Here's just the first few pictures of the Grand opening night of our Charity Art Exhibition at The Millennium Hotel, Abu Dhabi. What a wonderful night it was too.

Big thankyou to all my volunteer helpers, who worked so dilligently to help set up the Art Exhibition (Bless masking tape!)

Here's me cutting the ribbon at the opening with (left to right) Mr.Moine Kandil, Millennium Hotel manager, artist and SAD volunteer Kathleen Beesley and  Mr. John Habib, President of the American Chamber of Commerce

Here's me talking about my racehorse painting 'Favourite' up for bids, no reserve on 17th April 7:30 at the Millennium Hotel, Abu Dhabi. With Mr. John L Habib and Managing Director Mr. Abdullah Naeemat.

The artwork looked so fabulous once up and arranged and so many people were impressed with the sheer variety of styles and talent.

Big thankyou also to all the media who showed so much interest in our artists :) And to the Millennium Hotel for being such a gracious host.

Just a quick and busy 'Hello!'

If you want to see our stunning 36 Artworks, please click on this facebook link here:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=57296&id=1266212833&ref=mf

Hello Bloggers,

Apologies for my long absence. Things have become a little busy around here, as our Art Exhibition opening (10th April 7:30) and our 'Animal Lovers' Art Auction'  (17th April 7:30) is hotting up.

I've received some beautiful arworks from my talented artsts. And BIG thanks to Nassim Al Majed for showing me her lovely art studio with her quite stunning mosaic art! She seems to be able to turn her hand to any style: contemporary or Traditionally Arabic. All those little jars filled with colours glass. There must have been a thousand? You can view her intricate mosaic-work here on her website: www.fromarabia.ae

In the meantime, I'll share her charming little mosaics for our Charity Art Auction for Strays Of Abu Dhabi.

This one has a very 'English Cottage' feel to me. It is 10x 15 cm. Though Nassim doesn't always keep her talents on the small side. She does some huge mosaic art too. My favourite piece looked like a flowered rug. In fact, you could only tell it was formed by tiny stones by touching it!

Here's her second piece up for bids with NO RESERVE:

Both pieces are ready-framed in a dark green wooden frame.

Nassim writes:

''Mosaic is the art of decorating a surface with designs made up of closely set, small pieces of material such as colored stone, glass, ceramic and others .

Mosaic pieces are called tesserae (from the Latin word meaning dice or cubes) and Smalties (these smalti are hand-cut with a hack hammer and a chisel, producing a single tessera in the desired form and dimension).

This art is principally used to decorate walls, floors and vaults. In Byzantine times, a portable mosaic was a small size depicting a single icon or figure such as the saints. Today portable mosaics of any topic still constitute the most common form of mosaic and are of canvas-sized dimension or less.

We used this art with Arabic Calligraphy and produce beautiful pieces that capture the eyes.''

Let's not of course forget our HUGE contribution from Contemporary Jordanian Gallery Artist Noura Masri. I know it's fairly huge because I failed to take note of the exact measurements before recieving this painting. If I tell you that my husband had to put all the seats down on our car, you'll understand what 1 x 1.5 meters really looks like. I don't do justice to this painting by showing you a small thumbnail, because it really impacts through it's size......but I'll do it anyway.

'My Dog Is My Best Friend' by Noura Masri now living in Dubai.

Gotta run, but before I do, I found this fabulous photo of Dubai after our recent torrential storms. My goodness, I didn't know English rain fell over here lol!!

Crazy!! And yes, that is a road, not a beach-front! You can just see the Burj Al Arab Hotel, in the background. It was of course opened in 1999, is unofficially billed as a 7-star hotel and is the world's most luxurious and tallest hotel. Not that I can tell you about that! Can't say I've ever visited yet!

But, I can tell you about those tour buses. My mum, will enjoying see it again. Give it a wave! We spent such a great Christmas day hoping on and off the tour buses and seeing the sights in Dubai. Then we took a gentle cruise on a Dhow Boat...........here's a little descriptive window into Dubai Creek for you..........

Moored in the quay of the creek, which divides the city in two, the “abras” (taxi-boats) chink with each other.  Early in the morning, Saïd and his colleagues are relishing a peaceful moment before the arrival of clients who would like to cross to the other shore. They do not worry much about the cranes that punctuate the horizon or the gleam of the rising sun on the gigantic glass and steel towers. They are used to it now, since these last 15 years, the building sites have gone on multiplying in the four corners of the city, symbols of the unbridled development of the emirate. In the effervescence of the city, the creek is quite nearly a peace haven. It is crisscrossed by several small boats; old wooden dhows and luxurious yachts travel alongside each other. A striking contrast between the past full of humble traditions and the galloping affluent present..........................

I'm pretty proud of this photo. I took this with my mum's untried or tested new camera. But, it came out perfectly. The old and the new sitting strikingly together. Many of the waterfront building in Dubai have this incredible reflective surface, designed to reflect the water, it's fascinating to see.

Quite a hot and memorable Christmas Day under the blue sky................

Hey, here's a little photo of me wondering around the Gold Souk too.

Ah..........and I was doing so well. I think I've over-stretched myself

Find our Charity Art Exhibition and Art Auction event here on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=390611083941&ref=ts

Entry is FREE, so RSVP please, everyone is welcome!

Hello all

Living in the land of warm/hot fog at the moment! Just lately our mornings have reminded me of those foggy winter mornings in England, minus the cold of course. I didn't know you could get such a thing as warm/hot fog. I guess it's just a lot of moisture filling the air. But, it does make it difficult to see what's coming around the corner, and you can see less than nothing in a foggy desert! I know I keep banging on about the desert just now. But, I'm fascinated by the light, the colours the atmosphere. It's my first real desert experience........................... 

Anyway, I'd like to introduce one of our first actual paintings up for bids in April at The Millenium Hotel, Abu Dhabi. Our American artist Sax Faix, prior to coming to UAE worked for several years in the Installations Department at Philadelphia Museum Of Art. You can find his wonderful Contemporary Artwork on his website here: www.samfaix.com

Put your arm down, you can't bid for it yet! Cute isn't it? I really like those muted, subtle colour and the way it is cleverly executed with mixed media. Found a little spot in your house for it, have you?

