tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22310275793421211972011-12-22T08:44:01.020-08:00HMCraig is a fine artist who specializes in large scale floral still life. Her bright colors reflect her enthusiasm for painting and creating. She is a mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) survivor, and views painting not only as a creative outlet, but also as a therapeutic process.HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.comBlogger2461100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-59361405079145304052011-12-22T08:44:00.000-08:002011-12-22T08:44:01.041-08:00

"February Sunrise", 5x7", oil on copper panel  Painting small landscapes have appealed to me. I've recently learned how to paint on copper using a method from the 1600s. It involves sanding, alcohol, and garlic. Sounds like an awful drink, doesn't it?

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-83207743335430890502011-11-27T07:23:00.000-08:002011-11-27T07:23:00.876-08:00

I am getting better. Whether I am actually healing, or just getting better at dealing with symptoms, or maybe a combination of the two... there seem to be more days without headaches and fatigue. In September, I was able to go for my first bike ride in well over 2 years. A route was picked, and I made sure that G had a copy of the route with all of the possible shortcuts I might take (just in

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-2226920190527353532011-11-22T07:23:00.000-08:002011-11-22T07:23:10.786-08:00

H.M. Craig, "Nothing Sweeter", 12x12", acrylic on canvas Gallery Seven in Maynard, MA is having a Holiday Art Show from Nov 15- Dec 30th.  I am one of the artists included in the lineup, and am VERY happy to be included. The people who run the gallery, Kelli and Nick are absolutely wonderful.  http://www.gallerysevenmaynard.com/gallery/current-exhibition/ Artist's Reception Saturday, December

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-57378135060901378182011-07-14T05:54:00.000-07:002011-07-14T05:54:00.639-07:00

I've been getting work together for my very first solo show that runs through August. The reception is Saturday, August 6, 1-5 pm at Westford Floral Arts (129 Littleton Road, Westford MA) . You are definitely invited!!!

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-84582237605063330042011-07-13T11:54:00.000-07:002011-07-13T11:54:14.600-07:00

My work, Opportunities (pictured above), won the People's Choice Award at the Marblehead Festival of the Arts!! Suzanne at the NorthEast ARCworks submitted the painting for me, and informed me of the award. I'm extremely fortunate to have such wonderfully supportive people in my life. How lucky am I??

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-44589184968857888812011-07-08T18:45:00.000-07:002011-07-08T18:45:21.946-07:00

It's officially official!  I'm Jerry's Artist of the Month! I don't think I knew it would be a contest when I signed up for it. So, when I received an email about the contest I was now in, I freaked.  I don't like the feelings that competition brings up. Competitive with myself, sure.Competing against other people makes me an anxiety ridden stressball.  The first vote ended in a tie between

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-32467605378788325932011-07-01T06:26:00.000-07:002011-07-01T06:26:00.649-07:00

Dr. Margaret Livingstone starts speaking at about 5:30 I recently attended a wonderful talk by Dr. Margaret Livingstone, who is a neurobiologist and professor at Harvard. The event took place at Boston University's medical campus, right next to Boston Medical Center. I think there were about 5 artists in the audience, with the rest being medical students and Doctors.  I'll admit that I felt a

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-4260378572345307192011-06-30T06:13:00.000-07:002011-06-30T06:13:00.481-07:00

"Peace in My Home (Golden Apples and Parrot Tulips)", 36x48", acrylic on canvas I worked on this for a while (see progress shots below). Sometimes, you get tired of staring at the same thing, and you can't see the forest for the trees, so you put it aside. Eventually, something knocks you back into it.

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-40590254372295107212011-06-26T06:00:00.000-07:002011-06-26T06:00:05.735-07:00

I've been chosen as one of the finalists for Jerry's Artarama Artist of the Month! How lucky am I? So, now I need votes.  That's where you come in! Jerry's Artarama Facebook Voting Page   Pretty please? With a cherry on Top? Photo by Dr Craig on Flickr

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-86932461501180195522011-06-25T06:05:00.000-07:002011-06-25T06:05:00.765-07:00

"With Grace", 30x40", acrylic on canvas

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-9135405857271755612011-06-21T05:45:00.000-07:002011-06-21T05:45:33.988-07:00

"To A Life" , 20x24", acrylic on canvas I've been painting a lot, mostly to pull the good from the rawness of grief. We lost our good little buddy in the middle of April, and my heart apparently isn't going to forget 12 years (84 dog years) anytime soon. I guess that's appropriate, because Beans never did give up.

