Hello all,

It really was a wonderful evening at our Art Exhibition! That's me, in the middle dressed in rust/red tafetta. His Excellency Ali Saeed Al Dhaheri on your left is cutting the ribbon and the General Manager of the Millennium Hotel, Abu Dhabi Mr Rubrecht Shmitz is on your right.

It was such a warm and friendly atmosphere, meeting old friends and new! And the artwork was at its very best at the venue, surrounding the Great Chandelier on the mezzanine floor...........

I'm really finding it difficult to pick which photos to show! There are so many beautiful pictures! But, if you want to see more photos, you only need go to our event page on facebook and type in 'Beyond' for our Art Exhibition event to appear. A special 'thankyou' to our talented photographer Jacob Henry, who captured so many special moments on the night.

Also, a big 'thankyou' to lovely French artist Laura Talhaoui, who helped me curate this show. I won't speak for her artwork, because as you can see, it rather speaks for itself! This artwork and exhibition was featured in two of our Arabic newspapers here albayan.com and emaratalyou.com and advertised here on Classic FM. 

The artwork of Laura Talhaoui

And I really feel that there was a real 'buzz' about this exhibition! Let's hope it is the first of many exhibitions by this talented group of artists called 'Window'.

Portrait by Laurel Moore

My portrait of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa al Nayhan.

Well, it's very soon gone from being a madly-busy-week, to a peacefully quiet one! Kind of a week of two halves. My dogs are certainly pleased to have me at home again -not dashing off every other day to do brochures or organize this-that-and-the-other! Our little desert discovery Missy, (as you probably know) is still fairly new to our household and she's not been enjoying mum's frequent excursions. In fact, she has taken to chewing some of her foam bed from time to time. So, she is thankful that life is settling down to a pleasant doggie snooze again at last.

Missy, has also taken the 'hiding-under-the-covers-game' to a completely new level. It is one of her favourite games and she can often be found snoring under the sofa-sheet after a good play.

Bonnie and Missy.

Where is Missy you may ask? Well yes, you are right, she is the little lump on the left!! A very funny dog indeed. She really does make us laugh with her antics.

Just time to wish the Abu Dhabi  *HAPPY NATIONAL DAY* on this, the 2nd December. It's 40 years since the formation of UAE and there are BIG celebrations all over the capital today and tonight.

Dear readers,

Well; my Art Exhibition is soon to be upon us. A very exciting night ahead indeed!

We are honoured to have His Excellency Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Abu Dhabi University to be opening our event at The Millennium Hotel, Abu Dhabi this 22nd November. Very much hope if you are local that you can come too? We truly hope to lift your spirits with the powerful, beautiful art on display and of course appeal to Art Collectors......and what the heck, you get a free gift brochure......... (Posh dress on standby)

If you are unable to make the date, the exhibition remains in situ for one week, where of course you can dine at your leisure at the hotel and view the art in your own time. Hopefully, one of our artists will be on hand to show you around in the evening during the week that follows.

Each artist is exhibiting 4 paintings, so if your maths is correct, that is a total of 24 paintings to view. Presenting the artists alphabetically: 

Amgad Gharezalding (Syrian)

Amgad's artwork is filled with delightful details on close inspection. In fact, this photo doesn't really do justice to his skill. When Amgad paints with oils, he takes us effortlessly by the hand and walks us through the nostalgic charms of his homeland. Weaving us through the Syrian villages and untouched countryside, so that we instantly feel his memories with the skill of a storyteller who speaks from the heart.

Laura Talhaoui (French)

Laura's work is a cacophony of  vibrancy, texture, warmth and the joy of life. Inspired by century-old design traditions of Moroccan Art, Laura combines rigorous harmony and Andalusian geometry to fascinate all our senses.............I dare you to try and walk quickly past Laura's art!

Laurel Moore (British)

From the earliest age, Laurel (that's me!) found great satisfaction in drawing and music. The Arts, seemed to take her into a different state of peaceful consciousness, where anything was possible. Laurel is probably best described as a woman who wears many different hats: Artist/Art Curator/Jazz Singer/Saxophonist/Song-writer. Also, as a writer, this blog (now in its fourth year) attracts some 9000 hits per month worldwide at www.moorethanart.com

Hamdan Al Shamisi (Emirati/Al Ain)

Hamdan had an early fascinating with drawing and colouring as a young child. His talents soon attracted recognition from his teachers, when he began to win prizes and awards. Hamdan describes himself as a 'Conceptual artist'. Although quietly rendered, there is a sharp intellect that expresses itself through his art, which he describes as ''vibrations of subconscious and conscious experience........''

Nabeel Al Mehairbi

Nabeel spent his formative years inspired by the natural landscape of the English countryside. His artwork reveals an enduring love of nature in his artistic journey from England to the striking vistas of The Gulf. His style is closely informed by his passion for the Great Impressionist painters. His unique style is loose, almost liquid and continues to evolve - with an emphasis on light and form and its effect on the landscape.

Saoud Al Dhaheri (Emirati/Al Ain)

Saoud was attracted to art from an early age and growing up he discovered he had an instinctive affinity for photography which allowed him to explore further depths of human expression. With a sharp eye for detail and form, Saoud shares his conceptual and instinctive vision of the world - through the play of colour, vibrancy and dimension. You may be surprised to see a sparkle or two in his unique style of art........

Hello bloggers,

Well, I know you readers were not able to make our fabulous opening night, so I'll blog some photos for you.

There was some beautiful artwork at The Ghaf Gallery. All expressions of 'visions of speed'...............

From left to right: Shadi Eshragi, Sadie Sulaiman, Laurel Moore , Mohamed Kanoo owner, Soumyajit Choudhury, Jalal Luqman owner, Mattar Lahej and Saoud Al Dhaheri. The exhibition continues to 30th of November.

Here is my oil painting.

This is the first racing car I have ever painted, so I would say I was a 'racing car virgin!  I only used about three colours on this painting, to give a real impact and sense of power. Another first for me - only using a few colours. No doubt, I'll do a super-colourful one after this, to make up for my sense of colour deprivation! Surprisingly, I real got 'into it' once I started. I guess painting (which I love) is painting, when all is said and done. I've got a real taste for it now and would love to do more racing cars??

Just time a few of the other outstanding artworks................

Art by Jalal Luqman

The photo doesn't really do justice to this one by Jalal Luqman. This was a 3D racing car, which depicted heavy rain during the race. I am not sure of the material, clay perhaps? But it was very hard to the touch. It had a very gritty, twisted metal feel to the artwork. There was a sense of exhaustion after a hard-one race in bad conditions.

Art by Mattar Lahej

Amazing colours and form in this one. I guess we see the true 'horse-power' behind the engine of the Formula One car. Beautiful!

Art by Soumyajit Choudhury.

I can't seem to upload this painting.....will try again later. This one has a wonderful atmospheric feeling, depicting the cars lined-up to start the race, in terrible rainy conditions. No, I don't know the technical terms, I'm sure lined-up isn't right. You'll just have to imagine this one for now!

Just time to mention my up-coming Art Exhibition. We have a slight date change (now 22nd November) You can find our event on facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=299737163370569

We are lucky to have His Excellency Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Abu Dhabi University to be opening our Art Exhibition. Just time to start getting excited now I think......and a little nervous. Well, lots more planning to do.

Bye for now, Laurel.

Hello bloggers,

Hope you are enjoying the cooler weather.

