The Color Red

santa claus. mars. corvettes. fire trucks. geraniums. ladybugs. hot pink. raggedy ann and andy. hearts. valentines. venetian glassbeads. shiraz. malbec. baked clay. holly berries. barns. port side light. sofia's hair. ruby lipstick. ruby slippers. sailor's delight. rose colored glasses. chihuly's poppies. a single red rose...i don't have a favorite color. but i gravitate towards red. all shades of red. i love red food. pizza. pasta. roasted red peppers. beets. pomegranates. radishes. strawberries. rasberries. picante sauce. i'm old enough to wear a red hat, but i don't...i really like hats...just not red ones. i like red shoes. i like red bras. i wear red lipstick. my blackberry cover is red. i have a red boat. i drive a red pick-up truck. red makes me happy. kinda' like yellow makes me happy, only sexier.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Messages from Dad

Too often after someone we love dies, we think that we will never be able to communicate with them again...yes, we cannot hug them, but we can hug those who are still here that remind of of them...and messages come from them in other ways if we are open to receive them...I think of my dad a lot. Mostly when I see rainbows. Today he spoke to me in many ways...


I stayed home from work today...just felt like having some quiet time. My mom and Aunt Gloria were going to go to lunch together, so I knew it was good that they would have each other today...to laugh, to cry, to talk, to share memories...me? I just wanted some solitude. Prayer time. Time to remember what a wonderful father I had...


OK, first message of the day...One of the cool things that my dad and I shared was our love for ice cream!! Some nights after my mom went to bed, daddy and I would sneak a second bowl each while watching Johnny Carson. Just by coincidence today, Ben and Jerry's is giving away free ice cream cones...no kidding: FREE! How's that for a world-wide celebration of a great memory?


Second message: My youngest son stopped by to give me a hug. Rock was born on my dad's last birthday. Because of that I always feel my dad's energy through him. Mia was with him today, and she hugged me so tightly...I asked her, "did your daddy tell you that Mimi might need a big hug like that today?" She said, "No, I just love you that much!" That my dear father, is how much I loved you...still love you. Watching the two of them when they left, walking hand in hand together out to the car made me smile with big tears in my eyes, and a fullness in my heart that was somewhere between hurting and bliss...


Message number three...I go to the mailbox after Rocky leaves...there are no bills in my mailbox today...that in itself is very unusual. Instead, there are 3 items in the mailbox: my Real Simple magazine [Ah, I love that magazine]...my Daily Word magazine [today's word is Grace]...and a free gift from Blick Art Materials with a note that says, 'thank you for ordering your free gift'..well, let me say, I did NOT order a free gift. My dad was an artist...a cartoonist, and I choose to believe that somehow he got those paints and art board samples [cartoonists draw on art board] to me today--somehow, someway...


Then, when walking up to my front door, I noticed something move in the arbor above me...it was two doves that did not get startled away, but rather sat perched looking down at me and waited sweetly while I ran inside to get my phone to take a picture, lest anyone not believe...Birds have always had strong symbolism of the spirit world for me...Think of the Holy Spirit. The fact that they were doves was another message indeed...


Later, two fellows show up to wax the red pick up truck. Chip did not tell me they would be here...They work for the man that normally takes care of our vehicles. Nate was busy on another job and couldn't be here. Normally, I would not be home either...I asked them their names...Michael & Anthony. That was my dad's given name: Michael Anthony...message number 5 and the day is not over yet!!


Thank you God for my ability to continue to feel my father's presence in each day...now, I think I'll go paint.


Look for the rainbows!


The Naples Art Blogger



Thursday, April 7, 2011

Incognito

This is a photo of the venue. There was a nice crowd. The 300 pictures were hung around the room. It was such an enjoyable evening-I cannot wait to participate again next year! Who knows? Maybe even as one of the artists!




This is Gina Fischer, well known local muralist, [me in the middle], and Natalie Guess, Naples most popular batik artist. I have known both of these two wonderful ladies for over 25 years, and have truly loved watching their talents evolve. They are amazing artists, but even more than that, they are incredible people! They both participated in this event!




It was a wonderful evening, enjoyed by one and all. I am very hopeful that it will become an annual event at The Jay & Patty Baker Naples Museum of Art! These are the 2 original works of art that I ended up with! The bottom piece, an abstract by Helen Schulman, with influences of the Hudson River School of Art--I just love her command of the light in the center of her painting--it drew me right into it, like a door to heaven.


The top painting, by Joel Babb, an artist from Maine, was my first selection. I was thrilled when my name was called so early in the drawing so that I was able to obtain this lovely picture...Next to my dearest friends and loving family, it represents my 3 passions: real estate, boating and art!


[both pictures can be viewed larger by clicking right on the photo. They measure 8" X 10"]
Thank you, and Make it a great day!




The Naples Art Blogger






Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Incognito

Incognito, Naples-style!

