Saturday, June 28, 2008

Happy Hummingbirds

Things are really hopping here in NJ right now. I've got 6 feeders out and they're all as busy as this one featured here in my first video. I filmed this last week on the first day of summer. It will only get busier as the season progresses.
I am LOVIN" IT!



For more information on how to attract and care for hummingbirds,
go to my FIVE STEPS TO HAPPY HUMMERS page!

Friday, June 27, 2008

Male Hummingbird

Here's a picture of one of our "Yard Dogs". He's got a busy job guarding his feeder and does a good job of keeping rivals away.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Female Hummingbird


Although this photo is a little blurry, I was impressed with the detail of the tail feathers. I'm not 100% sure if this is a female Ruby-Throated Hummingbird or an immature. It is often hard to tell them apart.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Keep that Sugar Water Comin'!


I had to make a "Sugar Run" today. We went through the last five pounds awfully fast! Here's a picture for you today of one of our little backyard cuties.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Jerry's New Toy


Our new addition to the family is a welcome gas friendly vehicle.

Monday, June 23, 2008

ARE YOU RIGHT OR LEFT BRAINED?


Watch this video and see if the dancer moves clockwise or counter clockwise. If she moves clockwise, you're probably more right brain dominated. You use more of your NON VERBAL, intuative, creative side. If you see her move counter clockwise, you are in the majority and are more of a left brain dominated, VERBAL, analytical individual. See "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" here.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

ABOUT CLEDON

I just recently was introduced to this word, "cledon", in a book called
"Messages From Spirit" by Colette Baron-Reid.

The way I understand it, cledons can come from anywhere. It might be a dream, an overheard comment, a song on the radio, something that catches your eye or the conversation of strangers. In this book, Colette says a "cledon" is a spontaneous message from spirit that is innocently and unknowingly delivered to you by someone. I interpreted this as being someone (or something).

"Once you've asked for a message from spirit, go out into the world and listen." ~ Colette Baron-Reid

"See my experience with "cledon" and a bigger photo of my nieces, Sandy and Sandy here on my Squidoo Animal Spirits Lens!

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Cat and Kitten Portrait ~ "Kissifer, Sandy And Sandy"
15" x 22" original watercolor *Sold

Monday, June 16, 2008

Evolution in Painting

In today's Spirit Art Blog, I featured my newest Peony painting and I talk about evolution of a painting and the artist. "When painting, like in a dream, I become merely the driver of a vehicle, destination unknown - watching as the magic unfolds." ~ Sandy

Thursday, June 12, 2008

"Joe American" Has A PLan!

Finally, someone who's making a lot of sense and talking about really dealing with the issues effecting us all! I think this is a very important video to watch, talk about and pass along. Emailing this video to our Senators and Congressmen couldn't hurt either! What have we got to lose?
E V E R Y T H I N G !!

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Edgar Whitney Said


Edgar Whitney said; "Plan like a tortoise and paint like a rabbit!" Known to be a bit rough around the edges, Ed would often say or do something shocking to make a point and insure that his students remembered it. Another of his favorites about proper preparation was; "It's like going to the bathroom without pulling your pants down first!". Yikes, like me, you probably won't forget that one. See Sketches and more on preparation for this painting on my Sketching Everyday blog.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Edgar Whitney's Momma, Poppa, Baby


Ed Whitney & the Three Bears (Momma, Poppa, Baby Formula), Kennebunkport, Maine - 1979

Photo by Shirley Landgraf, Charlotte, N.C, from
The Edgar Whitney Watercolor Site.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

The Legacy of Edgar A. Whitney


I'm Proud to call myself: "third generation Edgar Whitney". Years ago, I was permanently changed by his book, "Complete Guide to Watercolor Painting". It provided many insights into my craft and the principles of design. His writings continue to inspire and direct me. I am also grateful to have studied under some of his star pupils including; Tony Couch, Joan Rudman, Tony Van Hasselt, Mel Stabin and Frank Webb. All these people carry on with Ed's Creed in their own way, as I do in mine. Today, over twenty years after his death, Whitney's spirit, enlightenment and craft are still gaining momentum and flourishing in the hearts, minds and work of in his many disciples.

"Once students had passed through his hands, they were never the same again, and seemed to become completely indoctrinated with his ideas and convictions."
~ Ron Ranson

See a week of Edgar Whitney quotes on my Inspiration for Your Day Blog.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Trees with Spanish Moss


The Spanish Moss that grows on the trees in Florida gives them that distinctive southern look and adds unique character to the pines and hardwoods there.

Monday, June 2, 2008

More Florida Pictures - Palm Trees



My last day in Florida, I had my sister, Gaile, take me around to places where I could get good pictures of the trees.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

The Joseph Campbell Foundation

Yesterday I got an email from the Joseph Campbell Foundation asking to post my work on their site!

"Myths are the world's dreams", Joe Campbell said in the 1984 interviews on DVD with Bill Moyers called "The Power Of Myth". Here he presented the idea that an artist's function is the mytholization of the world. "It's the artist's duty to keep the myths alive!", Joe stressed.


Golden Eagle ~ "Masks Of God"
15" x 11" watercolor painting, $349.00
~ inspired by one of Joseph Campbell's books