Painting! Ain't Gonna Be Dragged Down

Here it is a Wednesday and I'm painting again. This is much better. You guys are great and I am so thankful for your friendship and art.

The other day I was reading an article in New Mexico Magazine about Georgia O'Keeffe and her camping trips with her assistant, Maria Chabot. I wish I could share it with you, but it's in the current June edition and there are no links to the article right now. However, there is this, Georgia O'Keeffe and her houses, that you might like to look at.

Ever the curious web-surfer, I found another article. This one, quite damning of O'Keeffe's work. My. I'm in conflict. I can't help but enjoy her work, but I think the author makes valid points. Pointedly. Here's a link to the article, Inspired illustrator, by Deborah Solomon. This should stimulate some discussion.

I've completed Pedernal One, 18" x 18" (oil on cradled panel) today. Whew! This is the one I worked on during the Tucson Artists' Open Studios Tour in April. I wonder if this is, er ahem, O'Keeffe-like, or maybe, even better...

Blue Pedernal II (18" x 18," oil on cradled panel) © 2012 Melinda S. Esparza

Music is like a great cup of coffee, isn't it? This song by Eric Bibb, Don't Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down, got me going today, and I thought I'd share it with you. Wishing you lots of inspired time in the studio.

Going Forward Again: Painting and Remembering

This is hard. I've been away, but now I'm back. Painting some, but never enough. Here is one painting I'm trying to finish up soon. This was one I started during the Tucson Artists' Open Studios Tour last month. I've been working on the large version of Pedernal One, but I'm not quite ready to share it. Missed you all very much. I didn't do much lurking until this week. I know that blogs and Facebook sharing should, for the most part be fun and cheery, but you know life...Sometimes, things are just downright wretched.
Until his last day, he was on the job. Loki went into his crate to lie down, with one eye on me and one on the rest of the house. There he slept. There he rested--his job done--performed with dedication and laser-like focus until the dawn. Lakota (Loki): 2002--May 9, 2012. May you all know the bond and love of a good dog.