New Painting

Thank You

 Robert painted this small painting (image size 5″ x 7″) as a “thank you“.  It is another one of his favorite subjects, the Greenfield School, which is in Idaho.

10 More Years

Bell Canyon Hike

The forecast was 40 degrees and partly cloudy, but still too much snow, ice and debris in the shoulder for a comfortable bike ride.  We chose a winter hike up Bell Canyon.  Mountain Goats hang out on these cliffs.  We could see them hopping from rock to rock.  It is amazing how they make their home on the sheer rock cliff.  

Mountain Goats

Now why did I name this blog 10 more years? That is how many years Robert added to my life. Unintentionally of course.  I chose to wear my trusty Lands End winter hikers.  I  bought them specifically forwinter hiking and to use with my snow shoes. Robert wore his old worn out hiking shoes.  His motto is if there is still something to lace up, they still have lots of wear left. There hasn’t been any new snow for a week and with the warm days and cold nights the snow on the trail had been thawed and refrozen until it was icy. It was okay on the way up, but going down was another story.  He was in front of me and sliding all over.  With every step he was catching himself or grabbing on to a bush or tree to help himself down. I wasn’t sliding AT ALL.  I started with a giggle, but pretty soon I was laughing out loud and laughing a lot.  He finally gave up on the iciest sections of the trail and sat down on his rear and slid. You know that laughing adds years to your life.  Thanks Robert, today I got at least 10 more.

Three Windows/New Painting

Three Windows

Robert has always been attracted to the interesting architecture of old buildings that have been abandoned and left to the mercy of the elements. When Robert was a kid it was fascinating to him to explore the old buildings that were left behind in his small town.  There were all kinds of treasures to be found and investigated whether they were actual “found” items or just the shapes and spaces inside that piqued his imagination.

Three Windows is 7″ x 10″.

Emma’s Door

Oh Emma,  Robert’s muse. I should be jealous, He has painted her so many times.  From every angle, in every season and still he is drawn to paint her again.  This time her door.  The shadow patterns on the porch were so inviting, how could he say no?

Emma's Door

 Emma’s Door image size is 7″ x 10″.

Oakley Barn

Two postings in one day!  You’ve seen the reference photos, the sketch, the half finished composition and now the completed painting. Wow, I feel like I should have a drum roll accompanying this blog.

Oakley Barn

 Oakley Barn image size is 7″ x 10″.

Jamie Wyeth

Robert and I had the opportunity to go to a private reception of paintings by Jamie Wyeth at the Utah State Capitol.  The show is titled “Seven Deadly Sins“  and the paintings are fabulous.  Seagulls represent the seven deadly sins, anger, pride, lust, greed, gluttony, sloth and envy.  The one pictured above is “Pride.”   Jamie Wyeth is the son of famed painter Andrew Wyeth.  Seven Deadly Sins has never before been exhibited outside of Wyeth’s home region and will be in Utah for a limited time at the Salt Lake Art Center.

Reference Photos

Reference Photos

Robert has his reference photos all lined up while he is working on his next painting.  He is borrowing bits and pieces from each photo. Now you can see why I needed so much reading material!

The painting in progress.

Chocolate Macaroon Cupcakes

Chocolate Macaroon Cupcakes

This recipe has been requested.  It is a low fat, low calorie  moist chocolate cupcake perfect for Valentines Day. Enjoy!

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

Filling:

1 cup fat-free ricotta cheese, 1 egg white, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/3 cup sweetened coconut flakes, 1 tsp coconut extract, 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips.  Combine first 3 ingredients and beat until smooth.  Stir in coconut, extract and chocolate chips.

Cupcakes

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup sugar, 1/3 cup baking cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon soda, 3/4 cup buttermilk, 1/3 cup applesauce, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla.

Combine flour, sugar, cocoa and soda in a large bowl.  In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients.  Slowly stir buttermilk mixture into flour mixture until smooth.  Spoon half the batter into cupcake cups, top each cup with 1 tablespoon filling and spoon remaining batter evenly over filling.  Bake 20-30 minutes, until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Makes 18 cupcakes.  125 calories each.

Optional frosting:

6 ounces lowfat cream cheese, 3 cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, 1-2 tablespoons skim milk. Mix until smooth.  Frost cupcakes, garnish with coconut.  Frosting divided between 18 cupcakes is 156 calories.

Working and Not Working

Robert is busy working on his next painting.  It is from our day of exploring last week.   His tundra roving is paying off. I think it is going to turn out really well.  I will post photos as soon as I get my computer back from the computer doctor.  Apparently it came down with a virus and now is not working!

New Painting/ Fenceline

 

Fenceline

 

Robert’s newest painting, finished today.  Image size 9″ x 13″.  From a day of exploring.