Artist's Corner: The Bunny in the Flowers

EK has been busy at art lessons. The students took a break from portraits and EK came up with this watercolor painting. It is just another sign that spring is almost here!

Egyptian Art

EK's piece of work from today's art lesson.

Snowmen in a Series

It looks like we won't have be having a white Christmas in Hometown, Texas this year.  This week marked the first day of winter and we had record setting highs.  Who doesn't love temperatures in the eighties in December?  Don't get me wrong; I am not complaining.  After all, we were blessed with our fair amount of snow last winter. 

EK recently completed this simple set of snowmen.  Their simplicity allows the personalities of the snowmen to shine through.

Batman Snowman

Elvis Snowman

Surprised Snowman

Johnny Appleseed Snowman

Sunrise

Sometimes you just have to stop and enjoy the view.

Artist's Corner: More Fall Fruit

Ok. I don't really know if grapes pass for a fall fruit, but the title goes with last week's art related title.

Enjoy this picture of EK's painting from today's art lesson.

Artist's Corner: Fall Fruit

Art lessons have resumed after a summer break.  This past week EK painted fall fruit as well as sculpted a hummingbird and an apple out of clay. Busy day.

Let's Visit the County Fair!

When I think of the annual county fair, many things come to mind:

• animals - As hard as I try, viewing of the animals has never elicited a strong emotional response from me as it does with the other mil10s. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the industries and work that goes into getting my food from the field to my table, but I cannot see it as a hobby in this modern age. Here a cow, there a cow, every where a cow cow. Not for me.
• food - The food always looks and smells so appealing. Perhaps it is due to the glow of the flashing yellow bug lights. Fresh lemonade. Funnel cakes. Yum!
• carnies - I am weirded out a bit. I hate to stereotype, so I am going to say only one word-carnies. I will leave it at that.

Last week the mil10s helped to open the county fair. Yes, "Fair Boss" was there to greet us when we entered. No, it may not be as impressive as seeing Big Tex when you enter the state fair, but is a fair tradition.

Our primary reason for venturing to this year's fair was to see some of EK's work that had been entered in the Creative Arts competition. This was our first year to submit his artwork for judging at the fair. Originally, we were going to enter one, maybe two, pieces. Then we decided to enter four. The sunset picture that went to the state level of Creative Arts was a sure entry. The other three were pieces that EK worked on during art lessons.

We had no idea of what to expect. We even talked to EK about the possibility that his pictures might not be recognized. However, we were pleased to see...

"The Chubby Pig" - Superior Ribbon

"The Colorful Parrot" - First Place Ribbon and Superior Ribbon

"Sunset" - Excellent Ribbon

"Three Chinese Men" - First Place Ribbon and Superior Ribbon

Way to go, EK! Here is one picture of EK riding the rolling cylinder in the fun house. It was his only ride of the night. $3!!!

Have You Seen My Wordle?

There is a free application available on the web that allows you to make "beautiful word clouds" from any text you input. Check out Wordle.

Words used more frequently appear larger. Instead of imputing a bunch of text (you can copy and paste), you can put in the address of any site with an RSS feed. The wordle above is what appeared when I typed the address of this blog.

So, what would your wordle look like?

Artist's Corner

At art lessons this week, EK drew his favorite caped crusdaer, complete with the Gotham City skyline. Below is a photo from 2008 where EK enjoyed pretending to be Batman in his new cape purchased at Six Flags Over Texas.

Artist's Corner

This week's entry is EK's take on prehistoric times.

Artist's Corner

As most of you know, we have a budding, young artist on our hands. This is his second year of art lessons, but he has been drawing since he could hold a pencil or crayon in his hand. He actually takes lessons from the same teacher his dad and uncle J took lessons from many years ago. We have now dedicated the entry way in our home as an art gallery to his masterpieces. However, there is only so much wall space, and we are not able to showcase every piece. I have decided each week I will spotlight one of EK's works of art. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.