Tuesday, April 14, 2009

FROG LEGacy

Well, I'm trying to reassemble bits and pieces of what little sanity I once possessed. The last 2 weeks of moving back to the States from Costa Rica have been a bit trying to say the least. For one thing, I accumulated ten times more "stuff" in the last three years than I would have thought possible. Two, there's those "unexpected problem demons" lurking behind every palm tree. And three, there is an overabundance of "open palm" hidden expenses. I encountered almost $300 of unexpected expenses (including bribery) in getting Pokey and TacoBelle legal and ready for the flight over. But we're here and safe....a mess but blessed.

I apologize for not doing much "blog-visiting" lately. My Sister and her husband, have graciously been giving me the "Grand Tour" of the hill country. This used to be my "stomping grounds", but it's been about 15 years. Much has changed, but, thankfully, much has not changed...and it is beautiful country. We've also been visiting Texas antique shops and art gal
lery/shops and what-not. She is in the heart of the Texas Art Community, and we have two locations that want to display some of my art. Let ya know on that.

I will be going back to Costa Rica and Panama from time to time, but for now my art direction is gonna be directed towards a more SouthWest and Texas theme...windmills, jackrabbits, wild turkeys and a big plate of juicy Texas spare ribs barbecued over a smoky mesquite/hickory grill just dripping with tangy Texas sauce and fresh potato salad,
and......OOps...lost my train of thought.


In tribute and as a passing shot to Costa Rica I am posting three of my red-eyed tree frog paintings. I did several jillion frog paintings while in CR, but I don't recall ever posting any of them....So here they are.



There are already some very nice painting/portraits submitted on Windows to the Words Art for this month...but there's plenty of room for yours. Also, for next month's Art Challenge of "Beautiful Sunrises/Sunsets" I would sure like to have a photo of a sunrise/sunset from your part of the world. Snap one and send it to me.

That's it for now....don't let the IRS spoil your day...the 16th is just around the corner

Thought for the Blog...."If you see someone without a smile...give them one of yours"

21 comments:

  1. welcome to America.enjoy your visit. Remember Cali is not far from Texas.
    Love to hear about the art display, great news.
    and your frogs are amazing.
    happy painting James.

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  2. Love these little froggies! I'm glad to hear you are all settled in and the big move is behind you ~a nd congrats on the interest in your art! That is great news!

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  3. Welcome back to the states! The frogs are fabulous. Hope Pokey and TacoBelle are settling in nicely...

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  4. Your red-eyed tree frogs are adorable. I can't believe they maintained that pose until you painted them (lol) Congrats on your art being chosen to be shown at two places, James! And, remember the good ole' Texas Armadillo. Not to eat, but to paint:)

    Nice final thought, James. You're a master of that.

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  5. Are enjoying having you here for a few more days - hope you can finish all the paintings you have started. Will be looking forward to visiting your blog as you continue your travels. Beautiful day today for painting and anything else.

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  6. Meatball and Sami are glad your taking care of Pokey and Taco Belle even though they are cats.

    My son and I just watched a PBS documentary on how scientists and conservationists are building arks to save millions of breeds of frogs (Especially in South America) from a deadly fungus.

    I wonder if you could sell prints to benefit that cause? It might get you National and Worldwide exposure....

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  7. I really like the frogs. I too love drawing them. I hope you are going to be able to feel settled down soon. I am still waiting to find out about my actual moving date. GRRRR hate the unknown. I hope it is soon as it is very unsettling to me and I feel it is refected in my art.

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  8. James, the frogs are great. Texas must have a frog or two that are itchy to have their portraits painted. Those ribs do sound tasty though.

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  9. I love frogs!

    Glad you are settling in James :)

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  10. Theses frogs are WONDERFUL, James. And how nice to have a couple of places wanting to show your work! Welcome back to the U.S.!

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  11. Welcome back James! We missed you! I love these frog paintings! The colors are awesome!!

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  12. Frogs are great and Texas is great, too. Let me know if and when you visit the Dallas area, there are several of us bloggers here!

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  13. Glad you're settled. Must have been crazy packing and moving. Your frogs are fantastic. Cute and colorful.

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  14. Hi James, Very nice frogs! It's great that your visiting family and getting reacquainted with Texas. Glad to hear Pokey and TacoBelle made it too (but sorry to hear about the unexpected expenses)!

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  15. Hi James nice to see your still alive and kicking. Glad Taco bell and Pokey are fine too.
    Welcome back !

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  16. Hi James...I LOVE your frogs, especially the second one. I feel like I could have a conversation with him...he's so alive!

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  17. Oooohhhh, James I LOVE these red-eyed frog paintings! They are gorgeous! Congrats on the galleries' interests on your paintings.

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  18. costa rica to texas, that's a big jump in many ways.
    I like your frogs, they are solid.
    Congradulations on your show James, that must feel good.

    ken

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  19. Do they have interesting frogs in Texas too? I am thinking they might be more fun to paint than our VA frogs...The spring peepers are out here already - harbingers of spring. Welcome home, and love the amphibians!

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  20. These are wonderful James! I love the vibrant colors!

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  21. James -- Val here from "drawing the dog" and "pencil and leaf". Thankyou so much for your comment. I cant believe I have just found you when you have just moved back from CR! Spent 2 rain drenched months there a couple of years ago..wonderful. Have spent hours looking at you wonderful paintings and reading your posts.. I will be back

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