Seasons

Hey, Pardner! Time for Rodeo Limericks & Art Work

2012-01-25T14:09:00.000-08:00

Frontier Freedom, the Life of the Cowboy

by Cindy Morawski

Leapin' Limericks on the Range
~~Cindy Morawski

There once was a man from St. Paul . . . Oops! No, I'm not going to share that limerick. When's the last time you read or heard a limerick? It might have been bawdy, silly, or just plain fun. I remember reading Edward Lear's limericks in the past and laughing out-loud. I liked his work for several reasons, but one was because he paired each one with a humorous illustration or painting. Art and poetry can be an entertaining duo.

Limericks were once named after the town of Limerick, Ireland. They possess a strong rhyme and beat. They can also be paired with music because of that. The standard rhyme scheme is AABBA~~5 lines with the lines 1, 2, and 5 rhyming, and lines 3 and 4 rhyming. Limericks popularity often stem from the fact that they can be witty, humorous, or full of nonsense.

With the month of February comes the Annual San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. (Feb. 9th - 26th) http://www.sarodeo.com/ Keeping that theme in mind, I'd like to pair my rodeo-inspired painting from above with some limericks of my own. A little fiddle music please . . . here we go!

Horse with a Question

There once was a wild horse on the range

Who considered himself a bit strange.

Although he was shy,

He always asked, "Why--

Did I mix with the mare who had mange?"

Rodeo Joe

There once was a shy cowboy named Joe

Who found fame in a Rodeo Show.

An old horse did he ride

And both took it in stride,

Till the tired horse stopped short and said, "NO!"

Texas~~The Cowboy State

Freedom on the Frontier

There once was a boy with a rage.

He cried, "I need freedom~~no cage . . . "

He ran from his girl

Whose name was ol' Pearl.

"No marriage with you will I wage!"

Cowboy with a Question

There once was a cowboy with a question.
He inquired, "Do I have indigestion?"
The cook with the stew
Said, "No guess," for he knew~~
More pork and beans would cure his affliction.

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Last time I blogged, I included some haiku with my paintings. I also asked you to send me some of your own. Well, here's one from my friend and neighbor Betsy Kropp. A trip to Paris inspired her so she sent me a photograph and a haiku. Thanks, Betsy!

Photo & Haiku ~~ Paris Metro
by Betsy Kropp

Haiku

Opening its mouth
Hoping to snag tired tourists
"Yum," says the Metro.

If you want to send me limericks, I'll be glad to include them in my next blog. We'll start a Poetry Revolution! Please feel free to include a photo and/or artwork too. Thanks!

Wishing you laughter and fun!

~~Cindy

www.cindymorawski.com

The End!

Art and Haiku for the New Year

2012-01-09T10:09:00.000-08:00

New Artwork and Verse for the New Year

Images from the Natural and Spirtual World

by Cindy Morawski

Last Thursday, I attended a special art exhibit at the McNay called the Orient Expressed, Japan's Influence on Western Art, 1854 - 1918. www.McNayArt.org I noticed while I was walking around and taking in the show's artwork, which continues through January 15th, that they had invited the viewers to "Tweet" a haiku for their favorite work of art. There was an on-going competion for the Best Twittered Verse. Besides the lovely woodcuts, watercolors, and oil paintings, some poems expressed well the subject- matter- at- hand in the drawing or painting. It was double the pleasure. Art and Poetry. What a marriage!

After returning home, I felt inspired to do the same with my recent paintings. I wrote a haiku to match each work of art. However, before I rush into showing you the results, let me tell you a little something about what a haiku includes.

Haiku or Japanese verse come usually in lines of three. They don't have

to rhyme, but they should be in the following syllable count within the

lines of the poem-- 5,7,5. Often they are about nature and include imagery

and figurative language.

Come Together

How does it feel to

Be distanced from everyone?

Red bird on a wire.

Grackle Cackle

I heard your cackle

No text, email, or twitter

One loud grackle's cry

Sunset Song on the Wires

Gathering in song

Sun's descent into crimson

A high flock of lullabies

Blessed Assurance

Blessed assurance

Seeking a spiritual home

Simple, sacred place

Return to Garner

Silhouetted trees

Cypress lines of gracefulness

'Gainst a brilliant shore

Have you ever written a haiku before? If not, this might make for a happy discovery. Write about a pet, your job, a movie, anything at all . . . Please send it to me, and I'll post it on my next blog. (with your permission, of course) Also, it can be accompanied with a photo or artwork if you'd like. I'll include that as well with your permission. (Email: cski02@sbcglobal.net)

Wishing You New Beginnings!

Cindy

www.cindymorawski.com

Mockingbird Studio

San Antonio, Texas

Brave New World of 2012

2012-01-01T09:05:00.000-08:00

Dance of the Northern Lights
~~painting by Cindy Morawski

Brave New World

Hope and Resolve, Thinking about the New Year
by Cindy Morawski

When looking at a brand new year, I have a choice. I can see with or without my glasses. I'm choosing to use my glasses. I like the idea of looking under the hood before I buy a car. I need to read the labels of the cans in the grocery store. I just have to re-check the almost hidden price tag on the department store shelf. I am a woman who wants to know. I feel compelled to question, to discuss, to understand.

Another journey into time. 2012. Time does seem to go faster as I get older, but one of my resolutions this year is to slow down and be present. To appreciate what's around me. Moments come and go. I hope to capture some of those moments and frame them in my mind. Maybe, just maybe, they will rewire my brain into something that will enlighten me. Improve me. Hope and resolve can be like that.

I wish you HOPE for the New Year. I wish you the motivation and desire to make your world a better one. I resolve to change my world. One word, one painting, one smile, one hug, one step at a time.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

~~Cindy

Cindy Morawski

www.cindymorawski.com

cski02@sbcglobal.net

Discovering Comfort~~Mata Ortiz Pottery and More

2011-12-14T16:39:00.000-08:00

Discovering COMFORT~~ A Photo Essay

On the Road to Comfort

Comfort Crockery~~Fine & Useful Original Arts,

402 Seventh St., Comfort, Texas

www.comfortcrockery.com

Gallery Hours in December 2011~~Tues. -- Sat. 10 to 5, Sun.-- 1 to 5

Welcome from Owner~~Roci Brawner

Landscape Paintings by Cindy Morawski at the Crockery

Beautiful Display on Exhibit now at the Comfort Crockery

Mata Ortiz Pottery
from the collecion of Mary Frances
December 7 - 23, 2011

"Their imagery evokes Op Art, M.C. Escher and computer chips in combination with plumed serpents and macaws."

~~William Gilbert

The village of Juan Mata Ortiz is located in the northern part of Chihuahua, Mexico, less than 100 miles from the Mexico-U.S. border. In this small village of approximately 2000 people, a truly remarkable artistic tradition has developed in the last 30 years.

The potters of Mata Ortiz combine both intellectual and aesthetic elements. They have re-created their ancestral symbols as well as shown a refined creation of original and creative contemporary art.

The Mata Ortiz Collection of Mary Frances presently on display at the Comfort Crockery shows an impressive number of pieces. There are 10 in the front of the store and 67 pieces of pottery in a special exhibit in the back of the gallery. They are not only on view for the public, but they can be purchased as well. If you'd like more information, call 830.995.5299 or e-mail Roci at info@comfortCrockery.com.

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2012 ART CALENDARS FOR SALE!

SEASONS LANDSCAPE PAINTINGS by Cindy Morawski~~New Art Work

THE PHOTOGRAPHY of GHOST RANCH, NEW MEXICO by Cindy Morawski~~ October 2011

**The price of each calendar is $15.00, which includes tax. Please email or call me if you're interested. They make original gifts for the Holidays!

~~Email: cski02@sbcglobal.net

~~ Studio Phone: 210.522.0706

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

~~Cindy

Wilkome to a Glimpse into the Past~~Photos and Narrative of Castroville, Texas

2011-12-06T13:14:00.000-08:00

Medina River from the Bridge in Castroville

Glenn Nuyttens, Landmark Inn's Tour Guide, explaining about the Founding of Castroville

Allie, the Rickshaw Man, setting a World Record and stopping for a Chat

The Steinbach House, Museum at 100 Karm Street

DayTrippers, group photo at the Landmark Inn~~Say~~Alsatian!

Feline Wilkome, along with assistant Maria, to the Albro's Garden Shop on Fiorella Street

Medina River's December Reflections along Hwy 90

Historic Moye Center and Retreat

Picket Fence Leading to an Historic Home

Facing Houston Square, a Glimpse into the Past

Cheri Hoog, Castroville Resident, embracing Alsatian History

Travels to Castroville, Past and Present

by Cindy Morawski

Where can you find Texas History, natural beauty, fine dining, and more? Hint: It's only a day away by horse and wagon or by car it's only about a half an hour from San Antonio. The historic town of Castroville, founded in 1844 by Frenchman Henri Castro, is a worthwhile stop for travelers and visitors alike.

Traveling by present-day car, I joined my BSW DayTripper friends and headed to Castroville on December 1, 2011. Our first stop landed us at the Landmark Inn, a state Historic Site, where we learned about the commercial side of this once-bustling city from tour guide Glenn Nuyttens. Castroville's growing influence in early Texas started with having roots in mills of various types~~a cotton gin, a lumber mill, and a grist mill, all located on the Medina River. Attracting commerce and colonists, this made it one of the largest towns in Texas in the 1800's.

Surprises galore! While making discoveries about Castroville's past, we presently came upon an ex-Marine named Allie and his loyal dog Roxy. Allie's Rickshaw Trek, starting in California, will set a new Guiness World Record. He's bound for Miami and then onto Washington, DC, to be met by the president. He has a dream, and he's proving that America is still a great country. He told us that he has met gracious and generous people along the way in his travels. We had the pleasure of hearing some of his stories along the Medina River last Thursday. If you want to learn more about his adventures, check out his website: www.rickshawroadtrip.com. Best of Luck to you, Allie and Roxy!

While continuing our walking tour with Castroville resident, Cheri Hoog, we enjoyed more colorful stops along the way. Across the bridge from the Landmark Inn, we found the Steinbach House. This present-day museum was originally built in Wahlbach, France, between 1618 and 1648. It was relocated to Castroville in 1998. Now it's open for tours Monday through Friday from 9 to 5.

Another noteworthy stop included the St. Louis Catholic Church, at 610 Madrid Street. Built between 1868 and 1870 under the organization of Father Peter Richard, it looks out on Houston Square. Its chapel near the Moye Retreat Center has even an earlier building date of 1844. If you get a chance to go inside the St. Louis Church, you won't be disappointed. Beautiful stained glass windows and statues await you!

Moving along to some of the shops of the city, our touring group came upon Albro's House and Garden on Fiorella Street. Owned by Ward and Tot Albro, it originally was an old saloon, relocated to its present-day site. From 1920 until 1994, it had been a blacksmith shop. The outhouse in the back, surrounded by lavendar, also has an historic note. It was built by the WPA in 1930. Look for Manchita, Spanish for Little Patches, the calico cat in the shop. Maria and Tot will also be glad to help you find what you're looking for.

All that walking gave us an appetite. We were happy to dine at the Castroville Cafe at high noon. This 1884 Victorian house is located on September Square which is the original location of the Henri Castro Homestead. Serving delicious sandwiches, soups, salads, and more, you can enjoy your meal while surrounded by fine art in this lovely restaurant. It's open from 11 to 2, and it's located at 309 Lafayette with both an outdoor porch and an inviting garden patio for lunch seating as well.

All in all, a day out in Castroville, gave me a chance to connect to both past and present. What a beautiful place to visit! And, only a short drive from San Antonio . . . hope you'll make your own discoveries!

~~Cindy

www.cindymorawski.com

PS: If you're looking for a unique gift this Christmas, consider a calendar. I have two to choose from: Seasons~~ 2012 Art Calendar, New Landscape Paintings, and Photography of Ghost Ranch, New Mexico, another Art Calendar for 2012. Just email or call me for more details. I can mail it, deliver it in person, or you can come by my studio to pick it up. cski02@sbcglobal.net or studio: 210.522.0706.

Looking for Paradise in a Place Called Utopia

2011-11-25T20:01:00.000-08:00

Walking through the Cool Shadows

Colors so bright I might need shades!

