Laurel's Blog

Millenium Hotel Benefit Artists and a little more desert

Laurel — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:53:09 +0000

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

Title: Sculpture and Bird, by Sam Faix.

Year: 2010

Medium: mixed media on paper

Dimensions: 15cm x 23cm (framed: 31.5cm x 39cm)

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.

More fabulous artists for our 'Strays Of Abu Dhabi' Art Auction.

Laurel — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 04:26:30 +0000

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.

UAE Artist Laurel Moore and a little bit of desert.

Laurel — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 04:51:55 +0000

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

More charity auction artists and no SNOW!

Laurel — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 04:46:58 +0000

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

Famous dogs and talented artists.

Laurel — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:29:30 +0000

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/

Strays Of Abu Dhabi reaches Gulf News (Gulfnews.com)

Laurel — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 09:42:40 +0000

Animal rights advocates plan to build sanctuary

Abu Dhabi residents leading fundraising drive to save numerous strays

By Dina El Shammaa, Abu Dhabi Deputy Editor, Gulf News
Published: 00:00 December 26, 2009

Many stray animals live in poor conditions. Some are sick or are found dead in the street. Some residents in Abu Dhabi have decided to tackle the problem.
Image Credit: Supplied picture

Abu Dhabi: Animal lovers are raising as much donations as possible in order to build an animal sanctuary for thousands of thirsty, hungry, ill and injured animals roaming the streets of Abu Dhabi.

Cats and dogs are found dead in the middle of highways with cars repeatedly stepping over their bodies, or stuck under car tires by the hour.

While cats struggle to find shelter and water, their also witnessed taking refuge from fear of being put down. Dogs end up abused, dead or severely ill or injured. Those are just some of the conditions street animals go through on hourly basis.

For that reason, citizens in the capital city, such as Laurel Moore, who has moved to Abu Dhabi eight months ago, has decided to do something about the poor living conditions among stray animals.

Moore, an artist, is in the process of organizing an Animal Lovers Art Auction to help raise funds for the Strays of Abu Dhabi (SAD) who along with other none-profit organizations across the capital city, are interested in building an animal sanctuary.

The art auction will include 51 international paintings (16 local and 35 from the USA) that will be auctioned for a week at the Abu Dhabi Millennium Hotel by April 2010.

“It was week one when I saw a stray dog dead in the road. Then as the weeks went by I began noticing many thin stray cats wandering around, one particular thin family living under a shopping trolley barely surviving the summer heat. For me this didn’t seem right,” said Moore, who adopted two saluki dogs from the SAD shortly after that.

SAD and Feline Friends (FF) currently depend on donations, and many times help home and offer services to stray animals from their own savings. Neither organization has a sponsors to date.

Some of SAD’s costly animal services include vaccinations/worming and tick and flea control for street dogs; medications and treatment for sick or injured stray animals; kennel fees since SAD pay full price for kennels for six months of the year; and sterilizations of adopted dogs (spays and neuters).

According to FF founders, Anita and Colin Signorino, their yearly running costs are over Dh160, 000 which mainly consists of vet bills. The couple spend Dh400 to spay as much female street cats as possible and neuter male cats for Dh300.

“We survive on adoption fees, which barely cover the cost of getting a cat ready for adoption and a few fundraisers during the year. Our dream and ultimate goal is to have a small but well equipped shelter for mainly cats and dogs, with a clinic, a vet and technicians. That would greatly reduce our running costs and allow us to help more abandoned street animals,” said the FF founders.

Dr. Rachel Shaw, from the American Veterinary Clinic (AVC) and head of the homing and fostering coordinator for SAD feels that by working together with other animal related organizations such as FF, there will be a significant increase in the number of animals assisted.

“Ultimately the goal of any organization that re-homes stray and abandoned animals is to have sufficient funds to build a rescue shelter specifically for the animals the organization is assisting,” said Shaw.

Tina Al Qubaisi, owner of the Dhabian Equestrian Club, has so far rescued and homed 30 cats, 15 horses, a donkey, ducks, chicken, sheep and two dogs. However her passion to help more animals does not stop there.

