My Microcosm

Plein Air Painting at Langford Park Sat. Mar. 19

2011-03-15T17:02:00.001-04:00

The azaleas are blooming! Dickson Azalea Park is directly across the street. I'll probably be there between 9-10 am along with Sy Rosefelt painting en plein air. Here's a map and more info if you would like to join us or would just like to enjoy a day in a beautiful park or two.

2010-06-25T19:48:00.000-04:00

Here's a picture of Sy Rosefelt painting at the docks behind the Cornell Museum of Art on the campus of Rollins College in Orlando, Florida. We were there with Rudy Drapiza and Paul Peters painting en plein air. Rudy, Sy and I stayed until dark. I got one evening painting done. No pic of it yet so I thought I'd post this one in the meantime. It was taken with the camera on my old phone. It kinda looks like an old polaroid picture, doesn't it?

As darkness enfolded us Sy and Rudy told me a story about how one time when they were painting at a dock in Sanford, the wind blew Sy's palette with all his paint into the water! He said that "it sank like a stone." Rudy valiantly tried to rescue it but was smart enough to test the water first with a very long pole to see if he could walk out into the water to retrieve it. The pole kept going down and down and down and they said it must have been at least 20 feet deep right off shore. No rescue was possible.

Once a week I've also been doing some life drawing where artists paint or draw from a live model at the Crealde School of Fine Art in Winter Park, Florida. I'll post some *discreet* pictures of those later as the models pose nude and I wouldn't want to offend anyone!

And I'm working on a couple of commissions of horse portraits for two people at Brookmore Farms. I just have a sketch right now that I need to send to the client's for approval. That's one great thing about the internet and art these days that I like. Back "in the old days" one had to either schedule and meet in person or mail photos via snail mail *or* (gasp) complete the entire portrait, meet the client with the finished product and hold your breath as it was unveiled before them for the first time! That was very nerve wracking! Now it is less so as I know the pose, leg and head positions are already approved.

With my trusty old camera phone I hope to post more often to this blog which gets automatically posted to my FB fan page at www.tinyurl.com/karensfanpage.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Freedom Ride at 4H Show April 2010

2010-04-14T19:36:00.001-04:00

Video of the Freedom Ride horses, riders and volunteers at a 4H show.

Cavallo at Freedom Ride March 2010

2010-04-08T19:36:00.001-04:00

Short video - show got rained out.

Wekiva Invitational Plein Air Paint Out 2010

2010-03-18T12:35:00.001-04:00

On the last day of the paint out I went to Wekiva Island to see some artists at work and look at all the paintings they did over the week-long event.

Ken Austin Workshop March 2010

2010-03-18T12:26:00.001-04:00

I attended my first watercolor workshop held by the Central Florida Watercolor Society last week. Ken Austin is an awesome artist! This class re-awoke the things I learned in my design courses years ago in college!

Pet Portraits

2010-03-08T19:18:00.000-05:00

I was contacted recently via email to do a portrait of three pets, a dog and two cats, all on one sheet. It was specified to do the portrait in watercolor so I got right down to work! Below are two pictures. One is of the work in progress about half-way done and the next one is completed!

You can see my entire blog here.

If you need to email me directly, please click here.

Hello, Lady! Wake up!

2009-11-17T09:01:00.002-05:00

Hello, Lady! Wake up!

You'll understand the title a little later. This will be a slightly long blog entry. I, too, was surprised when I went on what I thought would be a fairly unvenventful but pleasant bike ride on the Cady Way Trail in Orlando, Florida, one afternoon after work.

I started out writing in a little book every 1/2 mile or so to make notes about possible painting sites and shade. But as I rode along I discovered and experienced many interesting things. As I progressed and wrote more in my book I realized it might be nice to share my short ride in my blog with everyone.

Now, come ride with me.

The late afternoon sun is warm but the humidity is low (for Florida). I am expecting a fairly cool ride so there is no need to change clothes. I wore the same clothes at work all day. They are comfortable and unconstricting. My purse is slung backpack style on my back. Before taking off I make sure my camera and notebook are within easy reach.

The Cady Way trailhead is tucked behind a USPS (United States Post Office) behind the Fashion Square Mall. A quarter-mile in I stop to note that I am riding along the edge of Baldwin Park (homes) where I find a couple of guys fishing. Around the half-mile mark I cross Humphries Road. Now there are businesses along the trail.

Further on there are homes that are not a part of Baldwin Park. The streets are narrow and a little busy. You have to watch out for motorized vehicles at the intersections. But the drivers I encounter seem watchful and are courteous.

I have no idea where I am right now. I come to Beach Road and Old Cheney Highway. There's a 1 1/4-mile marker. I see a very shaded part of the trail now up ahead. It's very nice with lots of trees on both sides. I'd expect in full summer there are lots of mosquitos here. But today there are none to pester me.

I seem to be riding alongside Old Cheney. There are older homes on the right and newer ones (Baldwin Park again) on the left. Now I see the road on my right has ended and it is dirt leading to the back of an apartment complex. It reminds of my younger days.

An electric scooter shooshes by me. It says "Lithium Powered" on the side. Cool! There is another road up ahead. The scooter turns onto it and is gone.

I pass the 2 1/4-mile marker and arrive at the intersection myself. I have two choices in front of me. The trail splits. I can make a sharp right or go straight ahead.

I see a woman pushing a stroller cautiously crossing the intersection towards me. When she reaches my side I decide to ask her if she knows where the trail to the right goes. She says she doesn't know. But if I go straight it goes to the Cady Way Park and Showalter Field plus there is lots of shade that way. I choose the shade!

After crossing I realize that on my right I can see a bit of the Winter Park Pines Golf Course. Then I come to more homes behind fences. On the right I can see down into some of the yards because the trail is elevated a few feet. Baldwin Park is still on my left.

There's a sharp turn up ahead. I stop at this one for awhile to write some more and take a short breather. (And to give my butt a rest from the bicycle seat!) This is one of the many places you can stop on this trail for water or to sit on a shaded bench. There is also an emergency call box.

It's actually warmer to stand still than keep moving so I get on my bike again. Ah, a nice cool breeze now.

At three miles I come to Winter Park High School. Then Summerfield Road. I decide to turn around at Cady Way Park and head back to my car.