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-77379355156382191822011-04-06T06:21:00.000-07:002011-04-06T06:21:19.593-07:00

 H.M. Craig, Peony series This peony series was painted for A Square Deal which is based in Philadelphia. From the ASD website: All art work shown is executed on 20cm (7.8 inches) square masonite panels prepared distributed to the artists by A Square Deal. The work is varied in style, genre, and medium, including paintings, collage, graphic art, photography and mixed media. These original

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-77743201092616380342011-04-04T11:55:00.000-07:002011-04-04T11:55:47.642-07:00

"When you're in the studio painting, there are a lot of people in there with you - your teachers, friends, painters from history, critics... and one by one if you're really painting, they walk out. And if you're really painting YOU walk out." — Philip Guston found here

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-81803929037193865372011-03-29T12:34:00.000-07:002011-03-29T12:34:05.180-07:00

H.M. Craig "Ready to Begin", 40x30", acrylic on canvas Who isn't ready for Spring? I know some of you are already bathing in sparkling sunshine and are ankle deep in tulips, but we New Englanders are still waiting our turn for our little piece of earth to explode in flowers.

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-59463278730913300232011-03-19T11:45:00.000-07:002011-03-19T11:45:51.147-07:00

Free Art for Everyone, if you can find it   One of the paintings to be given away "How I Wonder", 12x12", acrylic on panel In celebration of the nicer weather, in anticipation of flowers, and a nod to this weekend's Boston Flower Show, I present to you... free paintings! You can find out more about my Art Treasure Hunts by clicking here.Sunday, March 20th, starting at approximately 11:30 am,

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-88737998832384769922010-12-24T07:00:00.000-08:002010-12-24T07:00:08.044-08:00

The artist is the confidant of nature, flowers carry on dialogues with him through the graceful bending of their stems and the harmoniously tinted nuances of their blossoms, Every flower has a cordial word which nature directs towards him.-Auguste Rodin photo by tanakwho on Flickr

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-44413252232423717992010-12-17T15:14:00.000-08:002010-12-17T15:14:12.800-08:00

The Hours "Ali In The Jungle" music video - Directed by Jonas Odell from FilmTecknarna on Vimeo. I ran two miles today. This is the first time I have run since my accident on Easter '09. But, you knew that. You orchestrated the overwhelming fatigue that washed over me when I tried and failed to do basic household chores (dishes, laundry) and tedious paperwork. You made me sleep for 15 hours a

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-20504270869588633382010-12-10T07:00:00.000-08:002010-12-10T07:00:08.753-08:00

Flowers never emit so sweet and strong a fragrance as before a storm. When a storm approaches thee, be as fragrant as a sweet-smelling flower. -Jean Paul Richter photo by floresyplantas.net on flickr

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-64963213985763983172010-12-04T07:00:00.000-08:002010-12-04T07:00:03.047-08:00

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-37961262065205396082010-12-03T08:51:00.000-08:002010-12-03T08:51:00.617-08:00

photo by Flickr user Laskhmi Arvind I have a SuDoKu taped to the refrigerator. It is an 'easy' puzzle. Numbers are written in orange colored pencil. It also has a date written on it.   I have completed my first SuDoKu puzzle since the injury.  I have no idea how long it took me to complete. I just remember that it was hard to focus on something and keep all of the numbers correct. I kept

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-66895180581251740982010-12-01T08:14:00.000-08:002010-12-01T08:14:00.698-08:00

"Charlie Rose Brain Series Episode Twelve: Creative Brain, a discussion about creativity with artists Richard Serra and Chuck Close, neurologist Oliver Sacks, Ann Temkin, chief curator of painting and sculpture at The Museum of Modern Art and Eric Kandel of Columbia University" http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/11264 53 minutes (I must admit that I was painting while listening, so

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-67809718254905630292010-11-29T08:13:00.000-08:002010-11-29T08:13:50.526-08:00

Work in Progress (peony lilac narcissus), 24x30", acrylic on canvas I've been stuck. And we all know that the best way to get unstuck is to work through the stickiness.  So, this past weekend, this piece has been extracting the negative stuck feelings (ambivalence, procrastination...).    A note on the subject of the painting... the trees around New England have been reduced to bare branches

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-52185224881103819542010-11-24T07:00:00.000-08:002010-11-24T07:00:10.632-08:00

All of the flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds of today.-Indian Proverb photo by AF-Photography on Flickr

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-11467312673552388752010-11-17T07:00:00.000-08:002010-11-17T07:00:08.607-08:00

Apparently, Peter Warlock was quite the character.

