tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88482428277449017302024-02-07T01:17:18.044-08:00Art For Saving WomenAs a woman and a artist I have always been compelled to view and see both the beauty and ugliness in our world. This blog is created as a means to use my art and my voice to bring issues of unfair treatment, inequality and violence against women to the fore front. Until the world comes to terms with it's treatment of women we will never have a safe place to live and the world will continue to be dangerous.carenraganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03526289033993082242noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8848242827744901730.post-39129502393514909992014-04-06T18:56:00.001-07:002014-04-06T18:56:42.499-07:00BAD, BAD, GAL Jeff WeissmanIf you are assigned Jeff Weissman as your GAL protest, run, and report him for believing pedophilia is okay. This is a man that the judges assign who believes in the theory of PAS developed by the sick psychologist named Richard Gardner. Look up Mr. Gardner and his theory on PAS who was a pedophile himself. "PAS has not been accepted by experts in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychology" title="Psychology">psychology</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_advocacy" title="Child advocacy">child advocacy</a> or the study of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_abuse" title="Child abuse">child abuse</a><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Wood1994_5-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parental_alienation_syndrome#cite_note-Wood1994-5"><span>[</span>5<span>]</span></a></sup> or legal scholars.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Hoult2006_6-3"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parental_alienation_syndrome#cite_note-Hoult2006-6"><span>[</span>6<span>]</span></a></sup> PAS has been extensively criticized by members of the legal and mental health community, who state that PAS should not be <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Admissible_evidence" title="Admissible evidence">admissible</a> in child custody hearings based on both science and law" By Wikipedia<br />
<br />
But you can read all about PAS and Richard Gardner and how he ended up committing suicide after his own "attractions" to children became known. So If Jeff Weissman is assigned to your case, unless you don't give a damn about your children, keep him as far away as possible for the reasons I sited above. <br />
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More on his perjury in court and his "best interest in the lawyer"....Money. Remember he received accoloides from his own peer group of "In" lawyers, so that should speak volumes on how deceptive and corrupt this person is. There should actually be warning signs "Keep your children away from Jeff Weissman".carenraganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03526289033993082242noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8848242827744901730.post-16729517520064998722009-10-12T08:30:00.000-07:002009-10-12T08:42:52.319-07:00Grey Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmKL5XaaSgiqsQNmKR21J6ZucK0McDG1iFjoSg2eSR3oItY6JEtyoashtCTM9exi3OejhhdpsPo3DEXbK_Cm3qWs5-Op6eYdAgVavcGV9r9DL9IPVMuT9NFnaT8hiNsxYqwbpb0WM41zW/s1600-h/IMG_0439.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmKL5XaaSgiqsQNmKR21J6ZucK0McDG1iFjoSg2eSR3oItY6JEtyoashtCTM9exi3OejhhdpsPo3DEXbK_Cm3qWs5-Op6eYdAgVavcGV9r9DL9IPVMuT9NFnaT8hiNsxYqwbpb0WM41zW/s320/IMG_0439.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391736819394610114" border="0" /></a>I know it's been a while since I posted, but I put down my paint brush this summer and concentrated on writing. I took a glorious trip up the East coast and many many stops along the way visiting places I had not seen before. During my journey I got to visit many galleries as well as stopping into the Metropolitan Museum of Art, always a treat.<br /> So now I am back at my studio and trying to integrate some of the visual sensations I experienced along the way. I am still very interested in capturing mood. In this painting called Grey Day it is not just the overall somber lighting that tells a story, but I also choose the lone tree in the foreground to amplify the feeling of moments of reflection.