“We are ready to move to the next step and have all the plans in place to open an animal rescue center but require land and funding from both the government and private sponsors,” she told Gulf News, adding that to date there are no shelters available for animals to be taken in if they are removed from their owners for acts of cruelty.

Another citizen who gets out of her way to help home and save street animals is Raghad, who has been fighting to protect street cats for many years now.

“I disagree with the current process of putting down healthy street animals just because they cannot home them. That’s why I offered them a second chance at Tina’s farm. We are trying to make it better for animals, even though our hands are tied,” said the animal lover.

Despite repeated efforts, Gulf News was unable to reach the concerned animal Welfare Department at the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority regarding plans on introducing a new animal sanctuary to home the millions of stray animals in Abu Dhabi.

Donations

If you would like to donate money to help build a shelter for animals you may do so through:

Straysofabudhabi.com and visit the donation page. If you need further information about the Animal Lovers Art Auction you may contact artist Laurel Moore directly on questions@moorethanart.com or 050-906-9557

The Animal Lovers Artworks will also be placed in the straysofabudhabi.com website to allow bidders to view the paintings before they bid.

To help support Tina Al Qubaisi, owner of the Dhabian Equestrian Club, you can contact her directly on dhabianequestrianclub@gmail.com or 050-662-0969

To help support Feline Friends (FF) sterilization programme, you can drop your donation at either the American Vet Clinic (AVC), British Vet Clinic (BV) or the German Vet Clinic (GVC) or deposit the money directly into the FF account #0697356442, Colin Signorino (Feline Friends), at Mushreq Bank and send a follow up email to info@felinefriendsuae.com

Meet our Charity Art Auction Artists: Lina Ogaily Sami

Laurel — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 06:43:39 +0000

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!

Meet our Charity Art Auction Artists: Kathleen Beesley

Laurel — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 05:30:56 +0000

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:

'As a child Kathleen loved painting and drawing, however, she chose the academic root for much of her life. She met her husband at university and life took her in a direction far removed from the world of art. Her return to painting and drawing was the result of a happy accident. He daughter loved horses and one day, to please her daughter, Kathleen did a pastel drawing of one of the horses at the nearby stables. Her daughter was delighted, and Kathleen felt ecouraged by what she had achieved - so encouraged that she continued to paint and draw.'

'In 2006 she joined the Equine Art Guild, which is an international organisation for artists specialising in Equine subjects. http://www.equineartists.com/?artist=KathleenBeesley Since coming to Abu Dhabi, Kathleen has been commissioned to paint portraits of Arabian horses for their owners, some of which have become collectors of her work. As an artists she is also extremely versatile, working in acrylic, oils and pastels'

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'

Horse Portrait, by Kathleen Beesley.

As a result of her volunteer work for SAD, she has painted a number of pet portraits of dogs and cats which have been auctioned at the SAD Ball to raise money for the organisation. In addition, she has undertaken a project of painting one portrait a week for the next 52 weeks in order to raise money and awareness for the Strays of Abu Dhabi and the work that they do. In 2009 Kathleen also became a member of the Canine Art Guild which is an international organisation for artists who specialise in canine subjects.

I'll be showcasing our artists over the coming weeks, in no particular order, in the run up to our Grand Charity Auction in April 2010. We will be exhibiting all our finished paintings prior to the auction at a premier hotel here in Abu Dhabi.

We have a real eclectic mix of contemporary/abstract/traditional artworks, to appeal to all kinds of collectors. I've also combined exhibiting artists, with fresh new artists.

So, if you are living locally, you will have the chance to bid on a unique painting with only a nominal reserve price. It is a unique opportunity for anyone who loves art in any style!

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!

Strays Of Abu Dhabi, by Artist Laurel Moore.

Laurel — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:03:20 +0000

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

UAE Artist, Laurel Moore.

Laurel — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:17:43 +0100

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

Snow Village Painting, by Artist Laurel Moore

Laurel — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:17:54 +0100

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

Deep Blue Waters, contemporary painting.

Laurel — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:40:31 +0100

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

Planet Of The Ants, by Artist Laurel Moore

Laurel — Sun, 31 May 2009 07:05:47 +0100

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!

Artist in Abu Dhabi Laurel Moore.

