Friday, May 22, 2009
Hi, I just finished doing the rug in the loft with the Bessel... I have my exercise equipment up there on the second floor, a tread mill, a sit on your butt bike thing, a twister chair that's interesting and a bench with free weights and oh yes a thing that tries to bend you in half you lay on; it’s a good place to take a snooze. Well it's up and running so to speak and I haven't hung any cloths on it yet but I did dust them all off…Now my only excuse is the rug is drying so I came down and sat at the computer and then started a fight with my Internet provider. I had to get the damn thing back on line and with the phone and TV and ISP well they have to reset the damn thing. What a pain in the "butt" that is. It’s an exercise in itself answering the twenty questions twenty times before you actually get a human voice to ask them again. I didn't mind though the girl sounded kind of nice and was fun to talk to. How is the art coming along? I’m doing fairly well considering oil paint that is (talk about another pain in the ass) I did make a find the other day getting some real Lenin canvas to stretch. I blew up a painting... well scrapped it as a lost cause and tried to salvage the cotton canvas by stripping off the paint. Well you can't get it all off and I primed the canvas again with some titanium white and linseed oil and the old stuff burned back through ghosting an image so I decided to scrap the canvas. Now the stretch frame is still OK so I went to our local paint store; a real down home joint struggeling to stay alive. Well this old guy and me, we rummaged around in the back room till we came up with the only roll of Lining he had. Evidently Lining never rots like the cotton canvas you get today (it only last 100 years) So I figured I'd do something that will last as long as Michael Angelo's stuff just for kicks. Now to find some subject worthy of that canvas.... this stuff was $28 bucks a yard somewhat heavy there but I'm saving the old frame and will have enough to do another with what's left over. While we were rummaging around in the back room I spotted two pieces of barn board in real rough shape.... perfect for a frame on one of my pieces. It's gray and full on character and nail holes and splits from 60 years ago or better. Now to figure out how to use the stuff and keep the look clean not showing any raw edges. this stuff is a little thin also only about 3/8 to a 1/2 inch thick and the canvas is 3/4's so I have to back it up with probably a 1 X 3 or 4 to thicken up the frame to take the canvas. Interesting problem... I might just look around for some more "old wood" rather than new stock to keep the thing cool looking. Well getting time for Deb to start on her way home so I have to get dinner ready.... I made a real nice meatloaf last night and tonight I'll add onion gravy and do some rice and green beans.... What a life... QQps the cat wants to be fed... she is clawing my leg as I type.... persistent little…. HY
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Retired update
I've had an interesting time of it being retired and finding things to do. It's been a while since I've done a Blog so a lot has happened like getting into shape with a trainer and doing some art classes.
You seem to find yourself sitting and coming up with things to do to fill your days with something other than Oprah and Soaps. Not gonna happen I do hate waisting time and loosing sight of actually doing something interesting at least.
Joining the YMCA was the first thing that hit the top 10. and paying the $450 for a trainer for a twelve week stint has been a life saver. There seems to be quite a lot of things to know about training and the machines at this Y that Lindy has taught me. I now know what to work on and how to set up the machines and actually work out with the 3 sets of routines 12 to 15 reps each set. She keeps upping the weights and at first man talk about muscles you never know you had OOph. But the last training session Lindy said the improvement in strength has her impressed. My arms are hard again and not a muscle group in my body has been missed thanks to her expertise. My last session will be next Tuesday but I think I have all I need from a trainer and the money is a bit much at this time so I'm go it on my own with a little self discipline thrown in to get there and just do it...
The Art class thing is doing well and I have five canvases 3 of which are on the wall in front of me as I write. The other two works in progress on easels in the garage. I set up a work area with a heater and all so there is no excuses. I have a drawing table for any work on that level and have set up a ladder to hold large works. I had to be a bit inventive for holding the canvas making the bottom plate with wood and attaching it with a strap bolted to the up writes. the top is a piece of aluminum I had and I put two screws to tighten the canvas in place so it's secure. I was kind of making something out of nothing looking around the garage for something to use. A little trial and error and the easel works just fine and is adjustable which is a good thing.
I've just changed instructors too gong from Monday classes to Tuesdays. the new lady is the director of the studio and quite accomplished. Frankie is her name and she is little and blond and a real teacher in that she gives you goals and they're is no BS about her. I worked with her on a piece that my brother Ted sent me. He is a semi Pro Photog and this prise winning shot of what they call Motif #1 from Rock Port MA, it's quite a shot and I only hope I can do it justice.