Bald Cypress in Silhouette

Ready for a Boat Ride

Late Afternoon along the Frio

Reflections of November

Hiking the Lost Maples Trail

Sun Going Down at the Bunkhouse

Thankful for Utopia

by Cindy Morawski

Thankful. That's gratitude for you. I found myself thinking about how I wanted to spend some of my free time the week of Thanksgiving, months ago. I felt thankful that Paul and I were going to get some time off so we discussed the possibility of a little vacation that wouldn't involve airfare, rental cars, or dining out two or three times a day. We also wanted to take the dogs with us. We hoped that we could involve some of our friends and family too. Hmmmmmm.

The answer came to me as I was remembering how much fun I'd had when I went to Lost Maples for an art workshop last April. I'd stayed at the Fox Fire Cabins and had a great time. Paul "googled" the cabins and I talked to the office manager. They informed us that there was a cabin called the Starry Night Bunkhouse outside Utopia, and that it would be available when we wanted to get-away. We jumped on it because we could take the dogs. We hoped that we could hike the trails of Lost Maples and Garner Parks because November had cooler temps. We kept our fingers crossed that the trees would have changed and looked more like fall than summer.

We drove through Helotes on Bandera Road and followed Hwy 16 all the way to Bandera. From Bandera, we then traveled through Medina, the apple capitol of the Hill Country, and then on to Vanderpool and Utopia. If the pretty drive there was any indicator of a good time, then we suspected we'd have it made. The hilly twists and turns and subtle shades of autumn tree colors clued us in. The Texas Hill Country is its own piece of Paradise.

We finally ended the drive at Lost Maples. We were going to kick off our time-off by hiking with our friends Marie and Garth. The trees didn't disappoint us. Brilliant hues of oranges, yellows, and reds danced in the maples and other trees along our trail. Chatting and laughing together, we ambled on. The possiblities seemed endless. It was all good.

Later we checked into our cabin in Utopia. The hilltop view was magnificent. Everything tasted better during our stay while we ate outdoors. Coffee and sunrises. Dinner and sunsets. The air seemed lighter and healthier than our usual city atmosphere. The burn ban had also been lifted so we had a chance to build a fire and roast hot dogs and marshmallows over the open flames. It seemed like a long time since we had a camp fire. Our extended drought had kept that from happening.

The next day we had a chance to hike with our family; Ryan and Tonia and the grandkids met us at the park, and Phineas and Rusty, our dogs, accompanied us too. The morning felt cool and crisp. The air smelled of autumn leaves with a hint of smoke from campfires. The dogs pulled at their leashes. We headed down the Maple Trail together. Endless. That's the word that came to mind again as I sauntered down the path. I wanted the day to never end. It was that good.

Utopia was our resting place each night. We headed back to the cabin after our day outdoors while hiking and picnicking at Lost Maples and Garner State Parks. We cooked and slept in the bunkhouse. Sleep seemed better after a day of exercise and fresh air. The stars looked brighter out there too. No city lights to fade the night-time view.

Paradise can mean many things to many people. To me, I found my little piece of paradise in a place called Utopia. I remain thankful for that.

Hope you had a good Thanksgiving!

~~Cindy

Finding COMFORT in a small town outside San Antonio

2011-11-13T16:11:00.000-08:00

The Tinsmith's Wife
409 7th St.
Comfort, Texas

Comfort Cat ~~ Painting by Cindy Morawski
Inspired by Lily, one of the knitting shop's cats
See her photo below . . .

Better than the Wal-Mart Greeter!
Inside the front door at The Tinsmith's Wife shop

I'm thinking . . . yes, I think the red yarn is the prettiest!
Lily, one of the cute cats, at the yarn shop

Do you want two of everything?

Something Soft ~~ A Real COMFORT in Comfort, Texas

by Cindy Morawski

After visiting with the Solberg's cats at The Tinsmith's Wife, a knitting and needlepoint shop in Comfort, Texas, I felt my blood pressure descend to a normal level. Being near all those friendly cats and those soft rainbows of colors in the yarn displays, a peaceful calmness came over me. Feeling like I was suddenly transported into the past while enjoying a present-day visit to this Comfort shop on 7th Street, I knew I'd discovered something special. This one- of- a- kind store will not only help you find supplies for a sewing, yarn, or needlepoint hobby, but it will also allow you a glimpse into a slower-paced era of solid service with a small, family-run business.

Wendy Solberg and her parents, Susan and Bill, run this charming store in downtown Comfort. Wendy bought this place three years ago, and mentioned to me while we chatted, that the shop has an interesting history. It started out as a tinsmith shop in the 1800's; that's why it's called The Tinsmith's Wife now. It has also been an appliance store. The wooden floors are original as well as most of the historic structure. The walls display needlepoint patterns and other art that relates to the items sold there. That's why you may find a wooly sheep or two nearby. Colorful, hand-knitted items such as sweaters, hats, and scarves show the promise of hand-crafted goods. To me, it was eye-candy at its best!

Comfort can be found in many places. Besides the name of the town, it can also reside in one's heart. Compassion for felines is evident in this place. Homeless cats have found a sanctuary here. Kitty, Lily, Noro, Laurel, and others reside on soft rugs, rocking chairs, and in yarn bins. What lucky cats! And, that's no Yarn or Tall Tale!

One cat especially made my day. Her name is Lily, and she's a black and white tuxedo cat. Her friendly manner and curious ways helped me notice her immediately. In fact, she inspired me to not only photograph her, but to later paint her as well.

If you're looking for a reason to shop or simply need an outing, I have a suggestion. Drive to Comfort, Texas, and get reacquainted with some old-fashioned goodness. Again, it's located at 409 Seventh Street. Their phone number is 830-995-5539. Lastly, you can also check it out on the web for more details. www.tinsmithswife.com.

Wishing You COMFORT!

~~Cindy

www.cindymorawski.com

Open HouseHoliday Wolfson HouseNov. 14 - 19, 2011

2011-11-10T08:43:00.000-08:00

HOLIDAY WELCOME!

Holiday Invitation

FREE Homemade Holiday Refreshments, Free Admission and Parking . . .

HOLIDAY Arts & Crafts WOLFSON HOUSE

415 Broadway
San Antonio, TX

Tour one of San Antonio's historic homes, shop for the holidays, enjoy the holiday decorations and refreshments!

November 14 through 18, Monday - Friday, 10 to 6,
Saturday, November 19, 10 - 3

Please look for my art display by the fireplace upstairs.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
~~Cindy~~

www.cindymorawski.com

Local FALL FESTIVAL 2011

2011-11-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

Comfort Cat
~~by Cindy Morawski

If you'd like to see my Holiday Gift Line-up of Mag-Cats (Cat Magnets), paintings, cards, prints, and gift bags, please consider joining me at the FALL Festival at Zion Lutheran Church this Saturday, November 5th, 2011, from 10 to 4. It's located at 1604 and Braun Road. There will be many artists and crafts artisans, plus a snack bar. Holiday Gift ideas and shopping will be ready for you this Saturday! Hope you'll mark your calendar!

WELCOME FALL!

~~Cindy

www.cindymorawski.com

BUDA FINE ARTS FESTIVAL this weekend

2011-10-18T12:10:00.000-07:00

Sunrise on the Pumpkin Patch
by Cindy Morawski

Reunion
by Cindy Morawski

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You're invited to the

BUDA FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

October 22 - 23, 2011

10 AM - 6 PM Saturday

10 AM - 4 PM Sunday

On the Greenbelt in Historic Downtown Buda

Off I-35 south of Austin

Live Music, Silent Auction, Children's Art Area, Quilt Show

Over 50 Juried Artists

FREE Festival Admission!

Taste of Buda!

Local restaurants offer the best of their menu!

www.BudaFineArtsFestival.com

www.cindymorawski.com

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A Place with a View~~Ghost Ranch, N.M.

2011-10-15T18:42:00.000-07:00

Fall Photography of New Mexico

Ghost Ranch

October 2 - 8, 2011

Over the Rainbow at Ghost Ranch

Upward

Early Dinosaur Skull from Dig at Ghost Ranch

Modern Designs of New Mexico

Weaving~~Face from the Loom

Doll with Ornamental Weavings

Meditation Garden at Ghost Ranch

Waving Grasses by the Patio

Anyone Home?

Shelter from the Storm

Inspiration for Artist Georgia O'Keefe

Path to the Art Studio

City Slickers, the movie's cabin

Peace to all who enter

View of Chimney Rock

It took millions of years . . .

Pathways of Ghost Ranch

Sky Lights

Sunset of Gold

Light and Shadow

Autumn's Peeking Through

Looking UP

When I arrived at Ghost Ranch a week ago, I ended up with a sore neck. I kept looking up. Up at the skies, up at the cliff formations, up at distant mountains, up at the birds. My head was in the clouds. The wide-open spaces wrapped their arms around me and embraced my spirit. I couldn't get enough of the cool mountain air. No humidity. Boy, did that feel good after coming from San Antonio.

I took my camera everywhere with me. It became a part of my hand. Snap. Snap. I felt a sense of urgency. I needed to record the beauty all around me. Somehow it made it more believable. I breathed in deeply. The mountain elevation gave me a lightheaded sense of uncertainty. I knew though that I'd get adjusted to it in a day or so.

Presence. Yes, I guess one could name my sense of wanting to be in the moment. I didn't want to be anywhere but Ghost Ranch. My travels became not only a destination, but the place rooted out a space in my heart.

The photos represent a sampling of my experiences. It was not possible to capture it all in just a week's time. I'd recommend it as a place to visit. A place to take classes. A place to devour a wild slice of America's spicy Southwestern pie.

Happy Viewing!

~~Cindy~~

www.cindymorawski.com

Columbus Day Discovery~~Ghost Ranch Paintings

2011-10-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

Chimney Rock at Ghost Ranch, NM

Old Abiquiu Mission

As the Crow Sees

October's Hike at Ghost Ranch

View from the Upper Mesa

Southwest Migration

Little Burro of the High Plains

Exploring New Lands

by Cindy Morawski

Shedding my city skin like a garden snake, I left Texas to try on the roles of explorer and high desert landscape painter on October 2nd, 2011. I had last visited New Mexico two years ago, and I was itching to return. While taking a plein air painting workshop last April with Austin master painter, Dianne Grammer, I learned about Ghost Ranch, a mecca for artists, naturalists, and outdoor enthusiasts. I signed on at the beginning of summer, anticipating fall and a seasonal prize for enduring a long, hot San Antonio summer.

One of my beloved painters, Georgia O'Keefe, discovered northern New Mexico on a trip from her home in Texas in 1917. Twelve years later, she returned to New Mexico and found her way to the beautiful valley that would eventually become her home~~Ghost Ranch at Abiquiu.

Like O'Keefe, I sensed the freedom and natural beauty of this area. The rugged and colorful landscapes called to me. I was ready for plein air painting, hiking, and studio work and classes on the ranch. Some of my favorite landscape subjects included the Kitchen Mesa, the Pedernal, and Chimney Rock. When I hiked down the Kitchen Mesa Trail the first day, I felt a sense of awe. The birds were singing, the sun was shining, and when I looked up and eyed the mesa, I knew I was in a very special place. Immobilized, I first stood looking up into the sky feeling the goosebumps on my skin; I knew without a doubt that I was one lucky person to be in this moment.

Other favorite subjects included the local crows and burros. You could hear the crows' cawing and spot their shiny black feathers catching the desert thermals in the dramatic skies. I continued to look for the burros. There were signs everywhere on the ranch that said: Beware~~Burros bite! But, the corrals and pastures were empty. Later, I had a chance to see them while touring the more remote areas of the ranch during the end of my stay. I learned that they get turned out at times so they can graze and move freely. Their sturdy endurance was apparent as I spotted them ducking behind the native bushes on the high desert after a rainstorm that lasted for a couple of days.

Inspiration comes in many packages. For me, new lands and people along with discoveries in learning with art, allowed me the privilege of a week's stay at Ghost Ranch, New Mexico. When I think back on my experiences, I'll sense that high desert air and sun upon my face. I'll remember the colorful cliffs and skies, the music of the wind and birds, and I'll appreciate what the natural world has to offer. Adios for now, Ghost Ranch. I'll return some other day.

Plein Air Painting at Ghost Ranch

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MY UPCOMING OCTOBER ART EVENTS

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Wimberley Valley Art League's FALL INTO ART Annual Show and Sale, plus Artist Studio Tours, October 14 through 16, 2011
Buda Fine Arts Festival, JURIED Art Show and Sale, October 22 and 23, 2011
New Braunfels Art League ARTOBERFEST, Juried Event, October 2 through November 12, 2011

*Look for more details on my website link at www.cindymorawski.com.

Happy October Discoveries!