Laurel — Sun, 10 May 2009 07:11:06 +0100

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

It's Hot Out There, by artist Laurel Moore

Laurel — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:17:15 +0100

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

Me again, artist's portfolio by Laurel Moore

Laurel — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:04:56 +0000

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, by artist Laurel Moore

Laurel — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:36:09 +0000

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.

A Sad Sandwhich, by artist Laurel Moore.

Laurel — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 14:58:41 +0000

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

At Last The Sun, artist's blog by Laurel Moore

Laurel — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 10:33:10 +0000

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

Back from England (eventually), by artist Laurel Moore.

Laurel — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 07:56:00 +0000

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.

Great Chunks Of Ice, by artist Laurel Moore.

Laurel — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 10:12:09 +0000

Hello bloggers Sorry I haven't written for a while, still trying to squeeze a smile out at the moment, after the unexpected loss of our lovely dog Axle. We had such adventures together on our doggie walks that I'll really miss.

Lovely Axle.

This was one of his last photographs. I took him to try and enjoy the amazing fall of snow we'd had that day. He's standing quite well there. But, his walking was very difficult. He couldn't walk without support anymore, and for a dog, I don't think that's much of a life - especially since it was getting worse by the day.

But you know I didn't realize dogs so loved the snow! New morning snowfall used to make his eyes sparkle with excitement! I guess it must feel lovely and soft and squishy on a dog's paw. And how he used to love catching snowballs in his mouth!

I had him on the bed with me, when I knew his days were numbered. And I had the most incredible dream!! I dreamt Axle and I were running along a beautiful white-sand lake/beach. The water was so bright and sparkly. And there was a real feeling of joy. I awoke during the night, thinking he'd passed away, because he was so silent and still. But, when I stroked his coat and heard him sigh deeply, I realized he was in a wonderful state of rest. And when I awoke, I felt in an incredible state of peace...... It felt really magical.

So, you may remember that painting I said I was going to do, and put on youtube? To show it as a fast-frame painting, from start to finish? Anyway, when I looked at it this morning, I was shocked to realize that THIS painting was my dream!! So, I will paint it in honour of Axle (let's hope it's a goody then) You may remember this was the first shot of the painting.......let's hope it's not its last.........

Anyway, on a slightly more upbeat note: we are THAWING!! At last!! We've been about a month with solid snow and ice now. I've felt like I've been living in the Snow Queen's Palace! And it has made day-to-day living quite challenging. Especially slipping and sliding down an icy road. Although, I have to say it's quite fun when there's no people or cars around Kind of like being on a fairground ride! Anyway, it's a little difficult to sleep now with the thaw. Can you guess why???

Well, at intervals we have HUGE chunks of ice, sliding down the roof! They sound just like tiles, falling off the roof and crashing to the ground. Very grating and noisy! So now we are living in a world of wet slush instead.

Just must show you my finished painting. I've only ever showed you this as a 'work in progress'. And I'm pretty proud of this one. Especially, since its my first time painting horses. And there were quite a few of them, too! Nothing like running before you can walk, eh?

Horserace painting, by Laurel Moore.

I hope I got a feel for the action. 'Nayyyyyyyyyy'!

Hey and have a good first day at work Barack Obama!! Hope someone shows you where the coffee machine and toilets are..............

Forgot to add, here's a little version of me singing 'Sentimental Journey' with very greasy hair If you want to have listen, you'll need the volume quite high, and its a terrible recording set-up.......excuses, excuses, excuses http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz35n5a3ONo Fun though!

Our Beloved Dog Axle, by Artist Laurel Moore

Laurel — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:56:24 +0000

Hello bloggers.

I just don't know how to tell you that we lost our dog Axle on Friday 9th January.

I know he had so many fans on this blog. Who followed his exploits and life. We are devastated and I know you will be saddened too......

He had a nerve problem in his back, which made it increasingly difficult to walk. And we wanted to end his life before he suffered. He was such a beautiful dog, with such a sweet and loving nature, and such a strong sense of humour.......

Only yesterday, my husband was telling me how Axle seemed to laugh, when he slipped on patched of ice in his big boots, back in Neuchatel. He'd come wagging his tail, with a smile on his face -licking him all over, then running off with glee.......