Sam has had five solo exhibitions in Portsmouth NH at the Nahcotta Gallery. Then a further 42 group exhibitions all over the States of America!

Here's his 'artist's statement':

''These recent paintings incorporate heavy amounts of alkyd medium as a means to approach and generate unexpected moves and moments.  Brushstrokes combine and overlap with a network of fluid paint that, although random in some ways, produces linear patterns that almost look machined in their miniscule strands of color caused by gravity’s pull. That something so arbitrary and intuitive can also have such an industrial element to it fascinates me and resonates within the roar and pull of all the white noise of today.  The grid that occurs from constantly turning the panel ninety degrees over the course of working, coupled with brushstrokes that cut through the space, also call to mind the twin activities of driving and map reading, and how cathartic it can feel to just get in a car and go.  One can simultaneously run away and forge ahead, or simply appreciate the idea of moving so quickly through a space that only vague impressions sink in and no physical effects are felt.  I think about how one might move through a room in a similar way, how the walls might feel and what details would coalesce into a memory.  These paintings explore how a given space can be traversed, whether it is a field, a city, or a piece of carpet near a table in an empty room.  Or how alkyd medium with some paint in it moves up, down and across a panel of wood, and how it charts its own physical record of movement within a larger idea.  As these purely physical aspects of the work fuse with more conceptual and narrative elements, the result lands somewhere in the gulf between the comfortably familiar and the wholly new.''

So, just to bring down to earth with a bump. Name as many things you can, that you would find in a desert. Quickly!! Yes, oasis, shrubs, sand, dunes, scorpions, desert rats..........any more?

Yes, a sofa of course!!

Didn't you get sofa? See how beautifully the setting sun touches the foam? I'm not sure those colours work in desert, are you? I think someone's messed up the colour scheme.  Yes, I know, it is kind of sad too. But, it's strangely fascinating at the same time. And, be practical! I guess you can't find anywhere to sit  in a desert!

And what do you do if you are a dog, in the desert? Well, you dig of course! I think it's something Suki learned to do, to escape the summer heat too.

Go for it Suki! Are you running out of steam? What will you do? Sign up a friend to help?

Ah, sensible: talk about the problem with your best friend. Hatch a plan and let her do the rest or the work!

Then, sit back and take it easy! Coooooool!

Have a great week. www.moorethanart.com

If you enjoy following the adventures of Suki and Bonnie and want to support other rescue dogs like them in Abu Dhabi, please pop along to www.straysofabudhabi.com You can see their fabulous updated site with all the work and rehoming they do. You could even make a small donation via Paypal, or secure Credit Card. They are a non-profit charity run by Dr. Rachel Shaw of the American Vetinary Clinic and ALL moneys go to help animals in need.

Hello everyone

Hope you are well. There's a little chill in the wind at the moment here in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Nothing too scary though. Not quite meriting a coat yet in the mornings. Will, I ever get to wear my coats again? A jumper? I don't understand why the shops here sell things like coats, hats, gloves? It's a mystery to me - even balaclavas! Then; of course, given that there is a respectful dress-code for ladies here, why, oh why, are the shops filled with mini-skirts and teeny tops? Another mystery to me. I guess a lot of it is aimed at the passing trade.

Anyway, our lovely dog Suki has discovered her wimper! A very strange sound indeed: she sounds like an old man moaning! And Bonnie has discovered the pleasures of jumping on my husband in the morning to wake him up. She then tries to snuggle down very quietly on the bed, to try and not be noticed, since she's certainly not allowed on the bed at all.

Now I have some wonderful traditional artists exhibiting at THE MILLENIUM HOTEL, Abu Dhabi. Have I mentioned our venue enough yet? I keep banging that nail, don't I? I just don't want you to miss a crazy-good oportunity at gaining some unique artwork and of course, giving to 'Strays Of Abu Dhabi' one of the Animal Rescue volunteer groups here. Giving, so gently.....you won't even know you are doing it

Mo Elsaleh

Yes, wow, indeed! Isn't the patterned detail beautiful against the folds of the man's clothing. You can find Mo on facebook at the present time.

I will stress, I am only showing 'samples' of our artists' work at this stage. The actual Auction Catalogue will be displayed on 'straysofabudhabi.com' website nearer to April.

Also, introducing Jojie. M. Casiao. Josefino M. Casiao is a Filipino comics illustrator who drew in the Golden Drama Magazine in the early 1990's. He began his interest in drawing when he was working in cinema advertising. He has illustrated comic stories like 'Kuyom na Palad' by Elena M.Patron, 'Takas sa Langit' by Pablo S. Gomez, 'Japanese Bat' by Hal Santiago and 'Hell Troopers' by Carl Comendador (in Pioneer Komiks) and many more. He is mainly working in advertising as a graphic designer in Dubai.

Jojie is astonishingly versatile as an artist. Skilled with cartoon/animation as well as traditional artistry.

Jojie M. Casiao

Also, introducing Natasha Gunaratna who is studying art at The Cambridge School, Abu Dhabi. A very creative young lady, also involved in setting up exhibitions for other talented local artists. She favours contemporary art and has a style all her own.....

Natasha Gunaratna

She often works with vibrant colours and bold shapes in her art expression.

Hey, didn't I tell you it was a wonderful mix of styles and talent? Now, you can see what I mean  So, keep your sunglasses on, because this will be one 'coooool' exhibition.

I'm not sure I'll manage to showcase ALL our 51 artists in time for our Art Auction in April, but, I will do my best to give you a run-down.

Hello bloggers,

Bless all of you who have given so kindly to the Haiti appeals. What a horrendous start to any New Year!

It's easy to live life in a kind of bubble here. The weather always warm, the skys always blue. I know I'm guilty of that  Sitting out in the garden, any afternoon until I overheat. Guilty pleasures indeed!

Well, just to brighten your day I'll show you a funny photograph. It certainly makes me laugh. My husband has long-lamented his poor camera skills. Well, I think IT and art can often be opposing skills. So, he wanted to take a nice photograph of our two new (strays of abu dhabi) dogs. And yes, before you ask, the light was perfectly good!

