Trail Sentinel, My Painting for the Dorthy Page Museum in Wasilla, Alaska for Iditarod Days

Title: Trail Sentinel
Artist: Judy Vars
Medium: Oil
Dimensions: 12" x 24"
Price: 360.00
Completion Date: February 2008



I used a magnifing light to paint the musher and the dog team and yes, it is as cold as the painting looks.
Here is the official site of "The Last Great Race" which starts March 1st 2008 http://www.iditarod.com/ HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU!

Models at the Wearable Art Show

The night was a success, good food, full house, creative entrys, fun models, everyone had a good time.
The video clip didn't work out :( so here are some pics.

This was my entry Transparent Man, Peter was my model. One lady said to me, "how did you ever convince him to do it"? Truth is, I couldn't talk him out of it!

Mike took a funny picture with each model.


The lady with the belt outfit and the pink flamingo were my favorites.
The pretty one is Carmen Sommerfield president of the Valley Arts Alliance and the organizer, she's Awesome!
The next big event is the "Art on Fire" Iron Pour Art Fest
check it out at http://www.valleyartsalliance.com

Can you Say U-Tube

I've been keeping it under wraps, what my entry is going to be at the Wearable Art & Runway Fashion Show, "Overdone." It's top secret! hint, hint, it's called Transparent Man.
My damn camera is not back from repairs so my son-in-laws-brother is going to take a video clip. Can you say U-Tube? He He He (diobolical laughter). My new piece has taken 100s of hours and lots of blood, sweat, tears and a few heated debates. But the overall effect is going to be over the top and way overdone.
My model is getting cold feet and very nervous and mistakenly thinks he can remain annonymous, he he, heeee (more diobolical laughter).

This is my entry last year a Mardi Gras Angel, we had so much fun that we are back for more, be there or be square.

OVERDONEPalmers 2nd Annual
Wearable Art
&Runway
Fashion Show

Saturday, February 16, 2008, 7pm at The Palmer Depot
Presented by the Valley Arts Alliance http://www.valleyartsalliance.com/

So Dad, Who's Da Nekid Lady?

With Wanda's passing I inhereted my fathers photo album and with it his memories and some of the momentos of his life, pictures of him as a baby, pictures of his Maw, pictures of us kids, Honorable Discharge from the United States Navy 1946, all kinds of fascinating things.
Oh the stories these photos could tell. Like for instance who was this curvy lady? Written on the back is
Sarah May Chatterton
380 2nd Ave.
Phone 90388

My Sons 18th Birthday

At 30+++something I got pregnant with my last child. I gave birth on a weekday at about noon a perfect baby boy, my Son.

At first I hated the idea of having another child I was already in my late 30s done with raising kids. I was getting off easy with carefree adult years ahead of me it was a great place to stop... But once I made up my mind to have another child, I vowed never to regret my decision. I've been told I hover about Porter like a huge helicopter, it's been so hard to let go and not protect and worry about him. My son has taught me so much, brought me so much joy, I am so very proud of his accomplishments he is a rock star to me. My other kids brought me much more grief than he ever did. YIKES the stories i could tell.

After out annual sourdough Pizza at the Yukon he went to see Rambo a R rated movie with his friends.

Porter is 18 and as far as our government is concerned an adult. The rest of his life just beginning ripe with possibilities and like alot of us he dosen't know what he wants to be when he grows up.

I also stand at a new phase done with raising children, when I grow up I want to be an artist my future is also pregnant with possibilities.

p.s. I will discourage my son from fighting in Uncle Sams war.

I love you son

MoM

What You Think Of Me Is None Of My Business

Wordy Raven
Price: 10 cents
Artist: Judy Vars
I have to tell myself this often, what you think of me is none of my damn business. Because often I worry a bit too much about what others think of me, simultaneously having a cavalier attitude that says, I don't give a damn what you think of me, and as a caveat to that, but just please think of me.

Sure I'll admit it I want to be loved and accepted for who I am imperfections and all, but lets be honest lots of people have judgmental attitudes. Like when I was eavesdropping next to my one of my Raven creations in the gallery, the lady told her husband in a real snippy tone of voice, "I wouldn’t give you 10 cents for it," Well how rude, and the letter I just got from the Anchorage Museum in answer to my submission, "We regret to inform you that your artwork will not be included into the second phase of the judging process," and then there is the person who says, "your art is improving," what the hell does that mean anyway? See what I mean? I'll write it 10 times for 10 days until I believe it. What you think of me is none of my business! What you think of me is none of my business!

It means be true to myself and stop trying to please other folks.
I ask myself, do I have my own approval? Yes! Am I being true to myself? Yes! Do I trust myself? Yes!

Although, I would like to know why Jari-Pekka Vanhala currator of the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art in Helsinki, Finland; passed on my art for the Anchorage Museum http://www.anchoragemuseum.org/, All Alaska Juried Art Exhibition. He is giving a lecture on Wed. Feb. 27 and will talk about his choices. I plan to attend and get some enlightenment.

