Ornamental Koi, oil on linen by Teresa Oaxaca Ornamental Koi   The Cherub—wears Green—as if the World Had chosen Spring— And laid it breathing—on the Blue— Of Water—hardly moving—   Below—slow Lanterns—glide— Gold Thoughts with living Tails— They keep the Silence—faithfully— As monks—keep Bells—   A Cup—of Tea—defies the Depth— Porcelain—brave— The Sun—accepts its Invitation— And stays—   No Hand—disturbs the Floating— No Wind—argues— The Flowers—learn—what Holding means— By letting go—   ⸻  ...

Teresa holding Tiny Tim There is a particular relief in painting subjects that do not want anything from you.   Some of them move. Some of them wilt. Some of them crack if you are careless. None of them perform.   In Christy’s studio, the days unfolded slowly and deliberately. We gathered roses and wild flowers from her garden — some just past their prime, others still tight with morning — and set them among porcelain teapots, saucers, and cups worn thin by years of use. Fresh eggs were...

Trip To Mexico City   This past October I had the good fortune to visit Mexico City during the week of Day of The Dead. My hosts were gracious and welcomed me with open arms to their San Angel Art Studio, @clasespinturacondesa where I taught a 5-day painting workshop on Birds and Flowers. During my stay, I also visited the Ecological Park at Xochimilco and attended a few Day of the Dead Festivities. I was mostly drawn to wildlife and nature on this visit, however, as each of my visits (this...