Captain's Log Blog

Villa in Tuscany

I can't remember the last time I did an oil painting. So when I decided to do a 40 x 60 mural for the kitchen, it was an ambitious challenge for me.

Our kitchen theme is yellow. I wanted a painting that gave the impression you were looking out a window. Below was a Tuscan Villa situated in the rolling hills of Italy - lots of golden yellows and reds.

This weekend my granddaughter Natalie was visiting from Massachusetts and she wanted to help me paint. I welcomed the opportunity for Natalie to help her Pappa Joe.

I'll keep you posted on the progress of the mural.

The Party that's Older Than Dirt

Superbowl Sunday has evolved into a day of tradition for millions of Americans. Just about everyone I know goes to a superbowl party. 2007 marked the 35th year for the party I have attended since 1973. It's the party that's "Older than Dirt."

Hosted by the Walsh's, the game comes second to the food. To give you an idea this year included (after eating a slew of eccletically delicious appetizers) the Chicago hot dogs, deep dish Chicago pizza, pulled pork, ribs, wings, chili, macs and cheese ... and it goes on and on.

The food is second only to the bonds of friendship that began back in college in the 60's. This year John T. shows up - haven't seen John in nearly 40 years. That was an extra treat.

I hope everyone has a traditional superbowl party to call home.

Capn
Keep Warm today!

Hirschfeld

Link: Hirschfeld by George J. Goodstadt, Inc..

If you like Hirschfeld's art as I do, you'll appreciate this link.

Quick Sketch

I named him Vitorio. Seeing him, I have the urge to drink homemade chianti in an "Italian" wine glass and puff on a stogie.

Where Are the Leaders?

This is not a political blog. But we are on our way to vote tomorrow. This old but updated sketch of mine sort of reflects what I see as the voters mood across this country. Ugly. Mad. Heads will roll.

My thoughts today are about leadership. As I look at the ads, read other blogs on the internet, I'm just astounded that there's one quality missing among all the incumbents and challengers. Leadership.

I think we should spend some of our tax money and establish a school for leaders. Every politician who whats to run for office must be required to go to leadership school. Courses should include such topics as:
Manners- how to treat all Americans with dignity, especially the person you run against.
Morality - how to keep one's pecker in one's pants if she (or he) isn't your spouse.
Integrity - Lobbyists are out. Constituents come first.
Speech - Don't say anything unless it's true.
Maturity - Don't act like little children with the "he said, I said" routine
Memory - Seems too many politicians can't remembers the facts well if at all.

There are many more courses, but you get the picture. We sorely lack true leaders in this country.

May the candidates who possess the positive qualities of the characteristics above regardless of the issues they are running on, win the votes and confidence of their constituents.

Don't forget to vote tomorrow!
Cap'n

Juliet

Juliette - colored pencil and pen. Sketched sometime in the 80s or 90s.

Looks like a beautiful day today. Enjoy it!

Cap'n

The Black Pearls

Unlike the Japanese cultured white pearl, the Polynesian black pearl is created only by the giant blacklipped oyster, Pinctada margaritifera, which thrives in the Tuamotu lagoons. Beginning in the 19th century the oysters were collected by Polynesian divers who could dive up to 40 meters or 130 feet. The shell was made into striking mother-of-pearl buttons. Of course, finding a highly-prized pearl this way was pure chance.

By the middle of the 20th century over-harvesting had depleted the naturally slow-growing oyster beds; today wild oysters are collected only to supply cultured-pearl farms. The strings of oysters must be monitored constantly and lowered or raised if there are variations in water temperature. It takes 3 years to grow a seeded black pearl.

It took over 20 years for me to share my pencil drawing with you.

Regards and have a great day

Capn

Norma Jean

Here's a pencil sketch I did in 1988. I've really got to make more time to start doing some serious artwork again before the arthritis sets in.

Regards and have a great day. It's going to be another beautiful one here in the Garden State.

Capn

Disco legs

Some work I did back in the 80s

Regards and have a great day
Capn

Ballet for Today

I've drawn several works of dancers. I love the graceful lines of the women and I admire shapely legs. Best part of the female anatomy especially for drawing. I often think dancers are the most in-shape persons of all people.

I'm actually pretty good at at stepping on toes.

Have a great day

Cap'n