We drove home from CDA on Friday and made it into bed around mid-night. We were due at the farmers market by 8:30AM Saturday. My aging bones were spent and I selfishly wished for a raging thunderstorm that would render the market…undoable. I’m sure I dreamed of it a few times throughout the night, but awoke to realize it was only a fantasy. My biggest hesitation, barring exhaustion, was that we were not allowed any political promotional materials at the market, so the project needed to be verbally explained over and over. I was afraid a few die-hard republicans might participate and then be upset because they unwittingly finger painted in the name of democracy. I did my level best to ‘warn’ anyone interested in playing. The response to the project was overwhelmingly positive, but I think one may have slipped through the painting crack. The staff received an email that night from a non-supporter saying “we don’t want people like you and your wife representing Idaho – get out”. Well gee … all I did was finger paint! And it’s quite obvious we don’t represent ALL of Idaho – just the independent thinkers who make judgments based on science and the good of the majority. The other side has their representation, why shouldn’t we have ours. We would not be in this position if the Democratic party had not asked Tom to step up to the plate and take on Goliath. If any other seasoned democratic politician in Idaho had been willing to fight the good fight, we would be at home making lasagna and playing scrabble.

I’m not getting out, and you should be scared, ’cause once this paint gets on your clothes – it’s never comin’ out!

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8 Responses to Get Out!!

When I first read this posting, the power of your raw feelings did several things to me all at once which only served to paralyze me–first, I immediately wanted to send you quotes from a book I happened to have in hand, I BELIEVE IN YOU, which then tangled up my mind as to which one or just all I should send; second, I decided what I wanted to offer was too personal for this forum so gave myself breathing room by deciding to send it to your SulliStudios address; then two minutes later, third, chickened out on everything because the intensity of what you wrote started to drown me and I was afraid maybe I’d misinterpreted and would then sound foolish–so I waited safely on the sidelines to see what others had to say…day after day after day I waited and–NO ONE commented!!!!! I was/am shocked and amazed, not to mention ashamed. You deserved more. So, Kelly, belatedly, Here are words that in my mind, define what you and your family are doing:

“TREASURE THE ONE WHO THINKS OF YOU WHEN ALL OTHERS ARE THINKING OF THEMSELVES” –James Gunn

“YOU GET NERVOUS WITH NO ONE SUPPORTING YOU. PEOPLE DON’T ALWAYS HAVE THE VISION, AND THE SECRET FOR THE PERSON WITH THE VISION IS TO STAND UP. BUT IT TAKES COURAGE. YOU GET LONELY.” –Natalie Cole

“TO LOVE A PERSON IS TO LEARN THE SONG THAT IS IN THEIR HEART, AND TO SING IT TO THEM WHEN THEY HAVE FORGOTTEN.”–unknown

The last is what I imagine is you, Kelly, doing in this project–singing for your husband with your Fingersmears and your total support BEFORE the system wears him down.

It is presumptuous for me to think that a stranger’s comment on your posting would do the same for you, Kelly–because it sounds like your heart is stretched during this worthy effort–but you deserve to hear a rebuttal to those ugly words, “Get Out”.

So I stand up and shout, “YOU ARE THE BEST OF WHAT AMERICA USED TO SYMBOLIZE!” I, for one, am heartened to know that people like you still exist, and whatever happens, you’ve done the right thing in trying. More than most people can say about their lives, I’m afraid, so let’s hope that this time, the “right thing’ is rewarded.
And if so, then you can concur:

“IF I MADE IT, IT’S HALF BECAUSE I WAS GAME ENOUGH TO TAKE A WICKED AMOUNT OF PUNISHMENT ALONG THE WAY AND HALF BECAUSE THERE WERE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO CARED ENOUGH TO HELP ME” –Althea Gibson

Posted by Diane Pool · via sullistudios.com · 137 months ago

Some people are just creeps Kelly. Seems to me that the more concerned folks are about not getting their way the more irrational their comments. Keep your head up, your talent in your heart and your family by your side. We are all there beside you as well.

Posted by philbin de got schulz · via sullistudios.com · 137 months ago

I’m really enjoying reading your “babblings” about being out in the state, meeting all kinds of people. This state is in the process of evolving and thats just hard (ok, maybe impossible) for some people. I’m glad you and Tom are here so I say: “STAY HERE!”