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-28904575956485553742010-11-10T07:00:00.000-08:002010-11-10T07:00:08.874-08:00

Deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light.-Theodore Roethke photo by flowerchild60 on Flickr

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-25195097301190238382010-11-04T12:55:00.000-07:002010-11-04T12:55:06.033-07:00

Last week, I watched a movie that I had been wantign to see for a while, but based on it's description, was not sure I wouldn't be reduced to a sobbing mess. You see, I haven't been able to go bicycling/running for well over a year.... and the site of cyclists on the road still fills me with a sense of longing and the burning feeling of missing out. Peaceful Warrior is based on the true life

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-42386118221859124912010-11-02T07:00:00.000-07:002010-11-02T07:00:03.299-07:00

I listen to Cheryl Wheeler often when I paint.

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-57734387767962151272010-10-27T13:40:00.000-07:002010-10-27T13:40:30.429-07:00

"Unexpected Joy", 12"x12", acrylic on hardboard This is the first of a series of paintings that I will be giving away for free. Yep, that's right, free.  The above painting was placed yesterday near Spaulding Rehab hospital in Boston, and has been claimed! If you would like to find an art treasure, subscribe to my twitter feed or facebook page. I will give out hints and clues about the

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-56789399742076102632010-10-24T07:00:00.000-07:002010-10-24T07:00:00.534-07:00

Flowers are the beautiful hieroglyphics of nature, with which she indicates how much she loves us.-Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe photo by Sister72 on Flickr

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-34161080658737415082010-10-12T07:00:00.000-07:002010-10-12T07:00:08.409-07:00

Steve Martin plays beautifully, doesn't he? It's hard to be sad listening to banjo.  ;)

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-78238279428585489732010-10-10T10:21:00.000-07:002010-10-10T10:21:00.661-07:00

I always think the flowers can see us, and know what we are thinking about.-George Eliot (pseudonym of Mary Ann Evans Cross) photo by neocorsten on Flickr

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-43204814668895369122010-10-01T08:00:00.000-07:002010-10-01T08:00:11.019-07:00

Lerch as Desk Sergeant, 9x12", grease pencil on paper I was in the Air Force. It was a short career, but also an experience that I wouldn't trade. The people I met and worked and became friends with are fantastic/wonderful/great/awesome. They continue to do great things, and I am proud of them. A few days ago, I saw that the Constitution Center in Philadelphia was putting together a show of

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-59470501831733858162010-09-30T10:40:00.000-07:002010-09-30T10:40:00.532-07:00

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129756105   An absolutely infuriating interview by NPR about how the Pentagon currently views brain injury. It seems that they don't want to be thought of as handing out medals as though they were candy... so, they restrict their definition of injury  (see: invisible disability... just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it's not

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-40217569896704429622010-09-29T08:38:00.000-07:002010-09-29T08:38:00.370-07:00

"Euphoria", 12x12", acrylic on canvas private collection Poppies and gold.

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-18090283373670445672010-09-28T08:35:00.000-07:002010-09-28T08:35:00.829-07:00

"Let the Day Go On and On", 10x10", acrylic on wood panel private collection Tulips, hydrangea, and lily of the valley.

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-68290903058974176632010-09-27T08:34:00.000-07:002010-09-27T08:34:23.985-07:00

"A Whisper, A Word", 10x10", acrylic on wood panel private collection Peonies!

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-49620209846613449522010-09-26T09:29:00.000-07:002010-09-26T09:29:23.663-07:00

HMCraig, "The New Experience", 9x12", acrylic on hardboard private collection Hello! I wanted to work with a palette that was juicy and indicative of the end of Summer. So, the colors were the new experience.   This is a wild bouquet of sunflowers and a rather large Peony.   I hope you enjoy it!

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-70075080394428008052010-09-24T19:11:00.000-07:002010-09-24T19:11:28.402-07:00

HMCraig, "Everything is New", 12x12", acrylic on wood panel private collection Gerberas and Agapanthus! Colors! Oh, my!