Well Tuesday Frankie had me block it in and " get some paint on that canvas" to use her words. She also said use a big brush and just block in the diffident tones and lay the foundation for the next phase of the painting the detail work.
Well that is on the second easel which is a small metal thing I got at ta yard sale a few years back. It now sit atop of the drawing board and when I go out there to work it's a thing of which to choose. The big canvas is a light house that I'm working on my own. I having trouble getting what I want on the thing as far as mood and trying to develop my techniques. This light house has a history of one of the Keepers wives dieing there at her own hand back in the 40's. So I'm trying to go dark and a bit spooky in an attempt to display some of the turmoil of a hard environment and a lonely life and ultimately death.
I'm playing with the idea of painting a woman standing on one of the three platforms with the winds portrayed blowing her robes. A solitary moment looking out into the darkness her hair streaming in the wind. She will be a solitary figure just there as part of the painting of the lighthouse as the most imposing object in the work. I think I'll just put her as a figure in darkness and not call attention to her she'll just be there alone in the darkness looking into the sea. Now I've done quite a lot of work on this one particular subject researching and I actually took photos of the house back in Rhode Island a few weeks ago. I went out on the sand bar with my digital and shot the sean with close ups to get the technical data.
I did a pen and ink of the house drafting it in a layout of squares to get the proportions and to study it's structure. This drawing came out not too bad and my wife wants it framed which I'll do one day after the painting is finished. I may get Frankie involved but I hesitate to mess with my moods and feel that this one piece will be totally my work. When other opinions mess with your imagination it kind of becomes contaminated and not yours. I do want to avoid mixing the work I do as a student and that of the artist that lives in my head and heart alone.
The problem with art is the how to do what you feel you want to do. The techniques are difficult at best and working with oil painting blending colors and getting what is in your mind onto the canvas. I find the work rather difficult and I'm trying to learn all I can about getting paint on the canvas. It's not something I come naturally by, I am a natural and somewhat gifted sketch artiest and know how to draw with the old No 2 yellow pencil but color and drawing with a brush is one SOB. Getting paint on the brush and mixing just the right shades and textures well it's an interesting challenge to say the least.
anyway I think I'll spell check this thing before I post it.... it's another challenge of mine. I can't spell for beans
haley
You seem to find yourself sitting and coming up with things to do to fill your days with something other than Oprah and Soaps. Not gonna happen I do hate waisting time and loosing sight of actually doing something interesting at least.
Joining the YMCA was the first thing that hit the top 10. and paying the $450 for a trainer for a twelve week stint has been a life saver. There seems to be quite a lot of things to know about training and the machines at this Y that Lindy has taught me. I now know what to work on and how to set up the machines and actually work out with the 3 sets of routines 12 to 15 reps each set. She keeps upping the weights and at first man talk about muscles you never know you had OOph. But the last training session Lindy said the improvement in strength has her impressed. My arms are hard again and not a muscle group in my body has been missed thanks to her expertise. My last session will be next Tuesday but I think I have all I need from a trainer and the money is a bit much at this time so I'm go it on my own with a little self discipline thrown in to get there and just do it...
The Art class thing is doing well and I have five canvases 3 of which are on the wall in front of me as I write. The other two works in progress on easels in the garage. I set up a work area with a heater and all so there is no excuses. I have a drawing table for any work on that level and have set up a ladder to hold large works. I had to be a bit inventive for holding the canvas making the bottom plate with wood and attaching it with a strap bolted to the up writes. the top is a piece of aluminum I had and I put two screws to tighten the canvas in place so it's secure. I was kind of making something out of nothing looking around the garage for something to use. A little trial and error and the easel works just fine and is adjustable which is a good thing.
I've just changed instructors too gong from Monday classes to Tuesdays. the new lady is the director of the studio and quite accomplished. Frankie is her name and she is little and blond and a real teacher in that she gives you goals and they're is no BS about her. I worked with her on a piece that my brother Ted sent me. He is a semi Pro Photog and this prise winning shot of what they call Motif #1 from Rock Port MA, it's quite a shot and I only hope I can do it justice.
Well Tuesday Frankie had me block it in and " get some paint on that canvas" to use her words. She also said use a big brush and just block in the diffident tones and lay the foundation for the next phase of the painting the detail work.
