It Must Be Spring

                           I've never seen an upside down bird's nest.
                     Apparently it's some kind of "weaver bird" - naturally.

Two Day Staging/Makeover

All I needed was two days and a shopping run to brighten up this living room. 
A few carefully chosen accents and it's warm and friendly.

Thank goodness for Big Lots, JCPenney, Home Goods and Michaels.

Monday at the Conservatory

It's "wisp" here in Chicago -  between winter and spring. The temps warmed up and I needed a jolt of nature.  It's impossible to take a bad picture at the Garfield Park Conservatory. These were just a few of my favorites.

                             Sorry for the lack of postings lately. 
                                I'm busy creating artwork for 
                          Gallery Ten in Door County Wisconsin. 
                           As soon as I can, I will resume with 
                                 interesting things to look at. 

Hang Your Collections

 

My collection of cookie molds hangs on a stairway wall. The designs include florals, holidays, animals, and figures. Along with amazing cookies, 

they also are used for paper and clay castings. 

You can purchase cookie molds at 

houseonthehill.net

Spanish-moss

I am always fascinated by the Spanish-moss that hangs from the cypress and oak trees in Florida. Actually it's not moss. It's an epiphytic plant which grows on another plant and makes it's own food by absorbing nutrients and water from the air and rainfall.

Life on Your Kitchen Table

Flowers are lovely to have on 
the table. It's also pleasant to look at something more personal. A small grouping of favorite things you haven't seen in a while are nice to enjoy in the morning with the cup of coffee. 

A book, a souvenir from a childhood trip, photos of those who don't live close, items we used long ago, favorite game pieces are just a few. 

    

Top sketch is from an earlier post. Bottom photo is actually three photos.
After a few small revisions, I am happy with the results. Now I need to
mount the painting on plywood, add a small frame element and hang 
it for Brooke and Collin to enjoy. 

Click on image for larger view.

Why I'll Never Be a Vegetarian

Every now and then I get a craving. Not often.
Since I don't have access to a Sabrett stand, I go for a Hebrew National all beef frank with sauerkraut and mustard, and a little chopped onion.

This was sacred food for my dad. He would not approve of the onions, but he'd forgive me. This stand was in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and in honor of him, we devoured a few good dogs on the sunny steps of the museum.

6 Pieces of Scrap Wood

                                              

                                                    Color Theory

  Wood, fiber, metal  9 x 11 x 1/2

Available on my ETSY store  

 www.etsy.com/shop/MatangaBay

                          

Art of Color and Light

The Art Institute has this incredible staircase. The colorful light show installation is called Public Notice 3 by Mumbai-born artist Jitish Kallat. The words are taken from a speech given in 1893 by a yound Hindu monk from India, Swami Vivekananda at the World"s Columbian Exposition. The Art Institute was hosting a 17 day Parliament of the World's Religions. Just steps away from this staircase is the where he spoke.
It will be on display until May 1, 2011.

Boo, Tully, Moe and Gabby

Updated post from January 8. The animal mural for Brooke and Collin is coming along. Let's just say, I'll never paint on the ceiling of any church. With that said, I am having a lot of fun keeping it basic, fun and happy. I think the kids will love it. 

One more butterfly...........maybe sitting on Gabby's ear.