Saturday, March 5, 2011

I kept my word...

I said I would be back soon with a new needlepoint project to discuss and also give you my two cents worth on what needs to be fixed in the world.  Onward.  While I am in my "I don't want to paint" phase, I am doing needlework.  After doing butterflies until I'm ready to cocoon myself, I decided to do something different.  So I got out my art books and my permament markers and my blank needlepoint canvas and came up with this.

I chose Matisse, not because he is my favorite artist, but because of the simplicity of the design in the piece Dance.  I felt that I could reproduce it in fiber relatively easily. There are several companies that have this painting as a needlepoint kit, but that would have involved waiting.  Yep, I would prefer to grab the markers and draw it out myself to waiting for an order to be sent to me. I had all the supplies necessary and lots of floss that needs to be used, so that's what is happening. 

I used blank needlepoint canvas, cut it so there was a sizable border and positioned the canvas over the image in the book.  If you are using a library book, or a picture that you don't want to get dirty, I would suggest making a color copy of the art. Then I took PrismaColor markers, which are waterproof and fairly permanent, and basically traced over the picture.  I am using three basic colors with a few darker details here and there.  I hope to show you the final project soon.

Now, on to my rant about what bugs me in the outside world.  Two things come to mind immediately.  One is the current trend for actors who were child stars to continue to act in roles that would be better served by someone younger.  Topher Grace is in a new retro movie where he plays someone in college and does all the things that going to college in the 1980's entailed.  Uhhhh, Topher grace is 32 years old.  I don't know if he is supposed to be college aged or not, but I don't even want to find out.

Just like the commercial that I just saw for Pro Active acne medicine...Jennifer Love Hewitt is the spokesperson. Talking about how awful it is to go on that first date and have a breakout.  Talking about how great it is to have clear, SEXY, skin.  Ummm, once again...Love Hewitt is 32 years old.  Is it just me?  Have I become jaded? Do I just not get it?  Seeing Love Hewitt spin around and toss her hair and tell me how sexy my skin will be if I use this product, just puts me off.  Now don't get me wrong, I know that lots of folks still have blemishes after 30, but put on a business suit, or a classic outfit of jeans and a blazer if you are obviously in your 30's hawking acne cream.  I scoff at her with her silly giggles and jiggles trying to sell something.

Next on my list of gripes.  The hubs and I went to a local, hole in the wall, night spot to listen to a friend play a gig.  It is somewhat of a country type bar, with all the usual stereotype regulars eyeing us, as though we had no right to even enter.  The smoke almost choked us as soon as we did walk in.  Since I'm one of those dreaded "non-drinkers", I usually have DH order me a soft drink.  Last night I decided that a Perrier or sparkling water would be my choice.  The bartender acted like hubby was from another planet when he requested the water.  He sort of leaned over the bar and bared his teeth and said "you want what?".  When hubs finally convinced him that the wife did indeed want water and did they have any bottled water, he said "yeah, we got Kroger water in a bottle".  Actually the water was very, very cold and I enjoyed it immensely.  The band was pretty good, but we shot out of there at the first chance.  When we got home we had to air out our coats to rid them of the smoke.  Yikes. Combine that with the craziness that was the convenience store where we purchased gas and it was quite a night to be remembered.  I think sometimes you need to be reminded of why you don't go out at "the darktime".  Reminded we were, and we got back home by eight p.m.  I can only imagine what goes on when the serious lunacy gets started.

Well, that's it for now.  Hopefully I wont be such a slacker about posting.  We are still hitting the gym on a regular basis and we have each lost weight. If you want to check out my other blog, it's got the current workout posted for your reading pleasure.

So have a great weekend, and watch out for all thoses crazies out there.

5 comments:

Peri said...

Now you understand why I stay home!Unless you (a)drink alcohol (b)smoke something...yes, well...(c)are a raving sports fan or (d)can't stand being away from loud noises, you just might find life better at home! Restaurants are seemingly interested in only selling alcoholic beverages, and the only way to hear music comfortably is on your personal music device!! Boy times have really changed!

As for the Matisse ...very clever. I like it..the entire idea. We could all save a bundle of money by doing the same sort of thing. Since your readers are all artistic by nature, you may have just started a nifty trend! I think I will try something myself.
By the way, congrats on the weight loss...if people are not reading your other blog, they may not know how impressed they should be with you! I do know and I am impressed..all around. Way to go!

Anonymous said...

I thought I was the only person who was bugged by actors playing roles not suited for their age. All I think about through the whole show or movie is how old they REALLY are. If they have a young face and can pull off the younger role fine. That really bugged me about Julie and Julia. I LOVE Meryl Streep but for the love of God she is 60 and should not be playing a 38 y.o. Julia Childs. If they are going to use an older actor in a role the least they can do is soften the light on their face or whatever trick they can use. Give me a break! I could go on and on. : )

I can't wait to see the finished needlepoint!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

I have a huge problem with those young misses advertisin' wrinkle creams when they are way to young to even think about wrinkles. What's with that!!!

I love your Matisse idea...you are the queen of creativity girl.

God bless and have a stupendous day my friend! :o)

Kristen H said...

My art teacher in HS said my work looked like Matisse. Very proud of that compliment. this is great!
You are so awesome, Susan. Your art, your push to succeed at the gym... and an all around great person.

Loves...and hugs!

vivian said...

I'm not one for much night life either! unless its just hanging out with friends at someones house. I hate going to bars because I cant stand to be around drunk people! Plus, I cant hear in bars! I did spend a lot of time in them when I was WAYYYY younger!
anyways.. I love my cozy nightlife!
lol
have a great weekend
vivian