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-14828418955320646102010-09-24T07:00:00.000-07:002010-09-24T07:00:09.879-07:00

We can complain, because the rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because the thorn bushes have roses.-Abraham Lincoln photo by SGrace on Flickr

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-4115909857707834992010-09-18T08:22:00.000-07:002010-09-18T08:22:00.496-07:00

Patricia Burson, "Schoodic Birch", 40"x60" Patricia Burson is a New England artist who draws immense inspiration from nature. The subjects are presented in an almost abstract way.

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-78015423068284386422010-09-15T19:43:00.000-07:002010-09-15T19:43:00.495-07:00

Dixie Chicks

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-36243837873662367622010-09-10T07:00:00.000-07:002010-09-10T07:00:03.496-07:00

“Never allow anyone to rain on your parade and thus cast a pall of gloom and defeat on the entire day. Remember that no talent, no self-denial, no brains, no character, are required to set up in the fault-finding business. Nothing external can have any power over you unless you permit it. Your time is too precious to be sacrificed in wasted days combating the menial forces of hate, jealously,

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-73566227309508081922010-09-08T09:08:00.000-07:002010-09-08T09:08:08.273-07:00

Piece of a Life (Peace in a Life), 24x48", acrylic on canvas See a larger version here. This painting was executed as part of a challenge to incorporate my experiences at Spaulding Rehab. I broadened the challenge and included my experience with my injury, and also included other influences (friends, family, support groups).      There are many things in this painting that hold meaning.

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-81615106693280578782010-09-02T07:00:00.000-07:002010-09-02T07:00:04.213-07:00

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-78859814095246067172010-09-01T07:07:00.000-07:002010-09-01T07:07:00.059-07:00

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-90077679218154404482010-08-24T07:00:00.000-07:002010-08-24T07:00:04.955-07:00

 If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change-Hindu Prince Guatama Siddharta, founder of Buddhism photo by Tanakawho on Flickr

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-39214337236016120602010-08-17T08:48:00.000-07:002010-08-17T08:48:00.601-07:00

This is a thoroughly entertaining documentary about the way art and art collections are appropriated.  BUT... the viewer must know that one of the main people funding this film, Lenny Feinberg, had attended the Barnes for classes. NY Times Review and further information

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-16678618257206455322010-08-14T07:00:00.000-07:002010-08-14T07:00:01.526-07:00

I think the first time I heard this piece was in music class in junior high. Loved it then, love it still.

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-23009234028034251212010-08-13T07:02:00.000-07:002010-08-13T07:02:00.119-07:00

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-36760379450634839982010-08-12T07:14:00.002-07:002010-08-12T09:10:13.640-07:00

As written in a prior post, I've been thoroughly engrossed in reading The $12 Million Stuffed Shark by Don Thompson. I have learned a great deal about the art world from it, and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoyed Freakonomics (also another fantastic read).  Recently, the chapters have focused on the workings of auction houses, mainly Christie's and Sotheby's as they are the front runners

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-34935728755074312272010-08-11T06:07:00.000-07:002010-08-11T06:07:00.430-07:00

This is one of the paintings that I am currently working on. It is 24x48", and acrylic. It is a still life representing my brain injury story. You can 'read' it from left to right. There is a bowl of cherries, a broken vase, a goldfish, prescription bottles, a painting.... and so on.   I had to break a vase. So, I went to my favorite local thrift store and found something inexpensive. I brought

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-77232586809969937512010-08-10T08:27:00.000-07:002010-08-10T08:27:06.212-07:00

H.M. Craig, "Bringing It All Together", approx 32x20", acrylic on canvas G and I have a great friend (B) we met through rock climbing. He's one of those guys that gets along with everyone, is really fun to be around, and has a really great perspective on life. He has helped us out a great deal.   I wanted to do a quasi-portrait of B, something that captured him without being a full on portrait.

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-57632786645676375932010-08-10T07:00:00.000-07:002010-08-10T07:00:03.863-07:00

The fairest thing in nature, a flower, still has its roots in earth and manure.-D.H. Lawrence  photo by iGelo on Flickr

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-89152161703839167322010-08-08T06:32:00.000-07:002010-08-08T06:32:00.391-07:00

Tim Fraser,Morning Bridge, oil on canvas Oh, look at the beautiful glowing organic forms! It's interesting to see the primary colors and how the very real atmosphere affects the mass of 'tree' and 'water'.  See Tim's site here.  TimFraser, "Seawall bridge at dawn", 27"x48", oil on canvas Tim Fraser, "Suspended seawall", 27x48", oil on canvas

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-10956782326294369262010-08-07T08:00:00.000-07:002010-08-07T08:00:00.391-07:00

Paul Stankard, "Summer Memories", glass It's amazing that there is such a talent that can create a whole natural world, inside a glass paperweight. Do you see the honeybees and their lacy wings? Do you see the delicate frills on the end of the blueberries? Oh, hey... movie time! View his website here.

