Hi Everyone! Apologies for the long delay since my last blog. As I mentioned in an earlier post, sometimes life gets in the way of being an artist! The hectic holiday pace began with what was going to be a Thanksgiving cruise to the West Indies, and ended in the cruise being cancelled due to mechanical issues while at our first port stop! Norweigen Cruise Lines did their very best to insure everyone’s safety as well as providing transportation back to Miami. We have also received a full refund and a free cruise. All’s well that ends well! Still my sketchbook was packed and returned with blank pages!

Now I find myself caught up in the holiday whirl, decorating the house, shopping for gifts, taking in the wonderful lights and decorations, and enjoying the holiday festivities with friends. My husband, John, and I made a great road trip yesterday to the charming town of Lakeland, Fl. to take in a wonderful exhibit at the Polk Art Museum. The exhibit featured paintings and drawings done by artist Romaine Brooks during the 1920’s. Her monumental figures painted in a monochromatic palette reminiscent of Whistler’s had great presence and were beautifully executed. It was a unique opportunity to see these works on loan from the Smithsonian!

Una, Lady Troubridge 1924

 The charming town of Lakeland, famed for it’s lakes with swans abounding, was all done up for the holidays. Real snow was still on the streets from the morning’s event for the children. The shops were aglow and after a tour of the holiday displays we ducked into Harry’s, a Cajun restaurant. Felt like I was back in N’Oleans when I tasted the crayfish etoufee! Really love paring a great art outing with a great meal!

Poster for 1986 Holiday House Tour, Milford, DE

Our son, John, age 3

Early watercolor Christmas card design

  

 Above are some of my past holiday creations, cards and greetings from over the years. Wishing all my blog followers a wonderful Hanuakkah, a joyous Kwanzaa and an all-around Happy Holiday!

Margaret