~~Cindy

Birds of a Feather . . . Recent Paintings of Birds

2011-09-12T12:46:00.000-07:00

Desert Cardinal

Autumn Song Sparrow

Red-Plumed Cardinal

Birds of a Feather Flock Together
~~Paintings by Cindy Morawski~~

One of the best parts of my day happens to be in the morning. I like to watch the birds come to the bird feeder outside my kitchen window. While I'm waking up with a cozy cup of coffee, I view a whole cast of bird characters flitting from my front yard's white picket fence to the red bird feeder. I hung that offering to the local birds after Paul and I first moved into our home on Waldon Heights. With this severe drought in South Texas, the birds have had a hard time. I try to not only provide some seed nourishment, but I also offer them water in our bird bath and front fountain. They repay me daily. I enjoy their antics, songs, and liveliness.

Painting birds encourages me take a good look at them. When I study them before and while I paint them, I notice details that I wouldn't ordinarily see. They make for colorful subjects. One of my all-time favorite birds, even since childhood, has been the cardinal. There are a variety of cardinals in the United States. Their song and crimson color help them get noticed and appreciated. Another bird favorite for me is the sparrow. Again, like the cardinal, there are many varieties. I decided to paint the song sparrow with an autumn background because my favorite season is in the Fall; I'd like to think that the sparrow's song announces this wonderful season in nature.

Art Cards and Prints are available for all three paintings. The originals are also for sale. Please check out my website for more information. Thanks.

Happy Bird Watching!

~~Cindy~~

www.cindymorawski.com

May All your Wishes Come True~~The Wishing Tree, a Painting by Cindy Morawski

2011-09-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

The Wishing Tree
~~ story and painting by Cindy Morawski

Life is not always fair. Is it? A slave girl named Cecilia once tried to balance the scales of justice. She decided to run away from her cruel southern plantation. She waited for darkness to make her escape, no full moon for her. Before she lost her nerve, she slid out of her cabin and made for the woods. Cecilia could hear her heart pounding before she noticed the master's blood hounds baying wildly behind her. She splashed across the creek so that they'd lose her scent, but she could hear them coming closer. In the distance was her only hope. She spied a large oak tree a few yards away. She headed for it. The dogs were now crossing the creek. She wrapped her arms around the tree and wished as hard as she could.

The hunting party saw the slave girl near the tree. "She musta' climbed that oak," mumbled the surprised overseer. He took his pistol out and started firing up and into that tree. The rest of the night patrol did the same. The shots lit up the night with their sound and fury. But, the girl was gone. They came back the next day after first light. She had vanished.

Cecilia Washington was next spotted by the Liberty Bell in downtown Philadelphia. She was running an errand for a local printmaker, a Quaker and abolitionist. The Wishing Tree helped Cecilia make her wish come true. Years later, the story is still being told. In some Alabama woods near the Jackson's old cotton plantation, bullets were recently found in the trunk of an old oak.

Close your eyes. The Wishing Tree beckons. What would you wish for?

                                  Hope all your wishes come true!
                                         ~~Cindy

                                www.cindymorawski.com

Photographic Observations

2011-09-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

Aphorisms with Animals

Photographs by Cindy Morawski

A good time to keep your mouth shut is when you're in deep water.

Money will buy a fine dog, but only kindness will make him wag his tail.

Scratch a cat and you will have a permanent job.

Aphorisms offer a little truth and an observation. Here's another one I like: Money can't buy happiness, but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a Cadillac than in a Yugo.