Do you remember when we found you at four months in Battersy Dog's Home? And daddy carried you in his coat, on the train and all the way home? You grew up to be such a polite and loving dog. And filled us with adventures. You always hated it when there were family rows, and made your disapproving noises!

We feel so lucky to have had you. Rest In Peace beloved Axle

Toast in the New Year 2009, artist Laurel Moore

Laurel — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 11:27:30 +0000

Happy New Year bloggers.

So much sad loss in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Each person's life is so important. To lose fathers, mothers, daughters sons in such a way must be unimaginably terrible. And bitterness from within must be one of the hardest battles. I'm sure we all hope for a peaceful solution in 2009.........

Hope you will join me in a toast for a: Peaceful New Year 2009.

Here's one of my old paintings I did, quite a few years ago now. At the time I was very critical of it. I couldn't seem to get the wild flowers painted to my satisfaction. So I kept changing in, until I spoilt it. But, looking at it now, I'm not so critical. I think there's something charming about this oil on canvas, which I called 'Summer Champagne' at the time. What do you think?? It's a little on a tilt I know, maybe too much champagne??

Anyway, you probably don't know that we've been snowed in here!! And it's -6 at present here in Fribourg, Switzerland Help! I haven't been able to get my car out for a week. And the snow has seemed to have frozen solid at about one foot high. It makes it rather difficult to move or walk in though, since ice makes quite a solid wall. Hubby managed to clear the snow from his car eventually, but it did take about an hour. And now, he was a sore back!

You don't want to know about frozen dog poos though (so I won't tell you, that they fly well) Not a deliberate discovery! It just happened that they kind of catapult like frozen bullets around the garden. (Welcome to my world!)

My week doesn't much change though, whether I'm snowed in or not. It's pretty much the same routine of paintings etc.........Just makes deliveries a little harder. I must just add that I saw the most beautiful sight yesterday: a deer bounded past the window in the snow. It was so beautiful. Right in the middle of the day, all lovely a brown and strong against the brilliance of the white snow. Right past our neighbour's house. Off towards the lake and woods.........

Here's one of our roads near our house. See what I mean? And yes, that is black ice.

Anyway, best thing to do is stay in with a warm fire. So, that's what we'll do...............

www.moorethanart and if you want to see more of my portfolio, please visit www.artwanted.com C U soon.

Lovely turkey for the dog, and some for us!

Laurel — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 10:16:42 +0000

Hello bloggers

Hope you are having a jolly christmas. Sorry about the snow. It's all gone here now. I think it just blew away in the night! Sad, really, I don't ever recall having snow for Christmas. Instead, we've had wind, and lots of it. Blowing the birds in all directions around the garden, away from their blessed seed. It amazes me how safe they feel when our dog is in the garden. It's quite extraordinary. They must have a keen knowledge of the workings of cats and dogs. When he wanders into the garden, down they come from their tree perches, only one or two feet away from our dog. Mind you, he does have a slow nature (not intellectually), but 'why run when you can walk'? seems to be his adage.

I received a lovely little gold saxophone from my husband. It sits really sweety around my neck. That way, I can still play it during the night

I've started a new landscape painting, most of which seemed to end up on my dress and around the house. Bright yellow paint, in fact. I found huge splodges on my dress, then on my chair, pillow. I hate it when that happens, and you have to go on a paint hunt. It isn't fun like it should be. It amazes me how quickly the paint goes on.....compared to how long it takes to discover and remove! Nothing like scrubbing your dress when it's still on you too. Not a pleasant experience. And leaving the garmet on, whilst you scrub it, is a laziness you always regret, isn't it?

Anyway, I love seeing those speeded-up paintings done. So, I'm going to give that a try over the next few weeks. I will attempt it by taking a snap of my painting at each stage of its progress, and my husband assures me that you can just piece it all together seemlessly () So that it runs smoothly, and looks like its been painted at lightening speed. I'll post it up on youtube, with my other little videos, when it's 'seemlessly' done

Here's the unexciting start snapshot, gives you a chance to guess how it will turn out.......great fun!

