Painting from Life

For some time now, I've only been painting from life. Painting is always a solitary experience, but painting from life takes so much of one's concentration that the solitude almost disappears into a state of an "absent self". There is nothing but the process. There is no outcome, no expectation, only observation. There is very little cognizance of self, and little or no perception of physical "place." We are often transported to something similar when we are watching a good movie, reading a great book, playing with a child or interacting with a baby. Time is suspended and has no meaning. There is no chatter of the mind. It is total engagement.

Tucson Symphony Orchestra and Art for Music 2007 at La Paloma a BIG HIT

Wow, what a great night to be had by all at the beautiful La Paloma Resort. Over twice as many in attendance as two years ago and although crowded, everyone was having a good time. The silent auction was huge and there was something to offer for everyone.
The thrill of the evening for me was the live auction! My guitar spurred on a bidding war and when it was over it sold for $2000. All proceeds from the event go to pay for much needed music education programs. My friend and co-chiar of the event, Diana Maderas, brought in the highest auction price for the live auction instruments for her exquisite Lizard Rhapsody. One of my other favorites was The Four Seasons by the renowned artist Barbara Gurwitz. I want to give a special thank you to conductor George Hanson's beautiful and gracious wife Petra Boehm, who told the audience my piece was her favorite.

At dinner we sat at the table with Charles and Candace Johnson, who purchased David's Lorenzo d' Medici violin two years ago.

With Mr. Robert Buhler and his lovely wife Yvonne who purchased the La Loteria guitar.
















Lizard Rhapsody (left) by
Diana Madaras
The Four Seasons (right) by Barbara Gurwitz.



TSO's chamber music ensemble began the pre-dinner entertainment with the Overature to Mozart's Marriage of Figaro and ended wonderfully with the last two movements of Prokofiev's Piano Concerto.