Is this ever going to be fun! At 4:30 today I will be arriving at The Naples Museum of Art along with 299 other lucky art lovers! The wonderful event, being sponsored by The Friends of the Art at The Jay and Patty Baker Museum of Art, with proceeds benefiting the museum and all the amazing exhibitions and lectures it brings to the citizens of Naples and our visitors & tourists. Included in the fund raising is monies raised to transport Collier County school children to the museum to enhance their education of the arts! We are incredibly blessed to have a venue of this caliber here in Naples Florida!


300 local, national and internationally known artists have participated by painting and donating an original 8" X 10" work of art. Everyone in attendance goes home with an original work of art, which is distributed by raffle drawing! As the tickets are drawn, the ticket-holders will select the painting of their choice! The paintings are signed on the back, so no one will know who their artist is until after they have made a selection! Later in the evening, after all the paintings have been selected, the artists will then be invited into the romm to meet the patron that selected their work! It will be so cool to meet the person whose art I am drawn...


I am thrilled to be attending! ~and, I hope to see you there!


The Naples Art Blogger


Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Naples Neighborhoods, Then and Now


There is a wonderful exhibit at The Naples Depot featuring the works of one of Naples most beloved artists, Paul Arsenault. The show features paintings of historic neighborhoods around Naples with a goal of exploring how they have changed over the years. The Naples Depot is one of 5 museums operated in Collier County, and they all offer free admission. The hours of the Arsenault show are Monday-Friday 9-5 and Saturday 9-4. The show runs through April 24th. I'm sure you will see The Red Pick Up Truck parked there soon!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

My Rock


I'm working on a large "abstract"...It's actually non-objective, but many just refer to this genre as abstract...The difference is negligible to most, but I thought I would share the conversation I had with my 10 year old grandson last night because he described the subtle difference perfectly.
Rock: "Mimi, is this your new painting? What is it?"
Mimi: "Yes Rock, it's an abstract. Papa thinks I should call it Mother Nature."
Rock: "Oh, I can see that Mimi. I can see the wind swirling, and a waterspout, and even her eyes...What does abstract mean exactly?"
Mimi: "Actually Rock, it is non-objective. Mimi just paints her feelings. It doesn't represent anything in particular. It is whatever the observer sees. "
Rock: "Well then Mimi, then it actually represents everything."
Mimi: "I guess you are right Rock. Did you learn that at school?"
Rock: "No Mimi, it's just what i think. I like it. and, I think Papa is right--it's a good name..."
I wish all my critics were this smart!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Making Pretty Pictures

One of the best things about photography is that even when I am too busy to paint a picture, generally I am not too busy to take a picture! Here are just a few from my most recent outing [click on pix to enlarge]...Did you see the Red Pick Up Truck parked at the Botanical Gardens? It is now one of my most favorite of all places to make pretty pictures! I'm sure if you missed seeing me there the last time--you will see me there again and again! There are so many wonderful places in Naples to make pretty pictures...the beach, the pier, the zoo, the parks...Where is your most favorite place to take photographs?





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Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Becoming Well Red



IT'S SEASON, and there just isn't enough time in the day, week or month for me to become "well red"...I am working toward a goal of someday selling less and painting more...but in the meantime, there is an abundance of artsy things going on around Naples that satisfies my soul's yearning--and here are just a few...in case you are looking for something artsy to do, too!




  • Naples International Art & Antique Fair is coming to the Naples International Pavilion located at Immokalee Road & Livingston Road starting February 25th through March 1st. I already have my tickets!


  • How about the "A Season Of Color" exhibit at The Sweet Art Gallery featuring the work of Joan Dunkle, Mary Ann Flynn Fouse, and Nancy Siebert this Friday night, February 25th from 6-9PM at 2054 Trade Center Way.


  • Naples National Art Festival, rated one of the top in the country, runs from 10 AM to 5 PM at Cambier Park in Olde Naples, on February 26th and 27th! You will definitely see the red pick up truck parked along 8th Street south on Sunday!

Thank you for letting me ramble today--hopefully I'll see you at one of these amazing venues this weekend...look for the red pick up truck!


Make it a great day,


The Red Pick Up Artist

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Red Valentine Hearts


Because i love the color red, you can imagine that i love Valentine's Day...Valentine's day is all about love...Valentine's Day is all about red! I've been wearing heart jewelry and red shoes and red scarfs all month...First thing this morning I opened the paper to find the Publix grocery store sale flier filled with red hearts...on every page! Rarely do i take the time to read the Publix grocery store sale flier, but today i couldn't help but look at every page because of all the red valentine hearts...Hmmmmmm...a big bag of Hershey Kisses on sale for $3.99...Valentine balloons, red roses, champagne, a heart-shaped cheese cake with strawberries...very nice...very red. I then stopped home for lunch and opened the mailbox only to find amongst the bills and junk mail two lovely red envelopes...oh goody...Valentine cards, in red envelopes...from friends that i love...both with red valentine hearts...much better than getting bills! Red hearts are everywhere i look lately...February magazine covers are decked out in red...Every window along 5th Avenue is decorated in red...card stores in the mall are all in red...why my own home has red towels with hearts on them in the guest bath, and a red heart wreathe on the front gate, and red heart lights strung across the back porch...All my "Red Books" are on the coffee table...I set the table for dinner each night with red heart napkins...
red candles...
I'm enjoying all this red...and all this talk of love...The Red Valentine Heart season just doesn't last long enough for me...

