Nate Milton "Feelings" Video

Being a fan of celebrating the loveliness of little things in life, you'll understand why I am equally in love with this sweet video I found on Vimeo by Nate Milton called "Feelings." In his words, "For three weeks, I wrote down any thought, image or memory that gave me a tingly feeling. I animated the list, and what it accidentally became was…" Enjoy! At the end of the clip above, there was a link to another video. Here is a gem of sophisticated canine humor (a category I just made up, but in light of the upcoming Oscars tomorrow night, one that the Academy should definitely think of including!)--I was laughing out loud! I'm imagining he took inspiration from the film "Amelie" as the French narrator says things like, "Orson detests the rain. He enters it to spite it and to piss on it." "Orson is depressed. He's been painting morose watercolors (omg-love it!) and thoughtless still lifes." This Nate Milton is a genius!

Remembering

Sometimes I sit down at my computer desk, which also doubles as my painting area, because I have no other room to paint, and I will get this urge.  An urge of unrest, of wanting to--actually needing to, make something.  I stare at my paint.  I can tell that nothing will make me feel better except to paint.  And then...off I go.  I started this at 10 p.m.   I couldn't help myself.

I've been watching the "Eyes of Laura Mars" while I put this baby together.  Well, I've been "listening" to it.  Again, I don't know why I've been needing to see/listen to this 1978 relic (with Faye Dunaway and a young Tommy Lee Jones).  I don't question my weird cravings.  It's just like when my body says, eat some potatoes, and I say o.k., and whirl up some hash browns in a Spanish omelet!  Back to the movie.  I thought I was being directed by the universe to paint Faye Dunaway or something, but the gal that emerged is loosely based on a character in the movie "Amelie."  A woman reminiscing about her husband who left her and ran away with his secretary years ago.

For some reason I like painting older people or forlorn people when I paint portraits.  I'm not sure why.  Well, maybe I do.  There's something very interesting to me about more complex human emotions...those that touch a yearning inside.  They don't make me sad; rather, I see a beauty in their vulnerability.

Remembering

9" x 12"

Barbara Streisand singing theme ("Prisoner") from "Eyes of Laura Mars"

 A little film clip.

Now it's the wee hours of the morning, and I need to clean my brushes, take a bath, go to bed, and lie in bed and think, why did I stay up so late during the work week?!?!?!  WHAT am I doing?  What can I do? When the muse calls, you must obey.

Carlos Lascano's "Lila"

Here is a most beautiful short film from Carlos Lascano called "Lila." Thank you Suzi Poland for bringing this slice of beauty to my attention.  Gracias a Carlos Lascano por esta pelica encantada.  (Thank you, Carlos Lascano for this enchanting film.)

She is like "Amelie" come to life as a sketcher! I feel full of happiness that such beauty and imagination exists in the world.  I wish I knew you personally!

Day 331. Coco Before Chanel (SOLD)

I found myself sucked into a couple of French films tonight on the IFC (Independent Film Channel).  I DVRed the first, but was glued to my chair as 2009's "Coco Before Chanel" came on with Audrey Tatou ("Amelie" fame--another favorite!).  Well, even though I've seen it over and over and own it as well, I couldn't move.  I thought, I had better at least draw something while I watch or I'll be in big trouble in a few hours.  I attached a white collar to her outfit, an homage to the House of Chanel's distinctive style.

"Coco Before Chanel"