Tuesday I'm giving two tours for elementary students at the Albuquerque Museum. The best thing about being a volunteer is meeting the host of other great people who are doing the same thing. |
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 click on pic above for entire "I Have a Dream" Speech youtube video 17 min |
Obama Arts Platform (1/19): The Obama administration released its platform supporting the arts & culture. Below are the key points of the platform. Click Here for the full report. Reinvest in Arts Education: Expand public/private partnerships between schools & arts organizations; Create an artists corps; Publicly champion the importance of arts education. Support Increased Funding for the NEA: Since 1992, government funding for the NEA has fallen from $175 million annually to $125 million. Promote Cultural Diplomacy: Expand public/private partnerships to expand culture and arts exchanges around the world. Attract Foreign Talent: Streamline the visa process to encourage foreign artists and art students to come to the U.S. Provide Health Care to Artists: Finding affordable health coverage is often a huge obstacle to artists and the creative community. Ensure Tax Fairness for Artists: The Obama administration supports the Artist-Museum Partnership Act, which amends the IRS code to allow artists to deduct the market value of their work when they make a charitable deduction. |
 by Ben Heine |
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 Wilmington, Delaware |
Obama Headed to Washington, DC (1/17): It's really going to happen !! President-elect Barack Obama is on a train bound for Washington, where he'll take the oath of office on Tuesday to become the nation's 44th president. The 137-mile journey from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Washington, D.C. -- retraces the train route taken by his hero Abraham Lincoln as he traveled to assume the presidency in 1861. We will be watching the inauguration from our warm comfortable living room. We ask our friends who are planning to be at the inauguration to send us a photo. |
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| Blossom in the Snow (1/16): I finished the second watercolor of my dog (Blossom) in the snow back in Kansas. I took the photos I used as reference in Christmas 2007. That's when we got Blossom as a present from the triplets. Each Friday morning I paint with friends at the Unitarian Church on Carlisle. Just a bunch of NMWS members getting together to paint and discuss politics.  Proud Puppy Posing in the Snow |
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 I just had to share this comic that was in the Albuquerque Journal this morning. |
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 Andrew Wyeth |
Andrew Wyeth: An icon of American Art passed away Today. Andrew Wyeth died in his sleep at his home in Chadds Ford, he was 91 years old. The Wyeth Dynasty began with Andrew's father N. C. Wyeth and continues with Andrew's son Jamie Wyeth. The Wyeth clan even extends to New Mexico. Andrew's sister Henriette Wyeth, married New Mexico artist Peter Hurd and moved to the wild west. Henrietta died in 1997. They had a son, artist Michael Hurd who continues as an artist in New Mexico. Michael Hurd Henriette Wyeth Family Tree |
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 sign you name |
109,297 Total Signatures To Date (1/15): Thank You: When Quincy Jones started a petition to ask President-Elect Obama to appoint a Secretary of the Arts - I wondered how on line petitions worked. The list of signatories are updated continuously. You may go to the site and view the lists of names. It's interesting to read the comments that some people included. Please take a moment to sign this petition and much more importantly - Please pass it on to your friends and colleagues so they too can sign this important request. |
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Tribute to Janis Joplin (1/14): click on the pic for a youtube tribute to janis joplin "Photos of Janis Joplin set to the song from the movie 'The Rose' by Bette Midler" |
for the real voice of janis joplin click photo below  "Try A Little Harder" |
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| Watercolor Exhibits: This morning I'm dropping off two watercolors for an exhibit at the Loma Colorado Library in Rio Rancho. This is another Alternate Spaces exhibition for the members of the NMWS. The opening reception will this Saturday, from 2 to 4 pm. Also on Saturday, I need to pick up two other of my watercolors from another Alternate Spaces exhibit at the Kimo Theater. Alternate Spaces exhibits are not juried so each member decides what work to exhibit. To see the watercolors I selected for display CLICK HERE.