Well that is on the second easel which is a small metal thing I got at ta yard sale a few years back. It now sit atop of the drawing board and when I go out there to work it's a thing of which to choose. The big canvas is a light house that I'm working on my own. I having trouble getting what I want on the thing as far as mood and trying to develop my techniques. This light house has a history of one of the Keepers wives dieing there at her own hand back in the 40's. So I'm trying to go dark and a bit spooky in an attempt to display some of the turmoil of a hard environment and a lonely life and ultimately death.
I'm playing with the idea of painting a woman standing on one of the three platforms with the winds portrayed blowing her robes. A solitary moment looking out into the darkness her hair streaming in the wind. She will be a solitary figure just there as part of the painting of the lighthouse as the most imposing object in the work. I think I'll just put her as a figure in darkness and not call attention to her she'll just be there alone in the darkness looking into the sea. Now I've done quite a lot of work on this one particular subject researching and I actually took photos of the house back in Rhode Island a few weeks ago. I went out on the sand bar with my digital and shot the sean with close ups to get the technical data.
I did a pen and ink of the house drafting it in a layout of squares to get the proportions and to study it's structure. This drawing came out not too bad and my wife wants it framed which I'll do one day after the painting is finished. I may get Frankie involved but I hesitate to mess with my moods and feel that this one piece will be totally my work. When other opinions mess with your imagination it kind of becomes contaminated and not yours. I do want to avoid mixing the work I do as a student and that of the artist that lives in my head and heart alone.
The problem with art is the how to do what you feel you want to do. The techniques are difficult at best and working with oil painting blending colors and getting what is in your mind onto the canvas. I find the work rather difficult and I'm trying to learn all I can about getting paint on the canvas. It's not something I come naturally by, I am a natural and somewhat gifted sketch artiest and know how to draw with the old No 2 yellow pencil but color and drawing with a brush is one SOB. Getting paint on the brush and mixing just the right shades and textures well it's an interesting challenge to say the least.
anyway I think I'll spell check this thing before I post it.... it's another challenge of mine. I can't spell for beans
haley
Saturday, February 7, 2009
OK week Three "OH MY"
Well time has passed since last I tuned into this venue, got the unemployment thing going and have an appointment at the school to check it out. So some of the duck float in any case well I haven't drowned any yet but I'd sure like to strangle a few. I find this to be quite a challenge keeping busy and making positive moves and not just sitting watching TV, which is all too easy.
I find the YMCA an interesting place and I'm trying to get there everyday. I see my endurance improving and the time on the machine is increasing but learning what the damn machines do gets a little intimidating. I feel like the old man in the Sea among all that young crowd who actually run on the tread mills me I huff and puff on level ground around 2.3 MPH.
The Library across the street is helping fill the day browsing the books people suggest for things I should do. I'd suppose there is a phase you go trough and things don't get too serious till the bread runs out and decisions have to be made. But that is a little way off yet and in the mean time I'll do some exploring to see if I can find the place I should be. There is something out there but first getting in shape and looking into school is he best of all things to keep my duck swimming.
amen
see ya
I find the YMCA an interesting place and I'm trying to get there everyday. I see my endurance improving and the time on the machine is increasing but learning what the damn machines do gets a little intimidating. I feel like the old man in the Sea among all that young crowd who actually run on the tread mills me I huff and puff on level ground around 2.3 MPH.
The Library across the street is helping fill the day browsing the books people suggest for things I should do. I'd suppose there is a phase you go trough and things don't get too serious till the bread runs out and decisions have to be made. But that is a little way off yet and in the mean time I'll do some exploring to see if I can find the place I should be. There is something out there but first getting in shape and looking into school is he best of all things to keep my duck swimming.
amen
see ya
Monday, February 2, 2009
this is week two grin
So much time so little to do.....
Well now that is at least a different approach to the norm. I sit in my home office with a keyboard my fingers seem to fumble over as I'm not used to this one like the one at work. I suppose I'll get used to it or just go buy another one. I must say I do like the idea of not working a lot more than I thought I would. I've joined the Y but haven't established a routine to actually go there. I did find a bathing suit and I now have a gym bag full of stuff like a lock and towel and T shirts and a set of sweats with a check mark on them. And oh yes lets not forget the extra sox and undies. I think the bag weights in at 47 lbs and I'm sure getting the damn thing to the gym would be exercise enough for one day.
Well I have inquiries out for a college and will do a bit more in that line later in the day. My interests lie in writing and I feel that is my bag more than anything else. I've always been good at answering a question and taking the question apart and visiting different avenues for a well rounded conclusion. Any question you ask however might end up in 3 pages of quips and "the wise old man" stories of days gone by. The funny thing I used to do is illustrate with pencil and whatever I could find to write on so that a better communication happened.