On this trail bikes and skaters are asked to stay on the 10-foot-wide trail away from the people walking or jogging on their own parallel trail. I obeyed this rule. But you have to watch out for the guys riding fast on their 10-speeds with the skinny tires. They are serious about their exercise.

At one point I was on the far right side of the bike trail looking around. I was enjoying my afternoon ride. It was so pleasant and quiet. I saw one of these fast cyclists approaching from the opposite direction. He yells out, "Hello, Lady! Wake up!" I say back to him that, "I was just looking around!"

Later, a couple of other cyclists complimented my bike. My shirt was a bright flowery print. You couldn't miss me on that trail. I didn't look like everyone else!

On the way back I heard loud music coming up from behind. One of the fast cyclists was smart. He had a radio on full blast (or at least very loud) on his handlebars to alert people.

I heard lots of other things. Strangely enough, it seems there is an ice cream truck that plays Jamaican metal drum music. It was very pleasant and accompanied me as I rode past the Winter Park Pines area.

A girl walking ahead of me with a cell phone to her ear and with fluffy house slippers on her feet exclaimed "Ew!" as I rode by. I don't think she was talking about me!

And I can't forget the evil squirrel that tried to drop nuts or *something* on me. I was going to fast for him! Ha Haaaa!

Lookin Good!

2009-09-03T11:18:00.008-04:00

What is the most significant thing I did since my last post? How about saving a little bird? I found him behind the building where I work near the loading dock. It was lunchtime and I was on my way to the library. I don't know what made me look down but I'm glad I did! There was this cute little bird staring straight up at me. He didn't try to get away or anything. He just kept looking at me. So I got a friend who is a birder to help me. He told me it was an Oven bird which is a type of Warbler. I went to find a small box. Then he found a local bird rescue lady and took him there on his way home from work. She told him the prognosis was good. At least now he is comfortable instead of trapped on a hot sidewalk with no shade, food or water. And he now has shelter from the afternoon storm

The painting is the second in a series of three 24x48 works. Actually, I painted this one simultaneously with the third which I will post later. While painting the first one (Hello, There!) I had worked out a lot of the colors (palette), methods and design issues. Then I went to one of Elin Pendleton's official "Color Bootcamp's" and learned more about using color in a painting. There are just some things you can't learn from reading a book or watching a video! You can subscribe to my new eNewsletter here or You can see my entire blog here or If you need to email me directly, please click here.

Hello, There!

2009-08-10T11:28:00.005-04:00

And now some more paintings of horses! I have to say it. These paintings are cool. For awhile they are going to be the center point of any venues they fit into -- literally. Here's the story of how they happened.

When another horse or horses were in the show arena others are prepped for the next act in their stalls. As I was walking around looking for pictures to take I noticed how this was done. The stall doors were partially open so you could see inside while the horses peeked out. In my minds eye I immediately saw the potential for several vertical paintings. When I saw that some large 24"x48" canvas on sale at Michaels I bought three of them.

Each of these paintings is $1000 USD. They are done in acrylic and are unframed but ready to hang. When they were hanging in the main room at the University Club they looked magnificent. The one pictured here is the first one I started painting back around February 2009.

You can subscribe to my new eNewsletter here or

You can see my entire blog here or

If you need to email me directly, please click here.

Beach of Dreams

2009-07-31T11:03:00.004-04:00

I have a great friend who LOVES Hawaii. He has been there several times and is going again very soon to vacation for two weeks. During each visit he is great at taking lots and lots of photos. I used one as a reference in a painting workshop. It is not an exact representation of everything in the photo. I added some people and simplified the background. I also didn't put in all the trees that were in the photo and moved some around to make interesting shadows. It is an acrylic on 8x10 canvas framed for $125.00.

Several people have asked me why I don't have prints for sale of my work. But I do! For example, most people ask about prints of my pencil drawing "2 Horses of Rothenberg". I joined a website where anyone can order prints, posters or even t-shirts with the image. The item is mailed directly to the customer making it easy for both my clients and myself as I do not have to maintain an inventory of prints. The page lists the photographic prints first but if you scroll down you can see the options for prints on canvas or chromalux. I have not yet ordered any items for my own use. Although I'd love to get a t-shirt with my drawing on it! However, from samples I've received the quality is very, very good.

I have received advice from many friends and clients asking about giclees, but I don't do them. The reason is they are expensive both to produce and to purchase and my prices would definitely have to go up. If I thought many, many people would buy all my paintings or even some of them as giclees I would be more than happy to work with a local professional printer to produce them. But at this time it just isn't worth the cost to me. However, if anyone is interested, just let me know and I'll price it out for you.

You can subscribe to my new eNewsletter here or

You can see my entire blog here or

If you need to email me directly, please click here.

Decadent

2009-07-27T11:19:00.006-04:00

This is the third in my newest set of paintings inspired by Herrmans Lippizans -- but just from head shots I got at some of their shows while they were at Freedom Ride. The entire set of 3 was available for $250, but Tasteful (below) sold at the opening. If anyone is interested in the last two as a set I offer them together for $200. That would be this one, Decadent, plus Delicious (below). They are each acrylic on 12x12 canvas with no frame, but ready to hang. Speaking of hanging ... I thought I might add a piece of advice I recently gave to a friend of mine.

Pop the hood of your car once-in-awhile and take a look. You don't need to be a mechanic to see a potential problem in the making. In this case, one of the battery terminals was completely corroded. It finally got so bad the car would not start. I advised my friend to pour some Coke on it. Sure enough, that's exactly what the tow truck driver did. Then he jumped the car and it started right up. My friend didn't even know how to open the hood of their car. The bottom line is this: Dare to take a peek and try to learn how thinks work under there. You never know when a little bit of knowledge will come in handy.

You can subscribe to my new eNewsletter here or

You can see my entire blog here or

If you need to email me directly, please click here.

Tasteful - Sold

2009-07-14T11:50:00.004-04:00

This is the next piece in a series of three that I did for my show at the University Club. By the way, the show was a huge success! I think everyone had a good time and there was plenty of food (but not too much!)

I was completely surprised when some people walked in and one said "You don't remember us, do you?" My mind was racing! Did I know them from another show or an art club or from work or what? But the mystery was quickly resolved when one of them told me they used to work with me! I was reminded of everyone's names and it was so cool to see them again!! One of my friends even bought this painting. It is just coincidence it was the next one I was going to post anyway to my blog. It is an acrylic on 12x12 canvas. I don't think my friend will mind if I just use her first name: Thank you, Kathy! As soon as the show comes down on July 29 I will contact her to meet and deliver her painting.

