Anyone else excited about this???

Staggering Picasso Trove Turns Up in France

Artist's point of view here, sorry, but I am VERY excited about this. It's almost as awesome as finding an endangered species alive after decades that its' been missing.

Excitement aside, I am pissed. First at Le Guennec for hiding it for so long. But then again, he's old and has prioritized dealing with his health and family first. But why wait this long? And why not have them signed?
I told my my sis in law that I am planning to make a painting for her boys' rooms. And the first thing she says? "i will make sure you sign it". S---, even children the age of 10 know the value of a signed baseball, FFS.

"When Picasso made just a little drawing on a metro ticket, he would keep it," said Jean-Jacques Neuer, a lawyer for Picasso's estate. "To think he could have given 271 works of art to somebody who isn't even known among his friends is of course absurd."

Does he even know Picasso himself? I am going to take a wild guess here and say, no. He probably can't even spell Picasso. J-J Neuer should just shove a scone up his mouth and shut the h--- up.


His father was known for his generosity. Well... if that's the case, how can they say Picasso didn't give it to Le Guennec? Not all artists are selfish! Maybe it was a gift, as mentioned by the electrician. Tokens of appreciation, you know?

Sheesh, people these days. Brains run by goo instead of brain cells, hearts driven by greed. Disgusts me!

I want to see one of these Picasso's some day. So I can say, "hey! Picasso ain't *dead* he's in the room!" Okay that's a little freaky but that's how my brain works.

Christmas Shopping

I think I had placed at least a week's worth of entries on *Save Now* and I only updated and published them now.

Like I told my mom yesterday, I went art-supply shopping. I picked up a good amount of tips today so I went to Texas Art Supply and got a Liquitex Basics Value 12-set for under $15. Then I went to the Michaels' nearby. I got a Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylics 6-tube set for 1/2 price, a tackle box, a set of paintbrushes and 3 tubes of craftsmart paint (for a christmas project)... all of that under $27 after taxes plus a $5-off coupon. I might come back later this week to pick up some more brushes, all depending how slow it is at work and what my schedule is next week.

I am going to be so happy when this season is over. I am starting my new job next week and although I detest working retail, I just gotta grin and bear it. I just hope after all this crap, I get to paint something that will get me there... get me noticed at least. So that I'd have doors of oppurtunities open so I won't have to deal with people who look down on me anymore.

Belated Happy, Happy Turkey Day!

So yeah, two houses for Thanksgiving = me being overly stuffed. First it was at my hunny's parents' home, then to his brother's. I think that's why I was suffering from food coma when I woke up at such an ungodly hour (6 am?!?!?!) this morning. I was a little short on cash so I picked up some of the books I was planning to sell anyway and went to Half-Price Books. I was hoping they had Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire Mysteries novels because I wanted to check out the difference between the book and the movie (I am such a critic! HAHA) but they didn't so bleh. I am going to have to look into another library for them.

I'll be honest and say I did look at ads the day before for deals. I was looking mainly at the Michael's ad and nothing but one item attracted my attention. I have been eyeing a tabletop sketchbox easel like this one for a while now:

Anyways, these suckers cost about $79.99 normally but Michaels' have them for $29.99. They also had a 25% off the whole purchase including sale items. I had some store credit so it cost me only about $17. I told my boyfriend that's his Christmas present to me. I had a few boxes of oil and acrylic paints that I haven't opened yet so I popped them in there beside a pack of new paintbrushes I just got. Since I told myself that I am not painting anything until after the holidays are over (nor am do I want him to spend a lot on me), I thought I might as well wrap them with the sketchbox so it wouldn't look too plain and empty when I opened it.