Posted by Deneen Bowen · via sullistudios.com · 137 months ago

I’m really enjoying reading your “babblings” about being out in the state, meeting all kinds of people. This state is in the process of evolving and thats just hard (ok, maybe impossible) for some people. I’m glad you and Tom are here so I say: “STAY HERE!”

Posted by Deneen Bowen · via sullistudios.com · 137 months ago

I say get out there!! Spread your love around the state!

Posted by Reed Sullivan · via sullistudios.com · 137 months ago

There’s always going to be the one or the few who, because they feel that their way of living may be threatened through change that will take them out of their comfort zones that perhaps the only recourse they may know is to threaten back. It’s just fear of the unknown…forgive them for they know not of what they speak.

Posted by Janet Dempsey · via sullistudios.com · 137 months ago

Great to see the heart and soul the Sullivan team has put into this project and see it today at the Boise City Hall Oct 30th WOW! just loved it.Great job….

Posted by Joe Alcala · via sullistudios.com · 137 months ago

Thanks everyone! Your support means so much! What an adventure this has been.

Posted by kelly sullivan · via sullistudios.com · 136 months ago

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When I was younger I was drawn to extremes.  I wanted to be in the middle of a throbbing urban environment or out in the middle of the wilderness.  My moods and my companions seemed to follow the same turning points of the pendulum.  I wanted a life that was so flushed with passion and intensity that the only place for a still mind was in it’s slumber. There is merit in the experience, and I have no regrets about living it.  I am, on he other hand, pleased that the inevitability of age has brought about a kind of ‘mellowing’. I still like to make noise sometimes,

but I’ve learned that screaming from the tower is not always the most effective way to spread your word. The space between the throbbing urban environment and the wilderness has many people just like me.  People who have screamed, but their throats got sore and they found a better way to spread the love.  They have not settled into doldrums, they have settled into peace.

This political process is not easy.  I think the reason that our system is so screwed up is that it is next to impossible for the good guys to get into the fight.  If you were not born with a bankroll and privileged with power, you better have the tenacity of a wolverine or you will be devoured before breakfast. The news will cater to what serves them, and the people that would benefit greatly from your public service will cut you to ribbons before they ever read the fine print.  In my worst nightmare, I would not subject myself to such affairs.  It is reserved for the stronger heart, the more solid ego, and unfortunately far too often…the bigger budget.  There should be some kind of system where our to-be-elected officials speak their mind, layout their issues, and debate their case – that’s it.

Just the facts– without all the propaganda that accompanies the marketing strategies.   I’m living in a grass roots campaign where like it or not – money matters.  We’re not taking it from wall street, and the average American is using what they have to make the mortgage payment – including us. Without money from the little guy, the power will remain in the hands of the wealthy- in the hands of people like Crapo and those fooled by his rhetoric.

Just the facts– without all the propaganda that accompanies the marketing strategies.   I’m living in a grass roots campaign where like it or not – money matters.  We’re not taking it from wall street, and the average American is using what they have to make the mortgage payment – including us. Without money from the little guy, the power will remain in the hands of the wealthy- in the hands of people like Crapo and those fooled by his rhetoric.

I am here to talk about art – so I should move on.  Pardon my ranting, but the youthful surges of my past overtook me.

We made it to Coeur D’Alene in time to set up at the Art Spirit Gallery.  Several old customers from Tubs showed up to say hello and show their support for Tom. Passers by stopped in to see what was happening.  It was the young ones in their twenties and early thirties that wanted the discussion. They wanted answers, they wanted information, they wanted a change.  They questioned our government’s openness and the way information was ‘released’ to the public.  They wanted to know about national debt, interest rates, health care, jobs, the environment…I did my best – and asked them to pick a color.  I don’t want to sell myself short. I’m far from the dullest tack in the closet – but these were questions for Tom, and he’s happy to answer them.  Write to him -he’ll write back. tom@tomsullivanforsenate.com

We were invited to two other political events happening in CDA following ours.  A big part of me knew that we should attend and represent Tom – but we only had one night there – and I had other plans – personal plans.  I needed to see the old Tubs Café (now O’Sheas), and our kids shared my desire to go back in time.  We headed there directly after the FingerSmear with a few old friends.  We pulled up and parked.  We walked up to the outdoor patio that Tom and I installed in year two…or three.  Memories enveloped me immediately, and I felt wonderful… I walked around.  Things had changed – but tell-tale signs of our honeymoon years remained.  The kids and I walked around as I retold stories of “I remember when you were here, and you did this, and I did that…”  Robbie French was on the guitar, kicking out tunes with the vocal capacity of a superstar – we danced, and laughed, and danced.  10 years earlier they were in my arms – now they were at eye level – just as beautiful and amazing to me – but a bit taller.