You can subscribe to my new eNewsletter here or

You can see my entire blog here or

If you need to email me directly, please click here.

Delicious

2009-07-11T18:23:00.006-04:00

As promised I am starting to post the paintings in my show! That way if you cannot attend or would like to see them after the show is down (July 24) they are viewable here.

This is "Delicious". I guess I was hungry when I titled it. Along with two others that are in this series! Wait until you see those titles. This little painting is an acrylic on 12 x 12 inch canvas. Inspired by one of Herrmann's Lippizans. The cost is $125 USD.

My solo show is tomorrow! I am so tired after getting back from vacation but I am also excited and can't wait to see my friends and family that will be able to attend. The food is purchased and in the morning I'll be cooking up the sloppy joes and little hot dogs wrapped in croissants. I got sweet tea and both pink and regular lemonade. I hope I don't forget to pack the ice cream in the cooler as it is the only frozen item I am taking. My mom is making the potato salad as we speak. It is a two day process!!

You can subscribe to my new e-newsletter at http://eepurl.com/b5V6

You can see my entire blog here.

If you need to email me directly, please click here.

Sun. July 12 Solo Exhibit

2009-06-27T13:47:00.004-04:00

Click on the image to see a bigger version of it. The opening reception will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2009 at the University Club in Winter Park, Florida. These gracious people invite one artist per month to display and sell their work in their beautiful facility. I am the artist for July 2009.

The food will be great! I am planning an indoor picnic with little hot dogs, sloppy joes, my mom's potato salad, apple pie, ice cream, lemonade -- you name it! *If* there are any leftovers by 4:00 p.m. everyone is invited to take food home -- except my mom's potato salad! That's mine if there is any left. It's a favorite at all family get-togethers.

In addition, I have subscribed to a newsletter service. Click on the following link (http://eepurl.com/b5V6) if you would like to subscribe to it. After this show I will no longer be using email to contact everyone about my shows. The list is just too large to manage and I don't want to take a chance and accidentally start spamming someone who no longer cares to receive my emails. Not that I've sent that many out recently. And that is why I have not done so. The newsletter service will manage my lists for me automatically including Unsubscribes.

I'll tell you more about what to expect in my newsletters in future blogs. Please consider subscribing to the RSS feed (if you know how) or bookmark and check my blog at http://karenbowden.blogspot.com often over the next few weeks to see the paintings that are in the University Club show. I'll be posting them one or two at a time for those of you who cannot attend the show on Sunday, July 12.

You can see my entire blog here. If you need to email me directly, please click here.

Oak Tree Park

2009-03-25T20:43:00.004-04:00

My first video I am putting online. I had a rare few hours on Saturday and I found this beautiful tree in a place where I least expected it. Please enjoy. (Music version coming soon!)

March 19-April 17, the 3rd Annual Central Florida Watercolor Society members only show at City Arts Factory in downtown Orlando, Florida.

Saturday, April 4, Gardens of Winter Park South, painting en plein air at the 2009 Winter Park Historical Association’s annual garden tour. Tickets will be on sale soon. Times are 10am to 4pm.

Friday, April 17, Solo show! One night only at the Urban Think Bookstore in Thornton Park in downtown Orlando, Florida. Times are 6pm to 9pm.

Saturday, April 25, Sanford Gardens Plein Air event - Florida. Will post details when I get them.

Saturday, May 2, Stirrups & Strides fundraiser event. Chairs for auction painted by local artists. At the Paddock Mall from 12pm to 3pm in Ocala, Florida

Sunday, July 12, Solo show! One month at the University Club in Winter Park, Florida. Opening reception times are 2pm to 4pm.

Watercolor Show for Members Only

2009-03-11T18:45:00.003-04:00

The Central Florida Watercolor Society Juried show will be on Thursday, March 19, in downtown Orlando, Florida at the City Arts Factory. See details below. Hope to see you there! Thursday, March 19, the 3rd Annual Central Florida Watercolor Society members only show at City Arts Factory in downtown Orlando, Florida. Times are 6pm to 9pm. Saturday, April 4, Gardens of Winter Park South, painting en plein air at the 2009 Winter Park Historical Association’s annual garden tour. Tickets will be on sale soon. Times are 10am to 4pm. Friday, April 17, Solo show! One night only at the Urban Think Bookstore in Thornton Park in downtown Orlando, Florida. Times are 6pm to 9pm. Saturday, April 25, Sanford Gardens Plein Air event - Florida. Will post details when I get them. Saturday, May 2, Stirrups & Strides fundraiser event. Chairs for auction painted by local artists. At the Paddock Mall from 12pm to 3pm in Ocala, Florida Sunday, June 28, Solo show! One month at the University Club in Winter Park, Florida. Opening reception times are 2pm to 4pm. You can see my entire blog here. If you need to email me directly, please click here.

Update to my Events

2009-02-27T17:17:00.003-05:00

There's at least one event per month coming up for me. Try and keep up. Saturday, February 28, Duck Derby at Mead Gardens in Orlando, Florida. Plein air painters from Central Florida have been invited to paint in the gardens during this fund raising event! Times are 10am to 2pm. Thursday, March 19, the 3rd Annual Central Florida Watercolor Society members only show at City Arts Factory in downtown Orlando, Florida. Times are 6pm to 9pm. Friday, April 17, Solo show! One night only at the Urban Think Bookstore in Thornton Park in downtown Orlando, Florida. Saturday, April 25, Sanford Gardens Plein Air event - Florida. Sunday, June 28, Solo show! One month at the University Club in Winter Park, Florida. Opening reception times are 2pm to 5pm. You can see my entire blog here. If you need to email me directly, please click here.

