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.