Watch Aidan’s Video

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6 Responses to Drawn to Extremes

This is so wonderful.

Posted by Very Important Fish · via sullistudios.com · 138 months ago

Inspirational. Aidan, you are doing a great job of capturing events. It is a delight to see your family as real, live people. Kelly, I continually send friends links to your posts because the are such joys. I only wish I knew people in Idaho that could vote.

Posted by Diane Pool · via sullistudios.com · 138 months ago

My first exposure to local politics was in Boise, IDaho. The republican incumbent was waging an exaggeration campaign against Cecil Andrus. Any time I turned my radio on, yet another citizen was thanking the GOP guy for saving his life. For saving someone drowning, pulling someone else out of a fire, my goodness, this guy must have been EVERYWHERE!
How much politicking has changed since then. It used to seem so ignoble to even exaggerate, nowadays you’re lucky if a candidate even knows the truth.
I wish you guys the best. I think you are representing us, the people. And after this campaign is over, I think you’ll have more energy for talking about art.

Posted by mimi torchia boothby watercolors · via sullistudios.com · 138 months ago

Been spreading the word and the link to this blog. We are all very sad that we can’t watch the debate tonight but no one I know is getting it. I guess satellite TV here doesn’t carry KLVB. I hope we can watch it later. Any suggestions?

Love to see more photos of the doings there. Miss you all.

Carole

Posted by Carole · via sullistudios.com · 138 months ago

Hi Mimi, do you still live in Idaho?? Can you rally????

Carole – there are links to both debates on tom’s site. www.tomsullivanforsenate.com
thanks for spreading the love my friend. can’t wait to be back in the studio…sniffing paint.

Posted by kelly · via sullistudios.com · 138 months ago

heh, no, we left in 1979 when my husband ran out of restaurants he could work at in Boise. The good old days. My second son was born in Seattle, where we still live. My first son was born in Boise though.

Posted by mimi torchia boothby · via sullistudios.com · 138 months ago

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We pulled up to the pepto-pink-colored two-bedroom condo that serves as campaign headquarters and sleeping space for Tom and the staff.  Not an inch of the small place goes without use. It had been a long drive.  The kids worked to unbury themselves from the rubble they had created around them.  Liam cracked open the door for extra wiggle room and Tom flung himself in with a loud roar. Liam’s screech of panic was followed by a giant leap up to Tom’s arms where he hung for at least 2 full minutes.  Aidan and I had to pry him off so we could get a little lovin’ too.  Tom looked at our motley crew like we were a holiday parade of lights and wonder.  It was nice to be together.  We were allowed 5 minutes of pleasantries before his debate coaches insisted on his return to the mock podiums set up in the living room.  From the second floor I could hear the Crapo impersonator grilling Tom and his convictions.  I thought “holy smokes, that’s scary, you’re not very nice….who is that guy…?” The debate was only one day away and the air was thick.  We understood and gave him space.  After hours of mock debate, Liam told Tom “Dad, you know how if you water your lawn too much it floods and your grass dies, but if you give it some time to soak in and then water it some more, it gets really green…”  Tom got it.  He took up residence on the living room futon, Aidan and Liam snuggled around him in their Tom Sullivan for Senate T-shirts, and I smiled.  The distance is hard – no two ways about it.

Tom’s first debate… the practice paid off, and the grass was green.  By next week it will be lush.

Watch the debate on Idaho Public Television

Wednesday’s top priority for me was to get ready for Thursday.  The next FingerSmear panels for Touching Time needed to be designed, unloaded, sketched, and reloaded for Thursday’s early morning departure for Coeur D’Alene.  It was not until 3pm that most of the staff cleared out for off-site meetings, and we were left with a moment to focus on it. I calculated what I needed to get done, and my head hurt from the pressure of it. Ginny helped move things it forward and by 6 PM we were on the patio sketching images relative to jobs and the environment. By 8 we were drinking wine and eating chili.  The house was quite, and we were ready.