NMWS Members Hanging Art At The Rio Rancho Library |
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New Curator of Art (1/13): The Albuquerque Museum of Art & History announced it's new Curator of Art, Andrew Connors. Connors, a resident of Albuquerque, graduated from Yale University with a degree in art history and architecture, and did graduate studies at George Washington University in Washington D.C. He was a curator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, in Washington, D.C. for 14 years where he established the Hispanic and Latino collections, organized numerous exhibitions, developed educational programming, and lectured widely both nationally and internationally. In Albuquerque, he was the founding Curator of Visual Art at the National Hispanic Cultural Center from 1999-2006, and in 2006 became Chair of the Visual Arts Department at Albuquerque Academy where he teaches studio art and art history. Connors is a familiar face in the Albuquerque arts community and has served on local arts boards and committees as well as a number of national advisory groups. |
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| What Kids Will Say !! We took 2nd graders through the museum today. It was a really bright group - asking and answering lots of questions. We were looking at a sculpture by an Hispanic artist of the dash of a "Lowrider" automobile. Kids love this piece. I ask these 2nd graders what this kind of car was called - one cute little girl responded: "It's a Pimpmobile". The parents along got a real hoot out of her response. |
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Were You Invited ? A good friend of ours, in Georgia, sent me a copy of her invitation to next weeks inauguration. She won't be attending but shared a pic of her invite. I assume I won't be getting an invite because I gave my money to John Edwards rather than Barack. I did attend neighborhood meetings for Barack and canvass neighborhoods for him. But, my only money was for bumper stickers. So, I'll be watching the entire event on TV - which is best anyway. As Frani and I walked yesterday, we bumped into friends who are attending the inauguration. They were breaking in their new walking shoes. I hope the shoes are comfortable - they will be on their feet alot in DC. |
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 "Take Five" |
Trompe I'oeil (1/12): Today, docents had an introductory walk through of the 40 Year Retrospective of Gary Erbe's paintings now at the Albuquerque Museum. Erbe is a self-taught artist who has carried the trompe l'oeil style of painting in a new and unique direction. I'm not especially a fan of Erbe's work - but a few pieces grabbed my attention. That his canvas titled "Take Five" echoes Picasso's "Three Musicians" is obvious. Romare Bearden played on the same image with "Three Folk Musicians" . So too, I was drawn to the work by Erbe titled "Virtuoso" which recalls the early cubist work by both Picasso and Braque. This exhibition will run through February 15th. Cathy Wright, Albuquerque Museum Director, led the docents through the Gary Erbe exhibition this morning.  Docents Tour the Gary Erbe Exhibit |
 "Virtuoso" |
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Arts in Schools (1/11): A
friend on an Art Educators List Serve pointed out that the January 2009
issue of Principal Magazine is dedicated to the Arts. You can read the
articles on line at: http://www.naesp.org/Principal_Magazine.aspx
Below are a few quotes from Gail Connelly, Executive Director of NAESP (National Association of School Principals) She says: "arts education does for children by enabling them to draw upon their use of the visual, dramatic and musical arts in constructing new dimensions of meaning that enhance their learning. Volumes of research attest to the positive impact of the arts on teaching and learning, and to the value of arts education in discovering talents, stimulating academic interests, and awakening an awareness of the vast possibilities of life. Using the arts in teaching unleashes the potential of the creative mind." She also sites writings: "such as Thomas Friedman’s vision of a “flat world” and Daniel Pink’s idea that everyone needs to tap into A Whole New Mind, speak to the appreciation and demand for artistic talents. For example, Harvard education professor Howard Gardner predicts that the most useful talents in the future will include creativity and awareness and appreciation of difference—skills that are developed and strengthened by learning through the arts." Yet her final comment strikes home best: "Yes, we need arts education for academics’ sake. And, yes, we also need arts education for the global economy’s sake. But, most of all, we need arts education in our schools for goodness sake!" Thank You, Gail Connelly - I just hope every principal reads this important issue. |
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 Quincy Jones |
Secretary of the ARTS: Quincy Jones has started a petition to ask President-Elect Obama to appoint a Secretary of the Arts. While many other countries have had Ministers of Art or Culture for centuries, The United States has never created such a position. We in the arts need this and the country needs the arts--now more than ever. Please take a moment to sign this petition and then pass it on to your friends and colleagues.
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 Costa Rica |
Keeping in Touch With Friends (1/10): I just heard news from a friend in Atlanta that her architect husband lost his job. Construction is down and jobs are being lost everywhere. The economy is just a bunch of statistics until it hits home. Frani an I are lucky that our checks keep coming in retirement. I do believe a large part of the problem with the economy is caused by the government and the media scaring folks so much that they have stopped spending. Not that the economy isn't in trouble - it is. But our economy depends heavily upon consumer spending. And people have been told to stop spending. It's a vicious circle. I'm also getting regular e-mails from Jan Hart. Jan is a watercolorist who recently relocated from Espanola, New Mexico to Costa Rica. She is one brave lady to make this big move at 66. Jan was a frequent visitor to Costa Rica having conducted annual workshops down there. Now she really needs to learn Spanish. Jan bought a small house and is having a dish installed so she won't miss Obama's inauguration. She is also having an aviary built onto her house.   Jan's View at Sunset and the Start of Her Aviary Jan
did a couple of watercolor workshops for us here in Albuquerque. She is
a great teacher. If any of her friends in New Mexico wish to contact
her - just check the contact information on her website.
