Ramblings of The Red Pick-up Artist: March 2011

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, 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?

I AM an artist!

I've wanted to call myself an artist for a long time...saying it outloud is a little terrifying. I hope this blog helps me to 'come out of the closet'--Art has always been my first passion. I want to express myself with that same passion and exuberance that the color red symbolizes. Here's to me shouting from the mountaintops (or in the case of Naples: from the top of the highest penthouse!) "I AM an artist"! I love to paint and create. I love art...all forms of art. I love artsits...all types of artists...and I love the color red!