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!