Do you know any aphorisms? E-mail me if you do . . .

~~~Cindy~~~

www.cindymorawski.com

August is the Color of Red~~A Photo Essay

2011-08-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

One thing you can count on in life is that Texas in August will be mind-numbing hot. I ought to know. I live in San Antonio, the home of record-breaking triple digits in the month of August. Sweat is my uncomfortable companion. Air-conditioning, in any form, is my friend.

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When I think of August, I can't help but visualize the color RED. Like a live volcano, it spews heat. It pulses. It glows. It has a life of its own.

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My photo essay is a collection of photographs that I have taken over the past two years. The settings range from small to large in places near and far. I've examined the color RED. What do you think of when you see red?

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THE COLOR ~~ RED !

Red is a festive mosaic on water.

Red is a cosmic light dance.

Red marks an emergency.

Red is a gift on the back porch.

Red is a stolen treat.

Red is a high-flying circus act.

Red is a naughty kiss in disguise.

Red rolls out like a pulsing drum beat.

Red is a wheel that goes round and round.

Red ~~ a whirling and dizzying carousel.

Red is nature's velvet and a perfumed promise.

Red is a mysterious treasure.

Red decorates with warmth and reassurance.

Red tells a story.

Red is sizzle and razzle-dazzle!

Happy Labor Day and an end to our Hot Summer!!

Think COOL! Think RAIN!

~~Cindy~~

www.cindymorawski.com

Inspired by Wisconsin~~Summer Art Season

2011-08-15T20:23:00.000-07:00

~~Cindy Morawski~~

Taliesin's Muse~~
A Cat for All Seasons in Frank Lloyd Wright's, Spring Green, Wisconsin

Late Afternoon on the Farm~~
Southern Wisconsin, Dairy Barn and Sheds in Summer Shadow and Light

I don't know about the rest of you, but at this time of year in San Antonio, I, for one, feel ready to jump ship. August in Summer! I've pretty much had it with this heat, the drought, and the color dead and brown. I keep fantasizing about moving to cooler and greener pastures. I keep thinking about Wisconsin, the Badger State.

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Paul and I traveled to Wisconsin this past June. We'd been there before in both summer and fall seasons visiting family and sightseeing. While earlier experiencing a near-out-of-body moment of cool temps, green fields, red barns, and idyllic countryside, I felt a sudden knock, a ping, and a flutter in my heart. Is it possible to fall in love with a practical Midwestern state?

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One of the first places we traveled to in June was Taliesin, near Spring Green, and the country estate of the American architect and design genius, Frank Lloyd Wright. Just to let you know . . . I have been a huge fan of Wright for a long time. I previously paid homage to his Taliesin West winter home, school, and estate in Scottsdale, Arizona, twice. I had also read everything I could get my hands on about my favorite architect. I was really looking forward to taking it all in while touring the one and only original~~Taliesin Wisconsin.

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Although, while touring the public buildings and listening intently to our tour guide describe the life and passions of this fascinating architect, our group discovered a sizable, fluffy, and handsome cat with a unique and colorful face that resembled a mardi gras mask. It was sound asleep on the mantle above a massive fireplace in Wright's well-designed living room. Our group pointed and oohed and aahed over the clever cat. The lion-like male slowly opened its yellow-orange eyes, then stretched and yawned, looking quite bored by all the attention it was getting. It also seemed annoyed that the tour group had woken it from its summer slumber. As if rehearsed, next, the cat lept gracefully down from the mantle and then headed outside onto the award-winning patio. Mesmerized, the tour group ignored our bewildered tour guide and loyally followed the feline outdoors. While we were all madly snapping photos of the cat, our confident star posed and stared into the camera lenses like a Hollywood celebrity. I guess it was used to the daily paparazzi.

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Later when I returned home, I looked at my photos of Taliesin. I needed inspiration for a painting! Darn. One cat photo after another. Where were those stunning shrines to the genius of Wright? I decided quickly. I would have to admit it. The Taliesin cat was my muse. I'm certain it also had that effect on others too. I couldn't help but notice how my tour group and guide snapped to attention when the cat strutted its stuff like a runway model. I also imagined the estate's staff and hard-working student architects taking time out of their busy schedules to pet and fawn over that huge fur-ball. Sometimes one must notice greatness. And if an individual can believe, for a moment, in reincarnation, I'm certain that Frank Lloyd Wright has returned as a cat. Purrr-fect!

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Indoor Art Show and Free Wine Tasting this Weekend!

You're invited to the 1st Annual Old Town Helotes Fine Art Show 2011

Saturday, August 20th, 10 to 8

Sunday, August 21st, Noon to 5

Gardens at Old Town Helotes

15060 Antonio Drive

Helotes, Texas

Free Wine Tasting & Hors D'oeuvres

Saturday, August 20th, 4 to 8

Tasting by Bending Branch Winery

I'm one of 32 featured and juried artists.

Stay cool~~it's indoors and there's plenty of parking!!

See you this weekend!

~~Cindy

www.cindymorawski.com

Neighborhood Dining and Shopping

2011-07-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

Cia Vino Reception
with Friends
Linda and Cheri

~~Morawski Fine Art News~~

August Shows and Flower Me Gifts

If you're looking for a tasty restaurant with an art show setting, I have a suggestion for you. Ciao Lavanderia and Ciao Vino, located at 226 E. Olmos Drive in San Antonio, feature fine Italian cuisine and wine/spirits, along with my free art show~Seasons. My summer show includes 18 paintings exhibited in Olmos Village Park until August 16th.

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The reception last Thursday evening was fun due to good food and fun conversation with friends. Want to escape for lunch or dinner without leaving San Antonio, plus, take in an art show? Consider Ciao Lavanderia/Vino for a little get-away!

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Tezel and Mainland,
Flower Me Florist & Gifts

One of the best-kept secrets for a place to do some multi-tasking and shopping in the 1604/Guilbeau/Tezel area of San Antonio is a wonderful neighborhood place called Flower Me Florist & Gifts. It is also an official post office too. If you need to buy stamps or mail a package, it's only a few minutes away from my community of Braun Station off Tezel and Guilbeau. Located at 7729 Tezel Road at Mainland, it's open Monday through Friday from 9 to 6 and on Saturday from 9 to 2. Owner Gail Folk offers not only postal services, but her shop also includes ready made flower arrangements or made to order ones as well. Gifts for every occasion along with a wonderful selection of antique furniture make this a convenient and helpful neighborhood stop.

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Flower Me Gifts has recently added some of my framed art prints to this gift shop's inventory. The shop's friendly felines will also greet you as you browse. (Look for Tawny and Jewel in the photos below.) Hope you'll check it out soon!

~~Cindy~~www.cindymorawski.com

Jewel, the shop cat, showing the way to the Post Office

Kitty-Cat Tawny helping Rebecca at the P.O.

Welcome to Great Shopping!

Stained Glass Gift

Looking for some shopping advice?

Cheryl working on a flower arrangement

You've Got Mail!

Flowers for all occasions

Mirror image at the gift shop

*Photo Credits: Cindy Morawski & Rebecca Blayney

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August Art Shows:

Land and Sea Show, New Braunfels Art Gallery, 239 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, for the month of August

Old Town Helotes Fine Art Show

August 20, 21, 2010

San Antonio Galleries:

River Art Gallery at LaVillita

SAVA Gallery at the River Center Mall on Commerce

Hill Country Shopping:

Comfort Crockery, Fine & Useful Original Arts

402 Seventh Street, Comfort, TX

2011 Texas Summer Art Shows ~~ Cindy Morawski

2011-07-16T17:02:00.000-07:00

Texas Mockingbird

By the Lake

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2011

TEXAS SUMMER ART SHOWS

with

Four New Paintings

by Cindy Morawski

New Featured Artist of the Month Show

~~Landscape Artist,

Cindy Morawski~~

in Olmos Park

at Ciao Lavanderia/Ciao Vino

226 E. Olmos Drive

San Antonio, TX

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You're invited to a reception this Thursday, July 21st, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., featuring delicious Italian appetizers from Ciao Lavanderia's Chef David Walker and his wife Marie!

Third Thursday Art Show Reception will include my 2011 Summer SEASONS Show

The show runs from July 21 through August 17, 20111

http://www.ciaofoodandwine.com

www.cindymorawski.com

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More Shows . . .

New Braunfels Art League Gallery

239 West San Antonio Street

New Braunfels, TX

Special Show for July

TEXAS

www.newbraunfelsartleague.com

Coming in August . . .

Old Town Helotes Fine Art Show

Helotes, Texas

August 20, 21, 2011

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San Antonio Galleries:

River Art Gallery in LaVillita on the SA Riverwalk
SAVA Gallery at the River Center Mall on Commerce Street in San Antonio

Hill Country Gallery:

Comfort Crockery, Fine & Useful Original Arts

402 Seventh Street

Comfort, Texas

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Red Barn near the County Line Road

Tiger Swallowtail with Lilacs

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Hope you're having a great summer!

~~Cindy

Contact:

cski02@sbcglobal.net

Studio: 210.522.0706

TEXAS~~Special July Show!

2011-07-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

You're invited to the reception this Friday, July 8, 2011, from 5 to 8 p.m.

I'm participating in the Texas Show with 3 paintings: Texas Homestead, Hill Country Revival, and Daybreak at the Alamo.

The show runs through July at the New Braunfels Art League Gallery.

See you there!

~~Cindy

www.cindymorawski.com

Happy 4th of July! Feeling Grateful in 2011

2011-07-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

American Flag Flying High

Feeling Grateful in 2011

by Cindy Morawski

Military Tatoo in Washington DC

Thinking about the 4th of July can include picnics, parades, and fireworks. But, thinking about the 4th might also include some gratitude for the American Dream. If you have ever talked to someone who has recently become a citizen of the United States or someone who has lived apart from the U.S. for awhile, you might see some common threads~~Appreciation for what we're doing right. I'm not saying America is fault-free. Just like its citizens, Americans are a blend of good and bad, right and wrong. However, I still see our country as a place founded on solid and shining values and common sense.

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Our Capitol

What other place has "the pursuit of happiness" in its constitution? When I stayed for a month in Turkey over a decade ago, I kept getting asked, "Where is your husband?" Traveling as a woman alone is definitely frowned upon in some countries. When I returned to the United States and pursued more traveling later, I couldn't help but notice that that question was no longer asked. Freedom to move around, freedom to pursue happiness, and freedom to write this. All that and more moves me to say "yes" . . . yes, I want to celebrate the birth of our country! Red, white, and blue . . . stars and stripes forever . . . I pledge allegiance to the flag . . . I have a holiday, and it reminds me to be grateful. What a country!

Lovin' America!

Paul, the Patriot, pictured in Colonial Williamsburg

Colorful Patriotic American Home

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!

~~ Cindy

www.cindymorawski.com

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Photo EssayJune 2011Road Trip Travels and Inspiration ~~ Mackinac Island

2011-06-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

Rocky Island Coastline

Off the Bike Path

Clouds and Sky on our Road Trip

Lake Michigan Lighthouse

Arch Rock, 146 Feet above the water

Patriotic and Colorful Waterfront Home

No Cars Allowed!

Light and Shadow

Lovely Lilacs, Lilac Festival 2011

View of the Bay

Red Geraniums on a Victorian Porch

Shoreline Landscape

Mackinac's Garden Flowers

Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, City Park

Seagull Friend at First Rest Stop

British Landing on Mackinac Island

Tall Towering Trees on the Island

Coastline's Wild Flowers

Quaint Mackinac Home on Shoreline Blvd.

Inviting Rest Stop

Trinity Church

Tulips along the way . . .

Starline Ferry--Jet Power!

A View of Fort Street

Checking Out the Fort

Dave and Karen

Uncle Arthur and Aunt Nancy

Paul and Cindy

Say Cheese!

Grand Hotel

Smilin' Saber

Waiting for the Ferry

Wisconsin Countryside

Red Barns of Wisconsin

Photo Inspiration and Essay, My Summer Happiness Project 2011

by Cindy Morawski

Every now and then I get lucky. This past trip to Wisconsin and Michigan made me feel that way. I took my camera with me in the hope that I'd capture some of the countryside and landscapes along the journey. I hoped too that I'd gain some inspiration for my pastel paintings later on as well. When I first arrived in Wisconsin, the intensity of all those rain-fed greens almost made my eyes hurt. I had been used to seeing mostly browns in San Antonio due to the third biggest drought in Texan history this past year. However, I knew a 'Kodac Moment' when I saw one. Paul and I started out the first day in Wisconsin by hiking through a city park that borders my aunt and uncle's place. The light and shadows, wildflowers, grass pathways, and wildlife all contributed to a win-win walk through an outdoor wonderland. We even saw a napping muskrat along the bank of the local creek. Other sitings included a groundhog, butterflies, a squirrel, chipmunks, and a variety of birds.

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After a visit in Marinette in Northern Wisconsin at my Cousin David and his wife Karen's lovely home, we took to the road once more and traveled North onto the Upper Peninsula in Michigan. Lake Michigan was on our right as we advanced toward our goal-- Mackinac Island, another four hours away. When we arrived, we hopped a ferry and then 20 minutes later we stepped foot onto Mackinac. Horse-drawn carriages, fudge shops galore, and Victorian homes lined Shoreline Boulevard as we made our way toward our hotel, the Harbor View Inn, in order to check in and freshen up. After that, some of us rented bicycles and then we toured around the island, stopping for views and picture taking. The bicycling trip was definitely one of my personal highlights. The island's fresh air and great views along with our group's spirited energy all combined to make it seem like a perfect moment in time!

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Day two led us to Fort Mackinac and some fascinating living history. We all toured the fort and then extended our history trip by walking and visiting the historic places along Market Street, site for the early fur trading in Mackinac's resourceful past. Our final stop before we caught the 3 o'clock ferry back to the mainland was the Grand Hotel. Several pictures later, we walked back to Main Street and the nearby visitor's center and ferry boat dock. Rechecking to make sure we had all our luggage and bags, we made our way onto the ferry, looking back one more time to say good-bye to the island paradise known as Mackinac.

My Happiness Project-- the Lilac Festival on Mackinac Island

2011-06-25T15:48:00.000-07:00

The Lightness of Being with Lilacs and Leisure

--by Cindy Morawski

I've been reading a book by Gretchen Rubin called THE HAPPINESS PROJECT. Or, Why I spent a year trying to sing in the morning, clean out my closets, fight right, read Artistotle, and generally have more fun. I was searching for balance in my life. I needed a guide to give me permission to "generally have more fun." (If that makes any sense.) Getting introspective does no good at all if you're not willing to put helpful advice into practice. Therefore, I decided that it was high time that Paul and I put two of Gretchen's principles into play-- Be serious about Play and Make time for friends (and family). One item on both of our Bucket Lists was to travel more and to check out Mackinac Island in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. We also wanted to spend some time with family, my aunt and uncle, plus my cousin and his wife. Bingo! Both could be accomplished since they all lived in Wisconsin, near Michigan, and they all were interested in going on vacation to Mackinac Island for the Lilac Festival too. It seemed too good to be true!