So Maybe a more true statement would be; sometimes what you think of me is none of my business. Because it's still all about me, and what you think about me,
is none of my business.

If it aint one thang its another

Friday my daughter and sister/friend and their business partner Mindy called me to buy some NIKKEN home health care products before January ends, Charmaine needed to reach her monthy goal. They worked me hard but I needed more time there was still 24 hours to decide. Laura e-mailed me some testimonials about the KenkoWave infared treatment system it treats tendonitis arthritis, rheumatism, tendonitis, bachache, joint pain and psoirisis. I grumbled about how much the products cost. Then Laura made me a deal that I couldn't refuse. She commissioned me to paint something in trade. I say; "now yer talkin my language" after some more negoiations, We decided I would paint a raven.
They have loved me and encouraged my art endeavors for years telling me how much they love my creations. I started it immediately feeling so inspired to paint my oldest and dearest sister friend Laura and Alan from Vancouver a raven painting. It is turning out soooo great.
A week or so ago I dropped my camera and broke the button that takes the pictures so I sent it off to Olympus to repair, who knows how long that will take. So no new pictures of the piece.
This raven painting I did over 5 years ago. It's on my web site http://www.cabinfeverinalaska.com/ this is the one Alan liked best because the raven has character so I am basing my new paintings on this one. You're gonna love it!
Northern Lights Raven

Ground Hog Day Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow so 6 more weeks of winter

On an episode of Northern Exposure one of the characters a native medicine man wanted to understand our western culture better so he asked everyone for our stories, it was funny because all anyone could come up with was Urban Legends, Do you have a favorite urban legend? By the end of the show he thought whites were crazy and concluded we had no story telling traditions amongst our culture. Until the last scene, he sat with Ed to watch a movie and realized all our ethical, moral, and spiritual questions are answered in the movies. Movies are our stories.

Ground Hog Day is in my top 10 all time movie favorites. A news crew goes to Punxsutawney to cover the Ground Hog Day celebration, the self absorbed Bill Murray is the news weather man, he gets caught in a time loop living February 2nd Ground Hog Day over and over again, at first he pleases himself and his hedonistic nature because there aren’t any consequences and later he begins to make himself a better man. (I could write movie reviews)
What if we could relive each day over and over again until we finally get it perfect? I guess the notion of getting it perfect is as absurd as living the same day over and over. I loved the sweet message of hope and love that this movie brings, because every new day is clean slate a chance to improve, get it right, make amends, show your love, improve your skills, each day we are given the grace to keep trying until we get it right.

Man Burns in 212 days

TITLE: Sun Goddess ARTIST: Judy VarsMEDIUM: OilDIMENSIONS: H. 21" X W. 18"
I'm thinking Burning Man for our vacation this year 7 days in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada.

What Is Burning Man?Every year, tens of thousands of participants gather to create Black Rock City in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada, dedicated to self-expression, self-reliance, and art as the center of community. Everyone leaves one week later, having left no trace. The temperatures can reach 110 degrees and there can be hellacious sandstormes. But when it's time to go leave no trace what-so-ever. While there you are part of a community and work on the many projects being created. There is much planning involved because each person is completely self reliant all the food and water needs to be brought in and any art projects I may want to create. The theme this year is American Dream. It's been many years since I've been to Nevada still I'll bet I run into old friends and make some new ones.

The Strange Wind by MAX

It's a strange wind today
It blows my body away
It's a strange wind today
It's a strange wind


It's so strange to me when things work out.
I often ask myself, when I am working hard and doing all the right things, why am I so surprised when stuff actually works out?
Well I am going to be deliberately vague because I am superstitious,
experience has taught me not to brag or boast because Karma is always listening.
Thank you Great Spirit for prayers answered, I'm blown away.

8:44 P.M. We went to Max and Jacksons Soup and Science Night to raise money for Washington D.C.
I bid on some cool looking brown slip on swede shoes with lots of tread and won the bid for $12.00 but when I put my new swede shoes on they squeak!!! You see Karma was listening.

THE 2ND ANNUAL

Wearable ART Show

SATURDAY, FEB 16 7:00PM
PALMER TRAIN DEPOT

http://www.valleyartsalliance.com/

This event last year was a huge success daughter and I had a good time bonding experience. This year my entry is going to be a total secret, all I can say about it is WHERE IS MY FLUFFER!!!!

It's For The Children

Dear Artists:

This request is for my grandson Max and his class. Please take just a moment to consider this for the children.