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-49589886246744625672010-08-05T08:00:00.000-07:002010-08-05T08:00:00.842-07:00

Evan Wilson, The Peacock Kimono, 34x40" As you all know, I'm a sucker for lots of color. I'm also dazzled by kimonos. Evan Wilson puts them both together in this painting.   Evan's website is here.

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-31388303802596566312010-08-03T08:21:00.000-07:002010-08-03T08:21:30.342-07:00

Hello All! I have a great new shipment of postcards, all complete with some of my artwork and name and colors and .... magic. Ok, maybe not magic. But I can have my wonder-dog Beans carry them to the mailbox. If you would like one, send me an email with your address, and I'll send out a card! Deal? my email      HMCraigArt  at gmail.com

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-67615464871743190832010-08-03T08:00:00.000-07:002010-08-03T08:00:05.294-07:00

If you've ever been curious about what the high muckety mucks have shelled out millions of dollars for in regards to contemporary art... do yourself a favor and grab "The $12 Million Stuffed Shark: The Curious Economics of Contemporary Art" by Don Thompson. It is an incredibly interesting read filled with .... Art! Money! Branding! I know, I know, I know... living artists and money don't go

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-70540522887062569522010-08-02T15:18:00.000-07:002010-08-02T15:18:49.808-07:00

 Alice Neel, self portrait I watched a documentary about Alice Neel today. It was fascinating with regards to how she straddled roles of mother/wife/girlfriend with the role of the artist. Also... the myth of the artist was discussed, which I will go into at another time.

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-10781080034682456772010-07-29T18:00:00.000-07:002010-07-29T18:00:02.738-07:00

all photos and quilt blocks by HeidiElliot on Flickr Dave has an excellent post, a list from a book, on 40 things needed the most after someone gets a brain injury.  I posted the ones most important/ relevant to me. Keep in mind that, like John Byler says, brain injuries are like fingerprints- they're all different. http://temporallobeblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/after-my-brain-injury-these-are-40

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-12317472907296348682010-07-28T08:00:00.000-07:002010-07-28T08:00:01.305-07:00

http://daves-runtoremember.blogspot.com/ He has become an Ironman athlete since his brain injury. This is really huge considering how much one has to remember to get through training AND the triathlon.   For example, Dave writes: "How does someone who doesn’t remember what lap they are on, get in any kind of a quality workout. When we are talking about the 3.8kl distance needed for the

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-22702856572905434872010-07-27T08:00:00.000-07:002010-07-27T08:00:03.609-07:00

My portfolio was featured on Arthood! I think you can click the pic to make it bigger.

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-43670734546816903002010-07-26T08:00:00.000-07:002010-07-26T08:00:07.439-07:00

Memory Fragments photo by lovefibre on flickr Continuing from yesterday's post on Army Wives' depiction of a Traumatic Brain Injury. ***** Episode 13 Joan is working on her memory by using flash cards. She says she feels like she's back in elementary school. Roland tells her she has to "walk before she can run" Later on, Joan is going stir crazy and has a need to exercise.  She says that

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-85722778746760016282010-07-25T08:00:00.000-07:002010-07-25T08:00:00.267-07:00

 Pink Garden by Ray_chel on flickr My dear sweet friend Kat called me to tell me about a show she's been watching, Army Wives. Kat told me that the people who put together the show decided to tackle Traumatic Brain Injury, and by what I've told her about my injury, she's been impressed by the depiction in the show. So, I hunted high and low for the episodes. I found a few, Episode 12 and 13 of

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-19491932655963082102010-07-24T07:00:00.000-07:002010-07-24T07:00:02.160-07:00

I don't want to be stinky poo poo girl, I want to be happy flower child.-Drew Barrymore photo by aelores on flickr

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-13879752267929430232010-07-23T09:26:00.000-07:002010-07-23T09:26:46.838-07:00

