Cuba: Plaza de Armas

I made this quick sketch painting while sitting in the Plaza de Armas in Habana Vieja. The Plaza is home to a book market, which sells used and antique books. 

I sat in the shade of the plaza’s generous trees and made this painting. While I was sitting, a nearby book seller, who was also a painter stuck up a conversation with me. He told me that the statue in the plaza is of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes del Castillo, who fought for freedom from Cuba’s Spanish colonizers and also for freedom for slaves. 

Cuba: Balcony View

I recently had the opportunity to travel to Cuba to conduct professional research. I’ll be working with my colleague and travel companion to document our travel and research in the coming months. it was an extremely interesting trip to a country which presents a myriad of contradictions and complexities. I made a few watercolor paintings while I was there. Most of them were quick sketch paintings made quickly, without much time to linger on days with full agendas. 

This painting was made while sitting on the balcony of the casa particular where we stayed in the Vedado neighborhood. The balcony was an extraordinarily pleasant place to sit in the hottest part of the afternoon, or to enjoy breakfast. From the balcony we could see to the ocean and also glimpse the private lives of the nearby residences. I made this postcard painting of a apartment building that just down the street, with aquamarine painted accents.

I took this photo of the painting while in Cuba before mailing this postcard because I had heard that mail from Cuba can take a month or more and sometimes doesn’t make it at all. It has been three weeks since my return and the postcard has not yet made an arrival to it’s U.S. destination.

Reid Park, Tucson

On our last day in Tucson, after a relaxed brunch we spent an afternoon at Reid Park. Reid Park is a large public park. which is home to a small zoo, Rose garden, a reflecting pond, with a waterfall. I made this painting sitting on a rock under a tree next to the waterfall overlooking the reflecting pond. It was a pleasant place to sit and paint, even on a Monday the park was bustling with activity, including a group of men piloting their remote controlled sail boats on the reflecting pond. I’m always looking for opportunity to paint the water and the reflecting pond was particularly pleasing to paint, with its serene surface providing interesting reflections and colors.

Desert Diamond Cup, Tucson

Part of our visit to Tucson was spent at the Desert Diamond Cup, a pre-season MLS (Major League Soccer) Tournament. In addition, to taking in the soccer, I enjoyed sitting in the warm sun and making paintings. As a painter, I believe firmly in pushing the boundaries of your abilities. In the spirit of the Eleanor Roosevelt adage, “Do one thing every day that scares you,” as a painter I find myself wanting to make paintings of unfamiliar subject matter, sometimes “failing,” but often expanding my perception of what I can do. I made these paintings in this spirit. I had never made soccer paintings before, but it was a pleasant setting and interesting to consider compositions at this venue, over the course of two days.

View of stands from picnic bench at end of field.

Sketch of tree made while talking to my friend Brendan on the phone.

Fort Lowell Park, Tucson

On our first day in Tucson, still weary from a late night flight, we spent an afternoon at Fort Lowell, one Tucson’s public parks and once a U.S. Army fort built in 1873. The park features a duck pond, where families fed the birds bits of bread, bringing back memories of my own childhood outings to the LA Country Arboretum with my Grandparents. I took up a spot on a shady bench and made this painting of the duck pond and it’s desert surroundings. It was a charming spot and a lovely park. The pond provides an unusual contrast to the earth tones of the surrounding desert, reflecting those tones off the water’s surface.

Tucson Travel

I recently spent a week in the desert. It was my first return to Arizona since I lived for a year in Phoenix, after graduating from college. It is always a delight to visit landscapes, which are so different from the places that I call home and I was delighted to explore Tucson for the first time. 

Flora at Tohono Chul Gardens

I was particularly taken with Saguaro National Park, located off of Cactus Forest Drive, which is quite appropriate because in the park you can see hundreds of cacti in every direction you look. There is something still and serene in the stark landscapes of the desert. Even the dryness of the desert air seems to suggest a kind of calm and the long view across the desert valley is spectacular.