When I got home, my mom calls me and tells me she's at the mall. But she was too lazy to get me a present (oh thanks mom!) and we told each other of our Thanksgiving dinners. I just got home from Michaels and was getting my Christmas present cheap because of Black Friday, she told me she's giving me $100 for my birthday. I told her that was nice of her and that I'll buy my present either tomorrow or Sunday. Then I called her a Hypocrite for laughing at me since she was shopping for Christmas herself (and my birthday is before Christmas anyway). Haha, so much tough love in this family! Since I'm going all practical this year, I made a promise not to spend more than $40. I need the art supplies, but real stuff comes first.

I Got the JOOOOOOOB!

So, I got the job at Tuesday Morning!!! They said they were gonna call me after they get the *clear* on my background check. But man, that means there's less time for me to be painting. Oh well. I need the money.
You know, I wonder how some of these painters got by... they must have had some awesome trust fund or something... Or maybe they did starve. I hope not. GAH.

Christmas is going to be a little sad this year. These past three years, we weren't that affected by the economy. We both have pretty steady jobs. I had problems with my hours, but that's about it. And then suddenly BAM!!! My boyfriend gets more than $10K a year paycut. Sucks major balls. I don't understand how NPR could be printing off articles like this saying that economy is at its highest in years. What total BS.

I look at my bro-in-law's family and even they are suffering. He earns good money at a good company and granted my sis-in-law can't find a job. Even they aren't buying presents, except for the kids... and their presents are really practical, like sports equipment. They were doing well last year.

My boyfriend and I are practical people and 99% of the time, the presents we ask for are either something expensive we really want but won't buy it unless it's for a birthday/xmas or something expensive but practical. Last year, I asked and got for a GPS system for my birthday and a car stereo for Christmas. I also bought him a  car stereo last year. Both our presents for each other are at least $125.

I really thought my hunny and I were doing really well this year... the money we usually set aside for the car payment was going to used as an added payment to the mortgage. The car's paid off now, thank God, but with the paycut, it's like we haven't paid off the car.

My boyfriend usually asks around October what I want for my birthday/Christmas. I told him I wanted a good set of kitchen knives and a French easel. They cost about $100-$150 each, but I thought, with his paycut, that's just asking for too much. With Christmas and my birthday being only a week apart, I told myself I am not asking for anything over $50 and I am not having a party, just a dinner with me and my hunnybunny.

I got him a new keyboard/mouse set since his is already going out. He's been asking me what I want but really, I don't want to ask for something just so there'd be something to ask for. I'd rather not ask for a $50 present if I am not even gonna use it.

Bleh, now I remember why I hate the holidays. Jobs are plentiful but they work you to the bone. Sales galore and yet you have no money to spend. I have never been surprised many people kill themselves out of depression.

Collaborative Work

So last night, I added the guy from Kohls (John) to my flist via YIM. I showed him the new links to my paintings at Carbonmade. He said he liked most of my paintings. We then talked about collaborating a painting. His idea was a Romeo and Juliet, Sun and Moon feel to the painting. I asked what theme he had in mind and he mentioned African and Native American art. He also tells me about Capoeira and that he wanted that kind of a feel to it too. Unfortunately, I haven't a clue on any of that kind of art (I've only been after the Modernist artworks so far) or Capoiera even (except that I had a feeling it's either dance or martial arts - I was right). So I promised him I was going to get some books from the library and research the subjects.

Meeting People in the Strangest of Places

Well, Kohl's isn't really THAT strange of a place. I love this store!!! You get the wanna-be snobs in there, but the deals there are just AWESOME. I got me a $10 gift (I don't know how but I ain't complaining) and I didn't really have cash on me. I wanted to check out if they had pretty decent deals on knives (can't help it, I'm a cook at heart!). I wanted a Santoku knife and they had some, but I wasn't impressed. The ones that are in a mini-set of three didn't interest me, and the bigger ones that had the one that I wanted came in a 14-piece set... that costs about $200. YIIIIIIKES!!! Money's tight, and I ain't crazy!