We’re about 30 minutes from CDA now. The beautiful 8-hour drive is almost over.  We’re excited to do our part for a man we already know is a great leader – and dad, and husband, and friend!

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5 Responses to Together Again

You drove 8 hours and you’re still in Idaho?? 🙂
I hope you get some time to paint. I also hope your husband wins his election!

Posted by mimi torchia boothby · via sullistudios.com · 138 months ago

HI Mimi- yes, and 8 hours back to Boise yesterday. Up and headed to the farmers market for the FingerSmear project this morning. REALLY looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow. I hope he wins too. Cheers.

Posted by kelly · via sullistudios.com · 138 months ago

Hi all! We watched the debate at Philbin’s house and we were bursting with pride! What a great job Tom did. We’re looking forward to the next one. I watched ‘the rest of the debate’ on line and, again, he presented himself very well. He is a leader, I have no doubt about that. Also saw a lot of Liam in the audience, Reed, Ginny, and a little of you. You all looked fab! Keep up the good work, post your finger smears soon.

Posted by Carole · via sullistudios.com · 138 months ago

Thanks Carole. He did do an incredible job. The sickening part about it is that the Idaho Statesman – the paper that is theoretically responsible for reporting the ‘NEWS’ to Boise – did not report on it – nothing! They covered all the other debates with broad images and editorial – but nothing in print on this one. How is Idaho suppose to rise above if the “newspaper” in it’s capitol only reports what they want you to hear. How pathetic – and disturbing. We’re all pressing on, and hopeful that social media (they are covering it) will outshine the tired lopsided print that once controlled Boise. Looking forward to being back in the studio Carole, a place where peace reigns and color rules.

Posted by kelly · via sullistudios.com · 138 months ago

Hi Again, loved reading about Liam leaping on his dad. Those rehearsals worked, Tom was awesome. Even “the Mister” commented on how great a job Tom did.

Posted by philbin de got schulz · via sullistudios.com · 138 months ago

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We’re on the road to Boise.  The car is packed with more bags than we need, and few extra space eaters – like two big stuffed bears.  They don’t get much attention at home, but as soon as the packing for a road trip begins, they become very important. They’re awkwardly crammed between the cooler and the back seat.  Before the end of the trip they will be under the largest suitcase in the trunk –but their company seemed mandatory to both kids.  Aidan and Liam have not seen their Dad for almost a month, and the air in the car is thick with giddy nonsense, fake jersey accents, and fart jokes.  Life doesn’t get any better.

We’ll spend a few days in Boise, go to Toms first debate with Mike Crapo, and then head up to Coeur D’Alene, Idaho for the first ‘Touching Time’ FingerSmear stop. Both of our babies were born in Coeur D’Alene, and I have many great memories from the café we ran there for years, as well as a few difficult ones.  It will be nice to revisit that place where Tom and I spent our honeymoon years.  He amazed me everyday.  He could rebuild an engine, wire a room, plumb a house, hang drywall, keep customers happy, and make me feel like a queen…all in the same day. ‘Never a dull moment with tenacious Tommy’… luckily some things never change.

My friend and studio mate, Ginny agreed to hit the road with this silly crew to create art across Idaho in the name of better politics. Before we loaded up the tailor with paint and supplies, we solicited a few “smears’ from friends in our Driggs studio. As with most well-intentioned projects, there’s no better place to start than in your own backyard.

We’re looking forward to the adventure.  Most of all, we’re looking forward to being together.

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2 Responses to On The Road to Boise

You’re stuck with me!!

Posted by Ginny · via sullistudios.com · 138 months ago

Enjoy the ride!

Posted by Karen · via sullistudios.com · 138 months ago

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I  have a bit of a stiff neck, and I haven’t taken the time to work out much this week.  I shrug it off as a temporary situation.  I’m sure when all of this passes, I’ll get right back to it.  I’ll have the yoga-toned body of a youngster. Until then, I will travel around Idaho inhaling paint and politics.

Today was dedicated to getting ready for the “Touching Time” FingerSmear project that begins tomorrow.  We’ve narrowed down six locations throughout Idaho, and we’re launching a “soft” start at my studio tomorrow afternoon; meaning we just sent out invitations today, we hope a few people show up, and we’ll take note of all the mishaps as to not repeat them over the next few weeks.