Painting A Square Format

2008-12-19T21:05:00.007-05:00

The monthly 3rd Thursday was held last night in downtown Orlando. I was asked to submit up to five pieces measuring 12 inches by 12 inches each. Last night was the first time I saw all three of my paintings together. It’s a series that came together kind of accidentally. (See previous post.) In the image they are a little out of order but it still works. I used a flash on #1 that was actually completed in 2007 and thought that picture would turn out the worst! Usually when you use a flash on a painting it is bad. But this time I wish I’d used it on all three. Nevertheless, I think you can see the final two okay in these quick shots. When I brought the paintings for hanging I was unaware (or forgot) that all pieces had to be priced at $200 US. Normally, I would price each one at $125. However, all three can be bought for $400 as a set. After I upload the high-res versions to ArtWanted next month I think I will have some coffee mugs and mouse pads made of one of these. The square format should suit those products perfectly!! I love painting in a square format. I have some more ideas for horse paintings in that format. Plus, squares always fit together so if you wanted to start a collection I would recommend them because you can fit all sorts of different sizes together, side-by-side or on top of one another on a wall and they they’ll fit like a puzzle. Events: Dec. 1-31 Steinway Piano Gallery in Altamonte Springs, Florida Dec. 18-Jan 14 AKA Lounge "12x12" in Orlando, Florida Feb. 12 HITS Ocala Equine Art Reception, Ocala, Florida

You can see my entire blog here. If you need to email me directly, please click here.

I'm Like A Ghost

2008-12-17T17:47:00.005-05:00

The end of the year is approaching fast. I finished a series last weekend and delivered the final painting for the 12x12 show at the AKA Lounge in downtown Orlando. The series is of three paintings. They are all done in watercolor but on canvas. Each painting is $200 US or $400 for all three. They have been sprayed with a UV coating to protect the painted image from both water and sunlight. I did the first one for last year’s 12x12 show that was held at the Metro Gallery. Since then I finished #2 of 3 around May 2008. I only have a picture right now of the first painting (#1) in the series. I got the idea for the series when I needed #1 for the Freedom Ride art exhibit fundraiser that was held at the end of May 2008. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get a hold of the painting in time so had to paint a second one. I cannot paint the same thing twice (unless I have to) so I decided that from the two reference photos I could do a small series of three paintings. The first one, as you can see, it is of two horses staring out of their horse trailer looking away from the viewer. The second one has one of the horses looking at the viewer while the other one is still looking away. The third one has both horses looking at the viewer. I haven’t seen all three together – ever! Hopefully, Chris Johnson, curator of the AKA show, was able to put them up side-by-side. I requested it but he could not guarantee their placement depending on other paintings in the show, etc. That’s okay with me. I’ll get pictures of them Thursday night to put in this blog. I took two photos on film *years* ago at a dressage workshop. I wasn’t riding so had plenty of time to walk around and take pictures. That’s what I do at horse shows and events. I’m like a ghost. That’s what someone told me one time at a local show. Events: Dec. 1-31 Steinway Piano Gallery Opening in Altamonte Springs, Florida Dec. 18 AKA Lounge "12x12" Opening in Orlando, Florida 6 to 9pm Feb. 12 HITS Ocala Equine Art Reception, Ocala, Florida

Storm and Me and Fantasy

2008-12-02T17:57:00.010-05:00

Here I am with Storm. He is one of Herrmann's Lipizzan stallions. They were at Freedom Ride Saturday and Sunday to do two shows. Unfortunately, the Sunday show had to be cancelled due to bad weather. But they will return on Sunday, December 21 at 2:30 pm! I'll be there!

I took LOTS of pictures for new paintings and drawings. My newest idea is a series of paintings of these beautiful horses in or near their stalls. I have a commission to complete first for a returning customer (Thank you, Angie!) and then I will begin the new year with my new series. They will all be oil paintings on canvas and a minimum of 16x20 inches in size. Although, some might be a square dimension. We'll just have to wait and see!

A new exhibit just popped into my schedule last week. The Central Florida Watercolor Society is having a showing at the Steinway Piano Gallery in Altamonte Springs, Florida. (That's still considered Orlando for those of you from out of town.) http://www.steinwayorlando.com/

I did a special painting just for the show called "Fantasy". It is *big* -- from memory I think framed it is 25x30 inches. The painting itself is only 18x24. I priced it at $350.00 US for its introductory appearance. This gallery takes no commissions so I am able to offer it at this low price for this first show. Here is a list of my current and upcoming events:

Nov. 20 - Dec. 17 AKA Lounge "Unify"

Dec. 6 Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge, Orlando, Florida 1 to 8pm Plein Air Painting

Dec. 11 Steinway Piano Gallery Opening in Altamonte Springs, Florida 6 to 9pm

Dec. 18 AKA Lounge "12x12" Opening in Orlando, Florida 6 to 9pm

Feb. 12 HITS Ocala Equine Art Reception, Ocala, Florida

You can see my entire blog here.

If you need to email me directly, please click here.

3rd Thursday for November 2008

2008-11-21T17:05:00.009-05:00

The Unity show is officially open now at the AKA in downtown Orlando. I've inserted two pictures of my drawings that are on the wall. Sorry they are cockeyed (crooked). They are on a well-lit wall but set high up around another painting done by the feature artist, Bob Gardner. I enjoyed meeting him last night and talking about art and life in general along with Sandra Monday, another local artist.

Next weekend Herrmann's Lipizzans will be doing two shows at Freedom Ride here in Orlando. I have tickets for both days and plan to "hang out" all day both days at the barn. Last year I got a lot of great reference photos of this beautiful breed. One has already been made into a painting. (See blog post below "Things Happening" -- which should have been titled "Things are Happening" but I was in a hurry and don't feel like fixing it now!)

TITLE: Dog Unity - Dogs are happy to work with humans or together. But when humans aren't around, enterprising hounds enjoy a good challenge!

TITLE: Principle of Cooperation - Bears can climb a tree, but this mom is teaching her cubs something more important - how to cooperate and work as a team. Even if it does mean a bit of a headache!

TITLE: Unity - Cat Stile - Cats use the staring technique to achieve goals. By combining their fixed gazes they will succeed - when a human eventually arrives to assist. Each watercolor drawing is approximately 11x14 framed for $125 US.

Upcoming Events:

Nov. 20 AKA Lounge "Unify" Opening in Orlando, Florida. The show is there until Dec. 17, 2008 Feb. 12 HITS Ocala Equine Art Reception, Ocala, Florida

You can see my entire blog here. If you need to email me directly, please click here.

College Park Paint Out

2008-11-18T17:09:00.004-05:00

The day was beautiful! A little chilly towards the late afternoon (especially in the shade!) I did this nice little 11x14 acrylic of one of the historical homes. This bungalow was built in the 1950's. The lady who lives there is a Feng Shui expert. The light on the porch is always on to light the way home. (Feng Shui experts out there help me out if I got that wrong!)