Can you see anyone there? Well, it's Suki on the left and Bonnie on the right. And how was it possible to make two mad, evil dogs with eyes like that? Hee, hee, hee.......That's a skill that cannot be taught, I think. And to get both eyes doing that at once! Genius! Who said that the 'eyes are the windows of the soul'?

Anyway, managed to find a little desert in amongst the building constructions in Abu Dhabi. And here's a little taster for you.

A little slice of desert.

Isn't that just beautiful? Those were the true colours at 7 am under a crisp blue sky. And with my new Nokia phone. How incredible these gadgets are now! Good enough to paint. And I love all those violet hues as shadows.............

Well, it was Suki's day at the desert this time. Never have I seen a dog so 'at home' in an environment before! I guess she is a true desert dog. The history of the Saluki is interesting. They were used by the Bedouin tribes not just for companionship but also hunting. The Saluki would work in tandem with the falcon. The Saluki to tire and out the prey, the falcon to make the catch. What a twosome! Faster than a greyhound too.

I think if Suki were a model, she'd probably be a supermodel. Thankfully, she seems blissfully unaware of her supermodel status, or the fact that we've never experienced the temperament of a pedigree before. She tolerates our ignorance fairly well

Anyway, I've been showcasing our wonderful artists in no particular order. Though, some might say alphabetically, might've been best. And some, would probably be right! Anyway, I've just got time to add my own painting, up for bids in April. I know, I can't give you a date yet. It's Abu Dhabi time, after all  So, here it is again, my horseracing painting, of medium size, oil on canvas, up for bids with NO RESERVE.

I think lucky number '5' is winning this race. What's your lucky number?

www.moorethanart.com Have  good week

Hello bloggers. So nice to see you again.

And how nice it was to have my two little visitors (mum and son), escaping the English snow for Christmas. How hard it is in Europe at the moment, with such crazy quantities of snow! My mum told me that (yes, it's a doggy story) her friend's Chihuahau's dog disappeared into a snow-drift by the side of the road and had to be dug-out and rescued!

Well, no, this isn't the actual snow-drift-dog, but I couldn't resist posting this Chihuahua, who has obviously learnt how to smile  

I won't mention that I still have to wear my sunhat. That would just be bad-taste. Mind you, we'll get our punishment in the summer here, don't you worry. We'll be puffing and sweating and dripping..........enough!

Anyway, time to introduce another of our talented contemporary artists Noura Masri  http://www.nouramasri.com Kindly donating one of her artworks for our 'Strays Of Abu Dhabi' charity art auction (April 2010)

Noura Masri, was born in Dubai in 1981 to Jordanian parents of Palestinian origin; self-taught artist she started painting at age 12 and have held solo and group exhibitions in the Middle East and Europe. She has worked as a graphic designer and is currently a full-time artist. She teaches kids and adults alike as well as work on special projects.

Here's Noura at one of her many solo exhibtions.

Fame and Fortune sit lightly on the shoulders of Noura Masri, with no less than 13 publications/articles about her artwork under her belt.

The themes in Noura’s work introduce you to a world that merges fantasy and reality. Her figures are both seductive and mysterious. They exist in their own eccentric realm of fantasy, yet draw the observer to them with a sense of accessibility that freezes with time. Her  work has been compared to artists such as Picasso though the figures she paints captivate the feminine side of her Picasso-esque style with an air of enigmatic sensuality.

Noura Masri

Here's Noura happily imprisioned by her paintings.

My paintings are about the enjoyment of playing with images, imagining, creating fantasy, and of course most importantly the enjoyment in creating harmony with colors, expressions and how it evolves to become a personal narrative. To me, the end result doesn’t matter: It’s the enjoyment of creating /painting /writing, etc….......www.nouramasri.com  

There is a natural joy in Noura's paintings that really comes through.

''............inspiration comes from within and from anywhere and everything around you. To me, painting is not about the fugures or the shapes perfect, yet it is more about the process that you mentally go through when you paint.........I truly believe that you can create your own inspiration and that nothing is impossible........

Isn't it exciting to think you will be able to bid on Noura's painting? Don't worry, I'll be creating an online catalogue, showing all the paintings up for bids on the strays of abu dhabi website. That's straysofabudhabi.com

This will probably be the most varied and unusual group of International Artworks you may ever see! All together, under one venue roof!! (The Millenium Hotel) And all profits going to help care and rehome for strays found here in Abu Dhabi. It's just a win win. What and NO RESERVE on most paintings? Isn't that a risk? Yes, indeed it is a risk for the artists, who rightly value their work and the time and love and effort it takes to create it. But, not a risk for YOU the bidder  

Hello all  Enjoying all that winter weather?

I must confess, I have had to put on a light cardigan/sweater, just the once . Yes, I was shocked too! Don't hate me! What colour was is? Is was YELLOW of course. You can't beat yellow, can you. Indeed, why bother with all the other colours?

Well, you may have noticed from my last week's blog that my new rescue (strays of abu dhabi.com ) dogs are now famous! So, hoping you saw our article in Gulf News? Hope you didn't have to wrestle with your internet too much to find it? Anyway, if you didn't see it, go to gulfnews.com and type in Laurel Moore and our article on calling for an animal sanctuary here in Abu Dhabi, UAE, is there. Hurray!!

Honestly, I can't keep up with the demands for doggy chews from our dogs now! Fame has changed them!! I hope they'll manage to keep themselves grounded from their new celebrity life on the sofa.

Anyway, time to introduce our talented next mixed-media sculptor Artist Karen LeCocq at ://www.karenlecocq.com/pages/bio.html 

Karen Lecocq mixed media sculptor

Lovely photo Karen and what an intriguing box of pointy trees behind you? I'd like to know what you are going to do with them?

So Karen is a professional artist and lecturer and  a mixed media sculptor who has shown nationally and internationally in galleries as well as major museums, among them: The Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, NY, The Armand Hammer Museum, Los Angeles, CA, and the The Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, CA. Her work has gained international recognition through its use in the Absolut Vodka Signature Artist campaign. WOW!

Her work has been pictured in numerous publications, among them: Art In America, Art News, Artforum, Art and Antiques, Manhatten Arts, and Time Magazine and has been reproduced in the books The Power of Feminist Art, Sexual Politics, The Absolut Book, California Artists, Through the Flower, By Our Own Hands, and in her autobiography, The Easiest Thing To Remember.

