Back to Cactusland

 One of the first things you see after leaving Oregon is Mt. Shasta that was formed as a Volcano and it looked active when we drove by.

 After a night at a Best Western we drove over the Tehachapi Pass at an elevation of 3,970 feet and down into Mojave cutting south at highway 395. The road is bounded on the west by some pretty huge power lines...

 ... a few Joshua trees...

 ... and even more power lines.

 We drove 17 hours getting in at Matt's house late but safe. I did get out the next day for some cacti pictures like this one of a leaning Mickey Mouse Cactus...

 .... this bearded cactus I called a Gabby Hayes ...

 ... and this one I call a fish hook cactus 

 

after it's curved barbs

 When I think about it Matt has a great variety of cacti and I really appreciate this yellow cactus.

 Matt also has some interesting boulder sized rocks and even an old wagon wheel...

 ... and the boulder was beautifully colored.

 Some of his cactus is furry but don't let it fool you ...

 ... there are some sharp needles as well...

 ... and the effect in the yard is very traditional Arizona hardscape.

 This guy so special with it's almost perfectly round shape and, yes, needles...

 nestled as part of a purple gold and green paddle cactus.

 Matt did get the picture I put together I put together for him hung on the wall of the living room...

 ... and the rocks I put on the wall were still there...

 ... the ducky was chlorinating the pool...

 ... and the pool water was up to 61.

 As the shadows from the pool fence moved across the patio floor...

 ...Scrabble queen potted an herb garden.

 The real star was Matt's Yucca with two beautiful bloom pods...

 ... that were impossible to capture this day...

Best of all Matt's healing and each day is better than the last.

Quote of the Day ~

"So it really does have a sort of bittersweet quality. Kids like to have adventures and to believe they can fly, but there's also that fear about people leaving you." ~ Cathy Rigby, gymnast, actress and speaker.

First Friday Art Walk in the Rain - March 2011

When I arrived downtown for the Art Walk the first thing I saw was this huge poster on the West side of the parking structure. Very colorful and creative.

 Looking back toward town I also liked the mixture of color on the buildings across the way to the south east...

 ... and directly down a trio that consisting of a tree trunk, a yellow ire hydrant and a mostly buried boulder.

My first stop was at The Karin Clarke Gallery that was showing the work of LaVern Krause

"LaVerne Krause graduated from the University of Oregon in 1946 and then returned in 1966 to teach art, and by 1972 she was a full professor. Her close friends called her "mercurial" and she was respected by almost everyone as a strong influence on art students and young artists. As a visiting faculty member, she founded the UO printing program and eventually became a permanent faculty member. Krause taught at the University of Oregon for 20 years until she retired in 1986. She continued to be active in the art community until her death in 1987. Even after her death, she is still recognized as a great role model and skillful artist."

This painting called The Wheat Field is a great example of seeing a pallet of color and contours and creating a very serene view of rural America.

 In LaVerne's Painted Desert she expresses the earth tones in contrast with the ethereal blue sky. Such lovely work from an exciting and gentle soul.

 Across the way at The Karin Clarke Annex were two wonderful works from Margaret Coe (Karin's Mother) first was this great painting of a rustic looking port ...

 ... and beautifully  smooth landscape of boats along the shore.

I also got to finally meet Karin's father Mark Clarke a very who painted this beautiful image and many more that can be seen at the gallery. Mark took some time to discuss the technique he uses when painting. It is a very unique style and he is one of Sharyn's favorite artists. Later Mark gave a talk on LaVerne Krause in the main gallery. 

 There there a lot of gallery walkers tonight despite the rain like this gentleman talking with Renee about some of the fine art on display in the Annex.

 I walked over to the Jacobs Gallery in the rain and took a few "wet" shots, this one is of the parking structure where I parked...

 ... and this shot is looking down Willamette from the Hult Center...

 ... and finally I got a picture of the elevator hauling a man up to the top floor

 Back at the Annex of Karin's Gallery this painting caught my eye and I really like the color and style but didn't get the title or name of the artist.

 I always feel more alive at the art walks and I'm not sure if it's the color you bathe in at the galleries, or the people I meet, or the cool night air or maybe it's just that I'm doing something with my photography of just plain doing Something...

 ... I do enjoy the company and coffee after the walk with friend like Ron (center of the picture) ...

 ... and Randy and Renee and Vern who couldn't be here tonight. 

Even when I am walking back to the car and the crowds have cleared, the quiet night feels very sweet.

Quote of the Day ~ 

"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in  the rain!" ~ Vivian Greene