Very happy to be exhibiting my racing car painting at the Ghaf Gallery this 9th November. We have the Formula One here at the same time - so there's is a real racing car buzzzzz in the air here in Abu Dhabi!! I'm very excited the see all the artwork, the exhibition runs to the end of November. Here is the facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=299737163370569&ref=ts#!/event.php?eid=299006066779815

Here is the impressive line-up of exhibiting artists: Abbas Al Mosawi, Hamdan Al Shamisi, Jalal Luqman, Laurel Moore , Mathew Kurian, Mattar Bin Lahej, Michel Platteau, Mohamed Kanoo, Neena Rai, Saadia Sulaiman, Saoud Al Dhaheri, Soumyajit Choudhury, Sumayyah Al Suwaidi.

The Formula One hotel on Yas Island is a real sight to see, especially at night! I have visited for a meal and an Art Exhibition (not at the same time). I was a little dazzled by its whiteness inside and for some reason kept bumping into walls? But I expect, that was just me. I think as an artist I get confused by white  I'm still coming to terms with the noise of my new fridge!

Talking of fridges. Recently, our fridge stopped working. So, panic panic, I trot off to the shops to order a new fridge. The next afternoon, the old fridge starts working again?? So, now we have two fridges? I could have got a refund, I guess, but worried how long the old fridge would continue to work. You can't do without a fridge here, that's for sure. Now I have a choice of two fridges.................

Yas Island hotel Formula One, Abu Dhabi UAE.

Isn't that something? It's so beautiful at night.

I expect the race course is pretty impressive too. No information on that subject I'm afraid. The hotel is designed around the race course. I wouldn't be able to go anywhere near the noise of racing cars. Not without screaming!  

Addition: Actually I've just found this cool little video on Gulf News showing the Yas Island circuit, Abu Dhabi if you are interested: http://gulfnews.com/gntv/sport/track-day-at-yas-marina-circuit-1.922419  Lots of vroom vroom noises there for the boys. I like the way the reporter goes so wobbly, after his ride when trying to vacate the car - whilst saying how wonderful it was! His comment about how your helmet seems to get forced off your head upwards, I found a bit worrying! I thought the colours on the car were paticularly nice...........

Here's a little preview of my artwork for the Pall Mall, London exhibition. It's called 'Hidden Depths'. This one has been a surprisingly difficult one to execute. So, I've had to explore some completely different oil-painting techniques here. The jellyfish is such an extraordinary, unique animal............or fish? There is such a transparency....... which is so difficult to capture with the paintbrush. I'm still working on it..........

'Hidden Depths' oil on canvas by Laurel Moore.

Don't forget, if you are local come along the the Art Exhibtion I am Curating at The Millennium Hotel 23rd Nov, Abu Dhabi.  You can find this event on facebook now, if you log it first. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=299737163370569&ref=ts  Classic FM Abu Dhabi will be running an advert with all the details. Hope you can make it!

Bye for now.

Hello readers,

 Just spent a wonderful morning at the picture framers getting some of my artworks framed up. This, for an artist is like visiting the sweetie shop! A great frame is transformative when it brings an artwork to life!!

'Cavern' oil on canvas, by Laurel Moore

So, temperatures still in the 90's here in Abu Dhabi. And how lovely it is to sit in the mornings in the backyard with a cup of tea. Usually, by 8 or 9 am it gets a little too hot again. But at about 7 am, it's wonderful sitting amongst my Celiosa plants (which have taken me a full year to grow from seed) They are my edible salad garden and have the wierdest cockscomb flowers. What's a cockscomb flower? It's a crazy whirly, curly flower.

You do sometimes have to duck when an incoming giant bugs comes flying in. They are huge! And I seem to have spawned a large family of moths from my mini-garden.......full of wierdy flowers. Sadly, it turns out that my stomach has decided my so called 'edible' garden isn't, at all. So, I will have to content myself to it being an ornamental back-yard instead.

This painting is now all finished and is set to be exhibited at a Pall Mall gallery during London Fashion week.

'Touch The Water' oil on canvas by Laurel Moore

This one is quite subtle and follows the display of reflections on water. Subtle but hopefully quite enchanting.......There's some texture to this one.

Just left our Ferrari soft-top in the hotel entrance for you to see!! Ha ha, just kidding, white is not our colour  Quite something to see though. But SO close to the ground, very go-cart like. You couldn't have long longs for this one! I'd be sure to get car-sick too. ..........

This shot of this amazing self-playing piano in one of Abu Dhabi's hotels was so impressive to see. Very beautiful. Yet at the same time it made me sad. Kind of like a beautiful yet dazzling CD player, without the musician or band. 

This last little photo is of Missy's nose. She's been waiting under the covers for one of the dogs to discover her and play hide-and-seek. Well, so far no one has and since she's been there for about half an hour now......shhhhhh........I think she's gone to sleep.

Have I time to show you my wonderful girly shoes? Or girly shoe to be precise. Although, I do have two of them. In fact, I have four, since I have them in two colours.  I think I should have turned this picture around, but it's a bit late now. Start snoring now boys........Gorgeous, if impractical! Probably keeping them lying on the rug is the safest place for them? Or dare I take them for a spin, in a soft-top Ferrari? 

Bye for now.

View me Jazz Singing and playing my Saxophone at my Tedx performance this April in Abu Dhabi. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az_YF_Qocfw   My Art at www.moorethanart.com Curating this show November at The Millennium Hotel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEENY3jXW2U&feature=related

For your Art enquires questions@moorethanart.com (All art sent with tracking and insurance via TNT in a postal tube).

Hi all,

Well it's true our weather here in Abu Dhabi has gone from cooling September breezes to steamy fogs. The sand really seems to stick to your clothing in those conditions, so that you return home looking like a sand monster. And why is it that Missy Moo Moo seems to carry most of the sand on her? Quite an achievement. Is it because her coat is black? I usually have to give them a good brush-down before entering the house.

When the fog is this thick the electricity pylons make an unerving clacking noise, as if they are alive! You can't really see them, because they are partially hidden in the fog, but you can hear them - their giant presences towering over you.

You can just make the pylon out in the fog.  Spooky isn't it?

It's very difficult to get a shot of the dogs playing, since they are so fast. All play seems to revolve around Bonnie, both dogs mock-attack her and she defends herself by lunging at the faster dogs. All seems like good sandy fun. Nothing like sand for being soft if you take a tumble too. Here's a little flying show of Missy.

I am very glad they show such common-sense in the fog and stay close.  They seem natually wary of anything they can't see. Now I'm not sure about my spelling of 'wary'. I think the fog has got into my eyes!

All my plans for the Art Exhibition I am curating at The Millennium Hotel, Abu Dhabi are going very well. I've been working on designing our beautiful brochures (which takes forever to learn the software) Sadly, I get headaches working with computers. But, I guess it is a natural deterent.

I'm also entering this new year's BP National Portrait Gallery competition. I love doing portraits anyway, but competing is not something I've ever usually done. This portrait is very time-consuming but coming on beautifully. I'll keep that one under wraps until closer to the time.

You may have noticed my new-look website www.moorethanart.com with my vocals and audio added. I love the new colours and especially love my beaded cursor! Something to play with the dark hours.........

Also am exhibiting in Pall Mall during London Fashion week at a gallery there.

Bye for now.

View me Jazz Singing and playing my Saxophone at my Tedx performance this April in Abu Dhabi. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az_YF_Qocfw   My Art at www.moorethanart.com Curating this show November at The Millennium Hotel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEENY3jXW2U&feature=related

For your Art enquires questions@moorethanart.com (All art sent with tracking and insurance via TNT in a postal tube).

