I'm still here...

Man, I have had so many computer problems I haven't been able to write for quite some time.  I bought a new computer, after which I realized I also needed a new keyboard and mouse.  It took a long time for them both to get here.  Once I installed Picasa and Blogger, I am delighted to say I am back in the blog business.

The painting I've posted is a large version of a small one I did before.  It is almost as tall as I am (which is shrinking to less than 5 feet).I had fun with it thanks to encouragement from my old friend Elizabeth.  We talk every few weeks and she always inspires me to be more experimental, the way I used to be when we were both in school.....as adults in the 80's and 90's. She suggested that I make the brush strokes tell the story of the image. It's hard to see in the photo, but I splashed paint all over this, let it run, painted on it upside down and sideways.  Certainly it doesn't look as experimental as it ought to, considering how much I played with it.  I like it, though, and certainly had a good time doing it

Afterwards, I tried doing the same type of image in watercolor.  I'm quite happy with this one, too, mostly just because I was able to get some interesting watercolor effects without making everything muddy.

The dancers look happy.  Next time I think I'll forget the yellow stripes.  I meant them to stabilize the chaos of the other brush marks, but they really don't work.  One thing about watercolor, though.  You pretty much have to live with your mistakes.