Merry Christmas!

"Boerne Christmas"

Just want to wish a Merry Christmas to anyone who happens to wander onto my blog. This painting is my Christmas card this year....as it does for me, it will have special meaning for anyone who loves Boerne and the Texas Hill Country.

As autumn and winter bring refreshing, cold air to the Texas Hill Country, the Virginia Creeper bursts into bright reds, decorating the trees, fences, and stone walls just in time for Christmas. There might still be some small blue berries that haven’t been found by the birds and small mammals. Be on the lookout for Mother Nature’s garlands, even in your own back yard. Imagine how lovely it would be to have Boerne’s iconic gazebo festooned with this native plant….no batteries needed, for this “Boerne Christmas”.

"Hat Dance"

Okay, this is so much fun, I think I'll add another! This is called "Hat Dance". As anyone who has seen these flowers waving in a Texas breeze can tell you, they often look like they're dancing on their slender stems. They are extremely tough natives and can withstand the heat and the dry of Texas summers.

"Maples...Found!"

This is the art created for Art and Conservation 2011. I was especially excited to see a portion of it appear in the online emagazine, www.CityPagesMagazine.com.

The lottery draw assignment for Art and Conservation led me to Fabra Acres, a wonderfully complex property, full of plant diversity and varied terrain. There’s a little bit of a trek to one of its hidden secret places: down the bank, across the creek, past the Butterfly Meadow…going until you are stopped by a limestone bluff. But then, at just the right time of the year, there’s the reward: surprisingly blazing color amidst the tanned grasses and subdued gray green live oaks, with just a touch of creek water to quench the fire. Sit a while and smile at “Maples….Found!” Special thanks to the generous property owners for sharing this 'hidden treasure."

Spring Parade of Artists!

Finally, (hmmm, I see that I began the last post with that same word. Is there a pattern here?) I am adding another posting! But I'm excited about the upcoming Parade of Artists here in Boerne. You can go to www.boerneart.com to see all the dates/times/events that will be happening. I've been working on several new paintings that will be Revealed for the first time this week. Most will be at the Carriage House Gallery where I continue to show my work. Two will be at the Cibolo Nature Center (www.cibolo.org) as part of the Parade.

The Unveiling!

Finally, the time arrived for everyone to see "Art Rhythms", the painting for the Cibolo Arts Council Fall Festival of Arts. And this weekend the festival is here. I've received lots of wonderful comments about the painting/poster. People love finding all the 'hidden' musical and art symbols and seem to find new ones with each viewing. It was a challenge but great fun to create this piece.

The Reveal is Coming!

This is the teaser image for a postcard I mailed out inviting everyone to the unveiling of the 2008 Cibolo Arts Council Fall Festival of Arts and Music. At the conclusion of last year's show, the CAC commissioned a painting to be done for the next year's poster. It was a challenge to bring together all the elements of the festival: theater, music, paintings, sculpture, pottery, etc. But it was fun!

The Reveal will be at Boerne's Tin Roof Steak House on September 2nd from 5 to 7pm. During the reception signed posters can be purchased. After the unveiling, I will post the painting here on the blog. No peeking before!!!

Blog vs. Website

I hope everyone has enjoyed looking at and reading this blog. I am experimenting with a new website. For now, everyone will be directed to the blog when they type in www.LindaChalberg.com.
The new website is at http://lindachalberg.mosaicglobe.com . This is the more conventional type artist website with galleries of images. I still enjoy including my little 'stories' about my paintings. I'm not sure about having the advertising at the side, but I am thinking about that.
Some people might like to just look at the images instead of reading all those blog entries!

Don't forget, our BIG Parade of Artists is coming up next weekend. Lots of FUN!