The painting is for sale. Framed it is $250.00 US and unframed $125.00.

Upcoming Events:

Nov. 20 AKA Lounge "Unify" Opening in Orlando, Florida. The show is there until Dec. 17, 2008

Feb. 12 HITS Ocala Equine Art Reception, Ocala, Florida

You can see my entire blog here.

If you need to email me directly, please click here.

Fall Goings On (Things Happening)

2008-11-04T09:45:00.008-05:00

A new show and event coming up! Sorry I've been incomunicado lately, but that's life! I don't live on the computer. I'd rather be out painting! And I've been caring for a loved one who is doing MUCH better now so expect more here later. In the meantime, I have taken a little extra moment to add one of my newest studio paintings titled "Ready and Waiting" of a Lipizzan in the crossties at Freedom Ride. It is an 18x24 oil framed and ready to hang in your home or office! $800 +shipping/handling Nov. 16 College Park Tour of Homes Plein Air. I'll be at 1320 Shady Lane Drive painting all day Nov. 10 AKA Lounge "Unify" Orlando, Florida. The show is there until Dec. 17, 2008 You can see my entire blog here. If you need to email me directly, please click here.

World Wide Paint Out 2008

2008-08-29T12:07:00.002-04:00

The temperatures are coming down in Florida so all the plein air painters start going out! I just found out about a World Wide Paint Out (http://ipap.homestead.com/paintout.html) event in Barberville, Florida. Plein air artists are invited to paint all weekend at the Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts, Corner of Rt. 40 and CR 3. You can see me and/or my work at the following shows/events: Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts, September 6 & 7, 2008 in Barberville, Florida (http://www.pioneersettlement.org/) "The Divine Equine" Benefit for the Bakas Equestrian Center Horses for the Handicapped, July 25 to Sep. 25, 2008 at Great Art & Frame, Tampa, Florida (http://greatartandframe.com/events) Java Lava Coffee Shop, Aug. 6 to Sep. 3, 2008, Orlando, Florida (http://www.javalavacoffeeshops.com/) You can see my entire blog here. If you need to email me directly, please click here.

UPCOMING SHOWS JULY TO SEPTEMBER

2008-07-15T09:18:00.003-04:00

Got a little behind posting again, but it’ll be worth the wait. I can’t post any pictures right now, but I have some shows coming up. I have decided to put a list of all upcoming and ongoing shows at the end of each blog I post. That way my schedule is always available – even if I can’t get to my Calendar webpage to update it as often as I should! And as quick as my schedule has been changing lately this is probably the best idea anyway! I did not expect to be so busy during the hot summer months. Things should pick up even more come fall when cooler weather arrives so keep checking the end of my posts for any updates or last-minute additions to my event schedule. In future posts I will be catching up on what’s been going on the past few months including the results of the Freedom Ride fundraiser, a new place in the Central Florida area to view fantastic art in Lake Mary and more. SEE ME AT THE FOLLOWING SHOWS/EVENTS: Cosmopolitan Title, June 20 to August 22, 2008, Lake Mary, Florida (http://www.syglen-artreps.com/cosmogallery.html) “The Divine Equine” Benefit for the Bakas Equestrian Center Horses for the Handicapped, July 25 to Sep. 25, 2008 at Great Art & Frame, Tampa, Florida (http://greatartandframe.com/events) Java Lava Coffee Shop, Aug. 6 to Sep. 3, 2008, Orlando, Florida (http://www.javalavacoffeeshops.com) You can see my entire blog here. If you need to email me directly, please click here.

AWARD FROM OSCEOLA CENTER FOR THE ARTS

2008-05-07T08:17:00.004-04:00

My drawing “2 Horses of Rothenburg” got an Honorable Mention ribbon! I am very happy and pleased. You can see the drawing with the ribbon and an admirer as it hangs right now in the Osceola Center for the Arts gallery.

This event came up rather suddenly for me. A friend encouraged me to get involved with the Osceola Center for the Arts in Kissimmee, Florida. I’m glad I did! Everyone is friendly and the facility is very nice! Their gallery just received a donation for a new free-standing wall which allowed them to take 20 additional artworks for their 2008 Annual Juried Show. In October, they are having their annual drawing show which I will enter. I’ve had a drawing in mind for about two years which will go along with the drawing I entered in this 2008 Juried show.

"2 Horses of Rothenburg" is an 18x24 pencil drawing on paper. It has been professionally framed. If you like it very much but cannot afford the price for the original that is okay! A print can be purchased for $2.95 for the smallest. I’m thinking of putting this one on a t-shirt or a tote. That is also available for anyone to purchase through Artwanted.com. Just click on the picture to see a list of all the choices.

You can see my entire blog here.

If you need to email me directly, please click here.

Lake Eola Heights Garden Tour 2008

2008-05-03T09:14:00.004-04:00

I was honored to spend a great afternoon with friendly people painting a scene in their private garden. You see the result to the right. The turnout for the event was tremendous. There were many visitors. I found a relatively shady spot to paint from and proceeded to paint one of the nicest features of the garden.

I look forward to the next Lake Eola Heights Garden Tour in 2010!

You can see my entire blog here.

If you need to email me directly, please click here.

THE GARDEN TOURS ARE HAPPENING

2008-04-08T09:57:00.003-04:00

April is a busy month for the Central Florida Plein Air Artists. This past weekend on Saturday, April 5, the Winter Park Historical Association held their annual garden tour. I was very happy to volunteer to work our table at the check-in area. The day started out with typical Florida weather with sunny skies and a slight breeze. Other tables were populated by butterflies, bats and bees. What I mean is that people were there to talk about these little creatures which help pollinate flowers and other plants. People were able release butterflies called “Painted Ladies”. I did not get a chance to visit the bat representative. However, the bee person was there very early like me to get set up for the days event. I did a little painting sketch while working at the table and I gave it to one of the nearby home owners because it was of her back yard. She and her daughter were very happy. Hopefully, I can have the picture online for you to see very soon. They were kind enough to allow me to park my car nearby in their private driveway.

The next and final garden tour before the hot, summer months arrive is on April 20 at Eola Heights in downtown Orlando. They only have this tour every two years so it is very special. Hopefully you can come! If not, I will post a painting of one of the gardens for you to enjoy.

IT'S GARDEN TOURS TIME!