H.M.Craig, "What Lies Within Us", acrylic and oil on hardwood panel Good news!  The above painting has been selected to be in CARF International's corporate collection! CARF International is a nonprofit organization that works on accreditation for rehabilitation facilities  (like the one I went to).  They had an art call for people who have been or are going through rehab.* There were about 1,000

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-66893839380315521602010-07-15T10:18:00.000-07:002010-07-15T10:18:23.618-07:00

An update about  Erik Johnson from Bravo's art reality series "Work of Art: The Next Great Artist".  See the last post here. Last week, he said a bit more about his brain injury. "I've done so much dark stuff.... I'm gonna make a soft painting for my girlfriend. She's seen me fall on my face time after time after time. Especially after the motorcycle accident.  I've had physical therapy, 5

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-8950255847557145942010-07-14T07:00:00.000-07:002010-07-14T07:00:07.169-07:00

Madeleine Peyroux

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-91110684448680725762010-07-13T20:31:00.000-07:002010-07-13T20:31:15.794-07:00

 HMCraig, Opportunities, 30x40", acrylic on canvas One of my paintings, "Opportunities", was selected to be in a TBI art show in Seattle.  I know, this is fantastic, right??  Wait, it gets better....   One of the local news stations, King 5, did a segment on the show.  Opportunities was shown a few times, one shot up close!!!   :) Here's a link to King 5's segment about "Recreating Me", a show

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-40809185068165418342010-07-12T20:55:00.000-07:002010-07-12T20:55:51.909-07:00

Create Art photo by Pringle Hill on Flickr When someone is describing another as creative, what do you suppose they mean? Would it be that they're painting frescoes on their living room ceiling and know how to decorate wine glasses? Would it mean that they had an unusual idea to solve a problem (Bob over there rigged his lawnmower to the Roomba). Can they make up a song or a story? It's all of

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-21116024357665339452010-07-10T08:54:00.000-07:002010-07-10T08:54:00.430-07:00

I decided that if I could paint that flower in a huge scale, you could not ignore its beauty. -Georgia O'Keefe

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-22527671628323458632010-07-08T08:05:00.000-07:002010-07-08T08:05:00.903-07:00

If only I could get my hands on some of these wonderful creations! Or pieces like them... I would glide around my neighborhood in a pansy dress. I would lounge around on my porch resplendent in tulips!!  Heaven!   My only problem is that they don't seem like the type of dresses I should paint in. More beauty here. Photos by Monica Feudi.

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-79638784264184502662010-07-07T10:45:00.000-07:002010-07-11T08:53:30.607-07:00

  Turbulent Indigo by Joni Mitchell (will open in new window)  Bah. I wrote this post a while ago, and didn't know that the link would not be available. You can hear (a snippet) and buy the song at iTunes.  So, here are the lyrics to "Turbulent Indigo" by Joni Mitchell... about Van Gogh. You wanna make Van Goghs Raise 'em up like sheep Make 'em out of Eskimos And women if you please Make 'em

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-47918866923228226092010-07-07T07:11:00.000-07:002010-07-07T08:32:28.688-07:00

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes Home "...........Man o Man your my best friend I scream it to the nothingness that we got everything we need ......... Home, Let me come Home Home is Whenever I'm with you Home, yes I am Home Home is wherever I'm with you ............Moats and boats and waterfalls, alleyways and payphone calls I been everywhere with you Laugh until we think we'll die,

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-69294533169614821312010-07-06T07:55:00.000-07:002010-07-06T07:55:57.975-07:00

Rainbow droplet by Mrs eNil on flickr G and I have just returned from a wonderful trip to Louisiana to visit family, and celebrate a 90th birthday (!!!). All in all, the trip was wonderful. And tiring. But good. A little background for the rest of the post..   G has been on crutches for about a month due to a 'funny' knee (surgery scheduled tomorrow). I have a brain injury- he can't walk.  We

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-31390463982642129412010-07-05T07:00:00.000-07:002010-07-05T07:00:02.491-07:00

Saris by 1ObjectifNepal on Flickr Have you ever been struck by a color combination that you stumbled upon in your travels (plates, glass, buildings)?  Or, maybe, you saw a dress online with the most juicy purples, magentas and oranges...and used that for inspiration. Maybe you were at a garden in fog, with lilies.  The point is, there is color everywhere,  and is very easy to find inspiration if

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-79793353767655224502010-07-04T07:11:00.000-07:002010-07-04T07:11:00.467-07:00

Albert Bierstadt, Western Kansas

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-41803194533364487562010-07-03T07:59:00.000-07:002010-07-03T07:59:00.305-07:00

Duane Keiser is known as the father of the painting a day movement, where artists... guess what? work on a painting a day.  This is a way of honing observational skills, a kind of practice.  I have watched the above video countless times, and am always amazed at that moment when the paint turns into an apple.   

