Ruminating, For Real

Saturday. So many expectations, so little energy! Today is a day for ruminating: 

ru·mi·nate

ˈro͞oməˌnāt/

verb

gerund or present participle: ruminating

1. 1. 

   think deeply about something.

   "we sat ruminating on the nature of existence"

   synonyms:think about, contemplate, consider, meditate on, muse on, mull over, ponder on/over, deliberate about/on, chew on, puzzle over;

   formalcogitate about

   "we ruminated on the nature of existence"

2. 2. 

   (of a ruminant) chew the cud.

   synonyms:think about, contemplate, consider, meditate on, muse on, mull over, ponder on/over, deliberate about/on, chew on, puzzle over;

   formalcogitate about

   "we ruminated on the nature of existence"

Just to be clear: I'm chewing the cud while ruminating on the nature of existence. Have a great weekend. Spring cannot come soon enough.

"Strawberry Eggplant Locked" Original Oil

Stawberry Eggplant Locked by C. Twomey

Having just returned from a workshop in Sedona, Arizona, I immediately started a painting that would highlight what I'd learned. The terrific instructor was Abbey Ryan. She was prepared, patient and thorough throughout the workshop, which lasted one week. We even were located very close to a 20,000 acre unconfined wildfire, but we continued undaunted.

What was most informative about the workshop was learning that the skills I'd developed over the last thirty years as a medical illustrator translate over to oil painting. What a joy to be able to control the paint, using layering and coloring to control the emotion and focus of the painting. Abbey helped me a great deal with how to use and hold the brush as well as how to logically work my way through a painting to achieve what I intended.

There is much to be said for devoting myself completely to art for a set amount of intensive time. I was surrounded by fellow artists all looking for inspiration and progress, and the support we willed to each other was amazing.

Tomorrow, June 10, this original oil will be offered for sale at auction. 

The painting is sold unframed. The image below shows how the painting may look if framed:

Thank you, and thank you Abbey!

Chicago Bound

Taking a much needed break to sweet old home, Chicago tomorrow until next week. The fort is being held down by two attack dogs and two attack guys. 

Going to meet some new friends, and see some I've known for 40+ years. With my mother in hospice, it's time for reflection on the old home turf, seeing & hopping on my retired thoroughbred, hugging some good people, and basically getting off the grid. Well, maybe.

Just finished up this illustration of Retinopathy of Prematurity for the charitable African flip chart to be used by South African nurses in the field.

Can't wait to know when this project is being used in South Africa, in the Province of Kwazulu-Natal. Talk about feeling like I'm contributing some good to the world! It's a great feeling.

Keep drawing!