Calling All Artists

Mrs. Tros multi-age classroom at the Midnight Sun Charter School is planning their tri-annual field trip to Washington, D.C. and is raising $60,000 to take our kids all the way from Alaska to our country’s capital!!!
An art auction is planned for mid February. We are asking for your tax deductible donations from artists:
· Original Art
· Prints
· Three dimensional art
· Carvings
All will be gratefully accepted. Please contact the art coordinator:
Nicole Barker @ 892-8069 and cell # 775-3739
Or Me
Judy Vars
(907) 373-8069
cabinak@mtaonline.net

WEB SITE: http://www.cabinfeverinalaska.com/
BLOG: http://www.cabinfeverinalaska.blogspot.com/

This is the way I cast my net e-mailing everyone asking for art, and I caught one a lovely lady named Lisa Wengo she does digital Alaskan fantasy art. She e-mailed me and invited Nikki and me to come to her studio in Anchorage and pick something out. So I had two reasons to drive to Anchor Town, one; drop off Salmon in the Sunbeams and two; pick up some donated art. Her art was so cool, photographs of women all ages and sizes set in a digital hyper reality she said of her art; Alaska In Fantasy, Real Alaskan people, Real Alaskan Places, with a twist. She had a book in the making mature Alaskan women as Goddesses, hummm I wonder which Goddess I'd pick to become? Here is her web-site check her out!

Alasaka In Fantasy

333 W. 4th Ave. Suite 6

Anchorage, AK closed Mondays

http://alaskainfantasy.com/

The Salmon in the Sunbeams

TITLE: Salmon in the Sunbeams
ARTIST: Judy Vars
MEDIUM: Oil METHOD: Indirect
DIMENSIONS: H. 10" X W. 20"
CREATED: January 2008

We are blessed with an abundance of wild Salmon in Alaska! The first time I saw one in Big Lake, Alaska at the mouth of the creek I couldn't believe it I thought I was looking at a miniature submarine. Once while I was walking along the creek I heard a loud swooshing noise, then I saw three big salmon racing up stream to spawn with their backs and fins out of the water, thrilling.

This salmon is lively and bright and with five or six coats of varnish it looks like stained glass. So I named her "Salmon in the Sunbeams."

I had a wonderful time painting it and posting my progress and how to paint indirect. I hope you like it; I do take commissions and charge about 1.00 a square inch unframed on a wrapped canvas with the sides painted.

If you want one please contact me:)

Thank you!

Judy

Mr and Mrs Salmon one of my bread and butter paintings

A client of mine Connie from Florida who bought "Salmon in the Shadows " at GCVA (Girdwood Center for the Visual Arts) called me and commissioned me to paint another one. Awesome, she wants it for her sister who lives in Anchorage. She told me her sister loves jewel tones, good!
I adore the beautiful jewel tones. She loves the way the light and shadow played on the canvas and the smooth even texture of the paint. So after my job I drove to Anchorage to buy the type of canvas that I need a 10" x 20" wrapped canvas, some oil paints and new brushes. I have painted many fish using the indirect method of oil painting, that is many layers of paint applied evenly and dried before the next layer is applied. It is a perfect way to paint fish in water. I will start tomorrow and post each phase of the painting describing the process as I go. It is a very methodical way to paint and takes time and patience but I really enjoy the process.

Above is another salmon painting, someone named Mr. and Mrs Salmon won this one on E-Bay on a make an offer listing. I don't do E-Bay anymore but perhaps should rethink that decision I did sell some art and have some good times buying other peoples art.

Shades of White

I'm in service again taking care of Thomas. He is a very dignified black man from Scotland and NYC. In his younger days he was a merchant marine and traveled all over this pretty planet. Right now I'm gently encouraging him to get ready for a doctors appointment, but it's cold outside and he is not in the mood. I will wait a few minutes and say lets go again because he won't remember his objections you see he has alzheimers. He is teaching me to live in the moment. Every so often he bids me to look outside and says "everything is so white" to keep my self busy (and sane) I photographed the view outside the window of Pioneer Peak every half hour the weather on the mountain is constantly changing. It's lovely to watch the weather outside the big picture window and be inside where it's warm and cozy by the fireplace.

Home and Mother

As I was writing my blog tonight and looking for words from a book I couldn't find.
Instead I found a old sentimental book titled "Home and Mother" I read this poem:

MotherJust for today,
For you, I pray,
That God
Abide with you
that you may share
His loving care,
In all that
you may do.

And every day
I still will pray
Again this
same old prayer,
That for the day,
He'll guide your way,
And keep you
in his care.

A call from my relatives came saying my step mom has passed away about an hour ago. So Wanda this is for you! you're home with Dad and your Nanna now and I miss you already. I'm glad we had such a great phone call, but one question why didn't you tell me sooner you were so sick?
I could have told you sooner how much you mean to me. You were a great step mom.
i love you!
judy girl

Trout, Trout, Trout

This is my fat pretty trout I painted him last year or so, it didn't sell, so I cut him out and reworking him into an encaustic wax painting. It should look fantastic. More to come.

In the meantime I am having writers block "as if" anyway I'll blog soon when I can think of something to say.

Some Say Its Darkest Just Before Dawn

TITLE: Dawn on the Sleeping Lady
ARTIST: Judy Vars
MEDIUM: Oil and Silver Leaf
DIMENSIONS: H. 11" X W. 14"
PRICE: 192.00
CREATED: The last day of 2007

The story of Sleeping Lady has traveled by word of mouth throughout the region since at least the 1930's. The source of the original story is unknown perhaps Athabaskan legend. Here is a very short telling.