I would add her lists of awards here, but honestly, I wouldn't be able to fit them on this page  But, of course you may read them at your leisure from her website.

But, more importantly here's a little taster of her lovely work. Can you see the little tree-frog? I particularly like the way she pieces together natural elements to create a little journey or story.

I'd also like to thank Karen and all her gallery artists (Gallery 10 and Gallery 25 in California and Washington DC) for their faith and support in shipping us an amazing total of their 35 professional artworks!! All for our charity art auction for a date to be fixed in April 2010 - with all profits going to strays of abu dhabi. BIG THANKYOU  Laurel Moore, www.moorethanart.com

http://www.karenlecocq.com/

Hello bloggers

I can't believe we've actually had our first rain storm here in Abu Dhabi! A very wierd experience! But unusually for here, it was also torrential at times. We must have had about 3/4 centimeters. And of course rain with sand and dust creates the messiest of combinations imaginable. The roads certainly couldn't cope with the downpour and there were floods!

My new little veg patch liked it, of course. But our new little dogs, really hadn't seen rain before! And our desert dog (Saluki) certainly was very unimpressed with all that wet stuff. She didn't like the feel of it on her paws or her fur either. I kind of had to drag her out, and suffer some very hurtful looks from Suki!

Anyway, I'd like to introduce our wonderful second artist Lina Ogaily Sami. You can find her very vibrant and detailed work here : http://losart.com/art-gallery.html?func=viewcategory&catid=1 Gorgeous! And wouldn't that look great on your walls, especially if you love contemporary?

Lina is the daughter of two Iraqi architects. She grew up in Kuwait, then later moved to England to study art and design at Kingston University. She is now a close neighbour, living in Dubai where she has turned her focus to painting for the last 10 years.

I particularly love her observations from the point of view of herself as an artist:

'Self-exploration to many of us is an uncomfortable journey......it is a difficult challenge that sometimes forces us to come to terms with our inhibitions, but also introduces us to our inner strengths that lay hidden beneath the mask we use to help us get by and face the daily challenges of life........My journey over the last 17 years between the West and the Middle East has rewarded me with this strength ....the power of self-expression where freedom has become my most valued source of inspiration.' 

If you are local you will have the opportunity to bid on one of Lina's paintings at The Millenium Hotel, with all profits going to Strays Of Abu Dhabi (straysofabudhabi.com) Most of these paintings are going to auction with NO RESERVE!!

Here's an example of one of my favourites by Lina Ogaily Sami.

Also find Lina on Artslant.com http://www.artslant.com/global/artists/show/61504-lina-ogaily

Lina will be offering one of her fascinating black and white series for our Art Auction. It kind of draws you in, to follow and makes sense of the lines and shapes until you find shapes you think you see............

Don't forget to join this cause, here we are on facebook: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/sharings?context_id=388344&context_type=Cause&post_type=photo#

Here's our lovely new bookends Suki and Bonnie, lazin' on the sofa

Oh, and if you're local don't forget to visit the Abu Dhabi Art Festival at Captital Park (the park behind the Millenium Hotel in the Corniche) There's lots to do for families and children: music, entertainment and wonderful art for sale. I'm also exhibiting there. You'll find five of my paintings there for sale. Including my 'Deep Blue' from my website www.moorethanart.com  and some of my doggy portraits. Have fun!

Horse Portrait, by Kathleen Beesley.

 Hello bloggers

As you probably know by now I'm organizing a HUGE charity Art Auction here in Abu Dhabi. With all the moneys going to Strays Of Abu Dhabi (SAD), an animal rescue charity here. Each artist is working on an animal painting, with our theme being 'The Animal Lovers Auction'. I will be showing samples of their work over the coming weeks........................

This week I woke up to discover I had 32 talented Artists all offering to donate one of their paintings to our cause! http://apps.facebook.com/causes/388344/93770468?m=71bb3202 What a wonderful thing that is indeed!

I think one of the issues for strays here is really the heat and lack of water. Many have been abandoned over the recession period in the summer heat. And it's so intense, it's very hard to describe. The best description I've heard is walking into a steam baths!  

But, anyway, I'd like to introduce to you KATHLEEN BEESLEY. A wonderfully talented equine and animal artists, living here in Abu Dhabi. She is also a Strays Of Abu Dhabi (straysofabudhabi.com) volunteer/organizer and one of a team of foster-mums for so many lucky doggies. By fostering one or more dogs into her own home, it really helps to rehabilitate and retrain a dog who needs that extra home help.

Moo and Daisy, each looking for a new home.

Kathleen is currently fostering these bouncy two brothers and sisters. I wonder if she's had any little accidents yet?

Anyway, enough of my waffling. Since her art really speaks for itself:

You can also find Kathleen blog here: http://one-a-weekanimalportraits.blogspot.com/ where she is painting a one-a-week animal portrait for SAD charity'

As soon as I have our auction date, I'll post it here.  C U soon, Laurel. And don't forget, wherever you are, you can join our cause on facebook, and just help us by jumping aboard as a member!

Hello all,

Apologies for my long abscence. Things have been a little hectic around here lately.

How have you been? Enjoying the weather? Because, yes, I'm still awaiting the day when I will put on a cardigan/sweater, even a pair of socks? Hee hee!

But, bizarrely, it's now spring for all things nature. All the birds are fighting for their mates, just like a night out at a nightclub, I guess. Even the giraffes are bashing necks! How do I know that? Well, we had a lovely few days at Sir Bani Yas Island........ Enveloped by the rugged and breathtaking natural beauty of Sir Bani Yas Island and located just two hours drive away from the city of Abu Dhabi, lies the alluring Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara.

Well, yes, that was a quote from their brochure! Very nice too. But the wonderful thing it is an animal conservation site and wildlife reserve, and houses many endangered species there. We didn't see all 87 km, but went out on a little buggy, much like a safari. We saw a cheetah and many, many sand gazelles, I was even to be seen negotiating a kayak in the mangroves!! But, my, that's harder work than it looks on paper! I felt like a wrestler afterwards. So, enough chat, you want to see a giraffe.

Giraffe picture.

I like the way you can see her little tongue sticking out. I think she looks like a Mary, not sure why?

