Wars and Rumors of War
 

Though impossible to predict how events will play themselves out, it appears that, with delivery of the President

Just Glum
 

Steven,

I couldn't bear to watch the President last night and the inevitable post-speech discussions. I flipped restlessly through the channels until I came to a PBS piece on the restoration of a temple in Mustang, Nepal. Mustang is ethnically Tibetan and was part of Tibet before the Chinese invasion.

The 15th century temple is being restored in a joint European effort. The wall paintings are being worked on by the same man who restored the Sistine Chapel.

They are works of immense power and beauty, as fine as anything done in the West at the same time, which would have been the high Renaissance.

The reason I mention this is, Tibet previously was a warring state, as feared in Asia as Ghengis Khan. Their warriors were the most ruthless and they extracted a lot of tribute from China.

In the 14th Century, Tibet completely laid down their arms -- I mean completely. They devoted their interests to the necessities of life and spirit.

They built exquisite temples and developed one of the most sophisticted and pure forms of Buddhism, the Vajrayana.

Just though I'd mention this on the eve of war.

Sincerely,

Yep, Glum hits it perfectly...
 

Denver has been hit with the worst snow storm of the season - we have about a foot already and some say we could get up to 2 more in our area. Everything is pale and cold and you cannot see far - also descriptive of my feelings about our future in the world.

I think we need to remember there are people in Iraq with family members here and around the world, who see hope that someday they will be able to be free from tyranny, rape centers, children who have to watch their parents tortured & killed, a hope they will live in a free economy, free from fear of being gased, free to live their lives with the same freedoms we take for granted. Our future is secure, hopefully, and I pray theirs will be too.

No one wants war, least of all me, but I see no hope for the people of Iraq or the protection of all free people with the likes of these leaders in power. The President

Keep politics out of the forum
 

Patti,

Let us not talk about our hopes, fears and position on the war. Steven started the thread with the point that it be apolitical. There are people on the Forum who disagree, including me, with your point of view.

Art at its best is something that reaches across culture and time to inspire the human race to a greater awareness of love, beauty and harmony.

Let us not drag the war in here.

Sincerely

Alternative to war
 

If everyone learned how to paint portraits (or at least still lifes) and was able to experience the great satisfaction available by doing so, there would be no more wars. That is unless they logged onto the forum and wanted to debate a topic such as the validity of modern vs traditional art, or how to approach the mindset behind color mixing.

I just came in from my third sesson shoveling snow out of my driveway. Between the second session and this latest one, in a mere two hours, we got 8 inches! I won't be able to lift my arms tomorrow and forget painting! :D

Hopes and dreams
 

My wish for everyone is to stay safe, be loved, and love back.

Since 9-11, I've begun following news in as many countries as possible. Steven, because of you, I'm even reading the Taipei Times. I've come to the conclusion that there is no black or white, just all the shades of grey and colors of the rainbow. Marvin, you're right, when you concentrate on seeing all the chroma, values, and hues, black and white become meaningless.

Take care everyone, no matter where in the world you are.

Jean

Portrait of Soldiers who give death...
Portrait of Soldiers who receive death...
Any difference on their faces?

Snow and hope
 

Hi Michael and everyone,

Here is a picture of snow removal in front of my house. This is the first time they have it since living on this neighborhood. Snow was about 5 feet in accumulation. I running out of room. Hope you feel better Mike.

Hope is there and will always be there. I hope everything will come out good and peaceful in the end. God Bless.

Just hopeful
 

It is a time to hope. I for one am hopeful; for the future of this country, Iraq, our soldiers, and my own life. It is a time to see the best, as you would do in a portrait. It is a time to expect the best out of ourselves first, and of those around us.

And a time to hope for the best.

I guess I need to explain this one.

In addtion to all the news of Iraq this morning, we also have seen the huge snow that is blanketing Michael's home town, so I just see him in his studio buried under 7' of snow, still painting from life!

Peace! :sunnysmil

Yep, the snow is about that deep!

Today dawned bright and clear and the storm has moved on. Hopefully we will get lots of melting in the coming days. Here is the pile I cleared from my driveway! My whole body hurts. :)

One more to give an idea of the neighborhood under this much snow. This is taken from the middle of the street.

Today, Thursday March 20, 2003, the promise of spring is once again fulfilled.

:) Ha ha ha, that is so great Beth. That smile felt really good.

As for Michael, whew, my son had the last huge snow near DC in February with a long driveway and over 36" to shovel. And I thought we had snows here in West Virginia. Happy Painting.

As for the subject matter concerning our present situation, I am with Lon and am hopeful and proud to be an American. Luckily had a son in Desert Storm returned and still proud. Thankful that I have my art to fill me up when I can't go there.

God Bless

Ah-the warm spring rain --a fresh breath and I'm ready to paint---thankful for an artists license and the know how of using it.:sunnysmil

With greatest respect for the opinions of all, a gentle reminder to steer clear of the political, patriotic, or similar expressions, which will inevitably generate thread-closing debate.

Make snow angels instead.

Steven,

AMEN!

Hi everyone,
I have completely abandoned watching television for the time being so I guess I will be able to concentrate on my work.

I was very amused by Beth's illustration and think that your home is beautiful, Michael.

I can't imagine shovelling snow! I spent a few hours today on the end of a high pressure hose removing mold from my paths around the house. Perspiration dripping, horse flies biting...hmm, fun.

Thought I'd post a photo of my garden (32 degrees Celsius) to give a contrast to all that freezing white. ;)

Rats!

Margaret:

Beautiful greenery! We are finally getting out today! They plowed our street yesterday and I have only to break up and move several snow boulders that are piled up in front of our driveway. :)