Instead I picked up 2 sets of tights instead for $5.99 each. Winter's a-coming and although I don't always wear skirts or dresses but since we're heading to more art galleries soon, I thought I might as well have something to wear under my minis. Anyways, so I was paying and the cashier and I got to chatting. Eventually (I don't remember how) and he mentioned he is an artist. I gave him my business card and said so was I and that we should share ideas and stuff.

Who would've thunk, right? I mean, I could've easily gone to a shorter line at the store, but I ended up at his register. And I wouldn't have this oddly titled entry right now.

Seahorse, seahorse... can you finish yourself already?

So, I told Erin on Wednesday that was I going to paint a pop art painting of her two kids. I was going to start yesterday but unfortunately I didn't have the canvases I needed. I wanted a uniform size/thickness and I didn't want it to be too big. I actually thought of buying 12"x12"s on Wednesday but I didn't have enough money to be spending $12 for each canvas. I couldn't even afford just one! So I decided to look for pictures I could use from her facebook. I did find two that I liked but I don't really wanna paint a picture of her boy wearing a hat. I want just a painting of their faces. Oh well, this gotta be postponed til I bother her enough to get me some slightly better photos.

It's been like weeks since I looked at the seahorse painting I started a while back. I decided to go back to it. After I revamped the background and used pearl and glittery paint, now it's bright and sparklier. I ish happy. I'm waiting for it to dry right so here I am posting this. And I'm munching on the spicy tuna roll i just made so yeah... OMNOMNOM. I will also be responding to a correspondence from this girl I talked to via craigslist. She seems nice. Been talking to her about art and stuff, I hope she gets her art classes set so I might go to that.

The Gallery at River Oaks

Well this has been one fun art-filled two weeks for me so far and I am exhausted to say the least. Just this past weekend, I was working and afterwards I'm running around town doing errands... by the time I get home I don't even have time at all to even draw, I'm so exhausted. Maybe it's the cold weather getting to me, my joints ache. I feel like an old lady! At least after today's shift, I have Thursday and Friday off. WOOT!!!

Anyways, enough talking about not so fun stuff...
Man, I need to go to more art galleries and exhibitions. Joel Ray's solo exhibition last Thursday was inspiring to say the least. Then last night I went to The Gallery at River Oaks' Leukemia Society Benefit. It was pretty crowded and slightly intimidating (the art pieces here are AWESOME as you can spot from their site, not to mention I didn't know a soul in there!) but most of the crowd seemed friendly enough. One guy said that he was a basketball player but I'm sports illiterate so I wouldn't know who he is even if I had overheard his name Hahaha!

There's a LOT of good paintings there. Varied in themes and points of view. I think I like the "Secret Garden" the most. Not only was it named after one of my most favorite kid movies/novels, it has such a calming feel to it... eh, just had to see it to experience I guess.

I met one of the gallery managers there. Jenna talked to us and took a glance at my work. She said I have pretty interesting stuff so I feel good about myself right now. *squeal*
The disadvantage I have though is having such small paintings (most of them no bigger than 9"x12"), but she said I should just reproduce them in bigger and in better quality (AKA gallery) canvasses. I am going to have to bring some of my work to them so they can fully assess what I can do. God help me, I'm scared about that a little bit.

I see on their site they have a lot of events and I will probably drop by again on December 2nd for Joanna Purvis's Exhibition. (Note to self: club boyfriend on the head and have him go with you!) Also, thanks to Yelp!, I found Houston via Colori 2010 which I might visit on Saturday. 

Granted it's my niece's birthday party later that night but I'm sure I can hop out of work early if I beg well enough. Yeah good luck with that kiddo.

Going to Another Gallery!!! Yaay!!!