Hello bloggers,

We are collecting things to auction for 'Ewa'a', the shelter for women and children here in UAE. The date is 9th September. I am looking to collect artwork from local artists. We already have some lovely artworks  and big thanks for Michelle Mellinger for organizing this great charity event in Al Ain. Also a big thankyou to all the artists who are donating and also Jalal Luqman, owner of the Ghaf gallery here in Abu Dhabi who is donating one of his artworks.   http://www.shwc.ae/default.aspx?lang=en

If you are local and can help with any donating that could be auctioned. Please contact me on questions@moorethanart.com

Changing the subject lovers of Billie Holiday may remember this gorgeous song Loverman, I did a little rough sample of it here : http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=1103243 One of my favourite songs.

So, we are right in the middle of Ramadan at the moment. For muslims, the moon is incredibly important because the calendar used is determined by the cycle of the moon. 12 lunar months only add up to 354 days. Ramadan - the month where muslim fast during daylight hours - slowly cycles through the seasons. So, each year Ramadan is about eleven days earlier than the last year and the month of fasting falls on the same date only about every thirty solar years.

Anyway, we went to a lovely Iftar (evening meal) at one of the local hotels. Where delights were on offer! Lots of arabic food.  Iftar is one of the religious observances of Ramadan, and is often done as a community where muslims break their fast together. And of course the chocolate fountains were on standby. One of each of course: milk, white and dark. Oh........which to choose............. This pic is for you Sheila and glad you enjoyed those camel milk chocolates. And yes, chocolates are really made of camel milk here. Tasty too!

Chocolate fountain

Wait a minute, can I hear running water? Oh no, it's you salivating! Of course all those dates are coming into season now too. So, why not make a date mountain? A little reminiscent of the film 'Close Encounter' here! Go on, build that mash mountain!

Dates

I remember that film, especially that catchy little tune used, with which to communicate to those aliens. I wonder if you, like me, kept trying to sing it faster and faster to see how fast you could sing it?..............just me then..........

Here's my finished painting. My next painting is even more complicated. I don't know why I keep giving myself an even higher mountain to climb each time? It's all mountains at the moment..............

Desert landscape

You can see this painting and many others at The Millennium Hotel Art Exhibition that I am curating. (preliminary date 23rd November)

Thankfully, there were no more cockroaches to report this week! Just a small and rather sad looking grey snake in the desert. Not much life left in it. The dogs kept wanting to sniff it. Not that they are doing much running during this heat. Everything tends to just flake...........and pant rather quickly, including myself. I noticed today that when I held open the door, for the dogs to run out, my hand (just my hand) began to perspire and glisten!

Now I do worry how tasty my home-made moisturizer is though. I felt a spider run over my arm (the same arm!) the other night. I think I've become super-sensitive to legs....many legs.

View me Jazz Singing and playing my Saxophone at my Tedx performance this April in Abu Dhabi. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az_YF_Qocfw  

My Art at www.moorethanart.com

Curating this show November at The Millennium Hotel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEENY3jXW2U&feature=related

For your Art enquires questions@moorethanart.com (All art sent with tracking and insurance via TNT in a postal tube).

Hello all,

Enjoying some hot and dusty weather here in Abu Dhabi. It still remains lovely and peaceful though, with everyone away on their holidays. As an artist I think it is easier to keep your concentration, when you can't hear car horns, children, workmen.........I think it kind of takes your focus away from what you are painting, so that you kind of lose the flow.....I guess that's why the artist generally likes the quiet life.

So, you don't think I am capable of making you shudder..................?

Well....... we've had a few problems with an upstairs door not shutting flush at the top of the house. It's not surprising I suppose, given this intensity of heat. Sand and heat cause quite a few practical challenges here. You have to think, before you open your windows here, on a windy day. Otherwise your house will be full of sand! And warping doors from heat, seems a general hazard! You should see my garden table! It looks like a sombrero hat in shape now - with curled up edges. Of course, I guess that illustrates the reason why you don't leave an untreated Ikea table in the garden?

Anyway, a few nights ago, a sharp pain on the inside of my arm woke me up in the dead of the night. In the semi-darkness I could make out a shape that looked like an enormous bug! I kind of let out a shuddery noise and used a cuddly toy to bash it off and let fly. Of course the noise awoke my husband. We put the lights on investigated and of course there was nothing to see. After the elapse of five minutes I was beginning to laugh at myself for having a silly dream. I couldn't really see any marks on my arm, although it was sore. So, back to sleep. One hour later I awoke to see a three inch cockroach ambling across the bed towards my arm again. This time, I just whispered ''put the light on!'' And there it was, in all its buggy glory! Caught in the light! A huge rusty-red coachroach. Into a glass it went and off it flew into another garden with a little help from myself.

I have to say, I've had a little trouble sleeping recently....................... I did however do a little research on the cockroach. Rarely, if a cockroach is very hungry or thirsty, they have been known to nip a human while they were sleeping, if it got in the way of food! It's a tough life our there!  I read that sometimes.......they have been known to enjoy a little feast on the moisture from the nose or eyes!! Ha, ha, now I've got your attention!! (I'm sure it's very rare)

So, I do enjoy making my own moisturizer with natural ingredients.........I bet you can guess where this is going.................Yes, I can only assume that my natural moisturizer was a feast to a starving bug. Not surprisingly, I haven't had the inclination to use my own moisturizer for a while!

At least it's good stuff! Not surprising my dogs lick me.....

But you really do see the raw fight for survival here. Ants are not like uk ants. They don't seem to wait until a bug/bird is dead before they swarm it. They seem to swarm an animal if it's just having an 'off' day. Whilst it is still warm and breathing! It's brutal out there! Many's the time I've launched what appeared to be just a 'lazy bug', away from an ant swarm.

Up to now I've not really a person that gets squirmy about bugs. I usually quite happily launch them back into their natural environment. I am a little squirmy now. Maybe I'll be a shrieker now!

Changing the subject completely ( and with relief). Just wanted to post one of our amazing building here in Abu Dhabi. This is the Aldar headquarters building. I find this such a beautiful building. Of course, like most building here they are often swathed in sand, but after a good wind, this is how they sometimes look..........

I think I mentioned some time back that many of the building here are designed to reflect not just the heat but also the landscape. On the day I took this photo, you can see the sea and sky reflections. I can't imagine it's the most practical of buildings. The side-width can't me more than a few meters? So, inside must be long and thin. Maybe you keep having to change floors to visit your colleagues? I don't know. A very iconic building though. Always very handy when getting lost whilst in a taxi too, since it's a landmark you can view from most areas of Abu Dhabi.

Just time to post my progress on my oil painting landscape. Hotting up those colours nicely. It's beginning to look very classical. There will be a small posse of camels added in the foreground in time.

View me Jazz Singing and playing my Saxophone at my Tedx performance this April in Abu Dhabi. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az_YF_Qocfw   My Art at www.moorethanart.com

Curating this show November at The Millennium Hotel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEENY3jXW2U&feature=related

For your Art enquires questions@moorethanart.com (All art sent with tracking and insurance via TNT in a postal tube).

Hello all,

Hope you enjoyed new-style page! Bet that took you by surprise! Time for a summer change I thought. I even discovered a 'search' button, which I could add. This means you can search for a blog you liked.