The problem with a writer like me is I am worthless in a conversational setting. But give me a problem or should you need help well you'll get yep 3 more pages and if I could figure out how I'd add a sketch or two if it were a physical thing needing the thousand words of a drawing. Once in Korea on a 9 week job I'd carry a drawing tablet and as a communication tool used it to make sure everyone was on the same page. We were moving a 27 ton machine and I really didn't want to squash anybody and being the supervisor well.... communication was vital to say the least.
OK today's Email is done and now I'll hit the library as my daughter told me to find an author of illustrated books no less. She expects a review tonight of two titles and like her mother she is a bossy... umm young lady. grin OK off to the cruel cruel world for the unknown is now my life.
see ya
Well now that is at least a different approach to the norm. I sit in my home office with a keyboard my fingers seem to fumble over as I'm not used to this one like the one at work. I suppose I'll get used to it or just go buy another one. I must say I do like the idea of not working a lot more than I thought I would. I've joined the Y but haven't established a routine to actually go there. I did find a bathing suit and I now have a gym bag full of stuff like a lock and towel and T shirts and a set of sweats with a check mark on them. And oh yes lets not forget the extra sox and undies. I think the bag weights in at 47 lbs and I'm sure getting the damn thing to the gym would be exercise enough for one day.
Well I have inquiries out for a college and will do a bit more in that line later in the day. My interests lie in writing and I feel that is my bag more than anything else. I've always been good at answering a question and taking the question apart and visiting different avenues for a well rounded conclusion. Any question you ask however might end up in 3 pages of quips and "the wise old man" stories of days gone by. The funny thing I used to do is illustrate with pencil and whatever I could find to write on so that a better communication happened.
The problem with a writer like me is I am worthless in a conversational setting. But give me a problem or should you need help well you'll get yep 3 more pages and if I could figure out how I'd add a sketch or two if it were a physical thing needing the thousand words of a drawing. Once in Korea on a 9 week job I'd carry a drawing tablet and as a communication tool used it to make sure everyone was on the same page. We were moving a 27 ton machine and I really didn't want to squash anybody and being the supervisor well.... communication was vital to say the least.
OK today's Email is done and now I'll hit the library as my daughter told me to find an author of illustrated books no less. She expects a review tonight of two titles and like her mother she is a bossy... umm young lady. grin OK off to the cruel cruel world for the unknown is now my life.
see ya
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Day 2 and still not much to do
So of this is day 2 of a forced retirement; you know I wouldn't be at such a loss if it were planned even a little bit but the shall I say shock of "Who Me" well you can imagine. Of course if you think about it who better to go then the supervisor; I mean everybody knows it's all his fault anyway so lets can his ass. Grin... they did and man is this funny to deal with.
You'll be glad to know that I now have a new mouse a Logitech roller ball but not wireless. I find this easier use than the mouse pad thing trying to move the damn thing around on an already crowded desk.
Well today I'm going to scope out Chicago a bit just to see things I might like to shoot with the Canon (smile) I bought this one a power Shot S5iS with 8 meg and it's not too bad for a low price digital. The power is better she last all day with 4 AAA and with a 2 Gig chip you can shoot till your finger falls off. Needless to say I think it's cool and between you and me well....
So I'm off to drive around a bit then I'll go to the gym and do a little more back in shape thing. You know at 62 I'm so out of shape I don't know my limitations any more and that's not good. So I figure lets do something about this one and build some stamina and get down to the weight of one person.
OK off to, day two on the new trail of "Who the hell is that guy?" see ya
You'll be glad to know that I now have a new mouse a Logitech roller ball but not wireless. I find this easier use than the mouse pad thing trying to move the damn thing around on an already crowded desk.
Well today I'm going to scope out Chicago a bit just to see things I might like to shoot with the Canon (smile) I bought this one a power Shot S5iS with 8 meg and it's not too bad for a low price digital. The power is better she last all day with 4 AAA and with a 2 Gig chip you can shoot till your finger falls off. Needless to say I think it's cool and between you and me well....
So I'm off to drive around a bit then I'll go to the gym and do a little more back in shape thing. You know at 62 I'm so out of shape I don't know my limitations any more and that's not good. So I figure lets do something about this one and build some stamina and get down to the weight of one person.
OK off to, day two on the new trail of "Who the hell is that guy?" see ya
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