Saguaro National Park

In contrast to the in the desert terrain of Saguaro National Park, part of our time in Tucson was spent at a lush green field taking in pre-season MLS (Major League Soccer) games at the Desert Diamond Classic. Though the cultivated green fields feel a bit out of place in the Tucson desert, the setting is quite pleasant, with a long view the Catalina Mountains and their rich, warm tones at twilight. I enjoyed not just the soccer matches, but also making paintings and sketches, and people watching players and fans.

Bench with water feature at Tohono Chul Gardens

And, of course, there were there are the more urban aspects of Tucson, which sprawls across the open dessert in a more controlled way than Phoenix. I especially enjoyed a visit to Tohono Chul Gardens, meals at Ghini’s French Cafe and Bentley’s, and the opportunity to see Charade on the big screen at the Loft. 

Sunset from Gates Pass

Check back in the coming weeks for paintings made on this desert adventure, and as Chicago finally begins to thaw, I am feeling energized by the painting and travel opportunities to come in the warmer months. 

The Outdoor Art Club

In June I traveled to the bay area for the wedding of my friends Chris and Jessie. They married at the Outdoor Art Club, a beautiful venue in quaint downtown Mill Valley. The private, nonprofit women's organization was formed in 1902 and their stated mission is “To preserve the natural scenery of Mill Valley and the surrounding country, to beautify the grounds around public buildings, to work against the wanton destruction of birds and game, to encourage the development of outdoor art and to engage in other civic, literary and charitable work." 

It was a relaxed celebration in a idyllic setting. The reception was colored with delightful teal accents, wild flowers, and a main course of delicious pizza! I was so pleased to be able to celebrate the marriage of an old friend and to visit a Mill Valley and the Outdoor Art Club. I made this painting for the couple to mark the occasion. This is the charming entrance to the Art Club, in June the foliage was lush and I felt as I was passing through the gate into an enchanted garden. Congratulations to Chris and Jessie!

The South Shores of Lake Michigan

In August I had the pleasure of joining in the celebration of the marriage of my friends Helen and Tom. They married at the south shore of Lake Michigan in the beautiful Gary Aquatorium. The Aquatorium was built in 1921 as a bathhouse and for years was the focal point of Miller Beach. It was a delightful celebration complete with good company, beautiful scenery, and fantastic music. 

The setting was rich with the opportunities to document the occasion with a painting. I made this painting of the lake as seen from the second story wedding location. I enjoyed painting the unique column capitals of the building, the rich tones of the native grasses, and steely lake beyond. Congratulations to Helen and Tom!

Ireland Postcard Paintings

These two paintings are postcard paintings, literally.  Winsor & Newton and other watercolor paper manufacturers sell pads of postcard size watercolor paper, with one side pre-printed with spaces for the recipient address and a message.  These postcard pads are great for making quick sketch paintings while traveling.  

These two paintings are quick sketches I made while traveling in Ireland this fall.  The Catholic Church in Adare was once the Trinitarian Abbey, which was founded in 1230. It was restored in the 19th century.  My friends Jaime and Tom were married there an it was an absolutely beautiful place for a small wedding.  It felt intimate and steeped in history!  

 With a history spanning back to the 1840s, the Limerick Milk Market (formerly the Corn Market) continues to thrive today.  Since June of last year, the market was redeveloped as an all-weather, all year round market space, accommodating major markets on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  I was highly impressed with the variety and quality of stalls at the market, including produce, bakeries, cheese/meat, and prepared food vendors.  I stumbled into the market, while I waited for my rented bike and found it a delightful place to meander and nibble the afternoon away.


What are you favorite farmer's markets?  

Meet Oscar!

Meet Oscar!  Oscar is an eleven-year-old Jack Russell Terrier.  He has a few design flaws, like an unfortunate tendency toward excessive barking at strangers.  

He has some rather endearing qualities, however.  Particularly, he is extraordinarily affectionate, rather intelligent, and quite gentle.  I must say on the whole, he is rather an agreeable fellow.

Who is your favorite pet?

Featured Artist

Annette Haines
Annette Haines is an artist living in Plymouth, Michigan. She holds an Associates Degree in Commercial Illustration from the Lansing Community College in Lansing, Michigan. She also holds a Masters degree in Library and Information Science from Wayne State University. Annette recently exhibited work in a group show entitled “From There to Here: the A&D International Exhibit” at the Slusser Gallery in Ann Arbor, MI.