Not usually one to pamper our dogs, I discovered some fabulous dog-collars online. And, well since we now seem to have a set of three dogs, we thought it was time for them to step out with some doggy elegance. Plus, they look so cute in their new collars, with their names embroidered on! Wonder how long they will stay looking so smart.......hmmmm! Especially, since they like to play like hooligans.........

Took a little photo of each of them wearing their new collars with pride. Always great to have their ID on too. It's always a small miracle to me that I return with the same number of dogs that I walk out with!Thankfully, the hours and hours of training you do with your dogs on their daily walk always brings about their habitual return, especially if they are foodys.

Suki

Very nice of you to pose so elegantly for your photoshoot Suki. Don't be fooled by the calmness. Bred as a hunting dog, this one goes from 0 to 80 in less seconds than a Porsche.

Bonnie.

As the chunkier of the three dogs, Bonnie will finish anyone else's meal if you give her the chance. She is the eternal puppy and will play all day long given the opportunity. We are grateful to Missy, who now keeps Bonnie to a very slimline version.

Missy

Our newest little arrival of five weeks. Who we found waiting for us in a very sorry state at our usual desert walk ( in the middle of nowhere)  Missy is still only a puppy and loves to play the other dogs into exhaustion. She is still endearing herself to us with her cuddly lap-dog ways. The dog who only seemed to drink milk, or milky tea when we found her! A princess indeed!

A little more work on my landscape this week. Working with a slightly different technique to my usual. Quite pleased with the classical-looking result. Lots more work ahead. In particular, I'm trying to bring out the heat in this painting.

It's getting scary-hot now here in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It's like walking around in a steam bath when the humidity hits these highs. When you are outside and all the surfaces are glistening with a layer of water (from humidity alone) you know it's going to be tough out there. Every part of your body sweats. I'm still trying to get over the novelty of having sweaty knees.......Of course we are on the outskirts of the city. In the city it is always even hotter - probably hitting the 50's. Heat builds inside cities and can't escape.  

View me Jazz Singing and playing my Saxophone at my Tedx performance this April in Abu Dhabi. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az_YF_Qocfw  

My Art at www.moorethanart.com

Curating this show November at The Millennium Hotel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEENY3jXW2U&feature=related

For your Art enquires questions@moorethanart.com (All art sent with tracking and insurance via TNT in a postal tube).

It's wonderfully quiet here in Abu Dhabi in the summertime. So many people go away during the summer......to cooler climbs. But you know, I love the peace that descends here. In my view, it's the best time of year here, if you can stay somewhere cool. Someone posted 'is there such a think as a summer hibernation?' on facebook. Well, you know I think there it. I love the peace and quiet for painting. I think deep down I am a hermit.........

Ramadan will be a difficult one this year though for muslims. Ramadan moves around the calender and this years falls early august. My thoughts go out to anyone who is fasting during the daylight hours in august! A real challenge indeed! It's the least we can do to not go round drinking and eating in front of people who are fasting.  

Anyway; managed to sneak a little more work on my painting, in between running around like a dog myself this week. It's been difficult watching Missy after her spaying operation. All she wants to do is play and make growly noises. She found a chip in my top the other day, so now, everytime I bend over she dives in to she if she can snuffle any more chips. She's always hopefull. Obviously, I am a messy eater!!

Landscape oil painting in progress

You can probably now see the left side, is where I have begun work. The right side is still very rough. Hope I can put more work in this week. It's difficult if a painting just 'sits there' for too long. As you paint regularly, you kind of build up a relationship with your painting. And like any relationship, if you don't spend quality time, it starts to drift away from you............You start to lose your painting flow too. There is a natural kind of rhythm to painting, much like there is in music (I find) And it's very important to find your own natural rhythm. Sometimes this does take many years. But nothing worthwhile ever comes, if is too easy in my opinion.

As usual I've put out some bird-seed in our yard. But all that seems to happen is we get these giant fat pigeons sitting in the bowl, pecking away until they have scoffed it all. Leaving the small birds very little. Sometimes I go out and the pigeon just sits there in the bowl, too fat to move. Am just filling pigeons with bird seed? I wonder if they ever stop, before they pop?

We have a photo-shoot coming up for our the up-coming Art Exhibition I am curating at the Millennium Hotel in November. So that will be fun. It's surpising how many hours you pose, just to get that one photograph! Usually, when I take many many photographs, I always end up using the first one I took........

View me Jazz Singing and playing my Saxophone at my Tedx performance this April in Abu Dhabi. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az_YF_Qocfw  

My Art at www.moorethanart.com

Curating this show November at The Millennium Hotel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEENY3jXW2U&feature=related

For your Art enquires questions@moorethanart.com (All art sent with tracking and insurance via TNT in a postal tube).

Hello again!!

Just made a great video showcasing our new Art Group 'Window's'  Artwork! It's a great way of seeing the unique styles and passion of these artists. As you can see, I particularly liked creating those incoming stars! And there was an awful lot of spinning involved in getting those paintings to spin.......quite dizzying......great fun, in an obsessive kind of way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEENY3jXW2U  

''......The highest talent, skill and passion for their Art, is the hallmark of this group of artists' success. From oil paint, to acrylic, to digital art, this unique collection brings together beautiful, powerful Art that speaks for itself and that resonates in our lives today.
Group Exhibition at The Millennium Hotel, Abu Dhabi this November 2011..........''

Hello readers.

Well you may have noticed my blog has become increasingly hard to access! Not of my doing, I was surprised to discover. My host provider was the guilty party, not giving me the bandwidth I should have had each month. Looks like the hosters have not had a blog quite as popular as mine, so their problem hadn't surfaced!! Well, that's what I call a reverse compliment! Anyway, the good news is, it should stop crashing each month now and saying that dreaded 'your bandwidth has been exceeded'.  So, I better get writing hadn't it?

Into our hot, hot, hot summer now. The humidity comes and goes a bit at first:  teasing us with its fearful intensity! When it really hits, you stand in the garden at 8 am sweating, whilst doing......well nothing. It's a very strange experience when even your knees are sweating! A bit pointless trying to make your hair look decent for long too. When I take my hat off after a dog walk now, it's plastered to my head! Anyway, enough about sweat!

Have I shown you my recent finished paintings?

I'm very pleased at how this one turned out. You can see an Arabic coffee pot or dallah, above the desert and blue sky. I've called this oil on canvas 'welcome' or  ترحيب   in Arabic. The coffee pot is a symbol of welcome here in UAE. And you know, I've always felt very welcome here. I really enjoyed painting this one, I've also never attempted to paint brass before, so that was a real challenge. This is a very large painting and the coffee pot has quite a lovely effect against the minimal sky and desert.

I will be selling this painting and many others at the Millennium Hotel, Abu Dhabi this November. I will be Curating and Exhibiting at this Art Exhibition. There are five other talented artists exhibiting and the standard of work is very high. So, if you are local, come and say 'hello' and I will probably stick a brochure in your hand! You will not be disappointed if you are an art-lover.

Life has also been a little hectic with our new 'Little Miss' of course who is finding her paws. She had her spaying operation a couple of days ago and trying to stop her playing with the other two dogs, is now proving to be the most difficult challenge. She cries like a baby too at the moment, because she can't go out on the dog walk with the other dogs. She is such an endearing little thing.

Suki, who has long been fascinated by Missy's tiny bed, took the oportunity - whilst Missy was having her op - to explore and stomp across her bed. Looking more like a contortionist than a dog, she rolled up into Missy's bed, pretending like she fitted and then went to sleep.

