The 'Mary' in Terry, pastel #2, step 2

(pastel in progress on La Carte pastel board, 19 1/2" x 25 1/2")

My thanks to all of you who commented on my blog while I was taking a brief break!

Early Influences

In my early life there was only one occasion when I got to stay up late in my jammies and watch two painters....when my Mom decided to sit down alongside my Grandma Conner and try to learn from watching her how to paint. I thought it was very exciting, their paintings thrilled me, and I will always remember it as a time that was an important influence upon my early life as a painter.

Money Matters

Read this article: Finding Money For Your Dreams

I got sick on my 'vacation at home' and it slowed me down enough so that just when I needed some connecting information on the topic of artist grant applications, this excellent article caught my eye. Thanks Mira of Mira's List!

Returning to blogging soon, but I'm in the midst of a two-week break for re-organizing, hosting several special guests who I'm really looking forward to seeing---some old friends and my Florida cousin are coming to town, and this week to enjoy the three days of festivities when Amma, my Indian guru is here in NYC, including darshan (she offers hugs to thousands throughout the three day period), pujas (religious ceremony), live music, chanting monks, clothing & jewelry bazaar, vegetarian Indian food, and Devi Bhava.

Attending Amma darshan is a fascinating, internationally flavored experience. No cameras are permitted, so I can't share it in photos, but to give you a few highlights, so far I sat next to a woman who flew in from Paris (where Amma also tours), watched darshan taking place while Hindus intermingled with people from many religions and cultures, and while Voices of Unity, a large choir from Unity Church in Manhattan simultaneously stood behind Amma singing some rousing gospel songs after the swamis did a round of bhajans (devotional music). I even saw Iggy Pop milling around.

If it sounds like something you'd like to try out, it costs nothing to attend, and Amma is probably coming to a town near you. Here's a link to the North American part of her annual world tour.

"The 'Mary' in Terry," pastel #2 in progress

(detail)

"The 'Mary' in Terry #2" (in progress), 19 1/2" x 25 1/2", pastel on La Carte pastel board

"Mary in Kimberly" Panel Update

My progress is somewhat gradual because I photograph this egg tempera painting after every 3-4 hours work, but over several sessions you can see what is happening. For this session I was working in the same (and a few additional) areas. I have further blending to do on the skin, particularly on the right side of the face, once the paint has set more.

Hoping to also post the start of my new pastel of Terry later tonight.