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Island Ferry, a fun way to get to the island

Samuel Johnson once noted this about happiness, "As the Spanish proverb says, 'He, who would bring home the wealth of the Indies, must carry the wealth of the Indies with him.'" Just remembering the exhilarating fragrance of lilacs from my childhood days in Pennsylvania, I instinctively recognized the value of celebrating anything to do with the Lilac. I figured that I could bring home not only happiness, but enough good times to wash over into my life for many months in the future. That alone could make me a card-carrying person with improvements. My favorite color also just happens to be purple, and guess what color this particular flower happens to be? Sha-zizzle! I was ready for a road trip, a reunion, and an adventure.

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Haldimand Bay off Mackinac

Paul and I ended up in Milwaukee. He took the train because his lung collapsed on May 16th due to a biking accident at a nearby park. His doctor told him not to fly. Of course, I had booked our flights to Wisconsin months in advance with Orbitz. However, they wouldn't refund our money so I couldn't afford spending more money on train travel. In the end, we both used different modes of transportation. Although, the important thing was that we arrived around the same time in Wisconsin for our road trip and visit with the relatives. And, we did just that. My Uncle Arthur and Aunt Nancy picked us up in Milwaukee, and we then headed to Fort Atkinson where they live part of the year. The next day we started on our road trip to Marinette, home of my Cousin David and his wife Karen, which is north of Green Bay on Lake Michigan. Enjoying the luxury of not having to drive while experiencing a cooler climate and a beautiful landscape of fir trees and water along the way, we felt like we'd died and gone to heaven!

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Paul and Cousin Dave getting ready for a bike ride

I had learned a long time ago while riding horses as a kid, the importance of jumping back on after you've taken a toss from your mount. However, it's one thing to do it as a child who is more Gumby than human, and then quite another as a more fragile adult in late mid-life, who's recovering from a collapsed lung and five broken ribs. I wasn't sure after Paul spent almost an entire week in the hospital in May after his bicycle accident that he'd be jumping back on a bike anytime soon. In fact, during his first follow-up doctor's appointment, his doctor asked Paul if he had any questions. Paul replied, "Sure do. When can I return to normal activities? In other words, when can I go back to bike riding?" Without missing a beat, the physician returned, "You can go ahead with bicycling right away. But if you fall, you'll re-break your ribs and possibly hurt your lung again. You haven't finished healing; it's going to take six months for those ribs to completely heal." So, I was surprised when Paul agreed to rent bikes on the first day at the island. Dave, Karen, Paul, and I selected our cruisers and then glided down the street for a complete tour around Mackinac. Our first adventure!

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Fort Mackinac, firing off the cannon

On the second day of touring the island, my Uncle Arthur and Aunt Nancy joined us for some sightseeing at Fort Mackinac. This fort served as a military outpost for British, and later, American soldiers from 1780 to 1895. What delighted me most of all was the escape into the past with the living history all around us. Folks acted the parts of soldiers, wives, blacksmiths, and merchants in order to bring the past to life. The two soldiers in the photo asked us to plug our ears while they shot off the cannon. Later, four soldiers marched past and re-enacted a rifle demonstration in the green common area inside the fort's walls. On Market Street, we watched Robert Benjamin, the blacksmith, work on a design in metal and a daughter of the long-ago Biddle family cook stew over the fire in the fireplace. I took a plunge into the past while learning about the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in early Michigan. For me, happiness is not just reading about history; it's also seeing it come to life!

Victorian costume of an historic interpreter


Biddle House's Kitchen

My Family Touring the Fort


Uncle Arthur and Aunt Nancy

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Horse-Power, No Cars Allowed

Another aspect of my happiness project was to experience a slower pace of life, in other words, I needed to relax. While researching about Mackinac Island, I discovered that the island banned motorized vehicles in 1898-- transportation is on foot, by bicycle, or by horse-drawn carriage or wagon. Horses rule! Imagine settling into your bed at night with no horns honking, engines racing, or tires screeching. It's quiet, unless you count the clip-clop of horses' hooves on the narrow village streets. I grew up with ponies and horses. My all-time favorite animal is the horse. I knew I wanted to be on an island surrounded by horses. The health as well as happiness benefits of an exhaust-free atmosphere without car noise can be quite attractive. Getting around for me meant getting happy.

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Purple Power!

Early on in Gretchen's book she lists her Twelve Commandments. Number Four on her list is "Do it now." Well, I took her to heart. I not only made time for my family, but I also took time for a vacation. It was all good. I came back from that trip with a lightness in my step and a smile on my lips. My perspective shifted. Change had happened. I felt happy!

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~~Hope you have a happy summer! Please write and tell me of your adventures.~~

----Cindy

Cindy Morawski

www.cindymorawski.com

cski02@sbcglobal.net

Pond Warriors~~A Short Story and a Painting by Cindy Morawski

2011-05-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

Pond Warriors

by Cindy Morawski

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I could hear the frogs’ croaking song over the “American Idol” wannabe singing stars from our living room TV set. Could the neighbors hear it? Wondering to myself, I headed to the guest bedroom window to view the front ‘homemade’ pond that we’d installed a couple of years ago. The pond’s lights illuminated two frogs swimming jerky laps around the rocks and splashing central fountain. Looking downward at the water feature, I recalled standing on a Holiday Inn balcony, spying on fellow guests at the summer courtside pool. I thought about past vacations and late night swimming at different hotel pools. Now our pond was the neighborhood frogs’ version of a Holiday Inn retreat. Boy, what I would give to be one of those frogs right now. They looked like they were having a blast!

A week later, I put two and two together. Apparently, the frogs did have some fun. There were tiny tadpoles darting in and out of our pond’s rocks; and, there seemed to be millions of them hanging tightly onto anything that was horizontal. With no frog parents in sight, I concluded that these were abandoned children! Talk about irresponsible amphibian behavior! Although, my husband Paul and I were impressed that the frogs bestowed upon us the gift of their young. But, how should we care for them? We didn’t have any fish in the pond, so we weren’t treating the water for fish-life. What did tadpoles need to grow up to be big, healthy frogs? We googled on the internet and found out what to do next. After buying water conditioning products, we only added treated water so the tadpoles would not die from chlorine poisoning. Next, we used an old, torn screen from one of our windows to place around the water pump so they wouldn’t get sucked in and recycled into something else on the food chain. We added romaine lettuce leaves. Our informative tadpole guide told us that they liked lettuce. We thought we were on a roll. Proud of ourselves, we stood next to the pond with hands on hips, watching the little guys swim back and forth from the big rock to the small rock near the front of the pond. A couple hundred other tadpoles seemed to lack ambition. They opted for just lazying about on the shallow end without making any waves. Maybe they were really busy eating the green shadow of algae at the pond’s bottom. We worried that the still tadpoles might not be as healthy as the swimming ones on the other side.

The worries continued. The next afternoon when adding more conditioned water to the pond which happened to be down a couple of inches due to hotter weather and evaporation, I wondered if the tadpoles were hiding under the rocks. Where did all those millions of little swimmers go? I saw some clinging to a couple of algae-tinted rocks, but where was the big gathering? Were they hiding or camouflaged? My eyes darted back and forth trying in vain to see some sign of life. Finally, I gave up and went inside. That evening I trekked back out to the pond hoping to see the magic of a pond resurrected with teeming life forms, reassuring me that we humans had taken the right precautions for the frogs’ babies. The aquatic spotlights featured even fewer tadpoles. My stomach tightened. Ok, were they being body-snatched? Would I awaken to find myself inside a science-fiction-like dream? Star Trek’s “The Trouble with Tribbles” in reverse? Shaking my head and trying to clear my vision, I suddenly noticed a large, brown, roach-like waterbug crouched near the unsuspecting tadpoles. It sat motionless on a submerged, nearby rock. I had a funny feeling about this bug. Was it an alien in our underwater paradise? Without any time to kill, I pivoted and quickly sped inside to google myself into the world of waterbugs. Foe or Friend?? With our high-speed internet connection, in hardly any time at all, I found myself sullenly staring at a deadly creature nick-named “toe-biter”. It sucked the life force out of its prey. It resembled scary aliens I’d read about in sci-fi anthologies. It was the ENEMY! One of its favorite food items was tadpoles. It ranged all over North and South America. It flew, it swam, and it could even leave a human with a poisonous bite when cornered. These giant waterbugs could get as big as three inches in length. I noticed as I read on that I felt warmer. I could feel myself getting angry. Those poor, innocent tadpoles were the main course for lord-only-knows how many water-thugs. Justice needed to be served. But how?

After drafting my husband into my personal army of two, we headed outdoors in the dark, armed with a poled net and a long, sharp stick. We had a focused mission. Destroy all aquatic enemies! Regain enemy territory. Return it to the few, remaining tadpoles! Armed and dangerous, flashlight in hand, we readied for battle. The pond’s enemy seemed to have multiplied before our very eyes. Giant, menacing waterbugs were everywhere. On, under, and over rocks, the bugs fearlessly waited. We stood as one, gathering our military intelligence and a working battle strategy.
“Ok, you hold the flashlight, Paul. I’ll swoosh them out with the net. Then you smash them with the stick.”
“No, you hold the flashlight. I want to stab them with the stick in the water. Forget the clumsy net.”
We went back and forth. The battle was way-laid. Finally, we came to an armistice. I held the flashlight. Paul would do the smashing.
“Dang-it! I missed!” I could hear the frustration in Paul’s voice.
“All right, then. Let me have a crack at ‘em,” I volleyed back.
After several attempts at killing the giants, we still weren’t having any luck. Finally, I heard a deadly splash and a war hoop of delight. “Killed the sucker!” Paul sounded victorious.
I reached in with the net and retrieved the dead bug. It would be a specimen in a jar-memento of the battle effort, worthy of study later.
Genocide. Were we messing with Mother Nature? Well, we didn’t have to worry about wiping the giant waterbugs off the map. We were able to kill only a few. There were plenty more the following night. Armed and not-so-dangerous, we tried again. Feeling foolish, flashlights in hand, we wondered what the neighbors would think if we were caught red-handed in battle. Throwing caution to the wind, we just kept on plugging away with our guerilla tactics. We possessed a grim resolve, but the end was nowhere in sight. Eliminating those slippery, sneaky bugs was a lot harder than you could ever imagine. Finally, we shrugged and retreated to the house. Feeling defeated, we thought we had let the tadpoles down. In fact, we saw only a limited few that had survived the evil clutches of the toe-biters.

The next night, I didn’t have the heart to go out to stand by the pond. But, I did glance out the bedroom window, hoping to see the tadpoles reappear. Maybe, they had been safely hiding under some water plants. I sat in the window’s alcove dreaming of how they would continue to grow, in fact, evolve, back legs first, then the front legs. They would need air to breathe. Then, we’d see the transformation. There would be new-found frogs sitting on top of the rocks, jumping into the water by choice only. Mission accomplished! Rivet!!!

A splash in the corner of the pond distracted me from my nighttime reverie. I looked up. There was a large adult frog jumping deftly off a rock in the pond. It quickly surfaced. In its mouth was a three-inch waterbug. I looked again. Gulp. The bug disappeared into the frog’s mouth.

Back-up! The troops arrived just in the nick of time. Now we have a larger and fiercer army. “Colonel Frog at your command!” The Green Marines. Vindication comes in all sorts of packaging. It’s the Circle of Life.

Down by the Pond~~Paintings and a Personal Narrative

2011-05-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

Terrapene

Waiting for Lunch

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DOWN BY THE POND

by Cindy Morawski

Splash! I saw my turtle swim away from me into the late afternoon's watery shadows of the pond. I stared at the ripples waiting for him to surface. He did. And, as he came up for air, he turned his head and looked right into my eyes. I felt relieved to be acknowledged. Maybe he was grateful.

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First thing in the morning, I heard my dogs barking in the side yard so I went outside to see what all the fuss was about. I scanned around to see if there was someone walking by with a dog. I looked up into the trees for squirrels. Rusty and Phin-Dog could get very excited about seeing another dog or taking in the quick and quirky movement of a squirrel. Nothing so far. I started over to the backyard. I thought I'd check on the progress of the hedge that we had recently planted. I stood next to the hedge and sensed someone checking me out. It felt kind of weird because I didn't see anyone. I eyed the alley on the other side of our Japanese boxwood hedge. Now I spotted something. It wasn't moving, but it was alive. I moved toward it to get a better look. Awww, poor thing! I muttered to myself. The turtle stood still and allowed me to come closer. It looked like its shell had been mauled by something with some very large teeth. Although its head, legs, and tail looked all right. I decided to rescue it on the spot. No more close calls with dogs or coyotes for this reptile.

I called a friend of mine who rescues wildlife and asked her what I should do next. She said her neighbor had a pond and rescued turtles. It was a perfect solution. I drove the turtle over to the release location. Next, I gently picked him up from the box that I found in our garage, and then headed to the pond. Solidly placing my friend at the little pond's edge, I whispered good-bye and good luck, Terrapene, Latin for box turtle.

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I'm open to commissioned art work.

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Do you have someone or something that you'd like to honor with a painting? I take commissions for pet portraits, landscapes, and still lifes. If you'd like to honor your pet (any kind) with a keepsake painting, I could have it painted for you within two weeks. Just email or give me a photo and I could have it completed with a frame, and ready to hang, in no time. Also, if you would like to commemorate your home (inside or out), your yard or garden, a photo from your travels or a vacation, or some personal treasures such as found objects, antiques, dolls, collections, etc., I could paint those as well. What better way to give a gift to yourself or to a loved one than with a painting that you initiate with a commission. Please call or email me for prices and more details. (studio phone: 210.522.0706, email: cski02@sbcglobal.net)

