Ever the Artist

Some see art everywhere. My daughter, ever the artist, would have to be included in those who see the world a little differently.

Our family enjoyed a particularly seed-laden watermelon after dinner yesterday. As Rick and I were wiping our chins and carefully avoiding crunching those pesky seeds, we noticed the Artist was busy.

And she'd found a new medium in which to work: watermelon seeds.
Rick, the Engineer, and I thought she made a deer, but she was trying to depict a dog. With the help of some more seeds, she brought the composition around pretty well. I find it funny that the damp paper towel shows the US President's place mat underneath. In the second photo, the water has had a chance to dry.
I really enjoy how much her design reminds me of ancient cave art.

p.s., Thank you, Kim, for the tips on Math U See. We received a sample DVD yesterday and we liked what we saw. Watching someone else work out the problems will be a big help for me in teaching math.

Pentecost

Time to share another painting that is memorable to me, Pentecost. I especially like the way the heavens are opening and the way the fires dance. Then other times I look at it and see a pail of milk spilling its contents in a flood which is about to wipe out these poor unsuspecting people. The artist is Joseph Ignaz Mildorfer, a Tyrolese who painted in the 1740s.

Toll Painting

My Dad's sister recently moved two-thirds of the way across the country from California to Tennessee. We are all so pleased to have my aunt and uncle living closer to us than ever before -- only and eight-hour drive away. Although it has not happened yet, I'm sure we will be able to visit more frequently than when they lived at any of their previous addresses.

Though my household has not been able to visit, my Dad did have the opportunity to spend some time with his sister this summer. His sister, the artist.

For as long as I can remember my aunt has been an artist. I remember relatives had some of her abstract paintings hanging on their walls since before my time. When I was still quite young, my Aunt gave my parents a beautiful painting which still graces their walls. Less abstract than her works that predate me, but still very modern.

I am so pleased to have been given two treasures painted by my aunt. For our wedding she gave us a painting of some ballet dancers. She let me choose the subject of the painting -- can you tell! I love their playful, joyous style.And here is a close up of one of the dancers.When Dad visited his sister this summer she sent home with him this beautiful foot stool for me. I love the colors and the way they fit in my living room. I enjoy how expert my aunt is at painting in this Bavarian folk style, and I am completely taken with the edelweiss on the side panels.
The cross beam.