<br /> Enough with the gibberish, basically I am still working on translating the beauty of the surrounding water and sky to my viewer. This oil painting is 14" x 18" and sells for $399carenraganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03526289033993082242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8848242827744901730.post-82081792645348441392009-07-16T18:20:00.000-07:002009-07-16T18:27:01.397-07:00Free at Last<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdsMLYuq-gw7j1r4imYZcBFDQrAEaUR8D8jK_R6qC9aBctTJH_MuD1xbCTqb7Y0p9jtJTtATJngh6SlWe7u0KkGPgfNOdAdUhxRGljFV7PW9os2r_S3aTohu1kM6uU7SQMJqLD5RWgs0s/s1600-h/IMG_0397.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 257px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdsMLYuq-gw7j1r4imYZcBFDQrAEaUR8D8jK_R6qC9aBctTJH_MuD1xbCTqb7Y0p9jtJTtATJngh6SlWe7u0KkGPgfNOdAdUhxRGljFV7PW9os2r_S3aTohu1kM6uU7SQMJqLD5RWgs0s/s320/IMG_0397.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359233415714319586" border="0" /></a>This is what freedom feels like to me. After 12 straight years of a court battle I am finally free free free from all the court whores, corrupt judges, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">voyeurs</span>. This scene was painted from my back yard. Actually it was inspired one afternoon after I went out kayaking in the Gulf which is my backyard. The feeling of complete oneness with the world and the beauty of our planet enfolded me in it's arms. This 16" x 20 " oil painting goes for $1200carenraganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03526289033993082242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8848242827744901730.post-19134926144984433792009-05-31T17:40:00.001-07:002009-05-31T17:50:07.641-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxmTIz2RzFPkRnZYNMaXNjvCRXT0fOH0vH_pSF9Iy34oKigY8aI6wZYtt-aX39-NHWnJIQTK_AZ-UhVgG-kKb2IwkGlNt6Mt3LO5hmCHOwHgvUya_RZrceWMFme7X23hlDxcHpawHygdD/s1600-h/IMG_0269.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxmTIz2RzFPkRnZYNMaXNjvCRXT0fOH0vH_pSF9Iy34oKigY8aI6wZYtt-aX39-NHWnJIQTK_AZ-UhVgG-kKb2IwkGlNt6Mt3LO5hmCHOwHgvUya_RZrceWMFme7X23hlDxcHpawHygdD/s320/IMG_0269.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342153193721652242" border="0" /></a>Blue, blue and more blue, this has to be one of the most soothing of colors. Though in the foreground a dark storm cloud is looming, chances are it will dissipate within a half hour. Because the keys are a collection of small specs of islands, clouds and stormy weather seem to pass us right by. I think because our land mass is so small there is nothing to keep a storm lingering, so most of the year the days are filled with sun and wisps of clouds. This 10" x 10" original oil painting sells for $250carenraganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03526289033993082242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8848242827744901730.post-71453156530278055672009-05-27T18:21:00.001-07:002009-05-27T18:29:32.278-07:00Kite flyer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwCw_n9Wbpi1_eEilVsev7FXMW_Pwe_SpYv_KbuiF_CqCPRIEvakNTe1upirtJWK0_gs9417hAyi_i2GalQj1QzBhfarfuVu31Jn0e9U4wb2AIfSHwvnMUlo4aBdgmbRlnMI1J6z7-TLs/s1600-h/IMG_0354.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwCw_n9Wbpi1_eEilVsev7FXMW_Pwe_SpYv_KbuiF_CqCPRIEvakNTe1upirtJWK0_gs9417hAyi_i2GalQj1QzBhfarfuVu31Jn0e9U4wb2AIfSHwvnMUlo4aBdgmbRlnMI1J6z7-TLs/s320/IMG_0354.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340679224025125362" border="0" /></a>Another lovely day is ending in the Keys as the bewitching hour descends upon us. The fun and joy of children running down the beach, flying kites and splashing in the water is a perfect end to a perfect day. I just love that water, love that sky, love that sunset, love the wondrous effect it all has on me. This oil painting is 10" X 20" and sells for $1200carenraganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03526289033993082242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8848242827744901730.post-60240380246182411952009-05-03T19:02:00.000-07:002009-05-03T19:20:30.704-07:00A DAY AT THE BEACH<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjL63Wc0Ek_dStC08_x_j5jxc6hUzusldAb7IXTKbjY9SJbNQhxYoTq-fHMalFGXfj6JzKwz7dG9z-s7KXJjD0CRTeeEPIB0bti41-2ohI8GayAmDeR_XwljI11h5maYa_JDLQMsXFnsIX/s1600-h/IMG_0353.