Here is Missy showing how it should be done.

If there were a prize for the World's Cuddliest Dog, she'd be a sure winner...............

View me Jazz Singing and playing my Saxophone at my Tedx performance this April in Abu Dhabi. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az_YF_Qocfw  

My Art at www.moorethanart.com

For your Art enquires questions@moorethanart.com (All art sent with tracking and insurance via TNT in a postal tube).

What's our new surprise?

Well, I've been saying for a while that I won't get another dog. Hmmmm!

So, on our usual desert walk we slowed down to see something that looked like a black fox or a large cat! It turned out to be a very sorry little black dog. It's collar (or rope) was frayed, so it had obviously become loose.......or escaped.

Insteady of running when I approached her, she began whimpering and trying to walk on her very sore paw- pads. There were also sores on her back :(  Anyway, she took some treats and loads of water and even let me pick her up! She plainly didn't want to walk any further....... 

Luckily we had a tie in the car, so were able to secure it to her rope. There was a workman wandering past, so we asked him if he knew who's dog it was? But he didn't. She had come to a full stop in the middle of nothing but desert!

By degrees, she turned out to be the friendliest little thing, who was very used to people around her. And my; just look at those ears!

Anyway, given that it's summertime here and the worst time to rehome a dog - since all the kennels are full, we took her home. To the suprise of our two dogs..........

The vet checked her over and found only dehydration and surface injuries which were not too serious. And she proceeded to make friends with all the strangers in the vet - despite the lack of surface paw pads, which had scraped off from so much rough walking. We don't think she would have lasted much longer in that 44 degree heat. A bath was recommended asap which turned this docile, friendly dog into a black ball of writhing panic! She sulked for a while with me, but then began to feel much better........

Day four

.......and I've had some chicken soup in my dinner!!

This little 'Missy' has surely been followed by a lucky star! We were concerned about the small amounts she seemed to drink, until we discovered to our surprise, that she didn't like the taste of water at all! .......... that she was probably used to being given milk, or more likely milky tea at her compound! What a lucky little lady!!

Well, I guess that only goes to prove my phrase that 'life is what happens in between the planning!'

Suki has been mothering her and fussing over her sores from day one. Bonnie is now going from 'tolerating' to 'quite liking' Missy (she does seem like a Little Miss) Bonnie is fine as long as she feels she hasn't lost her place in the pack......as long as she doesn't lose any of her privileges. There's a very strong pecking order with dogs.

Her personality is so endearing and sweet and she still has the puppy- prancing- playfulness, since she's about 6-8 months old. She's even trying to join in with the boisterous play. However, she usually runs to her safe bed when it gets rough. I am keeping a close eye to make sure there are no arguments initially....

Sitting pretty.

Surprisingly, they've even allowed me to finish my oil painting of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan!! Thank you girls! I can't stay too long away from my paintbrush!

Sheikh portrait

To view this painting in larger detail please visit my website www.moorethanart.com  

Hello readers,

Managed to track down the little video of me performing at this year's FIRST Tedx here in Abu Dhabi. And it was a wonderful event, masterminded by Frederick Van Sant, Barbara Van Sant and James Piecowye - plus a host of other super-motivated people. Big thanks also to the sound crew, who did a great job with the p.a sound system etc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az_YF_Qocfw

Quite funny in places the way I was bending and shifting that microphone!

Been a busy old month. And gettting steamingly-hot now here in Abu Dhabi. I really think it's taken me two years to aclimatize here. Something about thinning the blood and all that? Well; now I think it's super thin and watery, because I'm finding the heat ok and temps are up there in the 44's now! One thing is you have to relax about sweating. Or should I say perspiring, for the ladies?

Met a huge bug this morning, in the desert. Not very interesting? Well, it is when you don't see much wildlife out there - except the occasional resilient bush together with this white/grey jumping beetle, which usually flies across the rocks and sand, as if it's sand in the wind. Anyway, this bug was at least the length of my finger. Bizarrely, everytime I went near it, it stuck its back-end up in the air.......pretending this was its head I think. Well, I wasn't fooled. I gave it a few prods anyway. Luckily the dogs gave it a wide birth. Bravery isn't really their strong suit.

Very happy to announce I will be curating and exhibiting an Art Exhibition at The Millennium Hotel, Abu Dhabi, at the end of the year. Some super talented artists involved - so it is sure to be a stunning show. And talking of artwork..............here's my recent portrait of  His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan. Not finished yet.........

Sheikh portrait

Here's my finished painting for the World Art Foundation too. Not sure if I posted this one finished yet?

Working hard on the painting skills at the moment. This one's an interesting one, because......as sometimes happens in a painting, this one changed direction part-way through. And the reflection went skywards! Often a painting seems to 'name itself' when coming towards its end. And this one named itself 'True Reflections' So...........enjoy pondering that one!

Art is such a fluid, personal thing, it's all about allowing the viewer to find their own meaning in your work. Rather than imposing one's views. So, I hope you do. My meaning may turn out to be different from yours..............

Have a lovely summer! L

Hello bloggers,

Almost forgot to post my nearly finished Arabian Stallion oil on canvas. Big change to the background as you can see, I've also added a star in that night sky, which finishes it beautifully. Now I've named it 'StarHorse'. This one has taken longer than anticipated, partly because it's been such a busy month I think. And partly, because it kept changing, well, I kept changing it.......unexpectedly. I guess it's been one of those paintings that has evolved slowly.

'StarHorse' oil on canvas by Laurel Moore.

You know the only thing I don't like about my birthday is the 'Grand National' race! Common sense, surely says that if horses die during a race............something has to be wrong?? And over the years, they always have. It's not rocket science!! Reduce the height of the jumps for example!!

It was a great pleasure to attend the Art Exhibition of artist Abdul Badi Abdul Musawwir in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, at the Salwa Zeidan Gallery 4th April 2011. And yes, I have a little pic.

And to see myself and my artist friends making the cover of Gulf News Supplement Magazine - well you can see why it was a very nice birthday week! Not to mention some lovely birthday pressies on top!

That's me with my sax there on the right, with some very talented and inspiring local artists.

I must be getting old, because I can't remember whether I mentioned the K9 Puppy Ball (Dubai) My painting made 3000 AED for the charity, which was great and a wonderful evening was had by all. You may be able to see my painting up for auction at the top right of this next photo. Or........maybe not.

Anyway, far too much socializing going on this week for a typical artist. Time to get back and PAINT! I have at least 500 photos to start working on  from my recent trip to Dubai  

Had a lovely birthday in Dubai bloggers.

This time I brought my camera manual and really got my head around shutter speeds and apertures. Found some great painting inspiration..........

Here's one I love which I've called 'Hot Arabian Nights...........' and my goodness it is heating up nicely now.

Isn't it gorgeous! Love that night-lantern and those Bougainvillea flowers. Can't you just smell those blossoms? It really captures the Middle Eastern flavour and ambience. Might not be able to resist the attempt to turn this one into a painting! Hotel was fabulous as was the food. Sadly, a little too windy to have a swim, but you can't win them all.......

In fact that wind brought some even better photo opportunities. Wind on water, makes for a fabulous effects -adding more interest to those reflections. I'm really looking forward to my next series of water paintings........after so much inspiration.

Here's the Bougainvillea in the daylight. You can see it keeps its colour so well because really the flowers appear to be leaves, that have turned a bright pink. The hotter it gets the more this plants seems to sun-bathe. It's a joy to see this sunny plant. The bright pink and bright red seems to do best here.

