2012

Hi everyone!

Hope everyone is doing great & happy 2012 to everyone! I know it's time for a long overdue update!

So 2011 was a busy year! I'll give you a brief rundown... I took an Art History class and passed with an A. It reconfirmed my love for the Fine Arts even more.  I exhibited to the public for the first time ever as part of a group art exhibition entitled "The Locals" at the Peanut Gallery here on Saba which was an exhilarating experience.

In November 2011, the Royal Family of the Netherlands - HRM Queen Beatrix, HRH Crown Prince Willem - Alexander & HRH Princess Máxima visited the Saba Lace & Art group exhibition of which I was honored to be one of the exhibiting artists. The curator of the show was another fabulous Saban artist - Stacey Simmons of which she did a fantastic job. It was a great experience and enjoyed by all.

On another note, I do finally have an art studio to work in. My fiancée gladly helped to paint the walls of the old storeroom which is now my art studio. It's great because I have so much more room and I can throw paint all over the place without worrying about making a mess although my  fiancée might have to re-paint the walls .

Though 2011 had its highlights, it also had its lowlights so to end 2011 on a high note, I spent Christmas & New Year's on Bonaire. It was my first time having visited this truly wonderful island. Bonaire is an artist's heaven... there is no lack for inspiring subject matter to paint and the natural sunlight is just amazing to paint in.

Bonaire is both beautiful on its shoreline to beneath its shore's depths. It is no wonder it is dubbed "diver's paradise". Bonaire was the last island for me to visit as part of the former constellation of the Netherlands Antilles and I'm so glad I got the opportunity to visit.

I met up with another Saban artist while there who is the manager @ Kas di Arte. Her name is Sandra Johnson and she helped me out with some art supplies while I was there and at the same time introduced me to new media. Now, I can't share all of my secrets so you will just have to wait to see what I have in store with the use of the new media

To be able to be exposed to so many varied styles of art on one island was really a wonderful opportunity.  I also got the opportunity to meet some of the more famous & established artists on Bonaire like Janice Huckaby of JanArtBonaire, Ronald Verhoeven & Henk Roozendaal.

I did miss visiting one place while there, which was Wil's Restaurant. I briefly passed there one night and saw tons of artwork on the walls so of course I was intrigued but we didn't go in because we figured we would go back to dinner there on the next night, however due to the holidays they were closed on the night we choose to go back so Bonaire, I will be back again to explore, discover, enjoy your charms and have dinner @ Wil's Restaurant.

Did I forget to mention how friendly & nice Bonairians are?  They really know how to cater to their tourists with a smile and it's genuine. Bonaire is a must do on your bucket list so go visit and experience it for yourself .

So there you go... that's 2011 in a nutshell, art related anyways

2012 is turning out to be a very busy year as well. I am currently working on a commission. In February, I'm looking forward to attending an art workshop with a visiting artist. Check out her art retreat @ www.artontherocks.com.  You just may want to join in on the fun.

Until next time guys & gals