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Hope you have a relaxing Memorial Day!

Congratulations to all you graduates too!

~~Cindy

Cindy Morawski

www.cindymorawski.com

Morawski Fine Art

SAVA Co-op Gallery~~Grand Opening!

2011-05-26T17:49:00.000-07:00

Lookin' Good!

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Come See . . .

the one and only~~

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SAVA CO-OP GALLERY

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River Center Mall

849 E. Commerce Street

San Antonio, Texas

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Open Now: Thursday through Sunday

11 to 6 Thursday through Saturday

12 to 6 on Sunday

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You're Invited!

Grand Opening Reception

Sunday, June 5, 2011

1 to 4 p.m.

Refreshments

People's Choice Awards

Unique Fine Art

~~Cindy

www.cindymorawski.com

Celebrate Texas, a local art show at SA's Central Library

2011-05-09T18:43:00.000-07:00

Best of Show! Left to right: Mary Lopez, Richard Bahn, and Timothy Jones

Refreshments and Conversation

Poster Greeting at the Central Library

Colorful Gallery Space~~Chihuly's Glass Sculpture

Texas Pastel Society's Regional Art Show

by Cindy Morawski

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CELEBRATE TEXAS, the 2011 TXPS Regional Juried Pastel Art Competition and Exhibition, met on Thursday, May 5th, for the opening and reception at San Antonio's Central Library at 600 Soledad. The reception kicked off at 6:00 p.m. and awards followed at 7:00 p.m. with Richard Bahn, landscape artist, receiving $500 and the BEST of Show award with his painting, Autumn's Echo.

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The Texas Pastel Society's exhibition will continue through June 18, 2011. Art categories include, landscapes, portraits, animals, and still life. Gallery hours are as follows: Monday through Thursday from 9 to 9, Friday and Saturday from 9 to 5, and Sunday, 11 to 5. More information can be found online at www.texaspastelsociety.blogspot.com.

I Am Haunted by Waters, Looking at LIfe and Art

2011-05-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

Peaceful Waters

Spring Reflections at Lost Maples

The Hills Are Alive

Sabinal Spa

Plein Air Painting

Ready, Set, Paint!

Firefox Cabin on the Sabinal

Medina River Stopover on the Way to Vanderpool

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I Am Haunted by Waters

by Cindy Morawski

Everyday that it doesn't rain, I feel a little blue. This Texas drought is bringing the waters down, and it's bringing me down too. The cracks in the ground in my neighborhood greenbelt are getting big enough to swallow a squirrel on the run. The soil is as dry as powder and looks like accumulated dust on the trail. I get thirsty just looking at those big Live Oak trees. How far down do their roots need to go to get some water, anyway?

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Our watering day is every Tuesday in San Antonio because our house number ends in a "3." We're now on Restricted Watering set by the San Antonio Water System or SAWS. We can't use our irrigation system but once a week, but we can hand water. I'm already feeling sorry for the local wildlife. I try to keep my birdbath filled so the birds and critters can get a drink. I saw a squirrel jump from our fence right onto the birdbath and then take a five-minute swill.

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Water is obviously an important focus to most of the living things on this planet. Some states in America are getting too much lately, and some like Texas are getting too little. I couldn't help but notice "the waters" when I recently spent a week at Lost Maples. I stopped at the Medina River for a photo and driving break on the way to Vanderpool and the Firefox Cabins where I planned to stay while I did some plein air painting with some artist friends. After arriving at my destination near Lost Maples State Park, I checked out the Sabinal River. Even though the water level was down, it still retained its natural beauty and its voice sang as it traveled across the rocks and through the land.

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Writer Norman Maclean once said, "Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of those rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters." I too am haunted by waters. I like to paint rivers, creeks, ponds, and the sea. Landscapes with water seem to energize me. Their spirit is one of beauty and healing. I am grateful for water.

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Besides admiring the rivers that flowed in the Texas Hill Country, I managed to do some landscape painting as well. I started with some plein air sketches and then moved onto field studies. After that, I worked on larger paintings. The above paintings were completed while in the field. With my painting entitled The Hills Are Alive, I tried to capture the movement and rhythm of the Hill Country. It's an impressionism style that goes for simplicity in shapes. The painting called Peaceful Waters, celebrates rivers in more of a representational manner. I incorporated the stillness of the water, the rough texture of the rocky cliffs, and the shadows of the day in order to tell time. With the reflection of the East Trail Pond in Lost Maples, I tried to show the freshness of spring with the colors of lime green and pink. The newness of sprouting leaves and grass along the horizon also tells of the season's announcement of Spring.

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Getting away from it all has its advantages. I came back not only inspired by my closeness to nature, but I also enjoyed learning new things from being surrounded by other artists. It was all good! And as John Muir once expressed, "Everybody needs beauty as much as bread, places to play in, and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike."

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I hope our drought will end soon. Look for me doing an outdoor Irish jig in the backyard to celebrate the first rain of the season. Think RAIN!!!

~~Cindy

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MORAWSKI FINE ART EVENTS

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Celebrate Texas, a Texas Pastel Society's regional juried art exhibition at San Antonio's Central Library through May

Art in Bloom, the New Braunfels Art League's spring show featuring all things flowers through May

Missions and More at the River Art Gallery at LaVillita on the San Antonio Riverwalk this month

New Gallery and New Paintings~~now open at the SAVA Gallery at the SA River Center Mall

Three works at the Foundry Coffeehouse on McCullough this month and next

*Hope you'll check out one or more of my art shows this month!

Spring's the Thing! Celebrating with Two More Paintings

2011-04-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

Spring Fling Paintings!

Spring's the Thing

I heard a coach say one time, "First we make our habits and then our habits make us." I recently thought about this and how it could make my life better. One habit I want to include in my life is the habit of celebrating life. Feeling joy is a win-win situation. It's a great mental and physical health tool, plus a positive way to spend your time. It just feels good!

Participating in last weekend's Fiesta Art Show sponsored by the Randolph Art League at Alamo Plaza on April 9th and 10th, not only helped me show and sell my art, but it also allowed me to celebrate Fiesta and to meet lots of wonderful people at the show. It gave me great joy to visit with all those folks who came by my tent. In fact, I took a survey and discovered that there were Fiesta visitors from as many as 30 different states in the U. S. and from 6 different countries. States ranged from the east to west coasts and the countries did as well with a range from Liverpool, England to Sydney, Australia. It was fun to not only find out where they were from, but to get to know them a little better. That part was priceless!

Another part of my experience that delighted me was my setting. I pitched my tent under the shade of a huge oak tree across from the Alamo, the Menger Hotel, and Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum. Everytime I looked up and saw the title under Ripley's--Odditorium, I couldn't help but giggle. I also enjoyed watching all the activities with the double-decker tourist buses, horse-led carriages, and stretch limos. They parked right behind me so I had a chance to watch the comings and goings of a city whose festival kept things movin' and shakin.' The Alamo's official gun salutes gave me a pause to Remember the Alamo and to keep in mind that it was time to Fiesta!

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Besides Fiesta, another spring thing of joy for me is my yard. Even with our Stage I watering development, my roses are blooming and their scent wafts over the garden, giving me a reason to stop and smell them, while enjoying their color and perfume; it manages to lift my spirits in seconds flat.

More JOY comes from my pets. Rusty and Phineas, my dogs, love to play in our community greenbelt. I love watching them run through the wildflowers when we go for a hike. Their abandon is contagious! It helps me forget the drudgery of daily chores and work-a-day problems. It's all good.

With Spring this year, I will choose to feel joy. Choose to look for a reason to celebrate life. My above two recent paintings are all about spring and celebrations. If you'd like to see more, please check out my website: www.cindymorawski.com.

HAPPY EASTER!!!

~~Cindy

2011 Texas Pastel Society's "Celebrate Texas"

2011-04-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

2010 Best of Show

Gypsy Shawl by Eunice Hundley

TEXAS PASTEL SOCIETY

"Celebrate Texas"

Regional Juried Competition/Exhibition

May 6 -- June 18, 2011

San Antonio Central Library Gallery

600 Soledad St.

San Antonio, Texas

Invitation~~

Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony

Thursday, May 5, 2011, 6 to 8 p.m.

Awards at 7:00 p.m.

Library Gallery Hours:

Mon. - Thurs., 9 to 9,

Fri. & Sat., 9 to 5,

Sun., 11 to 5

Remember the Alamo and the Alamo Plaza Art Show!

2011-04-06T18:41:00.000-07:00

Remember the Alamo!

also . . .

Fiesta 2011 is Here!

With Fiesta activities kicking off later this week, there will be lots of exciting and fun-filled choices for everyone. One choice that I hope you'll consider is the FIESTA ART SHOW sponsored by the Randolph Art League. It's located right in front of the ALAMO in Alamo Plaza. It officially gets started this Friday. I'll have my white tent set up this weekend on Saturday and Sunday, April 9th and 10th, from 10 to 5. My newest landscapes and animal paintings, prints, and art cards will be available with affordable show prices. Hope you'll come and check it out!

Another event coming up this week is the opening of the SAVA Co-op Gallery at River Center Mall on Commerce Street in downtown San Antonio. SAVA stands for San Antonio Visual Artists if you've never heard of it before. Our new gallery officially opens this Friday, April 8th, 11 to 4, when I'll also be working. Hope you'll come and visit. Days of operation include Thursday through Sunday each week. Paintings, photography, sculptures, jewelry, and more await you. Plus, check us out on Facebook for our promo video clips. Our Grand Opening Reception is open to the public next Thursday, April 14, 2011, 6 - 8 p.m. Awesome Art, Refreshments, and Great Conversation will all be a part of our reception. Don't forget to mark your calendar for next Thursday evening!

HAPPY FIESTA!!!

~~Cindy

Cindy Morawski

http://www.cindymorawski.com/

cski02@sbcglobal.net

210.522.0706

2011-03-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

47th STARVING ARTIST ART SHOW

Saturday-Sunday, April 2-3, 2011

10 am to 6 pm

SAHA Park (near downtown's King William District)

818 South Flores St. near S. Main & Sheridan St.

San Antonio, Texas

Free Parking , Food, & Lots of Shade

Entrance Fee: $3.00 (Children 12 & under free)

Look for me in Booth #125. Displays of my recent original paintings, matted prints, and art cards will be available for viewing or purchasing at my white tent.

Please come out and support this valuable Fund Raiser and our Local SA Artists.

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See you at the show!

~~Cindy

Cindy Morawski

www.cindymorawski.com

210.522.0706

cski02@sbcglobal.net

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

Coastline of Ireland
Photography of Ireland
by Cindy Morawski

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY !

Sending you good wishes!

Paul and Cindy

Memories of Ireland

2011-03-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

Shades of Ireland

Photography of Ireland by Cindy Morawski

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HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!!

Invitation:

SAVA Art Show and Opening

at The Foundry Coffee House

2720 McCullough @Huisache

San Antonio, TX 78212

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March 17, 2011

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Live Music, Refreshments, and Conversation

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A great way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and support San Antonio's local artists!

Hope you can join me!

~~Cindy

Cindy Morawski

Morawski Fine Art

www.cindymorawski.com

Spring Revival~New Landscape Painting and Narrative

2011-03-10T14:39:00.000-08:00

Hill Country Revival

Spring Landscape of Texas

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Spring's Revival

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by Cindy Morawski

One of the first signs of spring for me in San Antonio is the subtle purplish-mauve color of the red-bud tree's blossoms. They peek out from the bare branches of our suburb's landscape signaling more good things to come. While taking a stroll around our neighborhood yesterday, I also noticed that the Bradford pear trees had come to life with their white, lacy blooms. Meanwhile, buzzing bees are back, and stretches of grass surround shrubs that haven't lost their leaves in the winter. They all seem to appear a brighter shade of green. Spring is in the air!

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In honor of spring, I painted the above landscape Hill Country Revival, a Texas Landscape that depicts the land's recovery from winter. Wildflowers such as bluebonnets and prairie primrose dot the scene, while a rugged wagon lane leads you to a traditional Texas live oak tree and then further along into the country. A bright blue sky with soft puffy clouds announces new life as well. My plein air framed painting measures 11x14. It's now available as an original or print for purchase. Please check-out my website's gallery for more details. www.cindymorawski.com

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If you're looking for a spring break outing next week, consider killing two birds with one stone, so-to-speak. The Bright Shawl Art Gallery and Lunch Tea Room is a great destination. Located at 819 Augusta in San Antonio, it is easy to access because it's just a few blocks off I-35 North. The Texas Pastel Society's Art Exhibit, featuring three of my landscapes, is currently showing at the Bright Shawl and will be running through May 6th. The gallery is open daily from 9 to 4. Lunch at the tea room and gallery exhibit is open weekdays, except for Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chef John, a Culinary Institute of New York graduate, prepares delicious and affordable menus and buffets throughout the week. Paul and I sampled the buffet on March 1st and thought it was fantastic. We'd definitely recommend it! The tea room is filled with the natural light of a beautiful courtyard that is adjacent to the building. The Bright Shawl, a charming limestone cottage, was originally known as the King home, and it is now a Texas landmark. Its spacious facility accomodates groups for all types of receptions and banquets with catering and party planning also available. It's one of San Antonio's best-kept secrets in my opinion!

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HAPPY SPRING!!!

~~Cindy

Morawski Fine Art

Mockingbird Studio and Gallery

8603 Waldon Hts.

San Antonio, TX 78254

210-522-0706

cski02@sbcglobal.net

All the Things I Don't Want

2011-02-25T16:30:00.000-08:00

Springtime Stroll in the Suburbs

by Cindy Morawski

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All the Things I Don't Want