The best part of this project is that our really cool kids will be joining me in the adventure, along with one of my studio mates, Ginny.  We’re going for the “on-site” education instead of the classroom one, and fortunately, it looks like the schools will accommodate.

Our daughter Aidan will be documenting the project, with some remote assistance from friend and

filmmaker Ryan Gillentine. Liam will be the best roadie we could ask for, as well as an excellent FingerSmear assistant, and a charming young conversationalist.  I have seen much too little of our beautiful kids for the past 6 weeks, and I’m ready to get my fill.  The work Tom and I have been doing is important, but when your kids cry and can’t tell you what’s wrong, it’s time to re-evaluate and bring them closer.

When we are not on the road FingerSmearing, we’ll be in Boise, living in the condo/campaign office; a hectic “keepin’ it real” environment with a pulse that registers louder than most.  Everyone is over-worked, over-taxed, under-rested, and stepping far beyond their job description. Not everyone agrees – but everyone believes – and they find a way to get things done. I look at Tom, and this swirl of faith and dedication that surrounds him.  I have a fleeting tinge of jealously that I must now share him with a much bigger world.  I get over it, and know that the world is better off.   I smile to myself and trust that the corruption and deceit that exists in our political system will keep an arms length, and I go back to my paint.

Watch Aidan’s Video Here

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3 Responses to Getting Ready to “Touch Time”

HERE WE GO!

Posted by Ginny · via sullistudios.com · 138 months ago

It was so much fun to smear and donate the pallette knife.

Posted by philbin de got schulz · via sullistudios.com · 138 months ago

Hey Philbin – It was even more fun to see your pallette knife welded to the fabulous Idaho shaped piece of metal!! You must see it!

Posted by Ginny · via sullistudios.com · 138 months ago

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Until recently, I have never been inclined to follow politics. I have always thought that weeding through what is truth and what is fiction in the political arena would be more than a full time job, with little likelihood of ever really knowing the truth. The deception that I’ve always imagined lives there, might also strangle my creative spirit. So I’ve avoided it.

There is some danger in this naivete – I know that. We need leaders. Hopefully we can trust them to do the right thing. Hopefully their decisions are based on common sense, and the good of the people, not party politics or lobby agendas. I went merrily along with my head in the sand for years, but eventually I needed to come up for air.

Six months ago my husband told me he was going to run for US Senate because he was frustrated that no one in Idaho was willing to stand up against the incumbent. Now he is fighting a David and Goliath kind of battle. I’ve seen him use a slingshot. He’s got very good aim.

He’s always been a voracious reader, much of it about the history of this country and the people who formed it. He’s a self-made, honest, intelligent, man that has always understood the value of real people. Yes, I’m very proud of him. But yikes, what about me? In not exactly a typical Senators wife. I paint nudes, I’m often more absorbed in my career then his, my vocabulary sometimes skirts the edge appropriateness, and I’m not very good at biting my tongue.

Early on in Tom’s campaign I accompanied him to a small fundraising dinner, 8 people, very intimate. As I listened to him speak, I interjected in places I thought needed clarification. If he didn’t answer a question fully, I let him know. That’s the way we communicate – openly – honestly. Tom welcomed it – it was part of the process. I was escorted into the kitchen by the hosts and told “he’s doing just fine, you just need to keep quiet.” “I just need to keep quiet”?? Did I hear you correctly? Yes, apparently I did. I took a deep breath and smiled through the rest of the evening, then lost it when we got in the car. My dear husband was hit by a short tirade in my excitable east coast tone about how “I will NEVER be told to ‘be quiet’ again.” He of course, would never expect me to, and on the contrary, welcomes my opinions. Regardless, I chose to keep my distance these last few months and focus on art – which, for me, is way more fun than politics and equally as powerful.

But now it’s time for me to step up to the plate, for him, and I believe, for Idaho. My contribution will be art. We’re developing a state wide FingerSmear project called “Touching Time”. It will be a large functioning clock, co-created with participation from thousands of people across the State of Idaho. The FingerSmear project is designed to bring exposure to the campaign, and our need for change. It will symbolize the values Idahoans have long lived by, and the principals that Tom’s campaign is based on: Working together, with vision and focus, honoring the value of people, we will move forward to create a more vibrant tomorrow for Idaho, and the country.