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-75100586582976535682010-07-01T06:36:00.000-07:002010-07-01T06:36:00.614-07:00

Robert Amesbury, "Heliotropes",  44x37", goauche on paper I don't think I have ever seen the natural world or still lifes depicted in this way... part pop art, part fairy tale. As you all know, I am abnormally attracted to juicy color, and Robert sure did crank up the juice.  The Boston Globe did an article on his show "Pronk" "He jam-packs most of his works not only with forms and metaphors, but

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-88448997074527282872010-06-30T20:06:00.000-07:002010-06-30T20:06:00.360-07:00

 Kawase Hasui, Moon at Magome I was lucky a few years ago to catch an exhibition of Shin Hanga (new prints). Honestly, I didn't know too much about them going in. I left the Sackler amazed, wowed.... in love. As a child of nature, I immediately recognized that the artists were in tune with the earth. The light, the trees, the water.  Don't get me started on the color.  Kawase Hasui, Morning at

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-3421894686745596682010-06-29T06:22:00.000-07:002010-06-29T06:22:00.237-07:00

Picture by MommyKnows What's this?  A super delicious Summertime treat with only two ingredients?  I am definitely on-board.This recipe is from MommyKnows.com Prep: 10 minutes Freeze: 6 hours1/2 cup of honey 2 1/2 cups of cream (35% fat)(she also adds a bit of vanilla and some grated vanilla bean, but that's totally up to you) 1. Whip 1.5 cups of whipping cream (plus 1 teaspoon of vanilla

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-19928218556382602182010-06-27T05:57:00.000-07:002010-06-27T05:57:00.235-07:00

Within the past 6 months, I have been really interested in reading anything I can about art.  My latest book that I am heavily immersed in is Girl in Hyacinth Blue by Susan Vreeland.  It is about the history, through generations, of a painting by Vermeer.   The painting itself doesn't actually exist.   It is historical fiction. You can read more on the author, Susan Vreeland's site. There is

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-37624976582200001212010-06-25T05:54:00.000-07:002010-06-25T05:54:42.762-07:00

HMCraig, "Opportunities", 30x40", acrylic on canvas My painting, "Opportunities" has been accepted to show at and event sponsored by the Washington State Brain Injury Association. "Recreating Me: Exploring and Healing Through Creative Expression" is at the Burke Museum of Natural History from July 7-11. The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture NE 45th St &15th Avenue NE University of

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-15677299330728519932010-06-24T08:45:00.000-07:002010-06-24T08:45:00.751-07:00

Happiness held is the seed; Happiness shared is the flower. John Harrigan photo by Askasin on Flickr 

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-30872155894530356052010-06-23T07:45:00.000-07:002010-06-23T07:45:00.083-07:00

Faithless never did a video for this song, so somebody else did!

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-81312571432035323342010-06-22T06:45:00.000-07:002010-06-22T06:45:00.352-07:00

Sherrie Wolf "Still Life with Venus and Cupid", oil on canvas, 60x48", ref: Agnolo Bronzino 1540-1550 Sherrie Wolf works on paintings on a few of my favorite things. Floral Still life with references to art history. It is not hard to find the references, as they are major characters in her large scale paintings.  "With one foot in the past and another firmly in the present, I create a dramatic

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-70262164913909913672010-06-21T08:29:00.000-07:002010-06-21T08:29:00.505-07:00

 So Many Things to be Happy About by Cobalt123 on Flickr I now belong to an Art Committee that selects and puts on shows of artworks by disabled people. My first meeting was at the beginning of June. The table was surrounded by intelligent, compassionate, and talented people. This feels right, almost like I'm on a different road than I intended to go on, but the journey seems richer... as though

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-89796678059205916082010-06-20T08:07:00.000-07:002010-06-20T08:07:00.879-07:00

I've been listening to the Darjeeling Limited soundtrack, this is on it. It's good for painting. The movie itself is pretty good, too.