Oscar Wilde once said, "If you don't get everything you want, think of the things you don't get that you don't want." When I look at my life like that, things start coming up roses. (Imagine Ethel Merman on stage belting out that song.) OK, I just had a mean case of the flu, and I recovered, but I haven't had any debilitating diseases, hospitalization, or the debt that might go with it. When I also examine the bleak and tragic life of poverty that affects millions all around the world, I again can consider myself pretty lucky. No, I haven't won the lottery--big-time, nor do I have a vacation home in a far- off place, but living with a fair amount of security in Middle Class America, I know I'm doing all right. Unless, of course, on the other hand, our state government collapses and takes away my teacher retirement. Or, social security goes missing-in-action for Paul when he's ready to start collecting. Hey, if you are paying attention to what they're saying in the news, it could happen! But, hey, I'm getting sidetracked. I'm trying to remain positive. Getting back to Oscar Wilde's quotation, there are other things that I don't want, and I have a fairly good idea that I'm not going to get them. I don't want drug addiction; I even hate swallowing aspirin. I go out of the way to avoid drugs of any kind unless I absolutely need anti-biotics. I don't see myself ever getting trapped in a room full of my friends and family, then looking around, and discovering that it's intervention time, followed by rehab! It's something I don't want, and I'm not going to get it. Unless, of course, you count my addiction to chocolate. Hmmmm.

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Recently, I've been reading some travelogues that have been coming through by way of email. They get forwarded to me by a friend of a friend. I'm absolutely fascinated with the young gypsy couple who are going on the cheap and visiting third world countries with exotic sounding names, food, and modes of transportation. On the otherhand, I'm glad I'm traveling by way of my armchair and laptop. Even though I've always had a passion for traveling and have done a good bit of it myself, I balk at the idea of risking life and limb while in a foreign country with an unstable and corrupt government. I'm elated at the notion of not rotting in some rat-infested prison, not getting tortured with burning filterless cigarettes or a buzzing electric current, or not starving to death on gruel and dirty water. I can hear my stomache growling already. I hesitate when I think about risking my health by getting bitten by something that could kill me in seconds flat or lead to a long, cruel illness that would end in a parasitic nightmare. Too weak to lift a finger to do anything about it. I've read about those places. You know where I'm talking about. Just thinking about what I don't want in traveling, thrills me to the core. Because, I can choose not to go to those places! And, believe me, I won't spend the time or money. Boy, I can see a pattern here. I could be a lot happier if I just paid attention to all the things I am not getting, and that I don't want. This is having a rather calming effect on me.

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Now, when I think about all the things that I don't want, and that I don't have, I feel enlightened. I feel strong. I feel reassured. What was that expression I noticed on someone's t-shirt at the Gap? Life is Good! It could happen . . .

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Getting back to my artwork and painting, the scene of the above landscape takes place in one of my favorite places on the planet, Braun Station, the neighborhood and communtity where I live. I chose this as a subject worthy of painting because it's a place that's near and dear to my heart. The landscape is taken from the Braun Station Greenbelt located between Tezel and Lavenham. In fact, I found through my BSW Book Club selection for March, Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, something that lit up a lightbulb in my head. This book discusses how success happens to people. Sometimes, it's not in the conventional ways that you would assume. The book started out with a case study of a town of Italian immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania. The people named their town Roseto after their birthplace in Italy southeast of Rome. The American Rosetans later became well-known in the medical community for their good health. Rarely did the folks from Roseto, Pennsylvania, die on account of heart disease. After a great many exhaustive studies and research, they also found that there was no suicide, no alcoholism, no ulcers, and little crime in their community. People in Roseto were dying of old age. And, that was all. What was the cause of all these good things in Roseto? Diet and Exercise? No. Genetics? Nope. The secret to Roseto was Roseto itself. The Rosetans had created a social structure and world that was powerful and protective. Their success was built on the community that they had created. When we as humans are a part of a solid family, a friendly and helpful neighborhood, or a caring and integrated community that helps us build positive relationships and protects us in a positive and healthy way, that in itself can have a profound effect on who we are. It can build SUCCESS. Understanding some things can help foster a better life.

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I hope you'll consider purchasing my painting, or a reproduction of it by way of a print or art card. I'm a phone call or email away. Plus, I hope you'll branch out your reading with a self-improvement book. You could start with OUTLIERS.

~~Happy Pondering!

Cindy

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MORAWSKI FINE ART

ART EVENTS CALENDAR

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1. Texas Pastel Society's All Members Show at the Carver Cultural Center, 226 N. Hackberry, San Antonio, March 2 through 15, Open Reception to the Public next Thursday, March 3rd, 6 to 9 p.m

2. TXPS Bright Shawl Gallery Exhibit, 819 Augusta St., San Antonio, February 12 - May 6, 2011

3. Corpus Christi~~Festival of the Arts, March 26, 27, 2011, 10 to 7, Saturday and 10 to 6 on Sunday

4. Starving Artists Show, SAHA Park near the King William District in downtown San Antonio, April 2, 3, 2011, 10 to 6 each day, Booth #125

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Cindy Morawski

http://www.cindymorawski.com/ cski02@sbcglobal.net

210.522.0706

Looking Homeward, Texas Landscape Paintings

2011-02-23T08:19:00.000-08:00

Cattle Guard at the LBJ Ranch

by Cindy Morawkski

Texas Homestead
by Cindy Morawski

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Looking Homeward
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While recovering from the flu and trying hard to take it easy, I thought of similes for this dreaded illness. I didn't want to completely succumb to becoming a human vegetable. So, I started with this. The flu is like hot sauce. It stays with you longer than you'd planned. It works on your sinuses. Have lots of kleenex handy! It can take away your appetite when applied in large doses. The list continued. The flu is like Alaska. Its fever's chills make you feel like you're in a cold and dark winter place. After several days with the flu, you not only resemble a grizzly bear, an Alaskan beast in the wild, but you have an attitude like one too. Hear me roar! Blue from the flu. And that was only the first week. Week two made me fantasize about being granted only one wish by my magic genie. Guess what that would be? Good HEALTH!

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I also started thinking about what I'd like to paint when I got over the flu. I decided to start at home with Texas. The above scene is taken from Johnson City. If you visit the LBJ Ranch, there's a 19th century homestead that you can visit. Living history is available through volunteers who dress and recreate farm life from the past. Chickens, pigs, cows, and sheep are also a part of the domestic scene. A vegetable garden provides food for the farm. Volunteers make lunch using the fresh produce right out of the garden. Everything's organic and homegrown. Sounds familiar, huh? Good ideas often get recycled.

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Another familiar scene at the LBJ Ranch involves the familiar wide open spaces of a working Texan ranch complete with beef cattle. The LBJ cattle happen to be Herefords or whitefaces. I recognized them right away because I grew up with white-faced Herefords on our farm. Curly white hair on their broad heads and dark rusty-red, stocky bodies help them stand out when grazing in a green pasture. The Hereford breed originated in the county of Hereford in England. I also remember how adorable the young calves were on our farm. Their pint-sized spunky bawling kicks and head butts gave them a lively air. And when they affectionately licked my fingers and looked into my eyes with that dark-blue steady gaze, I was hooked. I didn't even try to resist them. The calves on our farm had two kinds of mothers--their loving whiteface mother and their human "mom"--little 'ol me. Getting hugged was just part of getting mothered as a calf by this farm girl.

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If you would like to purchase these Texas landscapes, just check out my website gallery. The sizes and prices will be listed. www.cindymorawski.com Better yet, come by and see them in person. Just call ahead for an appointment and you can visit my home gallery. 210-522-0706.

I'm back at work now and will be glad to give you a tour.

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Wishing you good health!

~~Cindy

Cindy Morawski

Mockingbird Studio and Gallery

Morawski Fine Art

cski02@sbcglobal.net

8603 Waldon Hts.

San Antonio, TX 78254

Snow Holiday in San Antonio, Texas!

2011-02-04T08:24:00.000-08:00

Sled Dog in Training

Yes, that white stuff is snow!

Ice Formations in our Front Pond

San Antonio Neighborhood~~Snowy Street

Icicles in our Backyard Fountain

Greenbelt Snowy Path

I'm a Lab and I say YES to Snow!

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Photo Essay of Snow in San Antonio, February 4, 2011

by Cindy Morawski

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Yes, it can snow in San Antonio, Texas! We're having a holiday today because of cold weather, ice, and snow. The schools, workplaces, and roads are closed. The weather forecasters are doing a marathon weather report on our local TV and radio stations. "Don't go out on the roads. All the major interstates and highways are closed. It's dangerous!" I've been hearing that reported all morning long on KENS-TV, a local San Antonio TV station. I heard the laughter of children when I ventured out around 8:00 this morning. They were excited about their school's closure, and some were trying to make snowballs and even sled ride with garbage can lids on the icy streets. Our dogs, Phineas and Rusty, weren't quite sure what that white stuff was on the ground. They sniffed, licked, and finally bit it. And, then the next thing was to initiate the final test . . . making their mark . . . yellow snow!

I don't know about you, but I plan on having an extra cup of hot chocolate, taking in a home movie, and catching up on my third Stieg Larsson novel. Hey, isn't that what a winter holiday is for? Hope you all have fun! Stay warm!

~~Cindy

Photo Essay: A Winter's Tale of Ellwood City, PA

2011-01-16T08:47:00.000-08:00

Tracks along the Beaver River

River in Flux from the Koppel Bridge

Home for the Holidays, Welcome Wreaths

School's Out Forever, Past Ellwood Ewing Elementary School

What do snowmen eat for breakfast? Frosted Flakes.
Ewing Park Holiday Display

Connoquenessing Creek, a Tributary to the Beaver River

Off Main Street

A Walk through the Park

Nature Trail, Ewing Park in Ellwood City

Misty Morning near the High School

Koppel Plant, Industrial Might: Past and Present

Lincoln High School, 8:50 a.m.

Snowy Path on a Winter's Day

Pine and Ice

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Photo Essay: A Winter's Tale of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, December 29, 2010

by Cindy Morawski

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Here's one person's perspective through photography. My focus~~Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, December 29, 2010. I also wanted to explain that I didn't try to capture everything about Ellwood, but I was interested in what I could see outdoors in the way of cityscapes, landscapes, buildings, and bridges. I didn't grow up here either. It wasn't until my brother and mother moved here from the Enon Valley area awhile ago that I even took special notice of it. Now it's a place that I visit for birthdays, holidays, and vacations. I get reconnected with my family here. I've adopted this place so to speak. It's on my geographical and social radar.

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Ellwood City is located in Western Pennsylvania. It's about an hour north of Pittsburgh and about an hour east of Youngstown, Ohio. Its past speaks about steel and manufacturing. It's present tells a different story. It seems to me like a place that is trying to reinvent itself for the future. I hope it will not only survive but thrive in the 21st century. Like a lot of small American towns in our post-industrial era, it appears a little fragile from someone on the outside, looking in. Although everytime I visit, I meet lots of strong people who love their city and will not only stay in Ellwood, but they'll work to make their home strong too. I have a great deal of respect for that. My hat's off to you~~Ellwood!

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www.cindymorawski.com

Winter Landscape for January 2011

2011-01-15T12:21:00.000-08:00

December River, Water and Ice from the Koppel Bridge

Winter Landscape for 2011
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Traveling back to Western Pennsylvania in late December was like tripping into a past time tunnel. When my jet plane banked and headed into the Pittsburgh area on December 28th, I couldn't help but stare out at the cold and stark landscape. The cityscape's lights and snowy features below winked up at me, a reminder of where I would soon be landing. After gathering my bags and picking up the keys for my rental car, I headed out the door. Blast! Cold teen temperatures assaulted my warm cheeks. Wisps of cold air blew through my mouth like I was chain-smoking. Whew! It had been awhile since I had been this far north in the winter. Brrrrr! Looking around for my Mazda 3 rental, I clicked the trunk open, deposited my suitcase, and hurriedly jumped inside. Searching frantically for the car's heater, I momentarily slid back to a remembered time when I was sliding sidewise down a steep hill on the way back to college after a weekend home visit. The icy slope held no traction for my car's tires, and I free-wheeled in reverse all the way back down the hill. After taking a deep breath for a second run, I made it to the hilltop, relieved that I hadn't ploughed into any oncoming traffic. Yes, winter is not for the faint-hearted in these cold climates!

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On the second day back for my holiday visit to Pennsylvania, I decided to travel by foot across the longest local bridge, one that connected the towns of Koppel and Ellwood City. I wanted to have a good view of the Beaver River, a waterway that eventually flowed into Pittsburgh and the Ohio River. I noticed that the river had been frozen, but it was melting and in transition with huge ice floes floating around like lily pads in a pond. The sun sparkled off the water and ice that afternoon, the mist banked into corners farther back into the hills and woods. The effect seemed ethereal and magic-like. Dressed warmly, I lingered and looked at that December River, a scene I didn't want too soon to forget. The snow padded the riverbanks and gave fresh touches to dreary tans and grays. The bare trees stood like sentinels in place, guarding the river's flow in time and space. I photographed the river as I sludged through the snow on the pedestrian's walkway. Judging by the amount of snow on the path, the bridge was crossed normally not by foot but by car.

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After getting my mother returned home safely, visiting with family and friends, and taking in the local winter landscapes, I headed back to Texas. I couldn't wait to look at my photographs and get started with a painting. The painting materialized from a couple of edited photographs. I started with an underpainting of pastel and mineral spirits. Then I sketched in my design and composition. After that, I worked on my values, complimentary colors, and details. I wanted to give an impression rather than a realistic view of the river. I also wanted to provide a real feel for the chilly side of a blue winter landscape. For practical matters, this painting's image measures 11 x 14. The price mentioned in my gallery also includes the framing.