Can you guess what kind of landscape it is?

www.moorethanart.com and www.boundlessgallery.com

Laurel Moore, blues singer and artist's blog

Laurel — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:49:09 +0000

Hello bloggers, hope you are keeping warm and toasty!!

I would tell you all about our wonderful SNOW, but I've been a little preoccupied today. My new 'Blue Snowball' USB microphone arrived through the post today. So, I've been having great fun recording a little of my blues singing to youtube. Will chat soon, but just wanted to post my version of 'Miss Otis Regrets' for you to have a listen, if you're in the mood for a little smooooooth blues

Yes, I do look a little mad on it. But, I guess that's to be expected. Love those roses though :) :)

Here's my youtube link below:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOb6u_ZVZSo

Very cold, artist's blog, by Laurel Moore

Laurel — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 18:40:34 +0000

Hello bloggers! My, my, isn't it cold now?

Are you being rude? Hey, you have to put on a bit of extra blubber for the winter!! Or winter reserves, don't you? Cos, it really has started to get cold these last few days. We had a big attack of snow, with additional blizzard about a week ago. I remember it was a week, because it was my first time driving my car in the snow. We had to go to our local garage to change our normal tyres for snow tyres. There are police checks at this time of year, to make sure you have fitted your snow tyres. They don't insure you in an accident here, if you don't put your snow tyres on. They grip the road better in icy conditions. Sensible really...........

So, it was a blizzard when we went to go and change my tyres at the garage. Of course, the Swiss, (like many Europeans) don't really understand the concept of a queue! So, you kind of have to eye-ball people, or do a kind of : 'I'm next in the queue' kind of dance. You don't have a lot of a chance of keeping your place if someone in a BMW drives up though! What it is about BMW drivers?? They seem to walk around like cockerals in a pen of hens. You know who you are, BMW drivers!!

But, it's stayed at -3 these last few days. And I have a feeling we're due for a very COLD winter this year. It's already much colder than last year here. I miss that sunshine.

Great times to be painting though - bunking down in the studio to paint. And it's so very quiet here, especially since all the tractors seem to stop grinding around in the winter time. Very peaceful. Sometimes, we get little swiss children coming round to sell charity cards. But, that's about all the excitement we get around here. The children here are delightfully sweet, and polite. Their childhoods seem wonderfully safe and innocent here.

This is just about the time that the neighbours start decorating their houses for Christmas. Last year, our neighbour purchased and fixed a giant snowman outside, for his young children. Well, quite frankly, I saw nothing scarier than a seven foot lit snowman chuckling malevolently through the night. I say chuckling, because anytime a breath of wind came, it began lurching around for the whole of December. A few nights, it seemed to rage like the very devil - in gale-force winds. Plotting evil no doubt! Or maybe I just have an overactive imagination for my age (5). Amazingly, it hung on in there, through gale and hail. Which points even more convincingly to the forces of darkness Well, I don't know what his youngsters thought, but it scared the hell out of me!!!! I wonder if it will be up and running in the next few days. I'll let you know! Can't they just settle for a Chrismas tree and a wreath??

Here's a little photo of our house covered in snow, from last year. Very cute! And luckily very warm inside. Trouble is, we have an outside thermostat -so, we're either cooking inside, or cold. We can't seem to get it right. We have a real fire, too, which is wonderful for those chilly evenings.......

Ps. Sorry if you couldn't get onto my blog last week. It had a few technical problems, the main one being I forgot to renew my domain

Lost in cyberspace, artist's blog by Laurel Moore

Laurel — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:59:31 +0000

Helllllloooooo bloggers!

Cute cuddly toy, Boomoore.

Here we are, busy travellers that we've been lately. Yes, I've been there and back to England. And it was lovely to visit family.

Here's brave Boomoore of course. He was very good and didn't get at all travel-sick. In fact, he really did seem to enjoy the adventure of travelling. He especially liked the turn we took in the massage chair at the airport. Actually, I thought it was horrendous! I expected something soft, gentle, relaxing. But instead, these nasty metal hands seems to be pumelling my body mercilessly! Ouch!! I think they were male chairs. No female would ever be so rough! Or, perhaps I picked a wicked one? A chair with a grudge??