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjL63Wc0Ek_dStC08_x_j5jxc6hUzusldAb7IXTKbjY9SJbNQhxYoTq-fHMalFGXfj6JzKwz7dG9z-s7KXJjD0CRTeeEPIB0bti41-2ohI8GayAmDeR_XwljI11h5maYa_JDLQMsXFnsIX/s320/IMG_0353.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331785993897975458" border="0" /></a><br />The beach is one of the best places to go and watch people, gaze off into the seas, listen to the surf and feel that all is one with the universe. The lure of the ocean is that it has a wonderful soothing effect that engulfs our very being. Everyone can just be themselves, there are no airs, no one is wearing designers clothes or driving expensive clothes, there are no judgements there is only peace.<br /><br />This could be anyone, any family, any stranger at any beach in the world. If you are wondering it is a painting of the Bahia Honda Beach which is MM40 on the keys in Florida. Voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world. This oil painting is 24" x 18" and sells for $899carenraganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03526289033993082242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8848242827744901730.post-87216483046796355032009-03-27T18:35:00.001-07:002009-03-27T18:48:54.196-07:00Thunder head cloud<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTnkWyLmEYkjdoUG30smW3bh9ShTQWRx7LY26fM-lG-JsKjDlOAvC2nvb0eoVJn6LbQJy93VdYdflgoN6jbQu8M57A0QWxciYa8XqjNiZqqibLLE41PSJAszOkT-7dS1Ba109MY-AbDfN/s1600-h/IMG_0149.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTnkWyLmEYkjdoUG30smW3bh9ShTQWRx7LY26fM-lG-JsKjDlOAvC2nvb0eoVJn6LbQJy93VdYdflgoN6jbQu8M57A0QWxciYa8XqjNiZqqibLLE41PSJAszOkT-7dS1Ba109MY-AbDfN/s320/IMG_0149.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318046742755909506" border="0" /></a>I guess I spend so much time in the clouds, because the situation here on earth seems more elusive, then the ever changing skies. I turn on the news or pick up the paper and it is hard to make heads or tails as to what is going on in the world. All is turned upside down, flaunting your sexuality at any age is a good thing and believing in traditional marriage is a bad thing, you be the judge. I only know that in the topsy turvey world that we live in I can count on looking up every day and being totally calmed by our audacious sky.<br />This original oil painting is painted on a 9" x 12" gallery wrapped canvas, and continues on all four sides. Price $199carenraganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03526289033993082242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8848242827744901730.post-40631626516026076282009-03-20T19:01:00.001-07:002009-03-20T19:10:15.546-07:00Fading Fay<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_FqWnH1-WBGuyklI2zGUPMV0OUHBuZ4fhMaA3pNd8iL_zv6gkm03Escj-qjDkfiMConHAFOX1JKWcdqhViSRhcZ5tBQAu5en1SXFIzECk0K9mOcWdi9Q4Qj2SfvjIDoo0IPi3Ns32Zm2/s1600-h/IMG_0079.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_FqWnH1-WBGuyklI2zGUPMV0OUHBuZ4fhMaA3pNd8iL_zv6gkm03Escj-qjDkfiMConHAFOX1JKWcdqhViSRhcZ5tBQAu5en1SXFIzECk0K9mOcWdi9Q4Qj2SfvjIDoo0IPi3Ns32Zm2/s320/IMG_0079.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315455688171466786" border="0" /></a><br />This is the after effects of Hurricane Fay. I live in the Keys so the approach of a hurricane brings about all types of feelings, anticipation, concern, hours of preparing our homes, stocking up on food water and gas, the excitement and then the long wait. We were lucky that Fay was just enough of a hurricane to cause a small frenzy, but not enough of a hurricane to cause any major damage. What is most thrilling are the cloud formations, the feeder bands, and then the sun's rays as it peeks through the clouds as the hurricane heads out.