"Sleep" by Eric Whitacre

In my Renaissance Art History and Theory class we were discussing "Splendor" as discussed by St. Bonaventure and the Gothic architect Suger. In the discussion we had a considerable amount of interesting ideas exchanged and splendor was brought up as it pertained to all the arts, not just visual arts.

I was then introduced to the contemporary composer Eric Whitacre, who's music I now considerably enjoy. I would love to hear your thoughts too. He started a series with a virtual choir which linked performers via youtube. This piece "Sleep" was performed by over 2,000 people using technology to link souls through music. Enjoy

Also interesting is his first virtual choir piece "Lux Aurumque".

Making bread

Almost every Saturday mom makes bread, and so Ava now thinks it is a Grandma tradition. When she came over this weekend she asked to make something with flour, so we made monkey bread.

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.