Many years ago when woolly mammoths roamed the land there lived a race of peaceful giants.
Two were planning to be married the maiden Susitna and Nekalta. As they were making wedding plans a stranger burst into the village warning them of a warring tribe coming their way. A tribal council was held and it was decided not to fight instead to bring them gifts and offer friendship. Soon they left on their mission. The maiden Sisitna stayed behind busying herself with her wedding plans she eventually grew weary and laid down for a nap. Tragically the plan did not work and every one was killed.
No one had the heart to awaken Susitna so she still sleeps awaiting the return of her betrothed and news of peace.

In my version of the Sleeping Lady I have captured the sliver of time just before dawn when the sky is still dark and the stars are still visible, there is a stark silvery glow on the horizon promising a bright new day, the clouds hang thickly in the sky like a wooly down comforter still wrapping Susitna in warmth while she dreams of Nekaltas return.

The technical aspects of this type of sunrise is called the twilight and antitwilight wedge also called the "belt of venus."If the sun is below the horizon, the band will appear a corresponding distance above the horizon with the darker sky below it, which is the earths shadow. The lack of color is partly due to the clean air and partly due to the suns elevation.

May 2008 bring us closer to our hearts desires Peace on Earth and Goodwill towards all Mankind. May we all do our part to be the peacemakers and have faith in a bright new day.

Blessings of Love and Peace

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” Oprah

I'm Mortified and Sitting in an Avalanche of Papers

Just before Christmas a lady who bought my Three Muses painting at the Girdwood Forest Fair called me out of the blue, said she loves the painting but it STINKS! I think OMG!!! So I just sit there a minute silent trying to understand, she said it started to get an odor. I ask what does it smell like? And she says funky yet pungent. I was flummoxed not knowing what to say about this odd occurrence. I suggested she put it in a bag and set it outside. What else could I say?

I have no idea why one on my encaustic paintings would develop a smell????
I will do a little research online and ask the R&F paints forum.
I found 4 ready made box frames made from wood at the Salvation Army and used them to create four really nice peices. Often I use found objects in my artwork, It’s my way of recycling. I love that type of folk art it's my thing. Perhaps the wood was treated or the glue that was used? The picture of the three muses from Botticelli's painting was taken out of a book, perhaps the ink? I just don't know? #&*#+ Oh my.
Does someone out there have some idea why that sort of thing might happen?
Has it ever happened to you? Have you ever even heard of such a thing?
This is a most ignominious situation. The words your art stinks keeps ringing in my ears……….. at least she didn't say it smells like butt.

I must replace the painting as soon as possible after the New Year. YIKES and
My office and studio is a complete disaster. The way I get organized is I tear everything apart and put it back neatly. Won’t someone help me pleeeze.
Thank you
Judy
p.s. I got a new large heavy duty easel delivered to my house today from an anonymous gift giver.
Thank you and I love you to.

Christmas 2007

For Christmas Eve a Faux Fireplace

Look I got what I wanted this year this special faux fireplace/heater make from oak with a remote starter. Isn't it just sooo cute and quaint, I put it in our bedroom. After ferrying my family to the airport for the last two days and 350 miles later. Hubby and I are alone cozy and in the Christmas mood.

Cocktail Parties and Christmas Libations

Last night hubby and I went to a real top drawer cocktail party at the 15th floor of the Hilton Hotel in beautiful downtown Anchorage. They served prime rib and had an open bar which is always interesting because neither one of us drink. And yes, that is a whole other story that belongs in another forum, know what I mean? It was a company party for Alaska Serigraphics a super cool group of creative, young fun people. It's always fun to watch people as they relax and get loose after a few drinks. I‘ve heard there is a pill for social anxiety disorder but liquor is quicker. Why am I saying all this?

Well http://www.douglas-girard.com/index.html Douglas Francois Girard (the man whose art Palmer Museum choose over mine) is their graphic designer. So hubby introduces me to him and quickly walks away. Douglas is a real cute guy with allot of discheevled charm and he had this aloof artists air about him.

So I went ga ga all over him literally gushing as I told him how talented he is and how wonderful I thought his art was. I'm sure he was flattered if not a little embarrassed for me. I have no excuse for leaving my senses behind except he spoke with an accent.

Oh, my, god. Becky, look at her boobs.

Large breasts are like pets. Everyone likes them, but you're the only one who has to take care of them.SARK
Ok, yes, this photograph is over 20 years old and I only weighed about 120 pounds but look at my titts. I inherited them from my moms side of the family and like all blessings; I always thought my breasts were a curse. Why did they have to be so freekishly large? Just think of all the pet names we have for our mammarys: honkers, hooters, bazooms, headlights, boobs, knockers, the pointer sisters, jugs, melons, racks and funbags. I've literally heard them all. Men can are so fun and easy to manipulate with just a little cleavage. I never danced topless but with these babies I'd have made a fortune.