It's barely 9:30 and already I am ready to smack my head straight into a pillow (my cat would suffice as well though). I had been watching "Neverending Story", a childhood favorite and there's a good 15 minutes left before the credits roll. Instead of watching the rest of the movie, here I am writing this. Why, do you say, don't I just hop under the covers and go to sleep? Because I just had to report this:

My boyfriend got home and walked in talking about how he had talked to the gallery manager across from where he works at at the mall (really, it's no wonder sometimes how he's never at the office whenever I call) and she told him that their other gallery was having a Leukemia Benefit tomorrow and that we should go meet Barbara S. and talk about my art. Thank God most of my artworks are already in my iPod that I won't have to scrounge for pictures and load them tonight. I am NOT kidding at all, I've already passed out four times while writing this.

Thanks to years of playing World of Warcraft, my keyboard might as well be the back of my hand. Yay to writing with my eyes closed!!!

*pass out*

EDIT:
11/17 Coming back here the next day, I am really surprised there aren't that many spelling errors!

Inspirations!!!

The gallery showing last night was AWESOME! It was Joel Ray's first solo. He had about 20 paintings there. I have a few paintings that's the same color scheme as his (so I think have some potential? HAHAHAAA!) but I guess my creativity needs a lot more work.

We got there late so we didn't get to see Joel's speech (awww). But at least I met a good amount of people there. Two had their own suit stores (unfortunately, they're men's suits, *sigh*) and one guy owned a flower shop. I told him his flower arrangements were beautiful and that one of the orchids in there reminded me of the lei that my cousins gave me on my first visit to Hawaii. Then we talked about Hawaii and I showed him some of my pictures ^_^ I met some art lovers and a photographer. For some strange reason though, it seemed like some of the people my age just cared about the free drinks from the bar. Didn't seem all that interested with his artwork. I shouldn't really be b****ing about it, but that just makes me feel sad!

Yay gallery showing!!!

So my bf told me last night that we were going to a gallery showing after work. It's the works of one of his customers at the store. But since we live far from downtown, not to mention it'd be stupid to take two cars when I need to be in that part of town anyway, I dropped him off and went nuts!

I first went to Texas Art Supplies. I was shocked when I walked in. It looked like one of those old fashioned mom-and-pop stores! And the prices were awesome! Well at least comparable even with the coupons at Michaels or Joanns. Not to mention the selection was bountiful. I got me some Artgrain paper for ~$5 (which is >$10 in Michaels!) and 2x50c Sharpie extra-fine markers.

Then I headed to Michaels. I spent a good 2 hours in there (better than waiting at the mall, since I am only got $20 in my name). I got me some 25cent Halloween cotton candy (hey it's candy!), 6 metallic and pearl finish acrylic paints for 89 cents each, a 12x18 Watercolor pad for 10.80 (it was 60% off 18), and watercolor tin set... and on top of that, 20% discount my entire purchase. Score baby, score!!! I think total, I spent $14 and some change. Not bad!

I left Michaels happy but then I realized I still had almost 2 hours to spend at the mall. *CRINGE* If I was a girly girl I'd be in orgasm heaven... but I'm not. So I took my nerdy butt to Borders and read some books. I saw a book on anatomy and the human form that I am going to get this Sunday for sure (if I get enough tips). After browsing the whole store twice, I got tired (and hungry) so I decided to get me some Cocoa Trio. It was awesome, but jeebus almost $3 for a small cup of hot cocoa? Blasphemy!!! Eh, I think I did pretty well. Wouldn't hurt to indulge myself once in a while. I am proud of my $20 art supply purchase.

I just spotted my bf from across the room, we're now heading to the gallery to see Mr. Joel Ray's artwork. Inspirations INCOMING!!!

I've got a black thumb... literally.

Well, yeah I can't even grow mung bean sprouts. But besides that fact my thumb is still sore from when I dropped 50 lb bag of ice on it earlier this week. FUN! I have been wanting to take notes down on the books I borrowed from the library (I have 20 and people thought I was out of my mind!) but I can't even grip pencils well enough without my handwriting looking more atrocious than it already is.

So tonight, while watching movies on my computer, I am looking at freebie sites just in case a few of them gave away pencils or art supplies. And I'm looking at catalogs as well. The joys of having a broken thumb... /sigh.

