afternoon light

the afternoon light was irresistible in my studio.

i've been working with ink and bamboo sticks, 

quick drawing practices. 

many bad ones and a few interesting ones in between, 

which is what i am looking for... some interesting, unexpected traits i can 

use later in my paintings. 

people watching

in two weeks Donna and i will be doing 

Dee Donaldson's Portrait Bootcamp... 

i'm super excited and nervous! 

3 full days of intensive painting,

on a big canvas.

the advice is to paint someone we don't know

or at least not a family member.

so we went off into the street 

and found some beautiful, willing models:

i loved connecting with these people via my camera, 

they all had a little story to share.

this is Stan, 

i think he will have to be my reference for the painting... 

city life

Durban morning light



captured moments of people's lives.
catching tiny chunks of their stories,
letting my imagination fill in the rest.

More feet

traveling feet...

the name of the game is to put  

a body and a face to the person

People watching (some more)

more feet... 

black and white this time ;) 

People watching (again)

when taking photos of strangers' faces 

became a bit too obvious 

& a bit tricky 

i turned to their feet... 

yes i had been waiting in transit 

a few too many hours ;) 

People watching

i might have to rate Dubai airport

 as the best people watching place ever!!!

folks from all over the world 

waiting in transit...

 not sure how "politically correct" 

it is to take photographs like these, 

 i just could not resist. 

Black and white

Gestures...

Reading...

just finished reading

this book by Pia Jane Bijkerk

and it has been a gentle, romantic

and delightful experience.

here are 2 passages i particularly love:

..."And i figured that if we started becoming more aware of the beauty

in the details of our surroundings, then we might appreciate the moment

we are living in -

rather than the moment that passed years ago,

or the one we wish for in the future."

"What makes me feel at home is being able to be me,

the real, whole, complete me."

i'm back...

i'm back after some wonderful cruising and exploring

with my parents.

head and heart full of fond memories.

i'm heading back to the studio.

People watching

Love people watching!