<br />This oil painting is 20" x 14" price $499carenraganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03526289033993082242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8848242827744901730.post-35171251518498642302009-02-28T16:36:00.001-08:002009-02-28T16:44:06.205-08:00Rowboat on the Gulf<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06qEI5Oa8oRKjZTArcjSI9baxdpZ7iBhmKrhVE4zpwAdRguOZ7QZBfOOQyB76_OJwSn_07-XuC6zsde3biFHZcjv8STqLq9I3Zu1mh8Z9joTMNNC6zksH30gxyu9bebefukTa07hrJu9m/s1600-h/IMG_0151.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06qEI5Oa8oRKjZTArcjSI9baxdpZ7iBhmKrhVE4zpwAdRguOZ7QZBfOOQyB76_OJwSn_07-XuC6zsde3biFHZcjv8STqLq9I3Zu1mh8Z9joTMNNC6zksH30gxyu9bebefukTa07hrJu9m/s320/IMG_0151.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308012305790760418" border="0" /></a>Looking out from my porch I see a lonely rowboat anchored in the Gulf. The setting is serene and the image does much to calm my being. In this painting the only tangible subjects are the boat and the small mangrove islands. In this painting I hope to accomplish a sense of peace and harmony.<br /><br />This original oil painting is 11" x 14" on a a gallery wrapped canvas..Price $250carenraganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03526289033993082242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8848242827744901730.post-41751073770684232562009-02-21T17:56:00.000-08:002009-02-21T18:03:55.366-08:00Dragon Cloud<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZLR-WbM5sP0FUDg3-8mUYXjPPZHGMFfo-fkGTW1H70pfKmhYcMZXgHiTIHjc61-X-Ku57yo1camNxobIGzMP3Ij2LW4kAs38ArGnkvE47jEPsJ3J1YjrLnBkCYRLnTbxMvdysJ5z_rwa/s1600-h/IMG_0282.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 99px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZLR-WbM5sP0FUDg3-8mUYXjPPZHGMFfo-fkGTW1H70pfKmhYcMZXgHiTIHjc61-X-Ku57yo1camNxobIGzMP3Ij2LW4kAs38ArGnkvE47jEPsJ3J1YjrLnBkCYRLnTbxMvdysJ5z_rwa/s200/IMG_0282.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305435351740420050" border="0" /><span style="font-family:georgia;">This is another fantastic image of the sky, sea and clouds coming together in beautiful harmony. This double gallery wrapped oil painting is 20' x 10" sells for $500 </span></a>carenraganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03526289033993082242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8848242827744901730.post-75986836273816521022009-02-19T16:37:00.001-08:002009-02-19T16:53:16.564-08:00Heavenly Clouds<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQohJ4upRg3t1lglWLX31wd8YSkovU7aok-id_gwXBCoTKbXfYNrinM9Aia0kq76Y4TuMBpirDahy2pTJ0CkJnXTmUPAiXBsdzqe85S-CrE8bwXr3I3vaGBJFRKn6nz3KMOTVOLFrG2qo/s1600-h/IMG_0334.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQohJ4upRg3t1lglWLX31wd8YSkovU7aok-id_gwXBCoTKbXfYNrinM9Aia0kq76Y4TuMBpirDahy2pTJ0CkJnXTmUPAiXBsdzqe85S-CrE8bwXr3I3vaGBJFRKn6nz3KMOTVOLFrG2qo/s200/IMG_0334.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304674012476119586" border="0" /></a><br />If I were to close my eyes and imagine what heaven might look like, it would be exactly like what I see here on earth in our skies. Such color, space, atmosphere and softness is difficult to imitate on a two dimensional surface. The sky is my ever changing landscape it is more engaging then any television or video show, and though I can sit and look at the same spot everyday it is in constant change and never looks the same. This six panel gallery wrapped oil painting is 30" x 30" when lined up side by side. It can be spread apart to open up the airiness quality I try to capture as the image wraps around the side of the canvas. Price $1200.00carenraganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03526289033993082242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8848242827744901730.post-64855089503201340692009-01-24T14:03:00.001-08:002009-01-24T14:20:43.975-08:00Sunny Clouds triptych<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHc_NK7ScS4vYltS8dasPskBM2wpyK2RflsaVhaos52KbmBofCnKHH3kPOtNsRtJVix3y2YR85N5J2hOtwIyvxNLb4ow1UHPrN_GcYpGtJxL2A0PA3yHMJlEG9Pj_sb_GXecsFcrnHeXxU/s1600-h/IMG_0284.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 104px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHc_NK7ScS4vYltS8dasPskBM2wpyK2RflsaVhaos52KbmBofCnKHH3kPOtNsRtJVix3y2YR85N5J2hOtwIyvxNLb4ow1UHPrN_GcYpGtJxL2A0PA3yHMJlEG9Pj_sb_GXecsFcrnHeXxU/s320/IMG_0284.