painting and community building...

So this painting is a bit of a break from the studies I was doing. Its inspired by children's book illustration, and I was trying to work with a limited pallet. I am working on a way of painting that is layered and really stretches the paper and paint beyond watery washes. I'm also trying to avoid drawing first because then I end up just "coloring" the pictures rather than really painting. I'm wanting to avoid "drawing" with paint...Doing my best anyways. This one has an affect that I like...but am having a hard time replicating. I'm taking longer to paint these, so fewer posts. Maybe I'll get the camera out again.

We have been busy over here. We have been very involved in a community project that the Baha'is are promoting. Its involving young people, and supporting the community in getting to know each other on a deeper level than taking about who doesn't bag their garbage properly. We need to create close ties with one another, and help the next generation. Its an opportunity and a cause I feel pretty strongly about...but also am challenged by.

I spent a couple days getting to know my neighbors. I had never actually talked to many of them. I'm sure it used to be much more common for people to knock on doors and get to know folks, but these days it seems a little strange... but I was invited in to chat a couple times. I had a nice time meeting some other moms I had no idea were just a few doors down. We will be starting a program for the young people here, we will see how it goes...

I'm excited about the things going on in the US, the new president's speech about changing the world one brick at a time. I'm not politically inclined, but I think we all are starting to realize that we have to contribute to the world to make it better. So, this is me, doing what I can...