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 Georgia |
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 Finished Watercolor |
Back to Painting (1/9): I finally got back to painting this morning. I had not picked up a brush since mid December. This morning I finished one of the watercolors of Blossom playing in the snow that I started in December. I took my reference photos of Blossom, back in Kansas, when we got her as a Christmas present back in 2007.  Blossom in Snow |
 Blossom Resting |
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| Mountain in the Clouds (1/6): This morning, as I left to register my new car, I shot a photo of our mountain poking through the clouds. The white towers atop the Sandias are radio and microwave towers. Today I made my 3rd and 4th trip to the New Mexico MVD to get my new car registered. I finally got all of my paperwork straight - so now my car has a legal License.  Our Mountain in the Clouds |
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| Polish Ladies (1/5): When we were back in Kansas, we drove into Kansas City to visit with Frani's mom. Tiffanie and Tess went along for the visit. I took the photo below of the four beautiful Polish ladies. Tiffanie is on the left and Tess is on the right.  Three Generations of Polish Pride |
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The Two Wolves Within Each of Us: Being a small part Cherokee myself, I thought I'd pass on this little bit of wisdom below. One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside all people. He said, 'My son, the battle is between two 'wolves' inside us all. One wolf is Evil: It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other wolf is Good: It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.' The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: 'Which wolf wins ?' The old Cherokee simply replied, 'The one you feed.' The question we should ask ourselves is: Which wolf are we feeding ? |
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 Todays Snow in our Front yard |
Snowing in Albuquerque (1/4): We hurried back from Kansas because we feared the winter storms which were forecast. It was bright, sunny and warm as we drove into Albuquerque yesterday. This morning it began snowing in Albuquerque. Of course it is melting as in hits the ground. Frani was in hope of getting to shovel the snow. If the snow sticks it will be beautiful - but nothing like the fog - frozen onto the trees as we drove across Kansas.  frozen trees in kansas Dirty Car:
The major problem with today's snow in Albuquerque is not being able to wash my mini-van. It's loaded with dirt and mud from those rural roads in Kansas. I need to run it through a decent car wash to get all the dirt and salt off the underside of my vehicle. |
 Snow In Our Backyard |
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Making Bread Pudding for Christmas: Holidays are the best time of the year to create and eat foods you love. Frani and Shari made some wonderful "Bread Pudding" for Christmas. It's an old recipe that Frani's been using for years. CLICK HERE for a link to the recipe. <<< Tess Helping Grandma Cook |
 Shari Mixing Up Bread Pudding |
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 christmas music |
Back From Kansas (1/03): After a wonderful Christmas with the grandkids, we are back at home in Albuquerque. The 800 mile drive to Kansas was well worth another chance to see how much the grandkids have grown. We made the trip there in two days. The second day we drove all day, getting to Eastern Kansas, through fog but luckily avoided any ice. It's good to be home - now I can post some memories of our visit. Tiffanie loves her Precious Moments >>>
<<< Tess practices her Christmas Music "click on Tess to hear her play" click on any photo with a blue border for a larger image
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 precious christmas |
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Three New Fishermen Adrian, Damien & Isaiah our great-grandsons |
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Entertainment in the Country: In rural Kansas, they have lots of TV via satellite as well as lots of video games. But real down to earth entertainment is right outside. If you have table scraps - just toss them out to the chickens. Rather than recycle - just set fire to the extra stuff and enjoy watching it burn. Just click on the copies of my little movies to watch the shows. <<< click on pics right & left to watch movies >>>
 New Years Bon Fire |
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 Buddy's 1st Cookbook |
Buddy's A Good Cook Too: Here is a photo of our son Buddy's first cook book. He saved it from 1975. Now he is teaching his children to love cooking. I shot the pic (Below) of Buddy going over recipes with his daughter Tess.  What shall we cook for dinner today ? |
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