View from the Bus

One of the best things about London is its public transport. No need for a car when you have such great bus and tube routes. This image is from the front seat of one of the iconic double decker buses. It's a great vibe with the build up to the Olympics.  Although the torch relay is supposed to be interrupting bus routes. Next weekend the bike races should snarl things as they're closing a lot of roads.

In the meantime, this is Regent Street approaching Picadilly Circus and as you can see it's all decked out with flags which really gives it a celebratory feel. It's nice to see the buntings and flags all around the city. Today on the agenda: buying new pedometers. After almost 10 years and on average 10 miles of walking a day (while in vacation), we have worn ours out. Tonight we'll be heading over to the Venue to hear my wonderful brother in law's magical sounds. (he's a FABULOUS sound engineer and more like a brother). Okay, get ready feet.

And another favorite

And it didn't take me long to begin clicking like a fiend in the British Museum. As soon as I hit the door I head for the Greek and Roman art. I know, I am so boring. But I can't get enough of the Hellenistic terracotta figures. So I absorb them first and then when I get my fill begin wandering the rest of the rooms in the museum. But why not? I live for the time I get to spend here in the summer. Absorbing the art and culture and allowing it to distill inside me the rest of the year. It really feeds my artistic soul.

 The figure accompanying this entry stands about 3 feet high and is sculpted from clay. Bits of glaze still stain her face and some of the higher surfaces of her hair. She's hollow. How do I know? Next to her are 2 similar figures which are headless. What I like about them is that one can see inside the torso and see the finger marks of a long forgotten artist. Today I am off to the National Portrait Gallery. Hopefully it won't be too crazy down in Trafalgar Square. As you may have heard the Olympics are coming and I think they're expecting one or two extra people on the streets.

Guess Where?

Well, you'll never guess where I went last night. Guess. Of course, you couldn't expect me to be in London and NOT visit my clock? So much inspiration all around. Speaking of inspiration, I made my way to the British Museum yesterday and drooled sufficiently over the Etruscan terracotta figures. (among other things) But not enough the flag security this time. Although I smile so much while wandering around the museum, people must think I am a total gooney bird. Right across the road from the British Museum is a fabulous gallery called Contemporary Ceramics.

If you want me to document anything while I am here for you let me know, send an email. Otherwise, you'll have to tolerate what I post.

Today I am posting a book cover I painted for a lovely client named Dorothy Littlefield. The book is her life long vision and I am honored to be a part of it. The artwork has been approved and is on its way to the publisher.

Without my ceramic studio I've been jonesing a little for making art. So, this book cover was just what I needed.

It is a digital painting and was created totally in Adobe photoshop using my wacom graphic tablet. The stars, the owl, the moon everything is digitally painted. It was really great fun to do. When the painting was finished it was brought into Indesign were I set the text.

I can't wait to see the book on the shelf of my local bookstore. Thank you to Dorothy and her sweet daughter Sharon. Hope you guys like it.

Happy 4th of July

We've survived the move. We're bit bruised and extremely exhausted but in one piece. Man, I hope it's a while before we do this again. Thank you to our friends who braved the 100 degree temps to unload the U-Haul. We've been adjusting to the new sounds that come along with our new house. and Jody and I have both picked out our new studios and I am happy to say that both have gorgeous views of the pool.

I've been having a love affair with the pool and the front porch here at the new house. As a matter of fact tonight we've been sitting on the porch watching the moon rise and it was so pretty that I just had to find the camera and snap a picture. The 4th of July is my absolute favorite holiday. It brings back childhood memories of swimming at Aunt Margaret's, going to cookouts and eating burnt hot dogs, roasting marshmallows, and watching fireworks over Boldt Castle in my hometown of Alexandria Bay, NY. So, on the eve before the fireworks and summer at its best, I ask you to have a hotdog or two with extra mustard, and I promise to do the same.