Anyway, I have two new little additions to the family to share with you. No, I haven't had twins. These are two rescue dogs we've just adopted, from a wonderful charity here called Strays Of Abu Dhabi (www.straysofabudhabi) Animals have been hit hard by the recent recession. And many expats left animals or gave them to this charity when they lost their jobs. Both our new dogs were found wandering the streets here in Abu Dhabi.

I'll say a BIG HELLO to Harry and Sheila first! Sorry about my lack of blog. And we're thinking of you Harry! Looking forward to you visiting us soon. Hopefully it won't be puppy chaos by then

So, introducing Bonnie. I usually call her Bonnie Minx. Because she is a bit of a minx.

Very inteligent young lady she is too.

And introducing Suki, the Saluki. A pedigree, possibly from a puppy mill. It really stresses how important it is to check your new dog doesn't come from a puppy mill. They are really designed to make the most money with the least amount of care for the dog. Very often, they have socializing problems and are not comfortable with people. They are also prone to health problems which is bad for your dog and can also be very expensive.

Suki, the Saluki

She's a little underweight at the moment, but is really enjoying her new garden.

Anyway, I'd dearly appreciate all you onliners to join my cause on facebook?

 I've gathered together a group of talented artists (including myself), 13 at the last count! who are all donating one of their paintings for a big charity art auction I'm organizing in April 2010. Just joining this group: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/388344/93770468?m=b20fc063 would really help gather some momentum and stir up some publicity. I'm donating my racehorse painting from my website page www.moorethanart.com

The great thing that underpins www.straysofabudhabi.com is that they also go into schools and educate youngsters about what they do and how to treat dogs/strays found. More awareness of this in middle east would be great.

I already have 12 willing artists and volunteers. You can help in many ways: just join the cause! or make a small donating if you wish! or if you an artist/photographer who would like to donate some artwork just contact my via facebook under the name!  'Artist Laurel Moore'. Thanks

Hello everyone

The light here is especially great for an artist. And you know, about now (October) it would be the downhill- weather-slope in Europe. The light would become darker, the clouds darker as we move into winter. I think I used to rush my paintings, knowing I had limited daylight hours. And of course you lose so many painting days in autumn/winter. So, I guess I still haven't become used to the novelty of the blue skies.

Just like today, I wake up on the first day of October! And it's straight into the art room to paint. What a treat!

Anyway; some while back I worked on a watercolor called 'Woman' based on a photograph I loved. It ended up having a real 'Art Nouveau' flavour. Here it is below:

For me it represents 'Mother Nature'. An innocent beauty and serenity on the one hand, yet there is a sad resolution in her face. A knowledge of pain and beauty co-existing together in a kind of chaotic dance.

So, I started another version last week, a very large oil on canvas. The underdrawing took a few hours work initially, then I began laying the basic features and blocking in the colours. When I photographed her after a few more hours of painting, there were lovely shadows hitting the canvas. As the famous artist Bob Ross would call a 'happy accident'. A very sweet phrase.

I'll try and post another photo as she progresses and see how she develops. I'll also probably change that green, that's just the base colour, I think I'll add a few glazes to warm up the background.

www.moorethanart.com

Hello all  

I've just finished  a beautiful large oil on canvas which I thought I'd share with you.

I've often noticed how artists can paint the opposite: I mean, if they are in a cold climate they often paint tropical and in a hot, well, they paint snow like me! I suppose it's a touch of nostalgia.

One of the truly great advantages of being an artist is that when you want a painting for your house, you just go and do one!! In the style you want, in the size you want. How great is that!

For me, this painting has a real sense of inner peace to it. When we lived in Switzerland, we lived in a tiny village with not more than a couple of hundred people. And staggeringly, THIS was the view one morning, when I exited my house: a farmer's field, covered in deep, wonderful snow. We were surrounded by fields and woods and of course I miss that view and landscape so much now. Not that I don't love my new surroundings! I do. But, it was a beautiful location. And of course, it was made so much more lovely by enjoying doggy walks with our Axle, who left us (RIP) in January. Sharing the snow with a dog (for whom snow was a fascination and a passion) was a daily joy. I always loved our walks. I remember VERY few days, when the weather was SO bad that I wanted to come home. And when it was that bad, we both wanted to come home!

Our walks were such a special time, when we both often drifted off in to our own world, then bounced back to have fun together. Memories become a blur though, it's so easy to forget the things you did................

Anyway, this painting is a way for me to walk outside of my door again, and straight into my snowy village in Switzerland. With Axle, playing with his two favourite things: a stick and snow. What could be more fun in life than sticks and snow?

This painting suffers a little from the computer transfer, I think this is because there's a lot of white in the painting, which doesn't seem to translate particularly well. But, I've copied those little Swiss cottages up on the hill perfectly. Their little roofs and pines covered in thick snow. The sky is very subtle, full of muted snow-tones, and quite Turneresque with that Patch Work Cirrocumulus sky (yes that's a real cloud term, I looked it up :)) Surely, there must be a better term than that? I'll just call it patch-work-splatters. Then, you can make your own picture.

I've called this painting 'Forever Young', since Axle will always be exactly that: forever young. So, I guess it's a very nostalgic, emotional painting for me. How lovely to stare at it every day  To travel back to a place and bring back those feelings again.

I guess, I'll can always open my door to my little village in Switzerland, whenever I want to now

www.moorethanart.com

Hello bloggers,  Hope you are all well.

Been such a busy bee lately, painting, painting and more painting. And so much inspiration!

Here's my huge 'Deep Blue', inspired from a visit to The Palms in Dubai, and it's aquarium which houses over 60,000 fish.

The inky blue waters run deeper and deeper and colder and colder the further down you go. There the fish flit in illuminated dance; sometimes catching the light on their scales. Far up the sky and buildings reflect, too far up to affect the perfect blue..........

This is 'New Wood' oil on canvas. Fancy a walk?

It's a very peaceful walk. The birds are singing in the trees and there's a faint breeze, with a touch of autumn in its breath. The ground is strewn with the leaf debris of last season's fall. And this walk takes you to wherever you want to go  

www.moorethanart.com

Hello everyone,

I would put a smiley in there. But all my smiley icons have disappeared today. Now, isn't that sad?? What's life without some smileys?