At least I have Twilight: Eclipse to read later. Ah, why did I have to be in a teenybopper mood? /sigh

What's the big deal again?

So I had a conversation with my coworkers 2 years ago about Manny Pacquiao. They were talking about Manny this, Manny that and I walked into the room and said "Who?" and they immediately attacked me for not knowing who he is.

First of all, hello! I just walked in. Second, just because I'm a Filipino like him doesn't mean s***. I mean, I don't expect half the Americans to know who Samuel Adams is (and NO, I did not mean the beer company!). I mean, if I had a dollar for every time I've been criticized for not having "Filipino Pride", I think I might be able to buy the whole damn archipelago

What I don't understand is, why am I the bad person when these previous coworkers of mine not only picked up the bad traits of Americans (being racist, too focused on making money and the American Dream instead of true happiness) and kept the bad traits of Filipinos (arrogance, modern-day slavery and acting like they've never had humble beginnings.)? I speak the damn language (and understand 2 other dialects), not to mention I value most of the customs and beliefs. I still hold most of the good Filipino values. And I particularly look back at this one:
There was this guy named Jose Rizal who said "Ang di lumilingon sa pinanggalingan, di makararating sa paroroonan". Roughly translated, he said that whoever doesn't look back to where he/she came from will never make it anywhere. Honestly, I've never been back to the Philippines so I am not even gonna hide that. When people ask what nationality I am, I answer "I am an American". But when people ask me where I'm from (usually because of the muddled accent), I tell them I was raised in NYC but was born in the Philippines.

I guess that's the curse of most of the children who migrate to the United States. It's hard enough trying to be an individual... but to be torn between two worlds. Trying to prove twice that we're worth being where we came from and also where we live

Anyways, before I completely stray from the subject (I already have, haven't I?)... why the hell should I pay for pay-per-view to watch Manny beat the crap out of some other guy. I'm from New York, I frigging saw people getting their a**es beat every day! Not to mention I have bills to pay and I would rather spend $100 on groceries. And why in the world should I care if he wins? Do I get money when Manny wins/loses? Only if there were bets called. If I see him in the street and in my native language I asked him for $50, would he help me? I highly even doubt he cares if I exist or not.

Forgive me for using the lines from my most favorite movie of all time for this reasoning:
Young Calogero: Bill Mazeroski, I hate him. He made Mickey Mantle cry. The papers said the Mick cried.
Sonny: Mickey Mantle? That's what you're upset about? Mantle makes $100,000 a year. How much does your father make? If your dad ever can't pay the rent and needs money, go ask Mickey Mantle. See what happens. Mickey Mantle don't care about you. Why care about him?

Nuff said.

As promised, I uploaded some pictures!!!

Well, I had too much to do last night, not to mention my internet modem needed an exorcism or something (SIGH)... I also had to go to Michaels because I needed some gesso paint. I also picked up a small kid sized canvas. It's about 1x1.5, which is odd-sized really but that's what I need for this picture I wanted to repaint.
Anyways, I just uploaded some pictures and I hope I posted them on the right days. O_o

I made dinner early last night because I wanted to paint before my boyfriend got home. I have had this idea for the picture in my head during my drive home from Michaels. It came out pretty okay I think, except it was a little brighter than what I had envisioned.
I like how it is, but I might redo this picture anyway. The white seems a little off from the rest of the picture.

I can't wait until Thursday! I get to use this extra 20% coupon everything (including sale items!) from Michaels. I have been eyeing this Watercolor paper pad that's normally $19 that I can get for about $8! /freakout

The things you learn everyday...

So half my entries are stuck in "Save Now". Hahaha, lazy days are awesome! Can you blame me though? I've been working a lot and after work I usually run around town looking for cheap groceries, not to mention deals for art supplies. I promise after hopping to Michaels later I am going to publish my entries, not to mention upload some pictures of some of my work.

