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She's swimming in space - waiting to evolve past the sketch stage. Did you know the scales on the shell of the turtle are called scutes? Scutes are made of the same thing as our nails... and horse hooves. - Joyce Brandon

Dreams & Surprises

I haven't woke in tears in a very long time, but last night I had a horrible dream that I was diagnosed with cancer and the doctor told me that even if I had the treatment it wouldn't extend my life for much more than a couple of months, and without I was looking at weeks. Wow. That put a damper on a restful night. So glad it was just a dream. I believe it may have been a sign to be more conscious of the pleasure of life as well as my own physical health.

On a FAR more positive note... I couldn't believe it when I saw that a famous, published author had visited my blog and been kind enough to comment. Mr. Dorrell ("Living the Artist's Life") stopped in last night. How cool is that!? I'm amazed he had the time with all the projects he's got going on. I found his book so inspiring and discovering his comment in my very own blog was wonderful boost for me. - Joyce Brandon

Happy Spring!

Yesterday my husband brought home our little spring chicks - 6 Black Australorps & 6 Red Stars. Come August they should be laying enough to keep all the neighbors in eggs! They are all cozy and warm under their heat lamp now.

When the kids aren't watching the chicks they are playing out in the SNOW we got last night and this morning. The temperature isn't bad though...

I finished "Living the Artist's Life" this weekend. Two thumbs up! I'd better get back to painting now. - Joyce Brandon

Tortoise Moon

Finally complete! I am so happy to introduce you to "Tortoise Moon." She took some time to decide her details... But I am so happy with the results! I tried to upload her and post last night, but blogger seemed to be having a problem.

Of course, in order to get a good image of the whole 11x14 painting I had to scan it in halves and paste them together in PSP. It doesn't have that line down the middle in person! Here is a close-up of the old girl herself so you can see her without the distraction...

Tomorrow I'll be posting more detail scans on the Works In Progress page of my website joycebrandon.com - thanks for visiting! Joyce Brandon

Tortoise Still in Progress

Slow and steady, right? Well she is coming along... I lightened up the sky a little more, gave her an eye, detailed her shell and the rocks and wisps of grass. Now I am just torn about adding the cactus to the scene... I really want her to be the sole focus without any clutter to distract. Hmmmm.

I'm into the section of "Living the Artist's Life" that discusses getting into a gallery. I don't feel that scene in my blood, so reading has slowed. I don't want to be ignorant of the details of gallery life and I shall complete my reading this week... But I love being a Self Representing Artist. I do want to mention that the chapter on his starting the gallery and building it to it's current state was tremendously moving and inspirational - even for someone outside that loop. - Joyce Brandon

Thanks Lisa - it's pretty dead on!

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion: You have medium extroversion. You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party. Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences. But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time." Conscientiousness: You have low conscientiousness. Impulsive and off the wall, you don't take life too seriously. Unfortunately, you sometimes end up regretting your snap decisions. Overall, you tend to lack focus, and it's difficult for you to get important things done. Agreeableness: You have high agreeableness. You are easy to get along with, and you value harmony highly. Helpful and generous, you are willing to compromise with almost anyone. You give people the benefit of the doubt and don't mind giving someone a second chance. Neuroticism: You have medium neuroticism. You're generally cool and collected, but sometimes you do panic. Little worries or problems can consume you, draining your energy. Your life is pretty smooth, but there's a few emotional bumps you'd like to get rid of. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is high. In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas. You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits. A great connoisseir of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything.

The Five Factor Personality Test

Tortoise Progress

I didn't like the blue - I wanted it to be warm and dry - so here's where I am now! I am quite pleased with how she is turning out.

I'm searching for a good digital camera, specifically for photographing my paintings. Something that will still allow me to afford groceries for the next three weeks! Any ideas?

My husband's parents sent $$ for his birthday and he finally got the 12 gauge he's been wanting. He actually lucked out and got a top of the line Mossberg for a great price.

Let's see... What else is up? The weather is DIVINE today. Must be near 70 and all the robins and blackbirds and finches and starlings and sparrows are filling the yard. Arround here, seeing a robin is a harbinger of spring... but I don't really get the fever until I start hearing the red-winged blackbirds sing!

Have a Beautiful weekend - Joyce Brandon

I'm back! We survived a very busy weekend. My husband and I even managed to go out to dinner together. I did get to sneak in some reading here and there - made it to chapter 4. Mr. Dorrell has a very conversational style - it's like he's talking with you over a cup of coffee, or a bottle of beer. Makes for a very easy read. So far his advice does apply to all artists, and it's got a very lived in feel. I'm enjoying it greatly!

I managed to get 0 painting done. Keeping everyone happy and fed didn't leave much time for me to haul my supplies down from my room and get all set up to paint. So once again this gets me thinking about my wish to get the attic converted into my studio. We'll have to play a game of musical rooms - which in all honesty I find quite exciting. My son will get the large basement playroom, my husdand and I will move out of the attic bedroom into our son's bedroom and I will convert the attic into my own studio. But it's going to take some work on the playroom to make me feel comfortable having my son sleeping down there. - Joyce Brandon

I'm so excited! Today I received my copy of "Living the Artist's Life" - by Paul Dorrell. I can hardly wait to dive into it!

I'll be hard pressed to get any reading done this weekend, though. My mother arrived today for a visit from Oklahoma, our pole barn materials are being delivered tomorrow, my husband turns 30 on Sunday, and my daughter turns 3 on Monday.

WHEW!! Painting? Reading? Probably not much in the next few days. - Joyce Brandon