So, hubby got this special deal to upgrade me to business class. Now that really was fun! Lounging in the posh lounge. Snacking on all the food and drink. Which was FREE of course! It's amazing how much you can eat when it's free Anyway, I made a mistake on my return flight time home, so ended up with five hours to kill at the airport! So, I made my way up to the business lounge -feeling superior of course! I started on the sandwiches and coffee with a rest in a large lounge chair. I then moved on to the internet room. Then on to a tomato juice or two - yum yum. Then, onto the desserts - chocolate cornflake slices and shortcake. Then, back to the quiet lounge to listen to my music. Then, back again to the sandwiches............In fact, it was only towards the last hour that I began eyeing up the wall of alcoholic drinks! I don't usually drink. They did look all sparkly and glassy. Hmmmm, a little drop of Drambuie was delicious. But, since I don't usually drink, it did feel awfully 'hot' going down!

So, anyway, I think that plane might've been a bit heavier than expected, after my five hours of snacking. But, well, you have to make the most of that lovely English food. I don't know why English food has such a bad reputation honestly. And they seem to put soooo much on your plate these days. I'm sure the plate sizes have gotten bigger over the years. I guess that explains why the people have, too.

Boomoore was very excited to fly. It was his first time on a plane. And since I was sitting in business class, I guess he was a VIP really. He did get a few strange looks sitting by the window on the plane. And the stewardess looked a little confused to see he had his seat-belt on, sitting next to me (the plane was fairly empty) But, maybe they realized he was a famous bear??

Beautiful View

Well, I've never seen such an excited little bear! Mind you, we were right by the wing and the engine. And the visibility and sunshine was truly beautiful that day. Of course, I tried to explain why everything became tiny, as we climbed, but I'm not sure Boomoore really understood. He is only a young bear, after all. And I'm not sure I really understand it myself......

Our business class meal didn't require much explanation though. Boomoore has a very good understanding of food, just like most bears. And what a feast! I'm still dreaming about that chocolate torte! Yum! There were some miniature bottles of dressing that Boomoore insisted I sneaked into my bag, since they were a perfect size for him! Though I can't imagine when the need will arise for 'orange and olive oil' dressing? But, perhaps one day such an emergency will arise?

Hey, Boomoore, save some for me!! MOVE AWAY FROM THE CHOCOLATE TORTE! !

Anyway, I returned home to no internet for two weeks, curtesy of Swisscom.....bless. They informed us that we'd never had internet at our address! Hmmm!! Funny, the imagination isn't it? Imagining I've been writing a blog for nearly two years now!!

Anyway, off to bed now. Must just add that we went to visit some Swiss thermal baths last weekend. It was wonderfully bubbly and relaxing, especially the outdoor pool with even more bubbles. But imagine our shock when we decided to wander into the sauna and found everybody NAKED! It took a while for the steam to clear. And there was a moment when you kind of thought: are they? Aren't they? ARE THEY? Then......... the steam cleared........and they were!!

We made a hasty exit!

www.moorethanart.com and www.boundlessgallery.com and www.artwanted.com

Mists, Pumpkins and Commissions, artist Laurel Moore's blog.

Laurel — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 14:08:14 +0100

Hey, ho, bloggers Are you enjoying all those wintry mists?

And aren't there a lot of mists at the moment? Axle our dog and I went out on our doggy trek the other day and saw at least fifty misty cobwebs!! I really wished I'd had my camera with me. They were so white and beautiful. The sunlight had just begun to creep up through the fog, turning them into magical cobwebs. Axle wasn't so interested in cobwebs though. It's nose down and 'follow that smell' for Axle. And there are a lot of lovely smells in our fields here. Well, I imagine that there are: since we have a melting pot of cats around here, foxes, quite a lot of deer, and even the odd boar or two..........

Here's me singing you a little blues ditty. We'll call it 'Georgia On My Mind'..... if you like. I'm sure you've heard that fabulous Ray Charles version. It's really worth a listen, if you haven't yet.

Here's an update on my commissions. I don't know whether I showed you my lovely 'Born Under The Sun' lady finished. So here she is........

I finished her off by oiling her off, then varnishing her. Sounds a bit painful, but she didn't mind.......

