Grow Grow Grow

It is rapidly becoming fall and our sunflowers are still growing. Ava planted them with Grandma and when they put in the seeds she patted the earth and said, "Grow, Grow, Grow." And they did.

Ansel Scott Neilsen

Brandi had a beautiful baby boy and Mom and I went up to tend Elsa while they were in the hospital. It was a whirlwind trip, since I had to finish my final landscape for my class IN THE CAR. As a matter of fact, I painted almost the entire thing, except for a few finishing touches in a six hour drive on the bumpy freeway. UDOT needs to make a smoother ride for we crazy artists.

Master Chef Mom

Mom made this cake, from the ground up and decorated it. We wanted to share how good it looked.

Bye Bye Max

Just an update. Mom and I had a small party tonight because after two more episodes, Max got booted. He didn't cook the steak properly.

Master Chef Is Back

Mom and I are Master Chef junkies, sadly or proudly or both, we have not missed an episode so far this season. It is on Monday and Tuesday on Fox at seven. So far, We are rooting for fun loving Ben Starr, and Italian Guisseppe Morisco. Conversely we are hoping that arrogant Max Kramer adds too much salt and get's voted off tomorrow. Last week Jennifer Behm put nutmeg in her pasta and almost ruined it for herself but she got a tender mercy from the intimidating Gordon Ramsey and is still in the running. I'm guessing she'll come back swinging and be a real contender.

Watch it if you haven't already. It's a really good show.

Ava Bell

Ava came over and spent the night with us and I just have to tell a story about her coming into my studio.

I was working on a painting and she walked in and stood sweetly by my palette. I am of course getting a little jumpy with visions of Alizerin Crimson on little hands. She said, "Uncle Robby?" And I acknowledged her.

"You want to paint Lello Now?"

"Well Sure kiddo." So I mixed some yellow paint and started painting an area that needed some yellow.

"Now pink?"

Minutes of dictating go by and pretty soon she wants on my lap. I let her up with specific instructions not to touch but look. At this time I am telling her fantastic stories of John Singer Sargent and brilliant color temperature. Soon she asks. "Can I just do it now?"

It was too cute. Apparently I wasn't painting properly enough for her. But to tell you the truth, the ear was looking good. :)

Cake Graduate

This was Mom's final cake for this class, her next class is fondant and gum paste. She's stellar.

Judgement Day

Did you all hear that today is the end of the world? yeah, we saw it on the news last night and got a kick out of it. To celebrate the beginning of the end we all got our favorite treat and lived it up.
Mom had a cocolate pie.
Dad pecan Ice cream.
Myself? No less than two bags of popcorn! (one of which was shared).
We watched three movies in rapid succession (and thanks to Jeremy's clear play we aren't going to hell because of them). It was a blast and was fun to think about. But we're all still here today, so I guess the preacher was wrong. :)

If we were all to die tomorrow? What would you do today? Its fun to think about and puts your life in perspective a little bit. Thank you crazy preacher, for making me appreciate a little more the things in life I love.

Pictures of our bloodshot eyes and sugar high escapades to come. Right now, I'm going to enjoy the beautiful day.

Of dogs and people

Mom is sick and asleep on a lazy saturday afternoon, Dakota is sitting close by and I am reveling in the simple, wonderful Saturday. I decided to blog part two of dogs and people. Here they are.

Since Oprah is leaving her show, I thought it only fitting to start things off with her. I feel she is irrevocably an English Toy Spaniel
The English Toy Spaniel is a compact, cobby and essentially square toy dog possessed of a short-nosed, domed head, a merry and affectionate demeanor and a silky, flowing coat. His compact, sturdy body and charming temperament, together with his rounded head, lustrous dark eye, and well cushioned face, proclaim him a dog of distinction and character.

And Dr. Oz... The thickness of fat pads under his eyes, prominent nose, and general dopey expression make him an English Cocker Spaniel. (Not to be confused with the American Cocker).
The English Cocker is merry and affectionate, of equable disposition, neither sluggish nor hyperactive, a willing worker and a faithful and engaging companion.

Dr. Phil is a Welsh terrier.
The Welsh Terrier is a game dog-alert, aware, spirited-but at the same time, is friendly and shows self control. Intelligence and desire to please are evident in his attitude. A specimen exhibiting an overly aggressive attitude, or shyness, should be penalized.

Now, while not all Boston Terriers have a hitler moustache, I thought this particular boston resemled Phil.

Donald, Donald, Donald... I'd vote for you.
The Mastiff is a large, massive, symmetrical dog with a well-knit frame. The impression is one of grandeur and dignity. Dogs are more massive throughout. A combination of grandeur and good nature, courage and docility. Judges should not condone shyness or viciousness. Conversely, judges should also beware of putting a premium on showiness.


Its not the best match, but I couldn't resist posting this picture!!! Mainly for the expression of the eyes and face wrinkles. (Did you know that pugs were bred to have the Chinese character for price on their foreheads?) Its true.

Dianne Sawyer. What could she be but a Golden Retriever?
A symmetrical, active dog, sound and well put together, displaying a kindly expression and possessing a personality that is eager, alert and self-confident.

From Rob: My Favorite things

So a while ago Jami made a post about her favorite things, and it got me thinking what mine were.

Spring after Winter, (I wish it were here to stay)

home-made bread fresh from the oven

A good movie at night with people I love

The smell of dog paws :) serious

puppies!

The smell of primed linen, and the sound it makes when its freshly stretched. (Canvas)

Painting. Everything about painting is my favorite thing. well, maybe not scraping dried paint off my palette, but mostly everything. :)