Some new stuff

Here are some photos of recently completed mural and faux finishes jobs. The fireplace surround, which was previously glossy white, was completed today. The picture was taken with my iPhone camera. Not the greatest quality. The other is a private gym located in a strip mall in Tahoe. The owners didn't have any room at their home, so they are renting the office space. Had to move those weight contraptions myself to get to the wall.

The window shot is in the same gym and is painted on the inside of the glass. This gives them a mural to look at while they workout, and minimizes the ability for others to look in.

Here it comes again

More snow yesterday, and more today. Got about 15" last night. Just finished blowing and shoveling that as the next storm arrives. I'm sure my studio has about 3' to 4' of snow piled in front of it from the plow that does the parking lot. Since I need to load up in the morning before heading off to Sac for several jobs, I should probably go out there this afternoon and do some more shoveling. Otherwise, I will have to do it in the morning. Suppose to be partly sunny all week, followed by another storm next weekend. Not sure if I'm even coming back next weekend. Might stay in Sac for the next job the following week. We'll see. This is so boring.

Addendum to Health

I am doing a mural in Sac this coming week for a woman who will be taking care of her father-in-law. He is a retired history professor, and is bedridden because he is about 5'6" and weighs around 275. Uses a walker when he is in a vertical position. Nothing strange yet, except he is 87 years old. How can you be that big and still be alive at 87? Don't know if he's been obese all his life, but that certainly defies the odds.
Regarding the last post, the doctor was mildly amused when I explained the 3-B diet. Furthermore, when she first saw me, she said I was looking good. I noticed she also had lost a lot of weight, so I complimented her as well. She said the last time I saw her she was pregnant. Faux pax. However, it was a boy and she would like for me to do a mural or something in his room.

Health

This doesn't have anything to do with art, but I thought I would mention it anyway. Yesterday I had an appointment with the doctor. Back in June she told me I was classified as obese, and could be a candidate for diebetes if something didn't happen to reverse the trend. So, as I left her office, I decided to do something about it.
Started a diet right then, and have pretty much adhered to it since. I call it the 3-B diet; minimize bread, beer and BJ's. Yes, of course BJ means Ben & Jerry's. Have lost about 20 pounds, and am still going for more.
The lack of alcohol significantly improved my liver, and the clorestrol went from 167 to 135. In fact, all my numbers from the blood test were improved and out of the red zone. Haven't missed the alcohol. Still drink occasionally, but only about once or twice a month for the most part.
So I'm stoked, to say the least. I've also began working out, since calorie consumption has leveling effect. Wish me luck.

Still Wintery

Trying to get creative, but taxes have my attention right now. Also been following up on the leads from the home show. Here is a photo or two of the backyard up here in Tahoe. Lot of snow so far this year. When you travel along the highway (or any road), and you're looking for a business or a friends house, it is a real challenge to find the right opening in the berms along the roads. Some folks have spray painted their address or business name on the berm. When is a sign not a sign? When it's painted on snow.

Fastest Brush In The West

Giants by 3? Who would of thought?

"The picture, as it's being made, follows the mobility of thought." (Pablo Picasso)

I paint fast. Very fast. I do not sketch in advance. Most of my art is coming from a developing mental process, not letting detail slow me down. Sure, detail is important, but save it for the last phase when you can slow down. Otherwise, get it out and on the wall (or canvas, paper or body). I would think that painting or drawing slowly would be self defeating. It would wear you out and become very boring. Working fast, at least in the beginning, has the advantage of spontaneity. The brush (or pen, pencil, pastel) follows the brain and becomes an extension of the though process.