You know her eyes follow me inexorably around the art room now. I painted her to be looking straight at the viewer, so, that's exactly what she does. It is a bit spooky though. Technically, it is due to the fact that a painting on canvas remains static, so that the angle remains the same in the subject - no matter where you, (the viewer) stands. But, it is still quite unnerving sometimes!

Anyway, on to my more recent commission: horses in a horserace. It's not finished yet, so I'm just giving you a little taster.......yum, yum. I talked last blog about bringing movement into this fact-paced horse-race. It's not an easy thing to do. With a photograph, you can tinker with the foreground and the background, and of course you can do the same with your brush. So, I have endevoured to make the background look blurred: as if those horses are roaring past! And, though I want the main subject horse to be accurate, I don't want it to look too sharply-drawn - since it, as well, is roaring past at great speed (honest!)

Horse race painting, by Laurel Moore.

I've called this oil painting 'Favourite': since this main horse (number 5) is the focus of the painting.

The detail of the muscles of a horse are something fairly new to me as a painter. So, it was a wonderful (yet sometimes frustrating) journey for me. I hope when I've finished that I will achieve the look and feel of 'power' in the horses. Because, that is always the impression I am left with, when I meet a horse (formally ) That sense of sheer power...........

Anyway, it's a sunday here in Switzerland so: shhhhhhhhh!!! I would like to have a chop around my plants with my clippers, but as you know ( if you read my blog) you can't make noise in Switzerland on a sunday. Unless of course, you seem to be a farmer. Are you a farmer?? Could you pretend to be one?

I must just show you a little frontcover watercolor illustration I did recently - for a children's book. It is a wonderful story called 'Coming Home', by an American friend of mine. It is a true-story of her adoption of a Bulgarian child from an orphanage there. This is a watercolor I painted of her daughter.

I'll let you know when we have the publication date. But, you will need tissues on stand-by for this sweet and heart-warming story!

'Coming Home' by Kim Garcia.

Illustration by Laurel Moore.

Commissions

No charge for shipping smaller commissions internationally!! Watercolours or oils offered, any subject painted for you! As a general rule: smaller paintings $600. Larger are around $1,500, depending on the detail and time required.

I will take no payment from you, until you are 100% happy with your painting ( I usually will email you a small copy of your finished painting, for you to approve) All paintings are sent signed and insured, by registered Swiss Post. So far, we have had 100% success with our deliveries. Please bear in mind, there may be a waiting list for your commission.

So ask me your questions anytime, show me your ideas/photos at questions@moorethanart.com and get a wonderful original commission for your house by Laurel Moore.

Hey, I just realized I forgot to mention the pumpkins..........

Perfect Portrait, by artist Laurel Moore

Laurel — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 11:11:43 +0100

Hey bloggers

Must share the most gorgeous portrait with you. Quite frankly, this gave me the biggest and longest laughs I've had for months - seeing this. Hope it does you too. Bought one of those cyber webcam thingies, with these special portrait-enhancing extras!

Perfect Portrait of and by Laurel Moore.

So, I hope you like my new look. My bosoms look stupendous in some of them. So funny! I have many more to share with you, so be prepared. Or shall I just find another one? Yes, one more today!

What a hoot!!

So, who needs to learn to paint portraits? When you can produce such great ones, via webcam eh? Nice set of teeth. People have always commented on my nice teeth

Well, I've been swinging on my wheely chair from painting, to saxing, then to singing then to song-writing this week. I've finished three songs this week!! And though I say it myself, I think they're wonderful! I'm itching to perform them with a band. But, all in good time............

Worryingly, my rings have begun to tighten these last few weeks. At first I really thought I'd been getting chubby. So, I spent some time checking in the mirror, before I relized that they just must've gotten muscly!! From playing the saxophone!

Well, that wasn't something I was expecting! But, I guess fingers are just like any other part of the anatomy. So, now I have fit, buff fingers Luckily, they don't look any chunkier. That would be a bit of a bummer really. It must just be on the inside that I have mean and moody fingers now, with which you can't mess! My poor little finger, doesn't quite know what's hit it these last few months. Well, I don't think a little finger is designed to do much really, on a normal day. It's just an added extra. But, it has a lot to do pressing those keys on a tenor saxophone. And those lower pads are really quite beefy. Not a lot of use for nice nails now either really.

