Veteran's Day- In Memoriam

Those of you who read my blog may be wondering why I haven't posted in several months. Although my blog is usually about my art, today's post will be about something else. This post is in honor of my favorite veteran, my dad, who died from cancer earlier this year.


Robert Turner 1930-2008

My dad served in the Air Force during the Korean War. Like many other young men at the time, he joined the military while still in high school, and received his GED while in the service.


My dad, age 18, at Biggs Air Force Base in Texas

As a Veteran, my dad was active with the American Legion, the VWF, and the Delaware County Veteran's Association. He placed great importance on participating in funerals for American Veterans, and marched in parades each year on the 4th of July and Veteran's Day.

Over the last couple of years, my dad was very active in lobbying for and helping to build the Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial, which honors men and women from Ohio who have given their lives in military service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Most days he was there working, rain or shine, along with many other members of his local Legion Post, #457, to make this memorial a reality.

My dad and Col. Bowman (Ret.)

In summer of 2007, my dad was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer. Following surgery and radiation treatment, he passed away this spring shortly after his 78th birthday.


Crosses at the Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial

My dad felt it was important to honor the contributions of America's Veterans. As my favorite veteran, I dedicate today's blog post to him.

Newest Celtic Tree of Life Drawing

I started this on the weekend, and just finished it this morning. It's the latest in my Tree of Life series of drawings, done in ink on textured handmade mulberry paper. The paper has real leaf and petal inclusions, for a wonderful earthy feel. This piece would make a unique addition to a collection of Celtic or spiritual art.


TREE OF LIFE XIV
Now available in my Etsy shop!

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Tree of Life Abstract Painting

This is my newest painting, the first in a series of small abstract paintings based on the Celtic tree of life. The tree of life is a common theme in my work, but I thought it would be fun to explore some modern interpretations inspired by this classic motif.

TREE OF LIFE
Original acrylics on gallery canvas
6" x 6"
Now available in my Etsy shop!
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New painting- View of Camelot

Since my return home, I was able to finish up and scan a painting I'd started ages ago. This painting was inspired by the poem "The Lady of Shallot". It shows my rendition of the view from her window, with Camelot visible in the distance. (Here Camelot is based on Caernafon, one of the many castles I visited in Wales.)



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The best laid plans...

I can't believe nearly four months have gone by since I had a chance to post to my blog! A quick update: Following my dad's cancer surgery in September, I've spent an inordinate amount of time out of town. I'm glad I've been able to give my folks a hand, but wow is all that back-and-forth tiring! I've gained a whole new level of respect for people who serve as primary caregivers. How they manage to find time for everything is beyond me.

Although I've spent more time away than home, I have managed to catch up on some things here in my studio. I've got something resembling organization back in here again (YAY!) and will be posting a pick of my latest painting this afternoon, with a few others over the next couple of days.

Ever feel like you're in a blender?

This has been one crazy year! Between packing and getting ready to move, then unpacking, and lots of things going wrong since then, I haven't had a chance to post in months. I'm starting to feel like someone stuck my life in a blender and pushed the "Frappe" button. If you've ever felt that way, you'll understand. I keep hoping things will settle down and get back to some kind of normality. It hasn't happened yet, but hope springs eternal.

I'm getting ready to go out of town for part of September, because my dad's going in the hospital. After that...? Hopefully I'll be back to enough of a regular schedule that I can post about a bunch of new work.

One project I'll be doing soon are some holiday cards with this image from one of my little comical paintings:



A couple of people had asked me about it, so I thought I'd better get going on it now before the holidays creep up on me.

In the meantime, I'm back to revamping my web site. Hopefully I'll be posting again soon!

Giverny Garden Hat

I love hats. Maybe I've just grown to love them because (owing partly to my Scottish & Irish heritage) I do not ever tan, and must wear a hat all summer. Or maybe it's because hats are such a fun way to accessorize. But I love them.

One problem with hats, though, is that it can be hard to find fun, unique hats which also have some level of practicality to them. Some of the niftiest ones I've seen don't travel well, or are only suited to getting dressed up and going out on the town. What about those times when a hat is needed for walking to the market or going to an outdoor barbecue? What about stuffing it into a travel bag to take on a plane, or in the car? It was this that led me to start making my own hats. (That, and being unable to find what I was looking for.) Sewing is another (more practical) creative outlet for me, but I don't do it as often as I'd like.

Here is one of my latest hats. This one is made from a summery cotton with a pattern which reminds me of Monet's paintings from the gardens at Giverny. It can be folded flat for travel or storage, and can be customized by changing the scarf. This hat is currently available in my Etsy shop.

Tuscan Sunflowers Miniature Painting

Here is a mini painting I did this week, inspired by the fields of sunflowers found in Tuscany. This tiny painting measures just 1 inch high, and would be a wonderful addition to a collection of miniature art, or a unique accent in a classically furnished 1/12 scale dollhouse. This painting is currently available for purchase on ebay.



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Egyptian Scarab Sculpted Pendant

Although I've done wearable sculpture pieces for years, it wasn't until last year that I started listing some of them online, and playing around with different techniques and materials. Here is a pendant I created using a couple of different colors of polymer clay, with faux gold leaf inclusions.



This pendant is currently available in my etsy store.

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