My little sister had the funny luck of having two different sizes, she said for variety. Last week she found a lump on her right breast. The doc says a biposy is not indicated at this time, but she must do a self breast exam religously every week.
So here is a reminder to all women short or tall big or small. Take care of your assets, do a self breast exam more often.
Much Love

Judy

My Silly Son Nurdley

This is my boy Porter being a clown. My son is a sweet and wonderful guy.

I heart you MoM

How many shades of pink did God create?

This is the view from my deck at 3:30 pm today. The Alaskan sky in the winter-time is more beautiful than you could imagine the relatively pollution free air and far North make it rarefied light. Today the baby boy blue sky was so velvety and soft and cold so very cold. The daylight today is only 5 hours. The sunrise takes it's time as it makes a fast, low arc over the horizon and then sets. The sunrises and sunsets are glorious, God painted the sunset tonight in the softest pastels of luxurious pinks, lavenders and golds. I saw all the colors of pink tonight and as the grand finale the sky was highlighted with fuchsia. Now it's time to sleep the long winter night is upon me.

I have an inspiration for a painting a winter sunset over Sleeping Lady the sunset and the quarter moon in winter, Sleeping Lady all lit from behind with alpen glow. Perhaps a dog team in the distance I can take artistic license can't I? I borrowed this image of Sleeping Lady from
http://www.smugmug.com/

Burrr Frickin Burr or I've been Scrooged

Tis the season to be jolly fa frickin la de da da da......Why am I so damn bitchey? Because Christmas time is stupid......In other words go Scrooge yourself :( I did check it out!http://www.scroogeyourself.com/?id=1410325680

I called my blog Cabin Fever in Alaska meant to be tongue and cheek but now in the deepest part of winter it's not so funny. Sunrise is 10:10 and sunset is 3:35 pm. This picture was taken today from my backyard at 3:30 p.m. the temperature is a cool crisp 5.8 degrees. I’ve got get rid of these winter blues soon because it feels bad very bad.
When I moved to Alaska I thought cabin fever was a story that old sourdoughs told to Chi-cha-cos (a native word for naïve white people new to Alaska) well I found out that it’s a very real malady called S.A.D. seasonal affect disorder. I found the very best preventive medicine is good sweaty exercise and wholesome foods. Since my exercise and eating regime is in the toilet and I opted not to take antidepressants this winter (big mistake)it’s catching up to me. This is my plan on the Winter Solstice, Friday, December 21st, I plan to get sick... this way I will spend the entire winters day in bed with the electric blanket turned up to mother. I will surround myself with my books, journals and chocolate truffles. This will mark the turning of the season and the turning of my dark mood to a lighter brighter mood like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon.

I feel like Debbie Downer and I’m sorry,this is part of the reason I have not been blogging much lately. You know the old saying; if you don’t have anything good to say then just shut-up!

It was always said of Scrooge, that he knew how to keep Christmas well. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim would say, God bless us, every one!
Judy Blue

Blue Moon and Winter Trees whine and cheese

TITLE:The Raven in the Moon
ARTIST: Judy Vars
MEDIUM: Oil/Acrylic
DIMENSIONS: H. 16" x W. 20"
PRICE: 225.00



TITLE: Blue Moon and Winter Trees
ARTIST: Judy Vars
MEDIUM: Oil/Acrylic
DIMENSIONS: H. 24" X W. 12"
PRICE: 199.00

These are for the Winter Art Show at the Underground and with the
Valley Arts Alliance Josh and Brioney Fryfogle of The Underground and Make a Scene Mag. BLOGGER won't let me link WHATS WRONG I'VE BEEN TRYING FOR DAYS!!!(frustration)When I mention people or organizations I try to link to their web site or blog if they have one. I feel it is the polite thing to do so I'm not being rude it's a glitch. The side bar works however for my blog friends, organizations and other stuff check them out. its an ecclectic mix of people and art and organizations.

I painted like a fiend this week to finish these for today but because of a flood the hanging time is postponed until Friday. Good the paint is still wet anyway! So much to do and so little time, must get organized.

No topic tonight just life as it is......

Wanda called on Thursday we had a wonderful upbeat conversation about everyone in the family, we laughed about the Christmas card a Mormon Church lady sent to the ward, Santa has a replacement for coal in the socks this year, and he is farting in each Christmas sock for the bad girls and boys. I said she is telling everyone to lighten up! She told stories on my daughter, when she asked Charmaine why she was getting divorced she said two reasons; he doesn’t want kids and to get a good piece of ass. We laughed and she said; "she is a very sexy girl." She promised to send me a box of photographs that were my dads and I told her I would cherish them, she told me she loves me I told her I love her also, words we seldom told each other but knew anyway.

Patty (sister) called me on Friday bearing bad news, Wanda had collapsed on the floor that night and her care giver did not find her until the next morning she was taken to the nearby hospital and then life-flighted to the University of Utah Medical Center. It turns out she has cancer and has known about it for sometime. Doug, (brother) who is clinically brean dead wasting away in a coma had a surgery to remove an abscess on his bottom now he has no butt. How terrible is that!
I've got cards to make and send, letters to write, phone calls to make, people to see, parties to attend and I have got to tell my family and friends how much I love them!