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294988257463734994" border="0" /></a><br />This is the view I first saw when I was looking for a new place to live. I remember the realtor opening the door and I could see straight through the sliding glass doors out to this beautiful vista. I knew at that moment that the house was for me, and before I looked at anything else I said "I'll take it". That is how it has always been with me as far as places to live in. I forget about the practical in terms of how big is the space and what condition is the home. If I am not moved visually by the house and it's surroundings then I cannot live there. When The realtor asked me if I wanted to see more details about the kitchen I sort of looked at her in surprise as if something so mundane as where I would be cooking my food mattered to me. So here is the view from my living room and porch and I count myself blessed every day to be fortunate enough to have this feast for my eyes. In a world that I feel I understand less and less every day I find some comfort in the constant beauty that I am surrounded by.<br /><br />This painting is painted on 3 Gallery wrapped canvases 10" x 10" in size using oil paints. The price for the triptych is $600.00<br />To view some of my commissions of my portrait work as well as paintings of the village of Key West visit my website at www.portraitsbycaren.comcarenraganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03526289033993082242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8848242827744901730.post-12846501417896730802009-01-15T16:45:00.000-08:002009-01-15T16:59:30.036-08:00Going it Alone<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviRpHbBgAW8-gKiC4S15kXD8s8b5rgcuOaZ324Ic29YEXBK3bSlYDrYDYpfG9QsZldpDNO-04Iw_-ZF-GiTOeNLEf7HikMVvBnbCaGV6eB_bBCEt69GniRSJfJSC1Cf6a1vssxjkpBem7/s1600-h/IMG_0078.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviRpHbBgAW8-gKiC4S15kXD8s8b5rgcuOaZ324Ic29YEXBK3bSlYDrYDYpfG9QsZldpDNO-04Iw_-ZF-GiTOeNLEf7HikMVvBnbCaGV6eB_bBCEt69GniRSJfJSC1Cf6a1vssxjkpBem7/s200/IMG_0078.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291687039855085842" border="0" /></a>I find that the skies are most interesting when storms or hurricanes are coming. The unique storm clouds as well as the reflection of the sky and water make for some very unusual paintings. Often I am asked if the colors I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">paint are</span> true and some of my viewers believe I am making up the color. In reality I more often find it harder to paint the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">subtleties</span> while depicting the vibrancy of the color at the same time. I am well aware that I am painting with a tangible medium something that is not tangible and is in constant motion. The elements of air, sun rays, clouds and water as well as atmospheric pressure cause all kinds of surreal effects to take place in our skies. This painting was done during the long wait to find out if Hurricane Wilma would land in Key West, or blow by us. Luckily for us we were spared the harsh effects of this storm, and enjoyed many hours of strong wind gusts, but not enough to endanger our homes. This painting is 20" x 16" painted in oil on canvas. Selling $250carenraganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03526289033993082242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8848242827744901730.post-26736105610052837282009-01-14T17:22:00.001-08:002009-01-14T17:34:39.774-08:00Pelican Sunset<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3B8DWvyTEzFKwillBEvVIzzhW2NN1GEh4PLBz9e_oSXWdEhbwJT_9ARx6DGWsuD1uq0_hRIbPu9HwaCkhAGf7kxElVpqJujzEWmxbYc-xisC9VW9RkfVARBH8rYCeKmk2e1hO6sntPOKL/s1600-h/016_16.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3B8DWvyTEzFKwillBEvVIzzhW2NN1GEh4PLBz9e_oSXWdEhbwJT_9ARx6DGWsuD1uq0_hRIbPu9HwaCkhAGf7kxElVpqJujzEWmxbYc-xisC9VW9RkfVARBH8rYCeKmk2e1hO6sntPOKL/s320/016_16.