Well; still in the land of Arabia and Sand and Camels. And it seems ants do very well here. And what awesomely tough little critters they are. No air-conditioning for them! Here they are in the 40 degree heat, working away at finding a crumb to take down into their nest. I've tried to use vinegar as a deterrent. They're not that deterred really. It keeps them at bay until they mount another assault. And you know, each time they mount a different campaign: from the east to the west, then back again. What an army they are!! And what they ate before we came to live in this house, I just don't know, since the garden was pretty much sand and more sand?

All our cargo arrived safe and sound. So we have a house full of things - wondering why we brought them? As you do! Many boxes are lurking in the spare room, making us look clutter-free for now.

The sparrows here are noticeably thinner than your average fat English sparrow. Do they eat less pie and chips, I hear you ask? No, it's probably just the heat and body fat. I wonder if that works for people as well? I guess heat is a fat deterrent. They pant a lot with their beaks wide open too (that's the birds, not the people)  Hey, look at that! I've found a smiley.........................................

Lots of very nice malls here with lots of GOLD!! It's easy to get sore feet here, from wandering around the malls. And they're just big enough for you to lose shops. And go round and round trying to find them again. We have a 'Boots' pharmacy and a 'Marks and Spencers'. Here's a little photo I took of a jewellers window-display. Hmmmmmm, feel free to have a little drool........

Ooooh, ahhhhhhhh! Very glamourous. And no, not a gold-plating in sight!! Perhaps they are more wedding gifts for Emirate ladies? Lucky lady!

It's a little easy to be swept away by such glamourous retail therapy. Luckily painting seduces me more  Close call though! I bought three of these by the way!  

Just don't get me started on the glamourous gown shops!! Where Indian fabric meets Arabian sparkle and everything in between!

So; we have a little turf in our garden once full of sand. And it saves those tiny sand dunes from building up by the front-door - like true reminders of where you really are. And I can assure you sand really does get everywhere. I even found some in my cooker extractor when I removed the grill?

Anyway; all the birds (mostly anorexic sparrows) have started to come down into the garden, seemingly pleasantly surprised about the coarse new grass. They kind of look around, as if to say 'this is new'!! It must feel nice on their feet compared to hot sand.

Then, two gorgeous Myner Birds came down squawking!! They have yellow beaks and some coloured feathers. And are really quite big for birds. About the size of a crow but more a light brown. Same cockey attitude as the crow though.

 It says in our paper here that 40% of wildlife extinctions are due to invasions by species not native.  And yep, the Myner Bird is also on the 'Most Wanted ' naughty bird list, i.e. it is not a native. Sure is pretty though!!!

White Plumeria Tree

Plumeria, or what used to be callled Frangipani, can be found in many garden areas in Abu Dhabi. Here the Myner Birds like to hang out in gangs! Chewing gum etc and just being rebellious  Not really, but they do seem to make an awful lot of sqawking. I think, I've finally spelt sqawking correctly, maybe........

But these Plumeria seem to love this climate. It's much more steamy/humid than I'd imagined, too. I guess because the close proximity to the sea. But they just continue blossoming for a very long season. As each flower finishes, so another forms. I have a few orange Plumeria seeds pending. I'm sure you'll be on the edge of your seats to know they grow !! Don't worry, I'll keep you informed!!

Just want to thank all those nice Sands Hotel staff who looked after us so well. And look what room-service did to Sikh Mr. Brown with my head wrap......Doesn't he look smart!

Hello everyone  Nice to see you again and long time no see.

So, did you guess where I was?? Well, aren't you the smarty pants?

So, here we are: lock, stock and barrel. Well, actually so far we have two chairs, one tv, one fridge, one washing-machine, one bed as big as a house, one art table and one huge echo. I agree, phew at least I've got an art table  The fridge was touch and go for a while there. Lots of phone-calls and wandering delivery men looking for a house in the desert sand! The bed is a joy: since now everytime my husband turns over I don't get catapulted off the bed  Just kidding! 

We've been told that it's a particularly hot spring for Abu Dhabi, capital of UAE (see, I've just snuck that in there, just in case geography is your worst subject. By now, you'll know of course that mine is maths, numbers are just not pretty enough, though I guess they are to some) But, since it's already hit the 40's, that's 107 in old money, we don't know whether to be relieved, or panic-struck!! Coming from snow in Switzerland to desert, is a uniquely bizarre experience! And I've probably sweated your body-weight  by now, (pleasant image for you there )

But, the strangest thing, being a creature of habit I guess, is the realization that in one month, I haven't picked up a sweater, jacket, cardigan, anything heavier than a shirt. So, half my suitcase proved to be obsolete; that left the other half needing fragrance like mouth-to-mouth! I've never been someone who ever sweats much. And quite frankly I'm a little shocked to discover that girlies sweat at all  

There's been so much to sort out along the lines of visas etc, so there's been many occasion to look like a total tourist in the humid, bustling streets of Abu Dhabi: tottering around in sandals and a sunhat. Finding an internet cafe was an adventure in itself. Abu Dhabi shops have an extraordinary nack of disappearing. I mean, you find a shop once, follow your landmarks, only to find it's disappeared. I'm sure that must just be me............

When we arrived at Abu Dhabi airport we stepped out into the sparkly darkness outside, and it felt like someone had left the heating full on  a room! Once in the ubiquitous taxi, the newly finished 'Sheik Zayed Mosque', otherwise known as 'The Great Mosque' was a dazzling site. And yes, as sure as night follows day and this blog is slow because of all my photos, I've got some photos........

Isn't that something against that blue sky? One taxi driver told me that was made of marble. Another that there are over a thousand mosques in Abu Dhabi. And yes, I do get a lot of taxis! But having so many mosques saves you having to play musical chairs, since one must always be fairly close-by when it's time to pray.

What? You want to see inside? You think they let me inside? Of course they did silly!! Just as long as I removed my shoes and wore a veil. This is a little photo of my up against a wall inlaid with vines and flowers. It was a beautiful effect. I'm not sure my photo did justice to it really.

Yep, that's me! The flowers and vines were in quite high relief, so it was a very tactile experience as well as a visual one. That was nothing, you should've seen the washroom!!

