In honor of commercial space travel becomming a viable holiday choice thanks to Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Galactic. Get out your spare $200,000 for a Pioneer Seat. Fly Me to the Moon by Sinatra:

At my “real job”, we’re researching video blogging, which ties in nicely with my art. Check out this website called Vimeo for more information, and check out this cool video, I love the colours.

Lip Dub Pop Muzik from fredasterical on Vimeo.

I’m back to working on the large 3 X 4 ft painting with the roller ducky in it. Plus, I’ve decided on the photo for myfirst painting from the Jen Steele Photography shoot.  I’m looking forward to having more time dedicated to painting. I’m also interested in working more with oil paints; most of my work to date has been in acrylic. Anyhow, here’s the photo I’ve chosen below. Notice the stuffed squirrel in my hand? That’s right, the Squirrel Series continues!

We returned safely from Seattle, Washington. What was the purpose? The 16th Annual Single Malt Scotch Whisky Extravaganza co-hosted by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Added benefit? The Seattle Art Museum!

Trying to find a single malt or whisky that I haven’t had before is starting to get a little difficult. This is not for a lack of trying, it’s because I have the malt mileage of an 80 year old man.

Whisky I tasted this weekend:

Michael Collins Single Malt Ireland (aged 8-12 years) - a surprise for the night, smoke and chocolate - the best rep too (hi Chelsea!).

Loch Chaim - Glen Garioch 1989 - 17 year old, fruit and spice and reminds me little bit of Glenmorangie, very earth wormy. Fun to pronounce.

Scapa 16 year old. Highlands Orkney. One of the best of the lot.

SMWS Cask 26.58 Northern Highlands (Clynelish) called Pink Peppercorns and Liquorice Allsorts - definately liquorice, and grassy notes.

SMWS 97.13 - 18 Year old Western Lowlands (Littlemill) called Lemons, Chillies and Flowers, very nice dram.

SMWS Cask 53.11 - 15 year old North Shore (Caol Isla) called Smoke and Soot with Liquorice Root. Very bon!

SMWS Cask 7.47 - 39 year old higlands region (Longmorn) called Church Pews and Tobacco - the best one for me!

SMWS - Cask 91.19, 20 year old highlands (DUFFTOWN) called the No-nonsense Dram.

The Seattle Art Museum was great. Highlights include:
http://www.seattleartmuseum.org

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness features the extraordinary holdings of American art at the Yale University Gallery.

Paintings by George de Forest Brush have been recently rediscovered, providing the inspiration for an exhibition of 21 works of art by this gifted but little-known 19th-century American artist.

This installation of four suits from the SAM collection features the work of contemporary artists Walter Oltmann and Nick Cave.

 And my favourites from the Modern/Contemporary art: 

Some/One, 2001
Stainless steel military dog-tags, nickel plated copper sheets, steel structure, glass fiber reinforced resin, rubber sheets
Do-Ho Suh

Sea Change, 1947
Jackson Pollock
58.55

St. John the Baptist, 1988
Jeff Koons
2007.121

Mann und Maus, 1991-92
Katharina Fritsch
2007.118

visit his website for larger photos by Ken Hamel/DenverArts.org

 {original post from harbourliving.ca) 
Art fundraiser supporting CNIB

Friday, May 1st, 2009
*6:00pm Doors Open, Champagne Reception *7:00pm Draw Commences *8:00pm Live Auction *8:30pm Remainder of Draw

Ticket includes:

* One piece of art valued at over $300
* Champagne reception
* Martini Bar (Hosted by Brown Henderson Melbye Law Firm)
* Tapas dinner party
* Silent auction
* Live auction

Live auction expertly led by celebrity auctioneer Eric Charman, CM OBC.
Items include:

*A special al fresco dining experience from Capital Iron
*2 nights accommodation in Vancouver during the 2010 Olympic
(Courtesy of Terry Farmer & Accent Inns)
*One week accommodation at Manoir des Roussieres in France
(Courtesy of Dominique Chapheau & Kerry Liggins)
*Original works of art from Honorary Chair Nixie Barton,
* Grant Leier, Kathryn Amisson, Michel DesRochers,
* Catherine Moffatt, Robert Genn, Nancy Slaght, Elka Nowicka,
* Paul Harder, Deidre Roberts, Robert Amos & daniel Izzrd

This is a popular event so reserve your tickets today!

29 yo Port Ellen, 55.3
Colour: Gold
Nose: Spicey, licorise, peat, fruit
Taste: Coal Tar, Sea Salt, Soda, Woody, barley sugar, bourbon barrel
Finish: Oily with Pepper ending
Points: 84 pts

Octomore/Bruicladdich
5 yo, 63.5 p131pp
Notes: Melted plastic, oil paint, dettol, turpentine, peat, dirt, swimming hole, cinnamon love hearts, peppermint, barn yard, dry ash, oil tongue, playdough - lots going on here. (80 pts)

I’m really getting more into character development. I completed this today; trying out loose brush strokes.

Title: Untitled
Size: 24″X 18″
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Artist: Carollyne Yardley

The Cheeky Monkey Party

A cheeky monkey would like to invite you to a fabulous party to celebrate the launching of a unique new Fine Art Corporation, with a mandate to help preserve endanged species. Bathe in the ambience of fantastic fine art by David Halliwell. Delicious canapes and wine will be served (bar service available).

Dress - optional - all are welcome.
Queries? call Roland 250-537-2133.

To View more artwork visit the Apes Art Inc website 

Saturday, March 21st, 2009
Opens: 4:00pm - 11:00pm (The artist will speak about the project at 6:00pm)
The Inn at Laurel Point
680 Montreal Street
Victoria, BC
V8V 1Z8

Many thanks to the professional makeup wizardry of Jen Clark (jenclark@shaw.ca) and photos by the mega-watt-award-winning photographer Jen Steele Photography(www.jensteele.com).  Jen and I have know each other since grade nine (actually I’ve known both Jens for that long). Sunday afternoon was spent creating photos, drinking a little whisky and listening to Elvis music (shocker).

The original purpose of the shoot was to gain primary source material for my paintings.

I’m ashamed to say, I think I love myself too much today. Must get a grip on my ego. These ladies made me look uber-hot.

AND, I have plenty of material to work with. Stay tuned for the unveiling of paintings along with the original photos.

In the meantime, check out more of the photoshoot at Jen Steele Photography blog http://jensteelephotography.blogspot.com/2009/03/carollyne.html

Another one for the Friday afternoon rock out. Enjoy.