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Gina & me

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Chalk Art 2011

Gina and I began our art work before 8 AM yesterday morning...There were 102 total squares sold to businesses, individuals and sponsors to raise funds for the local Rotary Club scholarship fund! There were both professional artists, amateur artists and students working on their masterpieces throughout the day. Our picture measured 9' X 9' and took us over 8 hours to complete. I chose a home that Chip & I recently sold as the subject of our painting. Many of the passer-bys recognized the home, as it is a landmark in Olde Naples, because of its location near a very popular beach access, and also because of its distinct Lighthouse! So many of our friends and customers stopped to give us encouragement. For me, in addition to giving of our time, talent and treasure to a worthy cause, it was a gift just to spend the entire day creating along side my friend Gina. She is a remarkable mural artist here in Naples. If you are interested in seeing more of her work, please call her at 239.564.5475.
When I spoke with her earlier today and asked her how she was feeling she said, "I feel like I was run over by a little red pick-up truck!" ha ha
Yes, today we are both a bit sore, but we are already looking forward to our next art outing!



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Thursday, January 27, 2011

Chalk Art 2011 & The 14th Annual Naples Invitational Art Fest!

"The world is but a canvas to the imagination."
~Henry David Thoreau
There are a lot of artsy things going on around Naples this weekend! I can tell you right now, you will see The Red Pick-Up Artist working along side popular Naples muralist Gina Fischer on 5th Avenue all day on Saturday, January 29th...They can be found right in front of the blue & white Coldwell Banker Previews building in the 500 block of Naples main street, 5th Avenue South! They are planning to create a masterpiece depicting one of Olde Naples charming homes. This fund raiser is benefiting The Rotary Scholarship Fund, and over 5,000 spectators are expected to watch 5th Avenue turn into a huge, color splashed canvas! Please, if you happen to make your way downtown, Gina and The Red Pick-Up Artist would really appreciate you voting for your "favorite" street painting...and we really hope it's ours!
Also this weekend, The Art Fest will be attracting well-known artists from around the country. Taking place in Fleischmann Park, this juried art show benefits 'Eden Autism Services Florida'. There will be 132 artists showing their work at the park. The Art Fest will run both Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to5 PM. For more information about this amazing undertaking and the charity that they support please click here: EDEN FLORIDA
These are just 2 of the amazingly artful happenings you can expect to find in Naples this weekend...It's no wonder Naples was named "Best Small Art Town in America"...and it's no wonder The Red Pick-Up Artist lives here!
A few more LINKS to this weekends activities: Bayshore Festival of the Arts and the Harry Chapin Empty Bowl fund raiser in Cambier Park!
Thanks everybody, and have a great weekend!
The Red Pick-Up Artist

Thursday, January 20, 2011

"Me" Time

Superman: "Easy miss, I've got you."
Lois: You--You've got me? Who's got you?"
Sometime between dozing off to dreamland at night...with a smile on my face in anticipation of the day ahead...knowing I have put time aside for me..."me time", the alarm goes off...the phone rings...and again a choice is made between that which I love to do: sell houses...and that which I long to do: paint! Alas, it is generally much easier for me to say 'no' to me...and thus another day begins in the busy life of a Naples real estate agent...Like Clark Kent, I put on the suit, head to the office...keeping that true identity hidden...shhhhhhhhhhh!
And so today, to nurture that artist within...when all the real estate blogging, emailing, calling, brochure making, showing homes, checking on listings, ad deadlines, postcard mailing, website managing duties are done--you will find the Red Pick-Up Truck at the Preview Reception at The von Liebig Art Center. There I will breathe in the works of Mathias J. Alten and Terry Krumm...I will enjoy my fellow members exhibition in the Members Gallery where I hope someday to display my own painting or photograph...As always, I will be inspired and I will go home again...hoping for that 'me time'!
No matter who you are or what you do...whether you are the one falling, or the one catching...fly high, and make it a wonderfully creative, inspiring day.
The Naples Art Blogger

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Step One~The Beginning



Every journey begins with one step...





Yesterday I went to the art supply store and spent hours picking out mats and frames for my photography [see photo inset]. ..filling the cart with paper and stickers, and yarn, and jewels, and wonderful treasures for decorating boxes...and best of all: I bought a HUGE canvas! I can't wait to begin the journey...I have taken the first step. The end is in my mind and I am going to enjoy every single creative, joyful, inspiring moment!