The Carter Holman Blog

Making it Your Own

2011-11-30T09:16:00.000-08:00

I always enjoy it when you send me
pictures from your homes
to see how everyone
has their own unique style
the things they collect
the colors
how they are arranged.
Of course it is especially fun for me to see
how you make my art work part of your creation.
It gives me ideas.
Inspirational.

Every once in awhile I receive a picture.
And I do post them here and there.
I'd like to see more.
Please send me your pictures.
LCH@carterholman.com
It will be fun to see and share with one and others.

Little Steps stiched by Melissa Shirley painted by Linda Carter Holman

2011-08-10T10:27:00.000-07:00

Melissa Shirley Has been translating my work
into needle point for several years.
I always enjoy seeing the hand painted needle point canvases
she makes. I like working with her because see is always
trying something new. Experimenting-I imagine because
it's fun. I'm like that too.
She just sent me this "Little Steps" completed.
I enjoy seeing the process.
Wish I had a picture of the painted canvas to show,
but you can imagine.
Or if you are really interested you can go look on line.

Melissa, I think you really caught the essence
of the painting, and the way you bound the edges is perfect.
Thanks for letting me play with you.

Linda Carter Holman Red Shoe Studio

2011-08-06T19:52:00.001-07:00

The new paintings in the studio July, 2011

Sister Boots-- and the dance goes on

2011-07-22T16:27:00.000-07:00

46" by 24"

Ode to the Flower Song

2011-07-22T16:20:00.000-07:00

The Flower Tree

Begin the song in pleasure, singer, enjoy, give

pleasure to all, even to Life Giver. Yyeo ayahui

ohuaya.

Delight, for Life Giver adorns us. All the flower

bracelets, your flowers, are dancing. Our songs

are strewn in this jewel house, this golden

house. The flower tree grows and shakes,

already it scatters. the quetzal breathes honey,

the golden flamingo breathes honey. Ohuaya,

ohuaya.

You have transformed into a flower tree, you

have emerged, you bend and scatter. You have

appeared before god's face as multicolored

flowers. Ohuaya, ohuaya.

Live here on Earth, blossom! As you move and

shake, flowers fall. my flowers are eternal, my

songs are forever: I raise them: I, a singer. I

scatter them, I spill them, the flowers become

gold: they are carried inside the golden place.

Ohuaya, ohuaya.

Flowers of raven, you scatter, you let

them fall in the house of flowers. Ohuaya,

ohuaya.

Ah, yes: I am happy, I prince Nezahualcoyoti,

gathering jewels, wide plumes of quetzal, I

contemplate the faces of jades: they are the

princes! I gaze into the face of eagles and

jaguars, and behold the faces of jades and

jewels! Ohuaya, ohuaya.

We will pass away. I Nezahualcoyoti, say,

enjoy! Do we really live on earth? Ohuaya,

ohuaya.

Not forever on earth, only a brief time here! Even

jades fracture; even gold ruptures, even quetzal

plumes tear: Not forever on earth: only a brief

time here! Ohuaya, ohuaya.

Hungry Coyote

Red Cloud--oil on canvas

2011-07-22T16:13:00.001-07:00

26" by 26"
This paintings begins a series on dance.
The idea I have right now
is that there is a dance in every moment.
Somewhere.
Could be a little bird in the tree.
There is joy to be found in every moment.

Awake--- oil on canvas

2011-07-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

14" by16"

2011 Up From the Valley by Linda Carter Holman

2011-07-22T16:02:00.000-07:00

36" by 24"

Saints and Santos

2011-06-03T14:51:00.000-07:00

La Madre Santisima de la Luz

(the back reads)

Patroness of Leon, reliever of all ills.

Protector of Leon against the plagues, storms,

and invasions during various wars and revolutions.

In modern times--patron saint of electricians.

(image on the right)

Nuestra Senora De La Conseption Inmaculada

( The back reads)

The Virgin of the Dove

The Rose without Thorns

The Lily among Thorns

Symbolizing Purity

and Exemption from the sins of the world.

(This is one of the more popular Mexican Santos)

The Holy Child of Atocha

(The back reads)

The spirit of the lord is upon me,

because he has anointed me to announce

the gospel to the poor;

I have been sent to proclaim freedom to the prisoners,

to give sight to the blind, to free the oppressed

and to proclaim a year of the Lords grace.

Luke 4.17-19

The child would bring water in the gourd

and bread in the basket and the water would not run out or the bread.

Periodically inspiration takes me on an unexpected adventure.

I’ve just completed a series of eight

Saint/Santos inspired works. Painted on

wood panels with specially designed wood stands,

there is a thought, color, or design on

every surface.

So many Saints and Santos to choose

from. I did a lot of research, looked at a variety

of pictures of the same character. I find as many artist do

that looking at the way other painters have characterized a subject

helps me to understand it--

which adds depth to my own interpretation.

I have a musician friend that does the same thing

before or while she is learning a new piece. She listens to

the composition played by a variety of performers.

I even read about a translator of poetry that said before he begins

especially if he is not that familiar with all the colouration's of that particular language

he will read other translations of the poem to get an overview.

After all my research I picked the ones that looked like they would be

fun to play with.

It was a fun journey.

Saints and Santos by Linda Carter Holman

Can be seen this month at Wilde Meyer Gallery in Tucson,AZ

See the gallery showing at

http://wildemeyergallery.blogspot.com/

Litchfield Park spring festival

2011-03-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

For several years now the festival has made a poster using one of my images.

The profits go to fund the library. I like that.

On the two days of the show I sign posters as they are sold

just over on the corner from our spot.

It is fun for me to meet and speak with so many different ladies

and gentlemen that like my work.

