Emerson's Mural

We decided to paint a mural on Emerson's wall. Hanging on his wall has been a painting my aunt Sarah did of the volcano Conception on the island of Ometepe in Nicaragua which is where we conceived Emerson. So we decided to base the mural around that painting adding in the rest of the island and the second mother volcano Madera. Since that was high up on the wall we figured we add a bunch of fun vegetation to the foreground and the base of the wall. But first we had to paint it blue.



Then I sketched out the basic shapes and Anilia blocked in the color for the plants. You can see Sarah's painting hanging on the wall for inspiration.



Then I started adding in detail on the plants. Also hanging on the wall for inspiration is an original Kent Angert masterpiece. You can see by the age of two he was already exploring his abstract expressionist side.



Next I decided some curly cue growth emerging from the shadows was in order. Little A loves curly cues and I think their pretty fun too. Started laying the foundation for the island and some waves here too.



Now it was time to take Sarah's painting down so I could paint the area behind it. in case the painting ever is not there the mural still makes sense without it. I did not include the Volacan Conception though. Don't ask me why or I'll be forced to make up some metaphysical symbolic reason to justify it as art. Also colored in the lone flower in foreground in a nice bright red which Emerson immediately honed in on.



Some detail shots:





With some of the other preexisting decorations back in place. We had bought this light switch cover quite a while back before we lived here and finally decided it should go here now.



And Sarah's painting back in place. Thanks Sarah for the wonderful painting that inspired this whole thing.

New Horizons

nicaragua 033, originally uploaded by Mr & Mrs Speeed.

Things I love about 2008.

1. Lots of visiting with family in fun and exotic places like Nicaragua.
2. Making a baby.
3. Found new people to make music with and old friends too.
4. Working our garden and eating the bounty.
5. Painting murals on the wall of the house.
6. Working with the neighborhood to make it a better place.
7. Watching Little A get crafty.
8. Sunday night dinners with friends.
9. Electing Obama.
10. Motorcycle rides to work.

11. Returning to yoga practice

As far as next years resolutions? I'll quote some thing I read over at Catskill Cottage Seed which resonates with my attitude:

"I always look with anticipation as to where the flow of the next year will take me. More then plans, lists, or resolutions, my sincere intention is to remain open to the unexpected opportunities that will cross my path throughout the upcoming year."

How about you?

Morning Jettison

Morning Jettison, originally uploaded by Mr & Mrs Speeed.

I shot this photo of a native fisherman's boat and net on the beach of Ometepe island in Nicaragua. I worked a little magic on it in photoshop to try and get is to sit on the line between a photo and a painting. Click on the photo for a full view or to browse other photos from Nica.

Nicaraguan Sky

DSC01483.JPG, originally uploaded by Mr & Mrs Speeed.

We just got back from Nicaragua. I took lots of pictures and also many audio samples that I plan to boil down into some musical creations at some point. For now enjoy this sky.