I managed to squeeze a full 505 photos on my Nikon camera, before it begun flashing 'FULL FULL FULL'...............But what photos!

Just time to mention the great article a group of us UAE artists recently had in Gulf News (4th April). Here's the photo....

Very honoured to be photographed here with such talented and inspiring artists. Here's the link the the interesting article with all the artists names: http://gulfnews.com/gn-focus/abu-dhabi/colours-of-provocation-1.787016 We also made the front cover of Gulf News Supplement Magazine, with the great headline: ''Capital Inspiration. Meet the Artists shaking up the UAE.'' Great fun and thanx Gulf News! 

Hello! Very exciting to be part of Tedx Abu Dhabi 23rd April................

Here's me doing a little jazz singing: http://www.soundclick.com/members/default.cfm?member=moorethanart Didn't quite get the balance right on this track, vocals a bit loud I think. Lovely tune though 'I've Got A Crush On You' very romantic..............

LAUREL MOORE

Classically trained on the piano from the age of 7, Laurel then learnt the piano accordion from 12. Her accordion teacher selected Laurel from all his students to train professionally. She was a regular choir member who sang at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England. Passionate about Art and Music from an early age.

Trained British teacher with Art/Music B. Ed Hons degree. In her student years Laurel could be found playing tenor saxophone busking/singing with her band – where she was talent-scouted by the manager of the Holiday Inn to perform at hotels. She has played and sung in bands ever since.

Laurel is presently a Jazz Singer/saxophonist/keyboard player and song-writer living in Abu Dhabi.

My idea worth sharing:
My art and music is about story-telling. For many thousands of years stories have been passed down from parent to child through musical and artistic stories. In particular I love to tell emotional stories through my music and art.

I dare:
I suppose I dare to attempt to sing/play sax/play piano and paint, to the best of my ability. I’m sure I should have focused on one…………but I could never choose between them!

Hello!

Not quite sure how it went one day from 24 degrees here in Abu Dhabi to suddenly 31?? I guess the winter is now over. So, five months of 'winter' this year; a few days of rain, a bit of wind, one sand storm.........not too bad really. I only wore my coat for about three weeks, so it's back into the wardrobe for that then!

Here's the finished K9 Friends Puppy Ball Auction painting. I'm quite pleased with it, especially with the colours. Of course, you know by now it's called 'Embers Of The Day'. And I really like that title, it adds to the evening/dusky atmosphere of the painting. It went into impressionistic country at one time, so I dutifully followed........

I think that dog's looking like he's having a super time. So; let's hope it raises lots of much needed funds to help K9 Friends Dubai. If you are local, the event on 31st March at Razzle Hotel in Dubai. Lovely dinner and dance.

Very happy to be invited to perform (Jazz sing/saxophone and showcase my art) at this year's FIRST ever 'TEDx' event here in Abu Dhabi. TED is now a worldwide phenomenon, where people speak, entertain and share their ideas and their words of wisdom for free. It's usually televised too, so it can be enjoyed worldwide. Hopefully, spreading the best ideas.................I'm really looking forward to it. So, if you are local it's on the 23rd April.

My art will also be showcased in an upcoming edition of the Gulf News Supplement Magazine for Abu Dhabi and I've also been invited to exhibit in one of the top galleries in New York as an International Artist. So, I'd better get busy painting, hadn't I?  

Here's a happy video of our Bonnie and Suki (rescue dogs from Strays Of Abu Dhabi) How happy they are now! I love the way Suki seems to appear twice for a treat, as if there's two of her! Lots of desert fun...........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjBc_U2Dm6Y

Ahhhhh! Good thing they are keeping me fit!!

View me Jazz Singing and playing my Saxophone at my Tedx performance this April in Abu Dhabi. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az_YF_Qocfw  

My Art at www.moorethanart.com

For your Art enquires questions@moorethanart.com (All art sent with tracking and insurance via TNT in a postal tube).

Feeling a little stressed? Sounds like an advert for a pill, doesn't it?

No, no pill! Well who needs a pill when you can listen to my little video?  I've posted a little video of my jazz vocals - to a lovely dreamy song 'Dream A Little Dream Of Me'. Great song.

So, kick off your uncomfortable shoes........stretch out..........unwind..............and enjoy!!! Don't you just love the little dandelion effect?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T0_EZi5cAQ

View me Jazz Singing and playing my Saxophone at my Tedx performance this April in Abu Dhabi. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az_YF_Qocfw  

My Art at www.moorethanart.com

For your Art enquires questions@moorethanart.com (All art sent with tracking and insurance via TNT in a postal tube).

My K9 Friends Charity Auction Painting is coming on very nicely now. Darkening those colours down now, to create that dusky atmosphere. Not yet finished yet of course...............

Always helps to add a frame of course. I hope it's the kind of painting that takes you somewhere beautful and lets you stand watching the sunset..................that's what's so lovely about having a beautiful work of art in your house. My painting take me to so many lovely places..........

Have to admit my dirty little secret this week is: I've been wearing a COAT! Yes a real coat. It's been coldish and windy and especially cold in the mornings here in Abu Dhabi. The wind has been whipping that sand around. It's suprising how dangerous sand dunes can be too! You take a few steps then can sink a foot down. Was a great surprise to me when that happened I can tell you!!  

www.moorethanart.com

View me Jazz Singing and playing my Saxophone at my Tedx performance this April in Abu Dhabi. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az_YF_Qocfw  

My Art at www.moorethanart.com

For your Art enquires questions@moorethanart.com (All art sent with tracking and insurance via TNT in a postal tube).

Hello.........

Just a quick update on the painting........coming on quite well now. You can probably see the seascape developing. Can't wait to add in the orange.........

Much more 'work' needed yet though...............will keep you posted............www.moorethanart.com

View me Jazz Singing and playing my Saxophone at my Tedx performance this April in Abu Dhabi. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az_YF_Qocfw  

My Art at www.moorethanart.com

For your Art enquires questions@moorethanart.com (All art sent with tracking and insurance via TNT in a postal tube).

Just a quickie blog, bloggers...........

Just wanted to update you on the K9 Puppy Ball which is upcoming (31st March 2011) February is going by so speedily already!

I've been asked to do the Auction Painting. So, I just wanted to post a little taster..........a little aperatif, to tempt you to bid! And yes, I did have to look up how to spell 'aperatif'! I was sure there was more than one 'p' weren't you? Well it's a pleasure and an honour, to support such a worthwhile and hard-working organization.

Not much to see yet. But you can hopefully make out the general seascape. A figure and his/her dog. Sometimes it takes me the whole painting to work out its name. But this one was immediate........'Embers Of The Day' What a lovely name! There will be a wonderful orangey sunset reflected in the dusky waters..........I'm enjoying doing it already.

A very kind artist friend, Archana R D King recently told me that that was 'so much love' in my paintings. I hope that's true! Certainly was a lovely comment. I hope my paintings lift the spirit to celebrate all the wonders and mystery of life! Anyway, I'll be posting the updated photos for your interest.........

Of course the more interest we recieve...........the higher the price goes for charity. So, pop along to the website http://k9friends.com/ to find the Puppy Ball or other information.They are a non-profit organization, much like Strays Of Abu Dhabi  that has been running since 1989. They also stage many fund-raising events each year. 

View me Jazz Singing and playing my Saxophone at my Tedx performance this April in Abu Dhabi. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az_YF_Qocfw  

My Art at www.moorethanart.com

For your Art enquires questions@moorethanart.com (All art sent with tracking and insurance via TNT in a postal tube).