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291325608607345906" border="0" /></a><br />While driving along the overseas highway and crossing the 42 bridges that connect the Keys islands one is swallowed up in the water and sky. During one of my drives I pulled over to get the last glimpse of the sun before it set. It looks like these pelicans had the same idea. When I am in transit and do not have my paints available I pull out a sketch pad and my camera and try not only to capture the image, but also the feeling of the moment. This painting was done completely with a palette knife. I wanted my viewer to be swimming in the texture and color of the surroundings.carenraganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03526289033993082242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8848242827744901730.post-10205771844227400902008-12-30T11:54:00.000-08:002008-12-30T12:13:58.564-08:00Two Palms in the Sunset<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3GBOt69S6wF_L37IOh8SnqCIa55ewuZMPRsax3Um96pkZRYMj787NZPQ7nRjs_saRQqe2aouu_u5yqt-km6iPGu1TqnFOdBCrDEqXGKGGl0wLuBwPu8CqJVLLTumKsVcN3uw5UqVb-Cy/s1600-h/IMG_0104.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3GBOt69S6wF_L37IOh8SnqCIa55ewuZMPRsax3Um96pkZRYMj787NZPQ7nRjs_saRQqe2aouu_u5yqt-km6iPGu1TqnFOdBCrDEqXGKGGl0wLuBwPu8CqJVLLTumKsVcN3uw5UqVb-Cy/s320/IMG_0104.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285674789880948306" border="0" /></a>It is Christmas in the Keys, glorious weather, sunny days, pastel clouds and warm <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">breezes</span>. I do not need to stray far from my own backyard to see beauty everywhere. As I pass the sixth holiday in a row without seeing my 19 year old son, I am filled with deep <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sadness</span> and a sense of powerlessness. With the love, joy and excitement of the holidays the loss of my son stings that much more. In a country in which we hope for justice, I am still overcome by the corruption and injustice of our legal system. As I write this and while I was painting Two Palms in the Sunset <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">simultaneously</span> in Illinois the corruption surrounding their Governor is a constant reminder of how much we need to clean up our government. My painting is clear, the colors I choose are clean and there is no <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ambiguity</span> as to how I am feeling.There is no deception behind the painting, what you see and how it provokes your feelings is what you get. I painted this with the mind to bring warmth and cheer to my viewer, in a time which is filled with such uncertainty. This painting is done in oils and considered a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">plein</span>-air painting as it was done on the spot, Two Palms in the Sunset is done on a 20" x 20" Gallery wrapped canvas, price is $399.00carenraganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03526289033993082242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8848242827744901730.post-1199775359016235312008-12-19T07:39:00.000-08:002008-12-19T08:45:47.893-08:00One women's journey through art<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVyRWJREvu_dCaDLDaStxpEP1bIupIqIvEgU-1h8a4HJBU-3fHNw6r6P5myHX97AE45xSohVuzR6_syJAkwCuLlqrN4L53it5fK_JKltaHBYBIwN4FAMoWzk2_Fr6e1wznt-gkLAWaL79/s1600-h/IMG_0092.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVyRWJREvu_dCaDLDaStxpEP1bIupIqIvEgU-1h8a4HJBU-3fHNw6r6P5myHX97AE45xSohVuzR6_syJAkwCuLlqrN4L53it5fK_JKltaHBYBIwN4FAMoWzk2_Fr6e1wznt-gkLAWaL79/s320/IMG_0092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281542583088579842" border="0" /></a><br />I grew up not believing in God, yet I was always searching for some kind of spiritual connection. The variety of designs, beauty and differences in nature did not fit so neatly into the evolutionary theory, though I was a firm believer in that at the time. Even right now as I try to contemplate the amount of species of earth from living corals, to insects, to fish, to mammals to man as an artist the share numbers of differences are mind boggling.