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-32069336713709030762010-06-19T07:09:00.000-07:002010-06-19T07:09:00.151-07:00

Colorful Lights by KevinDooley on Flickr I've been watching Bravo's new reality show "Work of Art, The Next Great Artist". I watch because it is amusing, and I hope that it gets the general public more interested in and not as afraid of walking into a gallery. That's neither here or there, for this post though.   The second episode that aired this week had a little bit of a blurb by one of the

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-80120939900844194542010-06-18T19:45:00.000-07:002010-06-18T19:45:04.625-07:00

Joan Mitchell (I'm not sure which painting this is) Joan Mitchell was an Abstract Expressionist.Abstract Expressionism has an "emphasis on spontaneous, automatic or subconscious creation." Her paintings are expansive, often covering two separate panels. Landscape was the primary influence on her subject matter. She painted on unprimed canvas or white ground with gestural, sometimes violent

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-90377146889159741552010-06-18T07:08:00.000-07:002010-06-18T07:08:38.060-07:00

Rainbow Sock Monkey by Sunsetgirl on Flickr I don't have enough good things to say about Zach Anner.  He's incredibly funny, smart, and humble... and by the looks of it, he might have his own travel show as voted by viewers for Oprah. Take a look at his audition, if you haven't already, and make sure to vote! The description of the audition: "Wheelchair-bound lady magnet Zach, discusses his

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-22819289748732581452010-06-12T06:24:00.000-07:002010-06-12T06:24:50.774-07:00

HMCraig, "You Were Only Waiting for this Moment", acrylic on canvas, 30x40" The lilac painting was juried into a show for the Marblehead Festival of the Arts.  When it was dropped off, I had my doubts whether it would be taken in or not (there was a lot of good work).  But, here we are...  :) The festival runs from July 1-5, with a Champagne and Culinary Arts Reception on the 27th. I've been

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-80285631212351201502010-06-11T07:00:00.000-07:002010-06-11T07:00:05.561-07:00

Suzanne Etienne, "Matisse Bouquet" (no info available on size) I'm an admitted sucker for color and pattern. Suzanne Etienne's work includes both, and with unrestrained results. This is undoubtedly happy work.

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-15182130769763283272010-06-10T08:33:00.000-07:002010-06-10T08:33:00.775-07:00

The violets in the mountains have broken the rocks.  ~Tennessee Williams photo by Maia C on Flickr

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-88612619299131324112010-06-09T08:28:00.000-07:002010-06-09T08:28:00.813-07:00

photo by maessive on flickr There is a book titled "I'd Rather be in the Studio", and it is a highly recommended tool to have for artists. There is another book titled "The Artist's Guide: How to Make a Living Doing What You Love". I know what the general perception by the public of artists is- people who get to play with paint/marble all day and have no adherence to the rigors of what the rest

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-23436530921936831262010-06-09T06:58:00.000-07:002010-06-09T06:58:16.409-07:00

I have a google alert set up for "HMCraig". This is what I found in my inbox this morning.  HMCraig hairstyle.        ???      The best part is that not only am I included, my dogs apparently have nice hairstyles, too. What to do?

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-33606942715122480832010-06-08T08:27:00.000-07:002010-06-08T08:27:25.270-07:00

Virginia Katz, Momentum, strips of accumulated paper, 50"x36" According to her website, Virginia Katz "takes her cues from her environment".  The piece pictured above, Momentum, was made using found strips of paper.  There are also pieces in which trees and the wind participated in, because Katz attached a pen to a branch ... which yielded beautifully moving results. In the body of work entitled

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-10415088500598256512010-06-05T07:00:00.000-07:002010-06-05T07:00:01.547-07:00

HMCraig, "Madam Blue (Across the Universe)",  about 20", acrylic on canvas panel This was the only piece I finished in 2004.  Yes, I should have been painting more.

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-89997783829529830012010-06-02T07:00:00.000-07:002010-06-02T07:00:03.509-07:00

Queen! On Ukulele!  ... and then she starts talking about the classes she's taking.

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231027579342121197.post-68365997275139590972010-06-01T07:00:00.000-07:002010-06-01T07:00:01.058-07:00

HMCraig, "Butterfly for My Sister", 16x20, oil on hardboard panel I think this was the first oil painting I have ever done. Coming from an acrylic background, oils were a bit tricky to work with. There was a lot of wait time for the paint to dry enough that I could add another distinctive layer, and not turn the whole project into what's known as mud.  Kind of a funny little story about this

HMCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087580500932740542noreply@blogger.com0