magicicadas

This is in the wrong order, but this one is fully mature.

This is how a cicada looks after emerging from its shell, but before it's fully mature.
A cicada and its shed exoskeleton.

In the process of becoming an adult.

I'm now able to upload photos, so here are some pictures I took of the 17-year cicadas in various stages of growth. They are now nearing the end of their life cycles, but are as noisy as ever, though many of the dead ones are littering the ground. Though they can be annoying they are a remarkable phenomenon and it's kind of difficult to think of what may be happening in the world 17 years from now.

No More EZ-Up

The TrimLine Canopy has been assembled and is ready to go for the next outdoor show. It has been withstanding rainstorms and high winds for 2 weeks with no collapse or rooftop accumulation. Every piece has been labeled and color-coded with a Sharpie, but it will probably not be a smooth setup right away. It's heavy and expensive, but if it allows me to not panic every time it rains a few drops, it's a good thing. Anyone want a used EZ-Up?

Brood XIII

The 17-year cicadas have emerged! Last time I saw them, well, let's say things have changed. I will post pictures of their emergence as soon as the upload capabilites on this site have been restored. Just think- 17 years ago I had no computer, never heard of the internet, no digital camera (what a wonderful invention) and no teenagers. Couldn't help saying that.

Here Come Da Judge

I have been asked to be an awards judge for an upcoming art festival. I'll be the one with the clipboard and the sticky dots. I'm not going to tell which show it is until after it's over; but I'm looking forward to the experience!

The Difficulty of Painting Tulips

I don't grow my own tulips, so I bought some at the grocery store. I knew that the large pale yellowish white ones would be a challenge to paint, and they are. The pink ones were small and closed. Gradually they have grown like 10 serpents, their stems lengthening and reaching in all directions. It's a race to paint them as they change from minute to minute. The yellowish ones have changed little, the pink ones are mutating into floral hydras. Who would have thought?

Thank you, Reed Turner Botanical Artists

Thanks to Barb for inviting me to join the Reed Turner Nature Center Botanical Artists group. The show was a delightful (and profitable) experience for me. All of the artists that I met are welcoming as well as talented. I look forward to learning more about "official" botanical painting.

I love Art2007

April 28 & 29 was the North Shore Unitarian Church's Art 2007 show. This is my favorite show of the year, not because I sell the most art there(though sales were good this year) but because it's an enjoyable experience. The show is run entirely by volunteers, and it's a major fundraiser.

Thanks to everyone who made us artists feel welcome.

Also, thanks to Friends of Ryerson for inviting me to exhibit my paintings.