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I hope you'll come by and see my new landscapes. Please call ahead for an appointment and I'll put the kettle on as well. For 2011, I also have art calendars available for sale that feature landscapes that celebrate the seasons. Please put your order in soon, and if you mention this blog, I'll take off 20 percent. Hope you have a happy and healthy new year in 2011!!

~~Cindy

www.cindymorawski.com

Mockingbird Studio

8603 Waldon Hts.

San Antonio, TX 78254

Phone: 210-522-0706

Christmas Comfort with a Painting about the Past

2010-12-07T05:22:00.000-08:00

Early Winter at the Old Mill

~~Cindy Morawski

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At high noon last Saturday, I started my painting demo for Old World Christmas at the Comfort Crockery. The town of Comfort outside of San Antonio was celebrating Christmas in high style with the local shops getting into the Holiday Spirit in various ways. At the Comfort Crockery, one of the shops/galleries for some of my artwork, the holiday celebration began with artists' demonstrations and ended with entertainment featuring the River Pickers. Wine Tasting and appetizers by the Bending Branch Winery were also at hand.

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My presentation included a talk about the History of Pastel and a painting demo. I explained the technique of underpainting using a wash of pastels and mineral spirits. Next, I showed the materials and tools I use to create a pastel painting. Then, I launched into the painting itself while describing the setting for my winter landscape, McConnell's Mill in Butler County, Pennsylvania. The finished work is pictured above. The framed painting measures 11 x 14 and is currently for sale. For more details, see my online gallery at http://www.cindymorawski.com/.

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Neighborhood Christmas shopping will be available this Saturday, December 11, 2010, from 9 to 3, at Coke R. Stevenson Middle School at 8403 Tezel Road, San Antonio, TX 78254. Stevenson's Holiday Arts & Crafts Show will feature as many as 40 different vendors with a variety of shopping possbilities for your Christmas gift list. Please look for my holiday display in the school cafeteria this Saturday. I will be selling a new Christmas item this year, Snowman Soup, along with my winter landscape art cards in gift- boxed sets, individual art cards, framed miniature paintings, and art gift bags. My above featured painting, Early Winter at the Old Mill will also be available for purchase. Hope to see you this Saturday!

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HAPPY HOLIDAY SHOPPING!

~~Cindy

http://www.cindymorawski.com/

Getting the Christmas Spirit with Winter Landscapes

2010-11-12T06:49:00.000-08:00

Cold Country Christmas

Winter Blue Jay

Blue Ice at Cold Creek

Stopping by Reichert's Woods

A Chill Wind

Winter Solstice

Christmas Blue Jay

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Getting into the Holiday Spirit!

~~Holiday Invitation~~

Announcing the 22nd Annual Wolfson House

Christmas Arts & Crafts Show

Visit, tour, shop, and enjoy holiday refreshments at San Antonio's Historic Wolfson House

415 Broadway in San Antonio, Texas

Monday, November 15 through Friday, November 19, 2010

10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Saturday, November 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Free Admission, Free Parking, Free Homemade Refreshments!

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Please join me at the Wolfson House. Look for my Christmas display and items upstairs by the fireplace. I'll be a hostess on Thursday afteroon from 2 to 6. The show will be open all next week from Monday through Saturday. It's a great way to get into the Holiday Spirit and to do some early Christmas shopping too. Plus, if you are interested in sending original art cards for your holiday greetings, consider ordering one or more of my winter or holiday landscapes this year. You can buy them individually or in a box set. Individual cards cost $3 each. Boxed sets vary, depending on how many you order. But, the more you buy, the more you save. Please call or email me if you want to order for the holidays. (Phone: 210-522-0706) (Email: mfa09@sbcglobal.net) Thanks!!!

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Morawski Fine Art Calendar Events:

Texas Muse: Juried Art Show Exhibit at San Antonio's Emily Morgan Hotel, November & December 2010
Think Pink! SAVA's Fundraiser for Breast Cancer at the Downtown River Center Mall's Gallery, November 2010
Wolfson House Christmas Arts & Crafts Show, third week of November 2010
Old World Christmas at the Comfort Crockery in Comfort, Texas, December 4th, 2010, 9 to 4, with my Winter Landscape Demo from 2 to 4 pm, same day

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

~~Cindy~~

BSW Community Sale & Fall Fest & Holiday Art Sale

2010-10-14T15:39:00.000-07:00

Strange Pals of Halloween (Photo),

Featuring my cat, Mattie

Fun Faces of Halloween, (Photo)

Halloween Phantom Cat, (Photo)

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OCTOBER BSW COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE NEWS

BSW is having its Community Garage Sale this Saturday, October 16, 2010. The BSW Women's Club is also doing a fundraiser now for a spring college scholarship regarding a deserving resident high school student. Garage Sale Donations can be dropped off at the Tezel Road Clubhouse tomorrow or Friday, October 15th. They will be having a huge sale in the Clubhouse parking lot on Saturday.

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My FALL & HOLIDAY Backyard ART SALE will also take place this Saturday, October 16th, from 9 to 3 at 8603 Waldon Heights in Braun Station West off Braun Road in San Antonio. Look for my neighborhood signs and display. Original art, reproductions, photography, and holiday and fall art cards will all be available at affordable prices. If you're looking for a Halloween card or a Thinking of You Autumn card, I have photo and art cards priced at $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00. If you're thinking about Christmas early, I can also make you Original Art Christmas Cards. You can put in your order early and beat the rush. Hope you'll drop by on Saturday!

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You're also Invited to San Antonio's

Fall Arts Expo & Fair

"Fall in Love with Your Fire Museum"

Sunday, October 17th, 2-7 PM

11354 Vance Jackson Rd.

San Antonio, TX 78230

www.sanantoniofiremuseum.org

Performances by Patsy Torres, West Kings Highway Jazz Band
Refreshments
Local Artists (Look for my booth!)
Fire Museum Artifacts
Free Admission
See you Sunday!!!

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HAPPY FALL & HALLOWEEN!!!

~~Cindy

Art Bloggin' and Photo Postin'~~Girls Just Want to Have Fun!

2010-10-09T15:01:00.000-07:00

ARToberfest Award at the NBAL Gala last night

Buda Fine Arts Festival October Booth Display

Folk Singers at the Buda Fine Arts Festival

Under the Big Top Tent in Buda last weekend

Comfort Crockery, Home for some of my ART

September Comfort Art Walk Demo:

Fall Landscape

Inspire's On Fire 2010 Celebration & September Reception

New Braunfels Heist Art Fest~~ Hot August Art!!!

Looking at Both Sides~~ My Recent ART Festivals, Receptions, and Demos

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In the '80's, Cindy Lauper once or twice sang her heart out with the song "Girls Just Want to Have Fun!" I remember havin' fun and dancin' to those lyrics. When you're following a path that makes you happy, it is like a dance and it certainly is fun! Creating and sharing art for me is one great big Cindy Lauper dance. At least, most of the time. The festivals, receptions, and galas' mix of people, music, refreshments, and ART are certainly intoxicating for me. The moment of inspiration, the creative process, and the kudos for a painting's completion give off a celebratory vibe too. It all reinforces the equation of : ART = Life is Good!

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On the otherhand, there are moments of martyrdom when the outdoor festivals' and demos' temps dip into the freezing 30's, and the summer's equinox reaches a heat index of way over 100 degrees. As a result, the weather can have a huge negative impact on the life of a traveling artist. Sometimes, experiencing the aftermath of a long weekend festival rivals with all the symptoms of a bad hangover or a lousy flu bug. The exhaustion from all that organizing, packing, driving, repacking, selling, number- crunching, and greasy food - on - the - run takes its toll. Sunburn, heartburn . . . it's sometimes the flip-side of the record. In fact, the other side of the vinyl should be called "Land of Confusion" by Phin Collins and Genesis.

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For me though, life is about the balance. The ying and the yang. Give me both sides. After a long ride back from an exhausting art show, I can't help but hang on to the smile and comment of a recent patron who bought one of my pieces. "I'm going to go on a relaxing vacation when I look at your landscape in my living room. I really like your art!"

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Autumn ART News

Look for me in the following Fall Places & Events:

New River Art Group Membership in September~~ Look for my art at the Gallery by the Little Church in Lavillita on the Riverwalk. Come visit the gallery and shop on the first Monday of the month when I'll be working.
Georgetown's Art Hop 2010~~ Come see my juried painting in Abbey's Home Furnishings this month during October.
ARToberfest, an NBAL Juried Exhbition~~ On October 8th, I won an Honorable Mention Award for my recent painting, "Turquoise Door." The show runs now through November 10th at the New Braunfels Art League Gallery, 239 west San Antonio Street. Two of my paintings were accepted.
San Antonio Fall Arts Expo & Fair~~You're invited! Sunday, Oct. 17th, 2 to 7 p.m., 11354 Vance Jackson Rd.~~San Antonio Fire Museum Society Fundraiser, "Fall in Love with Your Fire Museum." Come enjoy food, refreshments, music, dance, and Original Works of Art by San Antonio's Artists~~ FREE Admission!
Local Artists' Slap Down! US Martial Arts Training Center in Converse~~ Opening reception of the Art Across the Americas Exhibit on Sunday, Nov. 7th from 3 to 7 p.m. Local artists will do demos at 4 pm followed by a silent auction.
Spirits & Demons! Fall and Halloween Art Exhibit with the Schertz Area Art Council, now through Nov. 18th at the Schertz Civic Center. Halloween Party Reception, Public invited . . . 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 21st~~Square Dancing, Refreshments, and Costume Contest.

A Change of Seasons, New Paintings from Cindy Morawski

2010-09-28T06:26:00.000-07:00

Bandelier Monument

Turquoise Door

Late Night at the Pumpkin Patch

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A Change of Seasons

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Running and laughing down the greenbelt trail with my dogs yesterday marked a celebration. It was the first day of fall in San Antonio. A cool front moved in finally. The rain forest mugginess of the last two weeks lifted, and it was cool and dry when I opened the garage door with Rusty and Phineas beside me at the end of their leashes. The forecast said it was going to be comfortable. Yeah, they got this one right! The chilly air sent goosebumps up my spine. Champagne weather! I felt ready to drink it all in.

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As I dodged the rocks and uneven surfaces on yesterday morning's trail, I was jarred into a sudden shift in time. I remembered jogging down a muddy Gilmore Road when I was twelve and living on my family's dairy farm in Pennsylvania. My feet felt lighter than air without my winter boots weighing me down. It was the first day of spring and our farmland was just beginning to thaw out. Mud had replaced the snow, but that wasn't going to keep me from wearing my tennis shoes. No more boots for awhile. It reminded me of all those times at the East Palestine Roller Rink when I'd take off my roller skates at the end of a fun skating session, walk out of the building into the parking lot, and have the distinct sensation that I was floating over the ground. I felt that light.

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Living in South Texas decades later, I can still appreciate the change of seasons. No matter that my longings have shifted from spring to fall. I can still celebrate the joy of liberation from oppressive weather and the ability to play or work outside without suffering like a martyr. Just like years ago, I've made it through another tough season, but this time it's not a long, cold winter; this time it's a long, hot summer. So bring on the pumpkins, the falling leaves, the chill in the air. I'm ready! I'm going to give thanks for the change in seasons.

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To celebrate the seasons, I included an earlier fall painting entitled Late Night at the Pumpkin Patch. I also included two recent works from a past trip to New Mexico. Turquoise Door is a scene from Canyon Road in Santa Fe, and Bandelier Monument revisits my love of that natural shrine in the setting of one of our nation's national park treasures near Santa Fe.

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Happy Autumn Days!!!

~~Cindy

Support Texas Artists in the Buda Fine Arts Festival

2010-09-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

~~Special Invitation~~

Buda Fine Arts Festival

October 1 - 3, 2010

Art Premier--Friday, Oct. 1st, 7--10 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 2nd, 10 -- 6

Sunday, Oct. 3rd, 10 -- 4

Located on the Greenbelt in Historic Downtown Buda, Texas

Featured Artist on above card: Shou Ping, Paper Sculpture

Over 50 Artists

Live Music, Silent Auction

Quilt Show, Children's Art Area

Free Festival Admission on Oct. 2 & 3

Oct. 1st's premier, wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres with private showing, entry $15 at the door

www.BudaFineArtsFestival.com

*I was juried into this event. I'm also looking forward to exhibiting my art in this exciting fine arts festival! Hope you will join me!!!

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Crimson October, new 2010 pastel autumn landscape, 14 x 16

by Cindy Morawski

Welcome, Autumn! It officially begins soon on September 23rd. To kick it off this Season, I'd like to invite you to join me in the Buda Fine Arts Festival during the first weekend of October. The temperatures will be cooling off and the Texas Hill Country beckons . . . I have new paintings along with some of my gallery favorites that I'll be exhibiting and selling at the festival. Celebrate the ARTS in 2010 by supporting Texas Artists!

See you soon!

FALLING for AUTUMN,

~~Cindy

Seasons

Hey, Pardner! Time for Rodeo Limericks & Art Work

Art and Haiku for the New Year

Brave New World of 2012

Discovering Comfort~~Mata Ortiz Pottery and More

Wilkome to a Glimpse into the Past~~Photos and Narrative of Castroville, Texas

Looking for Paradise in a Place Called Utopia

Finding COMFORT in a small town outside San Antonio

Open House~~Holiday Wolfson House~~Nov. 14 - 19, 2011

Local FALL FESTIVAL 2011

BUDA FINE ARTS FESTIVAL this weekend

A Place with a View~~Ghost Ranch, N.M.

Columbus Day Discovery~~Ghost Ranch Paintings

Birds of a Feather . . . Recent Paintings of Birds

May All your Wishes Come True~~The Wishing Tree, a Painting by Cindy Morawski

Photographic Observations

August is the Color of Red~~A Photo Essay

Inspired by Wisconsin~~Summer Art Season

Neighborhood Dining and Shopping

2011 Texas Summer Art Shows ~~ Cindy Morawski

TEXAS~~Special July Show!

Happy 4th of July! Feeling Grateful in 2011

Photo Essay~~June 2011~~Road Trip Travels and Inspiration ~~ Mackinac Island

My Happiness Project-- the Lilac Festival on Mackinac Island

Pond Warriors~~A Short Story and a Painting by Cindy Morawski

Down by the Pond~~Paintings and a Personal Narrative

SAVA Co-op Gallery~~Grand Opening!

Celebrate Texas, a local art show at SA's Central Library

I Am Haunted by Waters, Looking at LIfe and Art

Spring's the Thing! Celebrating with Two More Paintings

2011 Texas Pastel Society's "Celebrate Texas"

Remember the Alamo and the Alamo Plaza Art Show!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Memories of Ireland

Spring Revival~New Landscape Painting and Narrative

All the Things I Don't Want

Looking Homeward, Texas Landscape Paintings

Snow Holiday in San Antonio, Texas!

Photo Essay: A Winter's Tale of Ellwood City, PA

Winter Landscape for January 2011

Christmas Comfort with a Painting about the Past

Getting the Christmas Spirit with Winter Landscapes

BSW Community Sale & Fall Fest & Holiday Art Sale

Art Bloggin' and Photo Postin'~~Girls Just Want to Have Fun!

A Change of Seasons, New Paintings from Cindy Morawski

Support Texas Artists in the Buda Fine Arts Festival

Open HouseHoliday Wolfson HouseNov. 14 - 19, 2011

Photo EssayJune 2011Road Trip Travels and Inspiration ~~ Mackinac Island