Well bloggers, we've had some really decent rain here in the desert sands................lasting about 5 days on and off..............

Turning it all to a kind of wet slush and freshening up the air. Actually, it's been quite nostalgic. Rain here is a bit of a gift. And to hear the sound of it slushing and trickling sounds quite romantic after so long. I'm sure I didn't feel romantic about it in England! It's strange how you forget all those years dog-walking in the rain, how the memory just washes away.............

Quite a substantial puddle there at dawn the other day.

Very nice to see I have some 200/300 hits worldwide on my blog each day now! This is why it's often unavailable at the end of the month because I've 'exceeded my bandwidth'. Kind of means it's crashed due to popular demand by the end of the month and needs a rest.............nice sharing a window into someone else's daily world, I guess. Always a pleasure for me to talk about my art to anyone who will listen too

Thoughts are with the Egytians and their struggle at the moment. And also the Australians in their hardship.

I'll just post this wonderful inspiring article I saw on gulf news. Worth a read..

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/education/pearls-of-wisdom-from-india-s-abdul-kalam-1.754032

On a lighter note, if you ever wondered what a 'Lady's Finger' looked like...........

And did you know you could buy one in the vegetable section of the supermarket? The currency is the Dirham here, so it's about 5 to 1. So you can buy a kilo of 'Ladies Fingers' for about 2 pounds! And this is what you'll get for your money............

There you go! Enjoy! Is that what you were expecting? Not very flattering to a lady's finger is it? Obviously green! Thinking about it I think it's meant to relate to the tapering of the lady's fingernail? They kind of come to a green point. Interesting................

I very much enjoyed visiting the Ghaf Gallery, Abu Dhabi last night. Great exhibition on a 'Guess The Artist' theme, curated by talented artist Sumayyah Al Suwaidi. And I'm very much looking forward to exhibiting four of my paintings in the 'Ramadan Art Bazaar' there in August. http://ghafgallery.blogspot.com/2009/09/back-to-future.html

Here is one of my four paintings for exhibition there in my 'Beneath The Surface' series.

'Cavern' oil on canvas by Laurel Moore

This one has a wonderful feeling of turbulent water. The effect is quite transfixing in the real if you stand looking at it. In my experience people tend to fall into two categories with water: affinity or aversion. Which one are you? Could make you feel a little sea-sick depending....................

Anyway, must relate my mysterious sand-storm experience before going. There I was: goggles in hand wearing my swimsuit, off for a little dip in the hotel pool. I had my sun-screen (in January!) my sunglasses, my sandals etc. I walk outside into a gleaming blue sunny day. Feel the humid warmth on my skin. I totter down to the beach chairs, heading for the bamboo umbrella. I notice a breeze. Pleasant though. Light as a feather. Then, a little stronger. Within about 10 seconds its very breezy. So I just stand with my swim-bag, debating.........'I don't remember it being so windy'? 10 more seconds and I am almost blinded by swirling, sandy wind! The wind is beginning to hit my body and push it! I am still standing confused with swim-bag. An attendant comes running up to me shouting '' it's not safe to sit under the umbrella's now madam!'' So then I realize it's horrible and head back for the inside door, in the midst of bashing winds and swirling sand. I can no longer see the horizon for dust. As I head back, I see people running for the door! It's a mass running exodus! The door is soon locked - so that no one can return outside! I sit on an chair bemused watching the mad swirl of yellow air and the palm trees bowing and creaking! Sounding like they are in pain!

Thankfully, they had an indoor pool! 

I think my bloggers have 'got their own back on me'! But really, I didn't understand what a real sandstorm was, before that day! I thought it was just a sandy wind! In fact, winds very quickly reached 100 km/hour in Dubai. Probably the most amazing experience I've ever had in a swimsuit!!

Hello everyone !

Here's a photo of my photogenic feet today! You know it's been suprising COLD here in Abu Dhabi for a couple of weeks. Or maybe it's because of our new location after our recent house-move, sending us further into the desert. Of course it does get very cold in the desert at night, even the camels need their coats on. We've had these thick fogs too, unfortunately causing some bad accidents. But you can't even see a few feet in front of you. Spooky too! I'm sure I've seen things moving in the fog. The other morning I thought I saw camels and riders...........

Anyway, the fog had seeped into my bones recently. So, I thought since it warms up during the day (to around a nice 25 degrees) I thought I'd take myself off to the beach. You don't believe me?

So, if you are someone suffering from very bad weather......please don't hate me! Just to add insult to injury, I have to say I couldn't count ONE cloud. All I could hear was the lapping of the water and the occasion flip of a fish!

I'm sure you'll give me no sympathy when I say Christmas really doesn't feel like Christmas when it's a summer day! It simply passed gracefully by like a summer breeze.

So, for that reason I have to indulge a little in the baubles. As you know sometimes Abu Dhabi like to do things bigger and better......... So, I must show you my baubles................

Delightful! Glad I did my nails before that photo

Anyway, onto the business side of life. Here is a sneak preview of one of my new paintings in progress. To capture the sight and sound of Arabia, I've been working on a very large oil on canvas Arabian Stallion. I'm loving the colours on this horse. SO vibrant. I'm losing myself in the whirls of colours...........

Work in progress.

I have had some clients recently thinking that I use digital effect with my work etc (I think this is a compliment because they were thinking it was produced from photo manipulation) I do only use a paintbrush. So there's no digital effects used ever.  So please feel free to marvel  No, lots of hard work really. Actually, no; it's sometimes hard to achieve what I want. But, it never really feels like WORK. I am very lucky in that respect.

It's not finished yet. Lots of 'work' needed on the mane and other areas. Also the background needs bringing to life a bit. This one is probably destined for a gallery in New York. Let's hope he's a fast galloper. Because it's quite a distance to cover.........................

The only real difficulty for an artist if if you get attached to your painting. Some, I guess you have to allow yourself to hang on to. But, some must fly the nest and hopefully find a home being more appreciated  by others...........

View me Jazz Singing and playing my Saxophone at my Tedx performance this April in Abu Dhabi. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az_YF_Qocfw  

My Art at www.moorethanart.com

For your Art enquires questions@moorethanart.com (All art sent with tracking and insurance via TNT in a postal tube).

Hoping you had a Happy Christmas! Maybe even a white one if you're in Europe. Scary pictures those were though! Reminds me of living in Switzerland and getting snowed in sometimes..........sometimes you have to just give up trying to get anywhere!

Here's a little photo of me dolled up for our christmas meal. Doing a 'posh spice' pose! I like the way the phone flashed and makes me look like I am holding a star in my hand? Cool effect...................

Quite a few painting commitments this year, with the World Art Foundation American Gallery Exhibition coming up in the new year - so no time to 'rest on my Laurels' (hee hee) So I have a few works to share with you.

This one is 'Wind In The Sand' which has more of a Contemporary feel to it.

This is a really huge oil painting and destined for Dubai Mall hopefully in the new year. I've really tried to capture the feel of standing in a desert. The way the sand is ever moving. Indeed everytime we revisit an area of desert the sand dunes have completely moved, not just changed shape. And you don't see many life-forms apart from the odd large beetle bumbling around, or a lizard or too scampering off to find some shade. It's really a landscape like no other. And I think you have to really experience the desert to feel it keenly.....................