2008-03-28T13:05:00.003-04:00

I’ve been gone from my blog for awhile, but there wasn’t much going on anyway that you would be interested in. I got a few paintings done for some workshops I will be teaching starting April 12. And spring is always busy when you are a plein air painter. On April 5 the Winter Park Historical Association is having their 4^th Annual Garden Tour. Then on April 20 the Eola Heights Garden Tour, which is only held every two years, will be on Sunday from 12-4pm. Check out my Events page on my website if you want more information.

And everything is well underway for the Horses & Healing equine art benefit for Freedom Ride on May 29. I’m learning the ropes from Mindy Colton who has done these types of events before.

PAINTING IN THE RAIN

2008-02-04T13:21:00.001-05:00

Last week I forgot to note that the Central Florida Plein Air Artists met at Mead Gardens in Winter Park, Florida, for our weekly paint out and a demo by Sally Cummings Shisler. It was a cold (for Florida) and rainy day but being plein air artists we took it all in stride. We all donned our raincoats and used umbrellas to watch while Sally painted entirely with palette and putty knives! We’ll be meeting at Langford Park in February and CFWS will be joining us for a fun day spent outdoors painting!

CFWS is the Central Florida Watercolor Society. We met on Sunday, February 3, to see a demonstration by Steve Rogers. Amazingly, he almost completed an entire 28 x 40 painting in less than two hours! His colors are vibrant and he is a very funny guy. By funny I mean he said amusing things once-in-awhile and we all laughed. For example, he explained that a lot of retired architects like to take his workshops because they want to loosen up. That generated much laughter and many chuckles considering we have quite a few retired architects as members! Steve is teaching a workshop this week. Unfortunately, I cannot attend. But I am sure I will hear about it at our next meeting.

For more information: Steve Rogers Sally Cummings Shisler Central Florida Plein Air Artists Central Florida Watercolor Society

MORE PHOTOS FROM A TRIP TO UKRAINE

2008-01-30T10:14:00.001-05:00

Here are three more photos I took at the Pirogovo Open Air Museum near Kiev, Ukraine. This set contains the last of my Windmills series. I have other photos but these 5 are the best. Lastly I uploaded a floral photo I took while walking around the museum. Aren't they pretty? If anyone knows what kind of flower they are please let me know! You can see my entire blog here. If you need to email me directly, please click here.

PAINTING WITH JERRY YARNELL

2008-01-24T12:37:00.001-05:00

Last week I spent two wonderful days in an acrylic painting workshop with Jerry Yarnell (http://www.yarnellart.com). We worked on a more advanced piece called “Time of Rebirth” with lots of green trees and a small river with lots of little waterfalls. He also critiqued a lot of my work. Everything had the same basic problem – not enough value changes from the background to the foreground. I had so engrained the lesson that when I attended the opening of a watercolor show at the Gallery at Metro I saw the same problem in almost everybody’s painting. The error glared at me from each one except my own. But that is just because it is a painting with no background of two civil war horses tied to a picket line (rope). I purposely chose not to include any background to focus all attention on the horses and their gear. This also allowed the detailing in the tack to show off to the best advantage. I had to find some pictures of similar tack used by other re-enactors to get the detail as close as possible to reality. There is no impressionism in this painting.

Going back to values in a painting, there should be at least three (minimum) from background, mid to front. For a more dramatic effect there should be at least five to six value changes from the back to the front. Getting more than six into a painting is very difficult but would be well worth the effort as long as you already have a good composition. That is what I will be working on achieving in my landscape paintings. If you are interested in learning to paint I highly recommend starting with Jerry. He has been painting and teaching in acrylic oil and watercolor for over 30 years. He is very accessible and accommodating to every age and painting style.

PICTURES OF UKRAINE

2008-01-11T08:49:00.001-05:00

I am falling into the habit of only adding three new works to my ArtWanted.com gallery at a time. This seems to be a good amount of work to talk about briefly in a blog without boring anyone to death. When I am out with my camera it is usually just used for taking reference pictures for future projects. However, once in awhile, there is a gem. Because the pictures were not taken for the sole purpose of selling them as prints, I did not use the best digital format (RAW) so the largest print one can purchase is usually only around 11x14 inches. But I hope you enjoy them anyway and if you *really* like them please take a moment and consider purchasing a small version for less than $1.95 USD. This is a steal for most overseas collectors when one considers the exchange rate in today's market. These photos including "Windmill With Storm Cloud" were taken during a trip to Ukraine to visit my brother. They have an open air museum called the Pirogovo. It is located about 30 minutes outside of the capital city of Kiev. Except for the first day I was there it rained every day. Fortunately, this made for very unique and interesting skies. "Windmill With UFO" is interesting because I have absolutely no clue what the little blur is behind the windmill on the left. I thought of fixing the picture in Photoshop but I do not like to mess with the photos very much and decided to leave it. I cannot explain the blur. I think it is just a bug. But who knows? "Windmill In A Field of Yellow Flowers" turned out beautifully with purply-looking clouds. I think this is an illusion because the flowers are such a bright yellow. I know the colors are correct because there is just a bit of blue sky showing behind the clouds in the upper right corner. You can see my entire blog here. If you need to email me directly, please click here.

JUST START

2008-01-10T07:58:00.001-05:00

Sometimes just getting started takes an extreme effort. For my art, it's easier if my supplies are already out and set up. Preparation can take so long that by the time you actually begin work it is time to stop. I'm not sure there is anything to learn here except that in order to get to the finish one must first start. Once you have the momentum going it is easier to take the next step and continue.

That reminds me of one of my favorite characters in a book. His name is Miles. In the first few novels he is constantly saying "Forward momentum!" Of course this gets him into a lot of trouble and in order to get out of trouble he must keep the momentum going or he will die, or someone else will die -- in other words, something very bad will happen.

So keep this as a reminder to just get started and let the momentum carry you through to the end -- or the beginning -- of every endeavor.

You can see my entire blog here.
If you need to email me directly, please click here.