Gotta go, my internet connection is having a nervous breakdown. Don't forget, if you get a little chilly: put a jacket on for me      www.moorethanart.com

Hello bloggers, long time no chat

Well, as you my remember from our last chat I mentioned moving house. What I failed to mention is that we were also moving countries !! Well, I have to keep you on your toes, don't I?

I've put those sunnies on my smiley because it's crazy hot out there! In fact, it's in the 90's F! Any idea which city I'm in yet? It's humid too, so every day can be fairly guaranteed to be a 'Bad Hair Day'! Well, this buzzy, busy city begins with the letter 'A'. No point giving it all away, I mean where's the fun in that (for me)..........

Well we sadly said 'Goodbye!' to Switzerland. To those mountains and valleys and snow and blues skies  And it seems crazy to me that only three weeks ago we had a blizzard of snow. 

I hope you'll follow me on my new adventures. Finding this internet cafe was quite frankly quite an adventure already. Tottering through the hot streets, looking like such a tourist. Getting lost between nic-nac and carpet shops. Everyone was very friendly. Even though the words 'goose' and 'chase' come to mind. But, I found you eventually............. 

I've so many pictures to share, but at the moment they are only in my head! So, they will have to wait for technology or at the very least a paintbrush to oblige.

Happy Easter to you all. www.moorethanart.com

Well, I've been having a fiddle and just wanted to share my artistic, videomaking skills.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-zQcnjUfDM Hope you enjoy.....

I don't quote know how I managed to achieve this - my portfolio with music. It was a simple video making download, I must admit. But, don't you just love that harmonious music? I keep listening to it. And you know, I'm not sure it isn't addictive. All those violins and cellos. Gorgeous. The only mistake I made was making it 5 minutes. Don't panic, it isn't really 5 minutes long! It's only just over a minute. I know you can't sit still for too long   I just managed to make the music go on too long. Due to it's addictive qualities no doubt........

Hello Busy Bees

Since spring is in the air, I bet you're doing all your little jobs: having a clearout, painting the bathroom, getting rid of those unwanted boxes, having a car-boot sale (that's a garage sale to you Americans, except it's all in one big field) . Am I right? Are you in that kind of mood?

We're in the process of moving house at the moment. So, boxes reign supreme at present. So, my blogging will be a little slow and boggy at the moment. But, I will return, soon enough to haunt you  

Like a mole, I may turn up in your garden! That would suprise you, wouldn't it!! If I took a wrong turn and ended up by your hortensias. Mind you, I'd more likely get stuck under a patio these days.

Don't forget to check for hedgehogs at this time of year. Remember that about march they all start coming out of hibernation. And it's a high-risk time for your average hedgehog. So, don't forget to check any mounds that have lain at peace throughout winter. Don't go burning anything cute!! Or stabbing anything organic with a pitchfork.

So, I can't even show you a lovely little painting at the moment. Because, I haven't done one  

But, our cats are still prowling. And they give lots of entertainment value for free. Our pretty cat 'lady' now has a possy of male cats who follow her around, reminiscent of the 'Benny Hill Show'. So, if she trots gracefully through our garden now, a line of male cats are usually following. I'm impressed, since I was quite scared of those tom-cats myself ! She seems to have them all in-hand. With her feminine charms. She rolls around on the grass, whilst they all look down on her with what appears to be feline LOVE!

How lovely it is to get a professional portrait taken. Unfortunately, this wasn't one. Here's one to have nightmares to!

www.moorethanart.com Listed Artist Laurel Moore's official art website.

Hello Bloggers,

It was an oversight that I didn't show you the wonderful 'Christmas Steps' (1669) photos I took, whilst recently in Bristol, England. So, here they are now. And aren't they adorable: like the Dickens's England?

Mind you, you can't mention Bristol, without acknowledging it's horrendous connection with the slave trade ships. Bristol is a city in the South West of England (in case you didn't know) And between 1697 and 1807, 2,108 known ships left Bristol to make the trip across the Atlantic with slaves. Only half of which ever survived!   And how horrible that the first slave ship to leave Bristol was called 'Beginning'!

Anyway, sorry to kill the ambience, but I guess the truth is usually worse than fiction.......So; I was on a mission to get my saxophone cork-neck repaired. That sounds painful doesn't it? So, we are wandering around in freezing cold Bristol - wearing a skirt. Well, not my husband. At six foot six I don't really think a skirt would suit him. Mind you, he does have great legs!!

Anyway, we came across this gorgeous little gem of a pub called 'Three Sugar Loaves'! What a great name. Then, I found this great little article on the area by Philippa jacks, if are interested to find out more, or visit:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/bristol/content/articles/2004/07/12/christmas_steps_feature.shtml

Sadly, (yes, wait for it) most of these charming buildings were believed to originally be brothels, since they were so close to the port. Yes, I've killed the romance again, I know  Well, I guess it brings to mind that saying that : beauty is only skin deep.......

It's not known how these charming 'Christmas Steps' street got its name. But, I will pass on Philippa's wonderful ghost story from a couple who own 'Steps To Recruitment' who believe that some of the houses were built on top of an old cemetery! They claim to've seen the ghost  of a young Victorian girl and also been joined at their kitchen table by a ghostly lady, dressed all in black. Of course the Victorians always used to wear black, when in mourning, didn't they? Hmmmmm, interesting.....I bet all you American readers are getting on the next plane, aren't you? All that history and ghostliness!! Maybe that explains why it felt so FREEZING!! All those spirits wandering around  

I can't say I saw anything out of the ordinary. Apart from English people. They are true originals, it has to be said! But, thanks to Trevor Jones and his cute little musical repair shop in Bristol! My saxophone neck is in tip-top condition now. Oooarrrrr!

Here's another little Victorian street. You can't tell from this photo, but the guy on the left was laughing at me. I don't know why? Maybe, he was thrilled to have his picture taken? Or, maybe, he was caught on camera, living a double life? It's a shame he was dressed in such modern clothes - give him a top hat and tails, and it would've been a complete Victorian scene, that even the BBC would be proud of.

Just before I let you go, it's time to have a moan. Think of a sandwhich! Subway, maybe? Ok, I'm getting the psychic picture: lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise, cheese, chicken? Now, I'll show you a typical Swiss sandwhich......