Lake Michigan Sky, watercolor, Annette Haines, 2009

About Annette, in her own words...
I am a librarian and an artist. These two aspects of my life are intricately connected and feed one another.

Night Sky, Canada Lakes, woodblock print, 8"x9 1/2," Annette Haines, 2010

As an artist, I enjoy working with transparent watercolor pigments, which allow the whiteness and texture of the cotton rag paper to show through. I am fascinated with the connection paper has to nature, history, and books. I also like the dichotomy of paper as a material that will last for centuries and stretch as tight as a drum, yet also a one that can be torn to shreds or burned in an instant. Watercolor paint is the perfect complement to paper. I am mesmerized by it’s transparency, brilliance, and flow. Its unpredictable nature forces me to let go of control and work with the medium rather than force it.

A Walk With Henry, woodblock print, 7 3/8"x 14 1/4," Annette Haines, 2010

I am also experimenting with other media such as Japanese woodblock printing and bookmaking. I am attracted to the Japanese style of woodblock printing in part because it uses watercolors instead of oil-based inks. The style also meshes nicely with bookmaking. As a librarian I have a natural affinity for the book – its beauty, functionality and power. I am also learning to stretch the definition of a book and how it can be translated into alternative media such as video or sculpture. For example, I have begun work on a series of shrines. Making shrines is my way of creating visual poetry – something in between bookmaking and sculpture. My shrines are hopeful prayers offered up to those who are close to me as well as those whom I can only hold in my heart.

Bittersweet, woodblock print, 4"x6," Annette Haines, 2009 

Many thanks to Annette for sharing her work and bit about her inspiration.

What do you think of Annette's nature inspired paintings and prints?

Just Married!

Almost two months ago, I had the delight of attending the marriage of my friends Jaime and Tom.   They were married in Adare, Ireland's "prettiest village."  This image was captured by their photographer, the very talented Christiana Brosnan.  When I saw this picture, it immediately felt like it was meant to be painted--the subtle variations in color of the vintage car interior, the background out the windows of the car, and a wonderful shot of Jaime and Tom.  So, I made this painting for the couple--I hope they like it! 

Chicago River

     As with many urban environments, one contributing factor to your identity in Chicago is the train line with which you associate yourself with.  One has to accept that a question like, "do you prefer the red line or the blue line" will be imbued, by some, with deeper meaning about who you are. I, myself, started my tenure in Chicago on the brown line, but have since defected to the red line.

Chicago River, watercolor on paper, 15"x10", Jane Sloss, 2010

    While I'm a devoted red line rider, I have to say that I think the brown line boasts one of the most dramatic views afforded to the El rider.  As one rides south on the brown line past merchandise mart a dramatic release occurs in traveling from a compressed space between buildings to the lightness and openness in crossing the river north of Wacker Drive.  The view depicted in this painting is slightly west of the El tracks, but dramatic none the less.  It is rather extraordinary to see the bridges in succession crossing the river in conjunction with the looming skyscrapers on either side of the river.  The water bathed in morning light adds great color and movement to the scene.

What is your favorite view from the Chicago El or your local train system?

Galway, Ireland

"Foggy Galway Day," pen & ink, Jane Sloss, 2010

I spent one day during my recent visit to Ireland in Galway, the fifth largest city in the country.  It is a lovely city situated on the eastern corner of Galway bay.  The day I visited, the city had a delightfully ethereal quality about it.  A stubborn fog, along with a series of canals and channels that run through the city made it seem the perfect setting for a mystery.  I was delighted that after arriving to Galway by bus and meandering around (without map or guide), I stumbled upon the Galway City Museum (free!), a lovely pedestrian district, a grand city square, and the National University of Ireland.  After wandering for a long while, I settled on the patio of  a cafe, sipped a pot of tea and made this painting of the Galway Cathedral, which was glimpsed among the trees, across a canal from where I sat.


Stop by my public facebook page tomorrow to see some of my photos from Galway!


What is your favorite way to spend a foggy or gloomy day?