This life is just so damn short anyway and like Scar said in The Lion King "lifes not fair."

Is peace with you in this Christmas time of year?

Mat- Su Glacier

TITLE: Mat-Su Glacier
ARTIST: Mazola MEDIUM: Water Color and Pen and InkDIMENSIONS: h. 24" x 30"NFS

This is a painting of a glacier ride hubby planed for my birthday a couple of years ago. He painted this to give to the pilot who gave us the ride of a lifetime, I even flew the plane for about 15 seconds, thrilling!

My husband is a great artist, he supports me and my efforts to become an artist sell my work. For his art he asks for no recognition what-so-ever and even uses the pen name Mazola for his creations. He creates slowly and deliberately, seldom sells his art and mostly gives it all away. We found each other as kindred spirits who love art and the act of creating. He, unlike me keeps things in perspective. I need him to tell me where my art needs technical improvements because of him I improve my craft daily. Thank you sweetheart for the love and encouragement you give me. Thanks for being emotionally there for me and caring enough for me to let me shine. I love you!

p.s. The Palmer Museum picked the romantic landscape to buy. Geri said it was between the two and the judges were torn. I cried for a moment being second place in this situation is no consolation.

The North Wind Doth Blow...

...and we shall have snow,And what will poor robin do then, poor thing?He'll sit in a barn and keep himself warm and hide his head under his wing, poor thing.
It's been a cold cold blustery 3 days the wind is whipping around with gusts of 90 miles per hour the wind chill is soooooo cold so very cold, power outages and trees falling on homes, but weirdly no snow for Christmas yet.
Life keeps on lifeing, there are my responsibilities, there is school, work, shopping, cooking and I haven't even started the Christmas preperations. In this blustery, cold winter day, I wish I could get one of my sick headaches just as an excuse to get under the covers and drink some Theraflu nighttime strength and read my book. But instead I'll bake some banana bread.

Good News! the http://www.palmermuseum.org/ Palmer Museum of History and art accepted my painting of "Raven and Salmon" as one of the five finalists. Geri the curator told me that their pick will go to the http://www.rasmuson.org/Rasmusson Foundation final approval. They will display the art in their collection for a time. wow

When I found out Monday they wanted to see my peice I enhanced the salmon and made him even more beautiful. That is the beauty of encaustic wax you can paint or change it anytime. Geri said that the photograph does not depict how striking the piece is. I gave the excuse: how hard it is to photograph encaustic artwork and how hard it is to capture the three-dimensionality of the work and the depth and luminosity etc. Sell it baby. I hope that they choose my piece but I have learned in the past not to get to emotionally invested in the outcome and to try and not let it affect my mood or how I feel about myself as a human being. Like the program says; Just Let it Go or more accurately "let go and let God." Still I am optimistic, there is one thing I can say is mine is the most contemporary.

Close up of salmon

Night Dreams an Alaskan painting with a nude girl

It's been awhile since I've blogged and I'm feeling guilty. Guilt sucks. I cannot dissapoint my many, many readers. I linked my blog to
Stat Counter .
I get an average of 10 people a day (with those numbers I remain mostly anynmous). Still I feel a cyber-kinship with the connections that I've make in this bloggershpere. The things people search for are fascinating, like Diary of a Bad Housewife this was one of my funnier blogs or a favorite “nude Alaska women" so not to disappoint my many blog voyeurs here is a picture of a nude girl painted in Alaska:



TITLE: Night Dreams
Artist: Judy Vars
MEDIUM: Oil
DIMENSIONS: H 20" X W. 20" X Deep 2"
SOLD
Or for you more purient interest a closer view of the girl.








People Google for remote cabin in Alaska, or Cabin Fever, or Alaska Encaustic Artists, or Witches Flying Ointment recipies, Eskimo Legends, the names of anyone that I've ever mentioned (nice or nasty). HEY! I love a good rumor as well as the next person and I love observing human nature.

If you haven't got anything nice to say about anybody, come sit next to me. ~Alice Roosevelt Longworth

Jacksons Gingerbread House

Jackson won Third Place in his age category (7 and under) at the Dorthy Page Museums Christmas Gingerbread contest. The first place was a turtle very cool except that I took excepetion, the prospectus said it needed to be a structure. Somethings smelley in Demnark or is it just rotten eggs? We had so much fun making it together he is so good with his hands and has a marvelous mechanical mind.
Tis the season
Grandma

Contemporary Alaskan Art "Raven and Salmon"

Title: Raven and Salmon
Artist: Judy Vars
Medium: Encaustic Wax
Dimensions: L 30.5 x W 16
Date of Creation: 3/2007

I'm submiting this to the local Palmer Museum Art Accusition grant from the Rasumson Foundation they want current contemporary art. The definition according to Google an interesting thread is thread is;
Contenmporary means current, as in up to date with the times. Not meaning made today, but utilizing current/new/advanced ideas. Not only ideas pertaining to art itself: specific mediums or techiniques (although those certainly apply), but the poitical, social, philisophical, world at large, climate.