<br />Though I did not believe in God and was taught to look at the world with a logical rational mind, there were incidents that happened which did not fit into that box. Like when I was 16 and felt I was going to die one night and the next morning I awoke in amazement to find myself alive, only to find out a few hours later that my father died in his sleep that night at the young age of 43. Or the time my husband was visiting his family in Venice, Italy and I had this sensation that he was in trouble. I phoned him and he told me that he was having a horrible fight with his father and that one of them had picked up a knife and he desperately needed to speak to me. At the time of that sensation I was 3000 miles away from him.<br /> So I began my journey to find some spiritual connection with the world that would help me to understand and make sense of these feelings that did not fit into a rational world. I noticed that I often felt like a telephone wire that would pick up on many different signals as they passed through my body. Having such a connectedness with humans made be keenly aware of much of the suffering that went on in the world, so I would escape into my paintings. When I paint I go into a sixth dimension in which I can shut off the world around me and hide in a wonderful world of beauty,color and order. Doing my art was the only way to stop all the chatter that I picked up from the outside world it was away of soothing myself and it was a place I could understand and make orderly. Looking back I realize how lucky I was to have this outlet and it has pushed me to be an advocate for making sure children are educated in the arts. I believe if more people tapped into their creative side there would be much less aggression in the world. Our societies have been focusing on the wrong values and look where that has gotten us. If you are a creator it becomes much harder to be a destroyer.carenraganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03526289033993082242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8848242827744901730.post-57045506002510069982008-12-14T17:20:00.000-08:002008-12-14T17:51:12.157-08:00Road from art to justice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqr28_O8skzxxLmnOnOtgMJot3W-kzCDVMhTl1_capRUwEjkRJj1Qgxm5o42qZv1sLW360G-ogs_ahXgCanxoN9yo53Vt7TFm_yfLaj8RjLwbWUPajp6wEZkIEsB-7yKtf5ZkjyteEoqeA/s1600-h/IMG_0289.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 157px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqr28_O8skzxxLmnOnOtgMJot3W-kzCDVMhTl1_capRUwEjkRJj1Qgxm5o42qZv1sLW360G-ogs_ahXgCanxoN9yo53Vt7TFm_yfLaj8RjLwbWUPajp6wEZkIEsB-7yKtf5ZkjyteEoqeA/s320/IMG_0289.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279828472768288274" border="0" /></a><br />At first I did not realize that what I took for granted was actually a gift. I assumed that everyone saw the world as I did, that colors were vivid, and lights and dark shapes danced in front of their eyes, and nature was filled with a zillion colors and designs.<br /><br />There was never a question of wanting to make art, it was as natural as breathing to me and part of my very existence. Being able to see the world at this heightened sensitivity not only allowed me to see all of it's beauty, but made me very aware of all it's ugliness as well. More importantly not only did I see beauty and ugliness more intensely, but I felt it emotionally and spiritually as well. I grew up being told over and over that I was too sensitive. How does an artist not be sensitive, is there a switch that I could turn off in my personality that would stop this sensitivity and turn off my artistic talent?<br /><br />I found that this strong sensitivity to the world around me made me question many of the inequities and wrongs in the world. Living in New York at times my senses would become so overwhelmed by the contrast in human existence I saw around me that I would feel physically pained. I began to think I needed to do something, so while I was attending art school I volunteered at the Mental hospital and had the job of bringing the mobile library to patients. This was triggered by having to pass at least one and some times many homeless people whom we referred to as bums at the time, many of them having mental and alcoholic problems.