So, it's a choice between being covered in paint, or spit at the end of the day now really. What a choice!

Here's a little thumbnail of the oil painting I finished a week or so ago. Isn't she gorgeous? I've called her 'Born Under The Sun'. I've tried to bring out the intensity of the heat in the painting, where the sun is so incredibly hot. I also tried to achieve the rich variety of skin tone. There was an orangy base, with chestnut brown layers. So, I used many layers of glazes (a little paint in oil) to bring out those layers of glowing colours. Then I used final glazes over the top, to bring a rich healthy shine to the skin.

The garment in red, was richly embroidered, and I loved the richness of those colours under the intensity of the sun. She took about four weeks to finish. I work a few hours most days, or every other day. I find, if I paint too long, my eyes weaken, and I can get a bit stale with it. So, it's better for me to leave it, then come back later. I seem to have gotten quicker and quicker with my paintings now. Which is great, because it means there's more time to fit other things in too. So, moving between the other skills works quite well for me now.

I've created these working timetables now; they're great for giving myself more self-discipline and also seeing what I have managed to achieve each week. It's kind of like a tick-list of time spent on each activity. It also helps me keep a better balance on my activities and stops me frittering time away - mostly on this computer!! Whoops!

www.moorethanart.com and www.boundlessgallery.com

Windy weather for weather, artist blog Laurel Moore

Laurel — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:28:25 +0100

Hello bloggers

Well; welcome home hubby, from your wierd and wonderful business travels! He looks quite knackered really. His eyes don't seem to be focusing correctly at the moment Comes of sitting some 12 hours on a plane I think. Nasty having a numb ££££. I was looking for my star symbol, but could only find a pound symbol instead. So, there you go........

Unfortunately, he was ambushed on all sides by five screaming babies. And, when one stopped, another set off, kind of like a 'mexican baby wave', I think. Nasty! That could surely be a method of torture: being constantly kept awake by screaming babies. And don't they have such great lungs? Awesome. For myself, I have earplugs, which I find very useful. Keeps most alien sounds - like snoring out! Not so good if there's a mosquito on the lose though. Cos it'll eat you, and you won't know until the morning, when you've got a lump on your head the size of a golf-ball. Rather a lot of huge mosquitos here. Of course you probably know it's only the women mosquitos who suck your blood! They need it for the strength to bear baby mosquitos. So, blame the women. We also have very strange species of spiders here in Switzerland. Not British spiders, they're far more European - so they have tiny little cigarettes hanging from their tiny mouths (just kidding) they prefer roll-ups

Been working on a horse-race commissioned oil painting this week. It's a nightmare in terms of detail: hats, numbers, saddles, forelocks. Actually, I have no idea what a forelock is, I'm just making that up. But, there's an awful lot of detail to capture. And it's quite difficult to achieve a look of a 'moving' race, without doing cartoon lines, to effect the action (well, maybe I have added a few subtle cartoon lines) I shouldn've told you that, now you'll look for them, and probably find them too!! But horses are very difficult animals to paint correctly, especially those beautiful arabians. So powerful and muscular and graceful at the same time. I love trying to capture those muscles and the beauty of their coats. Well, coats, really doesn't seem the right word? Skins? Flanks? I'll stop there. But, there's such subtle play of colour as the horses move, too. Those rich chestnuts browns change to orange, to blues, to blacks. It's really fascinating. Honest!!

Hey, don't get me started talking about a painting, I'll go on forever!

Anyway, real windy winds have been heading our way now. I guess it is good ol' autumn. But, they've been chasing me, wherever I've gone - or do think perhaps I'm just paranoid But, even our dog Axle has started growing a thicker coat. Wish I could do that. Could be very handy really. If a bit wierd! But those hats and gloves have already been creeping on, and those winds are starting to make the eyes water. It's been so long since I've heard those strong winds, from inside the house. Since we have had such a warm and still summer. Still, gotta let the summer go!

www.moorethanart.com and www.boundlessgallery.com