This is what the Rasmuson Foundation find "contemporary" look at the art on display on their home page, the selections are very, very, very very good.

I think mine is very good also and worthy of consideration.

Since Thanksgiving I have been on the run I worked two long days at the Girdwood Center for the visual arts they had their annual fund raiser silent art auction. The turn out was poor not as planned but the Girdwoodites always come out for support regardless on weather conditions. The rain all weekend was like a monsoon just unbelievable. Alyeska's ski slopes did not open for their first big snow weekend the rain melted the snow, there were avalanches, and even the back of the gallery flooded. The Anchorage Folks just didn't take the drive. Who can blame them? You'd have to be nuts to go out on the Turnigan Arm in such weather conditions (don't believe me read http://fiveacrehouse.blogspot.com/

My "Salmon in the Shadows" went for just 85.00 to a couple visiting from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, they even bid on the telephone before the bidding closed. Connie sounded so happy to get it and told me they loved it! That made it worthwhile for me. OMG I' forgot to pick up my son from basket ball! SHIT I'M OUTTA HERE.........

Cabin Fever in the Bear Cave

It's winter time in Alaska sort of, only today the Chinook winds have been blowing melting all the snow the high temperature is in the 40s. I moved here from SLC in 1995. Never before had I experienced air so cold that my nose hairs froze burrrrr. Not that I'm complaining but in the past few years our winter temps seem to be warmer than some places in the lower 48 (that's what we call the states below). And with Sunrise: 9:21am and Sunset: 4:09pm it was dark when I went to work and dark when I came home. I rush around doing shopping and chores while there is daylight. I have 100 things to d0 so instead I put on my pJs and took a nap it's so dark and damp. Pushing Daises is on TV and Perfect Strangers is in the DVD player. Tomorrow and the day after is soon enough. Like a bear it's a good time to hibernate tomorrow is the great American turkey day when we will all be drugged with triytophane. I'm feeling lazy today and tomorrow I'll be feeling crazy with a house full of family and friends. Yes, I'm grateful to be here it's just cabin fever and bears get a little grumpy if the can't sleep all day and night.

The message of Christmas is that the visible material world is bound to the invisible spiritual world. ~Author Unknown

St Nicholas

9 1/2 x 6 1/2

Mary

9 1/2 x 6 1/2

Crying Angel

6 1/2 x 5 1/4

Gabriel

6 1/2 x 5 1/4

These cards are almost ready for Girdwood Center for the Visual Arts, I will be staying in Girdwood this weekend and helping with their fundraiser and working the gallery.

I will be selling these for 5.00 each or a pack of 4 for 20.00. If you are interested in purchasing these cards please contact me through my e-mail on this blog and I'll get them to you.

I plan to put them for sale on e-bay also.

WIRE HANGARS, I HATE WIRE HANGARS

I'm a being of the Violet Fire, I'm the purity God Desires

Ok, sooo yea today I was at an Alaninnie meeting and I asked a lady who's bi-polar if she still had the shrine "Violet Fire" that she bought from me at one of my art shows. She said "I'm embarrassed to say that I broke it in a rage". What! I can't believe my ears she broke one of my babies.

I told her my little trick to control my tantrums. I break Christmas tree bulbs. This is what I do: I'll get a box of ornaments and take them out to the garage or somewhere with a concrete floor and throw them at the ground. They make a very satisfying pop and shatter sound. Whenever I am in the Salvation Army I'll get a box for cheap. It better than throwing a glass or a plate onto my tile kitchen floor, scaring the husband, kids and grand kids and someone cutting their feet on the glass or picking it out of their food.

I am embarrassed to say I used to have an evil temper sometimes acting like Joan Crawford in Mommie Darest screaming WIRE HANGARS, I HATE WIRE HANGARS. Once my daughter got me a Mothers Day card it was a picture of a girl sitting in a chair with a gag in her mouth and a birthday cake on the table. A mother resembling Joan Crawford is saying "now darling blow out the candles." How subtle is that.

In my defence I come by my temper righteously my mom could out swear any sailor she was famous far and wide for her foul mouth, like: "he's ringier than a sack of assholes" or "I'll shove that fridge up your ass sideways" or "You are so stupid you couldn't tell shit from Shinola or you dumb stupid bastard." No one was just a son of a bitch, they were more: a stupid son of a bitch, a dumb son of a bitch, a fat son of a bitch, a lazy son of a bitch. The neighbor kids were so scared of my mom they would cross to the other side of the street rather than risk being yelled at. You have no idea the embarrassment and shame she caused me growing up. Once she thought my tom cat Sam was coming home from a night cattin around and she yelled, "where have you been you little ass hole? Out all night whoring around, I'll bet you want some breakfast don't you, you little bastard" it was some young innocent man just coming to read the gas meter. He looked so frightened it was quite comical. My friends and boyfriends were either scared to death of her or thought she was halarious.

