Nan Rae - Brush Painter

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

DINNER IN MOROCCO (sort of)…..

……was the theme for a memorable evening based on Sandie’s travels to Morocco. When you bring home lots of spices, that’s an occasion to party!

Sandie had her favorite cheese shop prepare this tempting tray for us….My favorite fig jam was included…..

This delicious salad featured roasted vegetables and roquefort cheese, so beautiful on a Della Robia plate!

Beautifully expressing the fall season……

Tagine Chicken….are you salivating?

Tagine lamb….soooooo delicious.

Of course there had to be couscous……

I want more…..

Are you ready? Wait for it……..Home made Creme Brulee with Caramel Sauce. Oh my!!!!

Thank you Sandie and Jim, it was superb and Olga, George, son Martin & I had the best time ever!!!!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

TIME FOR A LITTLE CULTURE….

….what a beautiful sky on the way to UCLA’s Royce Hall.

This was the most amazing dance company…. in the mode of Twyla Tharp….They had moves I didn’t know bodies were capable of and stunning choreography.

I always love seeing this Romanesque Revival style architecture. Thank you Hildegard for a wonderful, inspiring evening!

Next stop….The Music Center….

What a beautiful evening….

I’m a huge fan of Placido Domingo so this was not to be missed!

Tomiko & I had great Founders Circle seats….

During the break we admired this exquisite screen……

Always a treat to be here….

Great staging great costumes, brilliant singing!!!

Take another bow…..

On to Disney Hall…..

Pre concert lecture……

Where the Wild Things Are….had to see this!!!

Love sitting facing the conductor! Gustavo Dudamel…..always thrilling!

You get to stroll outside in the garden….

Everyone loves this ‘rose’……

People touch it and throw coins into the pools of water….

A great photo op for all…..

I love walking about…..

This is my favorite tree!

It’s easiest to say ‘Pink Ball’

So dramatic!

A hop skip to the Music Center….

Views everywhere…..

Soprano Claire Booth was a delightful, energetic Max!

There was another large projection of all the ‘scary’ creatures….

Time to go….

For more information:

www.cap.ucla.edu/

www.musiccenter.org

www.disney.losangelesboxoffice.com

Friday, October 12, 2012

#5 of KITA’S FRIENDS…..

….thank you Andrew, I can see much better from up here!

O.K. Skye, you think this is funny because????

But I can see so much better….does this position make me look fat?

Andrew is this a new maneuver?

I love watching TV & tossing my ball during commercials….

Martin now you know I have to jump on you…why put it off?

Didn’t I tell you?

Lisa you should always have a treat for me in that bag!

I could be a gardener with a little instruction…..or a supervisor, how ‘bot that?

Time for my spa treatment….

Von, must I wear a bow?

O.K., how much do I owe you?

I forgot my wallet….

For more information:

B-Elegant Dog Grooming

1733 Victory Blvd., Glendale

818.241.0260

Introduction

There is no avoiding the pull of the internet, the blogs, the YouTube imaginings. It's as if we're all 'On the Road' with Jack Kerouac each in our own world of meanderings. When we tell someone to 'get a life' it might be a bit difficult when you're dragged into other people's 24/7.

I've come to realize two foundational principals, there are no accidents and everyone has a purpose. More and more I'm desiring everyone to come into a full realization of their purpose as we all find our way on this little jewel of a planet.

For me, as a professional 'Western style artist', I stumbled into Chinese Brush Painting after a trip in 1980 to Monet's home/garden. Seeing all of his collection of Japanese woodblock prints was an ahh haa moment for me and when I returned to the States I started painting in the Chinese manner and never looked back. The first year was extremely painful for me as I felt that I should be able to master the technique since I was a 'trained' artist. Not a chance ... that just gets in your way.

Now, after teaching close to 3,000 students and having my book 'The Ch'i of the Brush' published by Watson Guptill, I can say that every one of my students does better their first day than I did my first year! Why? Because I insist that they leave their critical parent outside and just enjoy the journey, respecting the work that they do. I never let anyone throw anything away because that just ingrains frustration and defeat.

We really only begin to learn when we stop and figure out how to 'save' a painting. It works every time.I am so proud of my students, their receptivity and eagerness to express themselves is a continuing blessing for me.So, back to finding your purpose. Perhaps it starts with realizing 'it's not about me'. It so easy to want our needs met and to filter everything thru this attitude. When we realize that we're here to be of benefit to every life that we touch the universe really provides the ways and means.

The best part is that it's really exciting to not have yourself on your mind all the time!I'm re-reading a wonderful book about authenticity and in my next meandering I'll tell you about it. In the meantime I'd love to hear about your journey and am here to answer any and all questions about Chinese Brush Painting.