I’ll blog through this project, which should be an interesting trip. Joining me will be our 10 year old son Liam, our 13 year old daughter, a few other artists, a small campaign team, and a videographer. We’ll be hitting the pavement on October 11th, and wrapping it up by October 27th – just in time for the election. I’ll send along more details as the project develops over the next week. If you want to help in anyway, just let us know. You can reach me through this website – or Tom through his. www.tomsullivanforsenate.com….and so it begins.

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2 Responses to From Italy to Idaho Politics

Ha! Hi mimi. Yes, I may not fit the general bill, but that’s not a bad thing. We’re launching the FingerSmear tomorrow. Up working late on it. I think it will be a fun project.

Posted by kelly · via sullistudios.com · 137 months ago

This is truly amazing. I would love to know more about this art piece by you. Do stay in touch regarding this. Thanks Kelly Sullivan!

Posted by write my paper · via thebabblingbrush.com · 51 months ago

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It was not easy to leave. Only the draw of my family got me on the plane. I know I will go back. This time I needed to go alone. Next time, I hope my family will join me.

The day before we left I took a long last walk on the dirt roads that run through the countryside. I was with a friend, but we didn’t talk much. We were saying goodbye. I took notice of the extreme sense of peace –not around me but in me; a sense not hard to find when you’re practicing your passion, and the only decisions you have to make involve color and value. I was inspired and alive in a ‘knowing’ kind of way. I had been for 30 days, and the tonic was lovely. In my mind I imagined how I would carry this feeling back home with me, into the studio, into the family, the politics. I focused on it, to know it, to be able to call it up should I forget and let it slip away.

Re-entry came quickly. Tom is living in Boise for the rest of his campaign, so I jumped right back into the juggle. Sleep, eat, school, laundry, eat, pick-up from school, shop, cook, eat, homework, sleep, …all over again. Art didn’t make it into the schedule, but it will. I did have my cake, and I ate it all. I want more cake, and that’s OK.

For now, I will juggle and do my best to conjure up that ‘knowing’ in the real world. I’ll continue to make adjustments so that it becomes my real world. Leaving Italy was not the end. It was an appetizer.

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3 Responses to re-entry

welcome back! Jet lag is a drag. (I’m leaving for Italy on Sunday) I hope you get your legs under you soon and start putting out what you got filled with over there. And I hope Boise isn’t too far from where you are. oh, i just looked, that’s a LONG ways. Good luck on that campaign too.

Posted by mimi torchia boothby watercolors · via sullistudios.com · 138 months ago

thanks Mimi. Where are you going in Italy??

Posted by kelly · via sullistudios.com · 138 months ago

I start in Milan then I fly down to calabria to visit my family then I head up north to Milan again via train, bus, and automobile.
It’s kind of a running vacation. 🙂

Posted by mimi torchia boothby watercolors · via sullistudios.com · 138 months ago

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…so much to say and no charge on my MAC.  May have to resort to pen and paper! Hoping to find a better adapter in the morning and will check in from the airport.  Breathing deep, and feeling every breath – that sums it up, but I’ll elaborate in the morning. Much love, Kelly

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Winding down is such sweet sorrow.  The frenzy of painting, knowing the count down was on, produced a whirl of debris on the studio floor… and some on the walls.  Eat, paint, eat, paint, eat, drink, sleep. We’ve been a small group of 4 students and 2 teachers this week – so we were all run around the flag pole a few times.  Today was my last day of painting here.  I would love to produce something witty for you to read – but my brain is tired – so I will take the visual route.  Tomorrow is a day of cleaning, hanging a show, having a show, taking down the show, packing… and saying goodbye to this beautiful village at the top of a mountain, and the people that call it home.  The bus leaves Saturday at 5 AM.  From the airport in Rome, I will try to put words to the whole experience if you can humor me with one last post – for this truly has been, my pleasure.

Jill – 2 hours

Ellie – 30 Minutes

Jody – 2 hours

3 value exercise that my teacher seems to really like…?

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6 Responses to Winding Down

Hey Kelly, I’ve enjoyed reading your daily posts. I can’t wait to read the recap. It is such a wonderful place and its nice to see all that you have produced. I’m sure they will show well tonight. Have a safe trip back and look forward. Ciao.