No, this is no joke. And isn't it a desperately sad sandwhich? Yes, that's cheese, in case you're not sure, and two tiny slices of tomato. What is up with the Swiss sandwhich?? Why does it make you want to cry?

Usually, we buy a Swiss sandwhich, then fill it with filling?? But, you are right, that does kind of defeat the objective of convenience, doesn't it? And value for money?

Enjoy your sandwhich  www.moorethanart.com

Hello bloggers, isn't that spring sun wonderful?  I see from my stats that I now have many new Russian readers! So, WELCOME!!

Finally, at last, it has come. Giving it's warmth and greening everything by degrees. How wonderful it is to see that snow finally being melted on the lower levels. One one night temperatures were recorded in Neuchatel, Switzerland, at -38!! Wow! Thanks goodness we don't live in Neuchatel anymore! Actually, no, I always will love Neuchatel and those enchanting old woods. I wonder how those poor little animals fared in those temperatures, not very well I think.......

It was only this Tuesday last,that the snow was relentless; in fact we had a thick blizzard over another foot of snow! And what did we decide to do you ask? We decided to visit the thermal baths again  

Those thermal baths are wonderful (apart from the nakedness in the upstairs saunas) Anyway, wonderful warm bubbly water does wonders for chilly bones. I LOVE BUBBLES! Anyway, I'll paint you a little picture: we are swimming in the outside pools, with snow around the walkways and our heads in a blizzard.

I have to say this is one of the most bizzarely enjoyable experiences I've ever had. When your body is lovely and toasty (that's warm to you americans) and your head and shoulders are being spattered by icy snowflakes! And of course because the temperature of the water is about 34 degrees and the outside is below freezing, you are enveloped in swathes of steam, making it quite difficult to see much around you - but snow  We didn't think it would be open in all honesty, but those hardy swiss were there, toughing it out! At one point between pools I had to get out, walk over some steps to a different pool. What a strange experience it was to see a new sign there saying: careful, slippy ICE!! And yes, wearing a swimsuit, that air was a little chilly.......

Sadly, on the subject of cats, our garden is full of prowling, scenting cats now. I told you how the situation quickly changed after the loss of our lovely dog, didn't I? And is it me, or is everyone getting new puppies  But, those cats are everywhere. I'm very careful about feeding our birds now. So, I moved our bird-seeder closer to the house and away from the hidey-hedge-full-of-cats. I put out some bread, since it has been such a long cold winter. And guess what? All I can see now is cats eating the bread instead!! Munching away with delight. In that funny little hunched position of concentration they take. I certainly didn't know cats enjoyed bread?

I'm getting to know the knew gang of cats here now too. We have two toms, who look quite menacing, even to me. One is a ginger (they always are aren't they?) and the other is of grey pin-stripe. Then, we have one real 'lady' cat, who wonders around sniffing with what only can be described as elegance, since she seems to have grace in everything she does. She's such a sweety. She sits by my back door, hoping I'll let her in, even though I've chased her away twice. I'm sure she was quite affronted and confused by my unfriendly behaviour. She loves bread too, and looks a bit confused as to the real purpose of birds! She's growing on me rapidly. Even though, I am allergic to cats and rabbits, they seem to give me asthma.

It still amazes me how they knew so quickly that our dog was gone. Their sense of smell must be very acute, in that they must be able to recognize a 'stale turd'. Should I have put that more delicately??

I wish I could give you a photo of myself and my husband floating around at the thermal baths, like two Minke Wales. But, maybe that's picture enough............

Happy Springing  www.moorethanart.com

Hey, I've missed you all.......Long time no see............and Happy Valentine's Day!

Well, I've been there and back to England for a long family hospital visit. Which went really well!! Thanks to Bristol hospital and all their great staff

Can't say hospitals are favourite places though. And my God, England was FREEZING! Well, we went from -9 in Switzerland to about zero, but it was MUCH colder in England - because of the dampness, which I didn't really realize until now. It really does creep into your clothes and skin and bones. Mind you, it has been one of the coldest years in Britain. But how pretty it all looked! All those antique cottages, great oaks and quaint villages covered in snow..........

I did have to buy a warmer coat for England though

We were then stuck at Luton airport for two days (not very scenic). Actually, we stayed in a business hotel.  A very nice business hotel - full of suits and laptops and long dinners. Love those buffet breakfasts! Don't they set you up for the day! It's amazing how much longer it takes you, to prepare all that for yourself, when you return home  I MISS ENGLISH FOOD. But my God the portions in England are HUGE. We get about half that amount here in Switzerland! Those plates are huge!

Anyway, we've returned home to good old Switzerland and guess what? SNOW and lots of it!! So, all in all, we've now had about 5/6 weeks of consistent snow. I never thought the day would come that I got tired of SNOW. But, I think mostly it reminds me of our lost doggy and his final difficult months, trying to navigate his failing body in the snow and ice. Not very helpful for a dog who has difficulty walking  So, I guess I'm a bit off snow at the moment. I'm sure I'll mellow in time.........

Hubby paid for 'speedy boarder' on easyjet. Doesn't that just make you laugh: that phrase 'speedy boarder'!! I don't see the difference anyway, everyone just bundles on anyway, elbowing their way to a seat. And watch those old ladies......with very dangerous elbows.

I can't find you a picture of England. I was a little preoccupied with hospital visits etc - walking up and down Bristol highstreet in the freezing cold to think of photos. I can describe the children's hospital, if you like: it was new and had this huge kind of sculpture outside. Are they giant teething rings?? Anyone??

Well, I'm far too arty not to find one small photo for my blog. It feels all wrong......so let's have a look......

Spring Hope Primroses.

This is our lovely old neighbour Margaret's garden in spring. Who very sadly passed away last year. She will always be remembered by us. Always chatting over the fence, putting up with my terrible french so patiently, and always giving us the fruit from her garden ( by the bucket load). Anyway, every spring these natural primroses would appear all over her garden, in all conceivable shades of pink, purple and yellow..........so beautiful, bobbing their heads in the trickling sunshine. 

It was always one of the first signs of spring to me. RIP Margaret and Axle.