PRINTS AND PRODUCTS NOW AVAILABLE

2008-01-04T07:36:00.000-05:00

Finally, I have started uploading the larger files so I can offer small to large prints of my work as well as some on canvas! Also, and this is great: You can order my artwork on products such as coffee mugs, mouse pads, coasters, t-shirts, etc. That is so cool! This year I will be ordering some of my own stuff to wear during paint outs and maybe even some gallery openings! I have started by offering prints of horse artwork that has been sold so the original is no longer available. These images have been on Art Wanted for a couple of months but unavailable as prints – until now! If you have any questions about the artwork please contact me. For questions about ordering prints please first try Art Wanted directly as they are located in Iowa and I am in Florida. Here are some introductions to other prints I can now offer for sale: The painting "Dionisio" was named after a wonderful guy at a Walmart somewhere between Orlando and Leesburg on Highway 441. One rainy, windy morning I was on my way to the Leesburg Center for the Arts Back At The Ranch paintout event when I stopped to get some gas. As I walked back to my car I saw that one of the rear tires was half flat! OMG! It’s only 7am in the morning! What could be open where I could get immediate assistance? Some people told me that just up the road there is a Walmart. I race up there (so to speak) and pull in. I pulled in rather close and not in the line. But I explained that I didn’t know how long my tire would hold up and I wanted to get as close to the service area as possible. A man named Dionisio helped me and did not charge me anything to plug the hole in my tire. I gave him $5 anyway and went on my merry way to the paintout. So this painting is named after him. "Serenity" is named thus because I love the serene look that I captured on this horse’s face as he stood in his stall at the Disney’s Grand Cypress Equestrian Center during a horse show there a couple of years ago. His face says it all. This highly detailed drawing has been very popular as a print. It is titled "2 Horses of Rothenburg" because it is done from a photo I took while in Germany. The original 16x20 is very high-priced due to the amount of time and skill involved in its creation and the framing was done by a frameshop (not just me in my studio). I must confess that pencil in black and white is my favorite medium. This drawing was much fun to do and I enjoy sharing it with other people! You can see my entire blog here. If you need to email me directly, please click here.

ITUNES DOESN'T SEE IPOD

2007-12-27T18:01:00.000-05:00

For over a year I have been having problems syncing my iPod. It was so bad the last time that I gave up until I had time to sit and find the solution. Since that time apparently this problem has become fairly common-place and sometimes a drastic solution is necessary – reformat the iPod and completely reinstall the software *and* the music! That was to be my last resort. However, it was never necessary! I am happy to report to all you other iPod users out there that my solution was the simple fix: I simply had to restart the iPod services. I am very happy now and will spend the rest of this evening adding new music to iTunes! If you are like me and experiencing similar problems with your iPod I am providing some very useful links below. http://www.zolved.com/synapse/view_content/19256 http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93499 http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93716 You could also consider using a different iPod manager, but if you cannot sync now this will probably not help either considering it was a Windows issue. My little iPod was wearing itself out trying to connect (battery died FAST). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_iPod_Managers You can see my entire blog here. If you need to email me directly, please click here.

KING OR FOOL?

2007-12-26T18:48:00.001-05:00

How can you tell when you are either being foolish or wise? It seems like a simple question. But these days you must sometimes wonder at the decisions people make in their daily lives. Everything is about choice. You can choose to go left or right, stop or go, etc.

How do you make this choice? It depends on the situation and your eventual goal. What makes the difference is how you make the decision. Is it with your heart or with your head? For example, do you feel like buying those shoes or that video game? Or do you need to buy those shoes or that video game? Which are you using first? Your heart or your head?

I have been reading a book written by one of my favorite professors, Dr. Kenneth Hanson called "Secrets of the Lost Bible". I am only on page 12 because it has already stirred me to thinking about how I make decisions and what I can teach my son about making wiser choices.

I will be brief: The letter "M" in Hebrew is "moach" meaning "mind". The letter "L" is "lev" meaning "heart". The word "melech" means king and the word "lemech" means fool. In other words, when you put the letter "M" before the letter "L" you are being wise. But if you put the letter "L" before "M" you are doing something foolish. You can practice this the next time you are thinking about pulling out a credit card. I still think it is okay to sometimes put your heart before your head and buy something because you want to. But you must weigh this against your values and goals. Also, consider if there someone else depending upon you to make the right decision. If you are having trouble deciding please ask a trusted friend or family member for help. And always remember to keep your receipt in case you change your mind or it's broken -- the item, not your head.

You can see my entire blog here. If you need to email me directly, please click here.

SIMMERING IDEAS

2007-12-21T07:58:00.001-05:00

Many times I get ideas for a painting or perhaps a series of paintings. This has been going on for me and I have only just this past week begun to fully realize what I will do for my first major series of paintings. It has been an idea for me for the past 1 1/2 years to do paintings of downtown Orlando where I now work. However, this idea has only been simmering in the back of my brain for all this time because it was not ready to be born. I felt this was true and there was no guilt in not starting on my new idea right away! It did not seem appropriate to rush into such a project rashly without a lot of thought and some initial preparation.

Most of the work on any painting or drawing project is done before any paint or pencil touches canvas or paper. You must think through the process first to make sure it will have the best start possible. That is not to say that half-way through you may realize it is going in the wrong direction and not working at all. But that is a topic for another day. For now, the lesson is to realize that running into a situation without thinking first can get one into a lot of trouble. At first things may seem to be okay but watch constantly so you can make appropriate adjustments or corrections.

You can see my entire blog here.

If you need to email me directly, please click here.

ONE WAY TO BEGIN A PAINTING

2007-12-20T07:29:00.001-05:00

How do I begin the process of making a painting? Of course, there is first the idea. Next, I consider what medium would work best for the painting. Sometimes a black and white subject such as a dapple-grey horse is perfect for a charcoal drawing on dark gray paper. You see a picture of "BJ" on the right as an example. I knew as soon as I saw the reference photograph that it would be beautiful just to be done in black and white only.

Sometimes while I am working on one painting or project I start another. This is especially helpful when I get to a tough area and I feel I will never get the painting done right! I do something else for awhile to give myself a break. When I go back to the troublesome project I work through it until it is done.

Because I frequently have several projects going all at one time, I find I usually finish all or most of them at about the same time. Of course, if there is a due date or it is a commission I do not follow this process exactly. Although, I sometimes find it necessary to step away from an intense project for awhile to relax. For example, if I am working on oil portrait I might pull out my watercolors and work on a fun exercise or work on a sketch for a new painting.

That is a part of the process of creativity in any endeavor. Whether you are at work, school or home, it is sometimes a good thing to do something different for awhile and come back to your original work. It gives you a fresher perspective and maybe some good ideas for future projects!