Posted by john heine · via sullistudios.com · 139 months ago

thanks John, you are correct. This is a special place. I’m also looking forward. Cheers. kelly

Posted by kelly · via sullistudios.com · 139 months ago

Hello Sweet….Your Grandmother Rose Giannotto would have been very proud of you… for your talent and also where you chose to paint (Carlo could be cousin Vito without the railroad hat!) And, your Grandmother Alice would have been equally delighted with your passion to paint…having had talent herself. Enjoyed your paintings, writings and all the comments. So, thanks to everyone!! Aunt Mary

Posted by Mary Ellen Jenkins · via sullistudios.com · 139 months ago

Thanks for sharing your adventure with us (the world, really) So was Carlo talkative?

I like your 3 value painting too.

Posted by mimi torchia boothby watercolors · via sullistudios.com · 139 months ago

Thanks for sharing your adventure with us (the world, really) So was Carlo talkative?

I like your 3 value painting too.

Posted by mimi torchia boothby watercolors · via sullistudios.com · 139 months ago

Hi Kelly! Safe trip home, and do continue your blog please when you return! I for one LOVED Peitro! He was my favorite.

Posted by nancy atherton cheadle · via sullistudios.com · 139 months ago

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I had a sitter coming to the studio at 11. I got the message at breakfast that she couldn’t make it. I contemplated yet another self-portrait, but I was tired of looking at myself. There was no excuse to avoid it any longer.  This is my last week.  It’s a now or never kind of thing.

Supplies in tow, I headed for the square.

There were a few people inside Giovanni’s, but no one outside.  It was chilly.  I dropped my paint, pack, and canvas on the ground and set up the easel. Ready. I walked into the Giovanni’s bar. “Giovanni, today, now?” His wife Rita was there, and he had previously agreed to sit for me if I came to the square.  It was a quite morning, so it seemed like good timing.  “Impossible” he said, and motioned around the empty room.  Rita muttered something. I left feeling rejected.

I had a clean white canvas and paint on my palette.  ‘Too late to run and hide, I’m already set up.”  One of the regulars was on the bench outside.  I gestured my way through the conversation and he readily agreed to thirty minutes. It was not long before I could hear the Italian lullaby of conversation beginning to pick up…Something about “the Americana” making Pepe famous.

The first 5 strokes moved me quickly past the fear of it.  There was no turning back. Pepe smiled and waved for his gathering friends, not really understanding my need for a fixed position.  While the sun was a tool for me, Pepe didn’t like it much and repeatedly held his hand up to block it.  “Just an exercise Kelly… keep going” I assured myself. 30 minutes flew by – and Pepe got up.  “Ahhh, Bello, Bello!”. My next victims were lining up.  I took a deep breath, drank the cappuccino Pepe insisted on buying me, and did it all over again.

Pietro, the retired pediatric doctor was next.  I caught his features – but he usually smiles a lot more.  He insisted on buying me a drink – “dopo, grazie” I said. Last was Mario – he was fun but fast – less than 30 minutes – I think his lunch was ready.

Through all of it I could understand pieces of the banter behind me.  “Now she’s painting your ear…your glasses, you’ll be famous…” The best part was watching them see themselves when our time was up.  They all said “bellissimo, bellissimo”.

I think they meant it. I’m looking forward to doing more, and I’m pretty sure I will not need to buy another drink in this town for the rest of the week.

Yesterday’s self-portrait.

I was going for something a bit less serious then Lucian, …with a few less wrinkles.

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4 Responses to Three Squared

yay! I KNEW they’d love it. Untrained models can be awful, can’t they? 🙂

These look like they were really fun to do.

Posted by mimi torchia boothby watercolors · via sullistudios.com · 139 months ago

Wonderful!Fresh and alive! I suppose those of us here in Teton Valley should prepare ourselves to sit for 30 minutes for you when you get back. You’ll be haunting Broulim’s Grocery and the farmer’s market, easel in hand! You could always sit at the table at Barrels and Bins and let them line up!

Are you going to the village of your ancestors before you head back?

Happy painting.

Posted by Carole · via sullistudios.com · 139 months ago

untained – but sooo fabulous!

Carole – I’m ready to line them up. Don’t think I will make it to the village. I’ve decided to finish the program and make that a family trip – soon. Cheers. Kelly

Posted by kelly · via sullistudios.com · 139 months ago

I am so happy you did it! Amazing! They look fantastic. I know what a hurdle that was and you jumped it, now there is no stopping…

Posted by Jennifer B · via sullistudios.com · 139 months ago

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