But please don't worry about me I'm much better now. My mom taught me that the folks who shout the loudest are the ones who are the softest inside or their there just plain assholes.

If I Were an Angel I Could Fly

Life was getting overwhelming and I needed to give myself a mini vacation. I wanted to be alone in the desert. I come from Utah and wanted to go home. Moab, UT was crowded with bikers for some marathon race. I tried to get a room but they were all booked, one guy said he could get me a cot and I could sleep in the laundry room, No Thank You! I was resigned to stay in my SUV then I decided to try one more place. There was no room there either, so the clerk called a bed and breakfast for me. Moments later an angel disguised as an older woman bid me to follow her white Cadillac. Her home was a big cozy home packed with nick knacks and photographs, loving mementos from a lifetime with family and friends.
My bedroom was a haven of pink, pink carpet, pink bedspread, pink pillows, It felt like a cloud, the bathroom was even pinker! I couldn't resist a soak in the tub with pink Dove Soap. I drifted on my pink cloud into a heavenly sleep. In the morning Mrs "Angel" and I talked awhile, I told her some of my woes, she suggested I bend my knees, and we said farewell.

I wanted to get an early start the frost was still on the grass making my steps crunch; first stop the Delicate Arch. On the way up the trail I began talkin to God, asking to be a better woman, a more loving mom and wife, I asked him take some of my bad habits and give me some graces.
I thought to myself that when I reached the Delicate Arch I would pass through as a symbolic gesture of changing my life.

When to what to my wondering eyes should appear the gigantic monolith in the shape of an arch. I approached this massive structure it perched majestically on the edge of a canyon so deep it looked like the abyss. It occurred to me if I was an angel I could fly through that arch. Instead I fell onto my belly and crawled on my elbows and peered over the edge scared to death.

Thank you creator for showing me your wonders and teaching me some humility.
Amen and Amen
Judy

The Fine Art of Photographing Your Artwork

I just got home from a meeting of the Valley Fine Arts Association, I went because there was a demonstration on how to take good pictures of your artwork. What I found out was that my camera Olympus 7.1 Mega pixels is not a wonderful camera. I cannot manually adjust the aperture, I cannot add big lenses, I cannot take a picture in a raw format. My camera makes all these decisions for me. If I want to take a photograph at night I just dial it to scene and select night time scene and the camera does all the thinking for all other photos I just set it on automatic, it's is a camera for dummies and very good camera for me.

Usually I take my art outside when it's cloudy or overcast (like most days in Alaska) or early morning, hang it on the nail against my house set up the tripod, get everything as straight as I can, set the timer for 10 seconds and stand back. Then in Photo Shop I add pixels and then re size and crop the photo. I know enough photoshop to do some adjustments if needed, It works for me. But I have a major problem with photographing my encaustic art; because the depth and texture are difficult to adequately show, there is usually a shine on the photograph because of the luminosity of the medium (notice this painting). LaMar tells me there is a polarizing filter for this situation and it can be adapted to my camera.
Well that is about all I wish to learn about the subject of photographing my art. I've been doing a pretty good job in spite of my camera.

Some come to the fountain of knowledge to drink, I prefer to just sip.

St Nicholas Kicks Off the Holiday Season

It's just a start, I've been thinking about painting St Nicholas for a long time. After a trip to the Library to research the real Santa Clause, there I discover Saint Nicholas born in Turkey around 280 AD. Nicholas parents died of the plague and he inherited great wealth, so he vowed to help people in need. St Nick is a fascinating saint and is venerated still; his legend has morphed into the modern day Santa Claus. This icon is becoming a cross between the olden day saint with the big head and fastidious beard and our modern day Santa with the white beard and the twinkling eyes. He is standing in a niche surrounded with holly representing Christ’s thorny crown and the holly berries symbolizing his blood, with ivy twining around the holly representing female divinity. Christmas time and our holiday traditions are also entwined with the pagans and early Christianity the birth of Christ and the coming of winter. Our beliefs, traditions symbolic of who we are and how we define ourselves, they help us connect with our history and each other. So we have our tinsel, mistletoe, wassail, trees, exchange gifts and even if we don't know why we do these things it still makes sense somewhere in our collective psyches.

While writing this some religious fanatical Christian sect is on my television; picketing funerals, and other disasters with HATE signs saying “God Hates You” and singing “God Hates America” telling us we are sinners; we caused 911 and the detestation in New Orleans, because we are unrepentant sinners we are going to burn in Hell. Oh MY GOD! Will someone please tell me how this is different from a Muslim terrorist who blows himself up for his go at paradise with 19 virgins??? OK, the terrorists are murders, but you get my point. My God loves me in spite of my imperfections and I believe God loves the world and the people in the world. Does that make me a blasphemer? I hope.

Please dear earth family let’s enter this holiday season with love and acceptance of our brothers and sisters a prayer for peace, a generous heart and a belief that miracles are still possible this insane world.

St Nicholas loved the Beatitudes so I will read them before bed tonight and try to get those nasty hateful people out of my thoughts.
Goodnight cruel er dear world
Let it be so and amen