<br /><br />Most of the time I would surround myself with doing art or viewing art at the local museums and galleries, and I wrapped myself in this world of beauty like a protective blanket from the harsh outside world. It has been a long journey in trying to weave this sensitivity of beauty and ugliness into a meaningful existence, many times the balancing act between the two world has almost caused me to fall into the abyss. This blog will be about that journey so that others can contribute and make a difference in our worldcarenraganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03526289033993082242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8848242827744901730.post-15137341296704692762008-12-12T10:25:00.000-08:002008-12-12T10:40:46.113-08:00Cloud paintings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimH4vOASqHkW83Jmaiho8T_4dcXX9XWCYJOzTXN7DsdikyGMm1gd_FwKWikZ5vl95tYFA4y2Rlz9ULyaJ0NASdBpW5fu0pcwJQsdA2EAVldVzTEJRfJoSNMTdQ4tmQLhQFEo0BhKKpfNJv/s1600-h/IMG_0281.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimH4vOASqHkW83Jmaiho8T_4dcXX9XWCYJOzTXN7DsdikyGMm1gd_FwKWikZ5vl95tYFA4y2Rlz9ULyaJ0NASdBpW5fu0pcwJQsdA2EAVldVzTEJRfJoSNMTdQ4tmQLhQFEo0BhKKpfNJv/s320/IMG_0281.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278975330128417858" border="0" /></a><br />My latest series of paintings have been of the clouds of the Keys. When I first moved to South Florida I was not particularly impressed with the landscape, it can be quite flat and boring. Several years ago I moved to Key West and was awestruck by the beauty of the atmosphere caused by being a tiny island surrounded by water, and the luscious and ever changing cloud scapes. I found that no matter how my day went, that if I set aside 15 minutes each evening to view the sunset I would be calmed and reminded how lucky I was to be able to witness such beauty.<br /><br />As an artist I am very aware of my surroundings and the atrocities that continue to go on in the world, these clouds became my soothing balm at the end of each day. Painting the clouds are very challenging as they are constantly moving, they are made up of air, thus light is passing through them and changing all the time. Clouds have the ability to stir all kinds of emotions from reminding you of your childhood when you spotted bunnies hopping through the sky, to the angry red sunsets that follow on the heels of a hurricane. So instead of painting objects I am attempting to capture feelings and emotions. Take a look and follow my cloud series, hopefully they will make you smile or bring calm to your soulcarenraganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03526289033993082242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8848242827744901730.post-27241992133383398212008-12-06T18:59:00.000-08:002008-12-06T19:11:22.419-08:00Why I paintI paint because that is what I have always done from the time a crayon was placed in my tiny hands. I paint because I felt predestined to become an artist as if some higher power knew what they wanted me to do, before I could even conceive of such a concept. I paint because it soothes my soul, and because in the midst of what sometimes seems like a horrendous world, I am constantly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">awestruck</span> by the incredible beauty that surrounds me. I paint because I cannot help myself, and like a junkie I am drawn to see the beauty and then to try and translate that on a two dimensional surface so that I can somehow preserve the moment. I paint because it is my lifeblood, it is my way of describing my calm moments in the virtual storm of intense feelings I experience. I paint because it keeps me sane, keeps me away from drugs and alcohol, keeps me from <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">committing</span> suicide, I paint to survive, it is my life jacket in a sea that wants to take me down. I paint because it lets me connect with people on a level in which no words are needed, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">occasionally</span> touches deep within a stranger and makes my existence worth something. I paint because I am overly concerned with the state of the world and it keeps me sane.carenraganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03526289033993082242noreply@blogger.com0