HOW TO HAVE FUN - LEGALLY

2007-12-18T18:05:00.000-05:00

I had a lot of fun last night. I met new friends, laughed a lot and talked about many interesting topics. We covered a lot of ground in about one hour while eating so this list is straight off the top of my head and in no particular order. I hope I included everything. Ed, Carol, Shari, Sy -- let me know if I forgot anything! Deep breath, here goes: family roots, where are you from?, the Incas, Nicaragua, Tennessee, Scotland, Lima, England, all over!, caricatures, Big Brother, Microsoft, Vista, Cosmos, Carl Sagan, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Apophis, 2012 or 2032?, warping space, event horizons, black holes!, the speed of light, Einstein, string theory, M theory, gravity, multiple universes, the Russian ballet and the way Sy makes turkey burgers -- very delicious with his own special way of adding flavoring!

PICK YOUR BATTLES

2007-12-17T17:51:00.001-05:00

I missed my plein air group's Christmas Party! Both Saturday and Sunday I was sick. I am upset about missing the party because it is a chance to talk and mingle with my painting friends and make new ones. Plus, it is the one time of year when we wrap a small plein air painting and we each pick a number and at the end of a delightful evening we all go home with a new painting that was done by another member. I have a special wall in my home where the two I have collected so far hang a wall in my bedroom. I have to admit I had pushed myself through the entire previous week while I was unwell. But two of my landscape paintings were opening in the Comma Gallery on Tuesday and I just started two new watercolor paintings the previous Friday night that need to be done by January and the other by February. And that is in addition to holding a regular fulltime job which I could not justify taking off from if I was well enough for the show opening. I struggled through the week on strong decongestants and a spray to numb my throat. Most evenings I managed to relax and spend time with my son, but it wasn't enough. I thought I was feeling better by Friday so I went out to the movies to see I Am Legend (Excellent!) and Saturday morning I had to go out to a friend's barn to photograph and measure her tack box. She wants me to paint her horse, Tucker, on the front with a saddle and rider. Then I ran two errands and got home before noon. I was feeling a bit weak but assumed I was hungry. So I made a sandwich and thought I'd feel better. Well, I didn't. I won't bore you with the details, but I thought I was getting worse as every breath burned in my sinuses and throat. I finally relented and took an aspirin then lay down in bed and pretty much did not get up again until Sunday afternoon -- *after* the Christmas party had already started. I got NO painting or sketching done. My body had finally found a chance for me to rest and it said REST. I had no other choice in the matter. People should not have to be pushed so hard to do the right thing. I needed rest but thought I was tough enough to keep going. There were things that needed to be done that no one else could do or so it seemed at the time. My laundry still sits in the bathroom waiting to be done, but it's not going anywhere and it will still be there tomorrow night or Wednesday night just more of it! (Yes, I am busy tonight and might be Tuesday, too, if I have a student for my painting class.) The dishes got done on Sunday but afterwards I crashed into bed again for several hours. The floor needs vacuuming and there is always dusting to do, but it'll all still be there tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow. In today's world where everyone is expected to be the perfect housekeeper or the perfect mom or dad we must each remember to pick our battles and do what is important rather than what is urgent.

Get Some Perspective

2007-12-14T08:07:00.001-05:00

If you have noticed my only other two major blogs you see I only posted once per year for two years. Maybe I set a record -- should I call Guiness? So where have I been? Well, I started this blog and it was a lot harder to keep up than I thought. For one thing, I didn't feel I had anything to say. Since 2006 I have started teaching at JoAnn Fabric's and Michaels. I teach people how to paint and draw in acrylic, watercolor and pencil. Recently, a student took one of my drawing classes. She told me she had learned a life lesson from my class. Since then it has been boiling in my brain to share these lessons online. I knew I already had a blog set up at Blogspot. I was surprised to find Google had bought them. Fortunately, I already had a Google account so I just had to take some time to reconfigure my old blog account into my new one.

Anyway, back to my original thought... My student told me she had learned a life lesson from my drawing class. I asked her what it was because I was not aware that such a thing was possible -- from me anyway! She had been trying to draw a picture of a buddhist temple from a postcard by starting in one corner of the paper and drawing every single detail in that one area first then moving on across to the next section. But when she found the drawing was growing bigger than the paper and everything was getting out of proportion and perspective she crumpled up the drawing and threw it away in frustration. After taking my class she had learned that one must look at things with a wider perspective and not get stuck first in the details. I also gave her a tip about what to do when a drawing starts to get larger than the paper -- just tape more paper to the paper and keep on going!

I'm Back

2007-12-12T17:48:00.001-05:00

I actually have two blogs now and at different websites. But this one was first and offers different features the other one does not. The other blog is at www.artwanted.com/bowdenartist. This site lists all my artwork and photography for sale and offers them as prints and on products! Very cool! But the RSS feed does not work for the blogs -- only new artwork that I post to my account. I am not sure how I am going to work this but we shall see over the coming months (if anybody even reads this at this point in time!) TX

Finally, a new post!

2006-04-16T15:01:00.000-04:00

I thought this blogging thing would be easier than keeping my own site up-to-date! I was wrong as usual. First, I've been able to do a lot more plein air painting -- not from photographs. Doing this type of work though has greatly improved any work that I *must* or can *only* do from photos - such as the ones I took while in Europe - particularly southern Germany. I also started putting some artwork on eBay including my first ACEO cards! Their small, affordable and collectable! http://cgi6.ebay.com/ws/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewListedItemsLinkButtons&userid=artistkarenb

Catching Up

2005-10-18T15:43:00.000-04:00

The title is appropriate for my first blog. This is the place to "catch up" on my art and activities. For over a year I thought about starting one. Now is the time. If you don't already have one it is your turn to "catch up" with the times and begin. On with the latest news... The past week was busy! On Thursday, October 13, 2005, I spent a relaxing evening at Gallery First in Sanford, Florida. Mary Gray was gracious enough to invite me to take up a spot in her shared studio for the evening. This blog contains a picture of the painting I started there and finished later at home. It is the first from photos I took during a recent trip to Paris. Saturday, October 14, I spent a leisurely afternoon meeting old friends and acquaintances at Clarcona Horseman's Park during a GOHJA show (Greater Orlando Hunter Jumper Association). On Sunday, I relaxed and looked at other artist's work at the Maitland Art Festival. Next week, we will have to watch Hurricane Wilma and see what she does.