Anyways last night after I ate (my boyfriend was napping LOL), we were both in the computer room and he starts off "Can you hear me out real quick?" It came out of nowhere so I was surprised, not to mention worried. That phrase RARELY comes out well. Anyway he continues, "I know you hated working for (insert name of doctor's office) but you know there's this clerical job at (insert name of University). It pays waaaay more than (present job) not to mention they have benefits. AND, you get to go to school for free!!!"

Saying that my eyes were as round as saucers would be an understatement. Free school? F*** YEAH!
I took my time filling out and thoroughly looking at that application. Just my luck I've been doing clerical work for more than 4 years. I am praying I get this job. Wish me luck!

After I was done, I went on another university's website to check if they have any openings as well. No luck. But what I saw there will probably help me a LOT while I'm not back in school.

I saw an icon for iTunes U. I immediately opened my iTunes program and downloaded a few videos and audio that had something to do with art and other stuff I like (literature for example ^_^). By the end of last night, I had over 300 lectures to download (some are like 5 minutes long anyway) and I listened to one while I fell asleep. The lecturer had a pretty dull voice, but at least his subject was cool. At least I didn't have to pay him a cent to bore me to sleep!!!

I woke up this morning with a killer migraine headache. Since I was off today, I was planning to go to work with my boyfriend, hang around Borders then have lunch when he gets out. But I decided to stay home. I made about 4 pieces today, well 8 if you count the monotypes ^_^

Tough Love (behind a frame)

Tough Love (monotype)

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Sour Patch Peaches

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Inspirations, Left and Right

I hope one day, I get to look back into this blog and say, "hey! I've improved!" Wishful thinking for now and I imagine a LOT of these guys I'm about to mention started out like I did.

Most of these are blogs that I have been flipping through for inspiration:

Jane Burton Sculptures = figurative sculptures
Surreal Paintings of Shane Gehler
It's a Fine Line = I don't know why she hasn't updated for a year. I still like what she had on her blog though.


Anyways, it's odd when I look at people's portfolios. I mean, I can imagine that they're posting their best works and all but do they always have a specific theme? I mean I know people have preference on what medium they use (for example I don't like oil but love acrylic and prefer to paint on canvas over panels, unless it's a mixed media) but do most artists do that? I guess I'm still a starving artist (never really sold anything hahaha!) and I haven't really made that much art to have my own 'collection' or theme or gallery. Someday... someday... *taps foot*

I must be all kinds of weird...

Most my friends, my coworkers (the ones that I actually don't want to strangle) can attest to my strangeness. Granted my friends are weird in their own little ways too, but hey, takes one to know one, right?
So yesterday, I went to Nippan Daido again and got me Shirakiku Honey Panko Breadcrumbs (stock picture on the right). They're not as fine like that ones we pick up in the supermarket, but they sure make good meatloaf! (I follow this recipe.) Not to mention they're great for onion rings/haystacks (which my boyfriend gobbled up last night alongside some oven-baked fries and Mochiko Chicken).

The first time I went into ND, since I didn't speak any Japanese (let alone know how to read!) I felt a little lost and was scared to ask. It's not that bad this time around, and since I already know their layout my shopping time was cut in half. Unfortunately for me, I only had about 5 bucks and some change. I went to the chip aisle which was puny and none of the candy "talked" to me. As I went down the aisle that led to the register, I spotted something I didn't dare bring into my house before.:

 ZOMFG... dried anchovies! I used to eat these by the bowl when I was a little kid. I even ate this with rice for dinner. It cost about $3 for a 2 1/2 ounce bag but it was well worth it. I had some last night and I ate the rest of the bag tonight.
Don't worry folks, I fried oven-baked them (after spraying them with a little Pam) and didn't eat them right out of the bag. Seriously, I am not THAT clueless about Asian food >_< Of course this is coming from someone who doesn't even know how to use chopsticks without fish flying over her head.