Winter Distractions

This photo is not me getting ready to go skiing, but getting ready to go shoveling. Again. But I have been planning a new still life, and my canvas is prepped and ready to go for Monday. In the meantime, below is a photo - actual size, on my screen - of a mini (3x3!) drawing I did of a local farm. This drawing, along with other drawings by members of the New England Chapter of the Colored Pencil Society of America (CPSA), will be part of a collage that will be shown at the Annual CPSA Convention in Dallas, TX this July. I did this on sanded paper, so some of the details are rough... but it definitely has the overall feel of Peter's Farm in the summer. And it made me forget about the snow for a little while.

Vacation Confession

I feel a little guiltly admitting this since September marks the beginning of school and work for many people, but I have to come clean - I have been on vacation in Hawaii for about a week and a half! I had a last minute opportunity to go with my husband that I couldn't pass up. It's partly a work trip, but I am definitely doing my fair share of relaxing. I am feeling a little antsy to get back to my artwork now, but I am looking at this trip as a good oppotunity to recharge my batteries and maybe use some of the sights I see as inspiration for future work.

I have never been to Hawaii before, and I am truly blown away by the beautiful views, in addition to the gorgeous weather. The first photo above is me amidst other tourists on a boat tour around the island of Kauai. The second photo shows a view from the boat of the island cliffs with peaks so high that they pierced the clouds above.

Summer Distractions

Since I didn’t blog at all last week, and I decided to take the time to write about some of the summer distractions that have been competing for my attention. Here are a few of my favorite places:

York Beach, Maine: Probably my favorite summertime destination for its low-key New England feel and two beaches: “Long Sands” for the serious surf and sand seeker, and the more quaint “Short Sands” surrounded by charming shops including the Goldenrod, famous for their salt water taffy.

Ogunquit, Maine: Another favorite beach, with a scenic mile-long walk along the coast leading to Perkins Cove, which is lined with boutiques and restaurants.
Newbury Street, Boston: This is my pick for the ultimate in shopping, people-watching, and al-fresco dining.

Watertown, Massachusetts: Culturally diverse, Watertown is rich in ethnic food markets and bakeries; I go to pick up Armenian goodies like lahmejune and baklava. Watertown is also home to the Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA), containing the largest collection of Armenian artifacts in North America. (This is also related to the piece I am currently working on… more about that soon.)

Mystic Country, Connecticut/Rhode Island: I have not been yet this year, but I am looking forward to going back for the beautiful beaches and the numerous wineries, some of which offer tours.

Kittery, Maine: Besides being close to York and Ogunquit (see above), this town has some of the best outlet shopping I have ever seen. I figure I can do some early Christmas shopping, and get a little something for myself with the money I have saved.

Hampton Beach, New Hampshire: When I have a craving for a crowded beach complete with a boardwalk lined with shops selling fried dough, pizza, ice cream, and fudge, Hampton hits the spot. Also located on the boardwalk is the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom where I recently saw comedian/impressionist Frank Caliendo (if laughter is good for your health, I’m pretty sure seeing this show added 10+ years to my life!)

Well, I could go on and on, but I should get back to art. Readers, please feel free to add comments about your favorite summertime destinations!