Talking of stars..........I had the most amazing experience of seeing a shooting start this morning on my walk! It shot low across the sky and it was so wonderful. In fact there were two, but I missed the first and only saw it out of the corner of my eye. A very special experience! Not that the dogs noticed of course. I had a little jog this morning ( I nearly put job!) They love it when I run, they get all excited and I notice I tell them off far less for wandering off when I'm running. They seem to like the sense of purpose and of course love to run anytime. It's been a real challenge getting to the stage when I can let a dog like Suki off the lead, since she's the fastest thing on four legs! And with a real wanderlust. Bucket-fulls of treats have helped!

Talking of dogs again, Caroline and her husband were very happy with their new portrait of their two dogs 'Charlie and Cassie'. Rather touchingly, Cassie, the mad one on the left is the daughter of our Suki. So, by definition I am the mummy of the mummy of their dog Cassie.

Don't forget you can contact me (questions@moorethanart.com) for a portrait wherever you are in the world. An oil on canvas can be rolled in a postal tube, then you can get it put back onto wooden boards easily at most local framers. Visit my website www.moorethanart.com to view my portfolio.

I would like to commend these two dogs for staying so still during their portrait (yeah right!)

Just wanted to answer Sheila all the way in Bury-St-Edmunds about my peppers. The ants didn't get them at all! Sadly my gardening skills did. They grew and grew then stopped growing at about the size of a pound coin! They reddened up beautifully too, just were tiny! What did I do wrong? I fed them well too. They were in a pot, maybe they didn't take to that. I'm sure Sheila knows. And glad you enjoy my blog Peterson. Can't seem to reply on my blog, but you can usually catch me at my email above if you've any questions.

Wishing you all a very Happy and prosperous New Year! And big thanks to the guys and girls at band practise, I had a lovely time singing all those songs!!

Hello again.......

Forgot to post this cute little 'The Art Of Laurel Moore' video I made. I'm getting quite good these days on the computer for a ham-fisted IT person. That's a good description - ham-fisted, isn't it? I get a nice picture from that phrase.

Hope you enjoy my current Art Porfolio, or Folio as they seem to call it now..........     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0OBfkk3yF0

View me Jazz Singing and playing my Saxophone at my Tedx performance this April in Abu Dhabi. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az_YF_Qocfw  

My Art at www.moorethanart.com

For your Art enquires questions@moorethanart.com (All art sent with tracking and insurance via TNT in a postal tube).

What did I say about last month being exciting? Well this month is already coming close

THE ART OF LAUREL MOORE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0OBfkk3yF0

Just been chosen by the World Art Foundation to represent Abu Dhabi! Every year from their database of hundreds of thousands of artists they choose the hundred best, from all over the world - for their new gallery season. http://www.worldartfoundation.org/ There are some very talented artists there............

This year, I've made their hundred pick of Fine Artists. This means I will be given the opportunity to exhibit at some of the best galleries in America: Las Vegas, California, Santa Fe and many more. It's a wonderful opportunity. On one street in Santa Fe, there are some hundred galleries back to back. So it's a place where the world's collectors come to browse............................

I'd better get that paintbrush flying. Since I've also have been offered to exhibit in Dubai Mall this December.

Anyway, back to reality with a happy bump. It's getting chilly here. This morning, walking the dogs I had a hoody on! Well, for ten whole minutes of the walk anyway! As usual, I always seem to end up getting up a bit of a sweat (lovely). The dogs love to wind me up by chewing on dead sticks at the moment. When one starts and I go to stop them, the other begins the chew game. I'm sure it's some little game of tag they have going.

Still lovely and warm here in the day though - like a cool summer day. And my peppers are growing a couple of centimeters now, nearly good enough to eat. That's if I can get to them before the ants. Ants seem more aggressive here. They jump on any poor insect who seems to be having an off day. Before you know it, they're tucking in to the insecty goodness  

Bonnie and Suki

Bonnie (on the right) loves the car. Whenever that boot opens, even accidentally, she's straight in, sat there waiting. She doesn't care where it's going...............even if it's going nowhere! Sweet really. Suki is as mad as ever, but just seems to always want to play on a walk now. And she only barks when that tail of hers starts flashing! And my goodness they both love their food. Specials are 'Shepperd's Pie', 'Meat Balls' and 'Chicken Curry' nights. ......(can't spell shepperd at all today, I know that's not right!)

You have to be quite careful driving here in the thick fogs in the morning here and doubly so if there's any other cars on the road! Drivers seem to drive impulsively here......''Oh I fancy going over there now!'' so they just GO. Immediately! Cutting across you and all traffic to get there! And they're really wet. Meant to say the fogs are really wet! I mean you can feel the water on your face. And when I sit on my chair outside it's sopping wet, after a foggy night.

We've also discovered the secret to Suki sleeping through the night. She likes it to be warm, really warm! And prefers it quite light too. So, there's us lying in bed wide eyed and panting then!! Anything for a good night's sleep.

Is there time to add some Shiny December Sandals?

Always! Can't resist sharing the joy of wearing sandals in December! In fact, I don't really have normal shoes except sandals anymore. My boots are stored away feeling neglected as are my hats.

Just time to share a little beautiful Abu Dhabi December sky before I paint.................

bye for now.........and keep warm if you are snowing........if you know what I mean............

Hello!

Big thanks to Sana Bagersh and Ellaine Fatima of Tempo Magazine this month for my feature-page. The text was designed so beautifully around my painting. I felt very proud indeed!

Hope you managed to bag a copy if you're local? It's a small mag usually found next to 'Abu Dhabi Week'. It is all about the people, the community  and the buzz of Abu Dhabi. I'll post this photo  to my moorethanart website too and see if I can magically get it to enlarge if you click on it. But, I can't promise........

Tempo have a website if you want to read our local magazine http://www.abudhabitempo.com/

It's cooling down quite nicely now here in Abu Dhabi. I love it when life falls into a creative routine of painting, singing, music etc. And I've rather gotten used to the noisy cricket that seems to live in our kitchen! He/she has been there quite long now, I feel strangely attached if it seems to go silent!  I even have some peppers popping out of their green stalks now! And my tomatoes are doing quite well thankyou. Finally beginning to grow - in the lessened heat. I'm not quite sure these temperatures (35 degrees) can justify the jogger I saw wearing a balaclaver the other morning though!!

Great to report the SAD (strays of abu dhabi) FUN DAY at Al Ghazel Golf Club was a great success!! So many waggy tails arrived with their two legged forever friends. It really shows what an amazing job the SAD team of volunteers really do. Although a scorching day sat under a woefully inadequate umbrella; still I was happy to sell my prints. Bought a SAD calender which is SO funny. Each month shows a different dog smiling outside of a local landmark. Very witty.

Been a very busy month so far too. It was also a pleasure to attend Salwa Zeidan Gallery for the Emirati Art Exhibition 'Dropping Lines' and also to attend the Millennium Hotel barbeque, at which (strangely) I won the prize barbeque!! My husband was most pleased, since he'd only asked me to try and bring home a burger! Not sure it was the kind of event at which you could smuggle a doggy-bag in your handbag, anyway?

Salwa Zeidan Gallery

This was my favourite piece, can't seem to find the name of the artist at the moment though! It was a huge artwork and really fascinating and vibrant too. I like a painting that tries to tempt me down the Contemporary Art road!

This Art Exhibition was held in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Salwa Zeidan is in the front in black looking radiant and you can just see me standing behind in blue!!

Goodness what an exciting month November was! What will October bring I wonder? And will my cricket still be chirping??