I watched the solar eclipse on monday, using eclipse glasses, and painted the various stages as the moon's shadow moved across the sun.
From northern California we only got about a 70-80% eclipse I think, but it was still a wonderful sight.
Maybe next time I'll manage to see a full one...
clouds
Art in Chicago
in drawings, exhibitions, japan, printmaking, sketchbooks, travel, USA
This weekend I'm in Chicago. The weather's perfect, and I'm loving it. I've always thought that Chicago is a wonderful secret that nobody tells outsiders, and I feel lucky to have discovered it. And I finally got to see 'the bean', aka 'cloud gate' by Anish Kapoor...
...on my way to the Art Institute of Chicago, one of my favourite museums in the world. It's just so full of famous paintings that take your breath away.
Seurat's 'A Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte' has a special place in my heart. I can't quite explain why it moves me so much, but it's like visiting an old friend. 
The monkey is the cherry on the cake, it's just so delightful.
This beautiful Georgia O'Keefe painting of clouds was a lovely surprise.
There was also a wonderful little show of Utamaro mokuhanga prints, which crowned an inspiring day.
Alabama
in friends, photography, travel, USA
I recently visited Huntsville, Alabama as part of 'wood paper box', and was fascinated by the skies that were the remnants of some scary local tornadoes...
It's been a while since I've been to the south, so it was lovely to see those wooden houses and porches again. Something about this style is just so appealing.
bath duck
I painted this rubber ducky for my niece. 'Duck' is her first proper word, and this one is covered with clouds and stars...