There are some several that collect these festival posters.

It's fun to hear their stories.

I appreciate seeing also that these images can be appreciated in many different

ways. One lady wanted to know what was the meaning behind the gold fish.

I appreciated the question because it brought out something in me

I hadn't put words to.

Looking at the swirling gold fish ---And thinking

When I was a little girl (sometime before grade school)

I often visited with my Great Grandmother

and Great Grandfather. I loved everything about them.

Grandma Carter had a friend down the street named Mrs. Cloud

and we would visit her from time to time.

My favorite thing about Mrs. Cloud's yard,

besides the painted concrete ducks in the front,

was in her back yard which was so shady with trees that it seemed dark.

She had made a gold fish pool from

what I imagine now was a 5 gallon bucket

buried in the ground with just a couple of inches of the can showing.

I guess that I have always looked to see how things are made

how they fit together.

I remember standing over the pool for the first time.

It was the greatest thing ever.

Later on when I was in grade school I had my own pool--

a gold fish bowl in the kitchen.

The ladies question from the show triggered my memory of the gold fish

one day jumping out of the bowl---what was he thinking?

I imagined it might be similar to man rocketing into space from earth

and landing on someones kitchen floor!

I told this lady that in the beginning

the fish were on or in the blue vase.

Then they came out and swam across the canvas seemingly--

atop a swizzle stick. (The Sun Sang)

And more recently the fish are flying freely up and to the window.

(Mystery of Life #4)

Which strangely brings me to the topic the story

that I really wanted to tell this morning.

We were at the funeral service of a friend the other day.

It was before our trip to Arizona.

There was a beautiful song being sung

and I suddenly had the picture of all of us

on a ship waiting our turn to walk the plank.

But instead of being pushed off Captain Hook's ship

to the crocodiles in the dark waters--

This ship was afloat in the air

and when the turn came to each

we swan dived with joy into the other world!

Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám

2011-02-23T09:45:00.000-08:00

Awake! for Morning in the Bowl of Night

Has flung the stone that puts the Stars to Flight:

And Lo! the Hunter of the East has caught

The Sultan's Turret in a noose of Light.

Dreaming when Dawn's Left Hand was in the Sky

I heard a voice within the Tavern cry,

"Awake, my Little ones, and fill the Cup

"Before Life's liquor in its Cup be dry."

from the Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám

(This is the first page from my version of Omar Khayyám's

Rubáiyát, illustrated with selected pictures from my latest series of paintings.

If you are not familiar with the Rubáiyát, it has been translated

into many different languages over the years. But the illustrations

that accompamy the poem are most all in the Perian stlye--

the native costume--men and women--some drinking wine,

which is a major symbol in his work.

My thought is that symbols change over ther years

but the essence of a poem stays the same.

So in my contemporary version

I have selected a painting to accompany

each pair of verses from the first edition of

Edward FitzGeralds translation--

verse to image

that I feel have a similar essence.)

Amazing.....

2011-02-22T09:45:00.001-08:00

I found this today when I was reaserching on line--

we have an elm tree that is leaning and my idea was that

perhaps pruning it would help.

I stumbled upon these wise words.

And tried to go tell the author that I thought

what he said was beautiful.

But I couldn't find a way to connect.

It was posted on the Village Garden web---

Re:drake Elm tree pruning

"If the tree is only three years old, I would wait. The tree, given
a little time, may develop more of its own potential. If you decide to prune too soon,
you may not only slow the growth of the tree, but miss some
possibilites that may become more apparent later. It is easy to look
at a small tree and think that as it grows larger it will reflect the same
characteristics, but often on its own a tree transforms itself. For
example, a crook in a trunk becomes completely overgrown so it is
no longer a problem, or a small fork at the top disappears as one side rapidly
outgrows the other and that bends down to become a side branch.
And as this side branch grows the trunk thinkens, even the narrow branch
angle at the trunk is altered.
Have a little patience and think about shaping up this tree a little in two
or three years, unless some really obvious problem seems to be developing."
Spruce

Nahua Poetry

2011-02-22T09:38:00.000-08:00

Nahua Poetry:

I have arrived on the branches of the flowering tree.

I am the hummingbird.

I perceive the fragrance,

and it delights me.

Cowgirl Up!

2011-02-17T19:13:00.000-08:00

March 25th

Paintings are gathered....

off to the framers.....

More later.

Chicken Or The Egg?

2011-02-17T19:02:00.000-08:00

by L. Carter Holman

by D. Holman

Life Inspired by Art?

2011-01-30T18:26:00.000-08:00

" Up from the Valley"

36 by 30 inches

by Linda Carter Holman

I just realized that this painting was inspired by life.

(Someone we passed on a Saturday afternoon drive.)

This week we had the painting photographed.

Afterwards Dillon had been looking at the image

--scanning it into his computer for future use.

The image was on his mind, I guess.

Because the next morning I recieved this picture.

Evidently in his travels through the internet that evening

He came across the picture of this girl.

Inspired,

he put her in the desert, added the lamb, rabbit, tortoise,

snake, bird in hand, the blue vase,

there is even a little mission down by her feet,

the sun behind her head, and the ladder in her pocket.

Inspiration is an interesting subject.

I had come to the conclussion recently that it is like a circle---

.....Inspire....and be inspired....

Today I'm thinking It is more like a spiral

flowing at both ends.

2011 Red Shoe Studio

2011-01-09T17:54:00.000-08:00

There was a time when I worked on a lot of ideas in sketch book form.

I have a stack of them next to my easel.

It was away for me to explore certain topics.

To do one after another and see if they would lead any where.

Sometimes in pencil or with markers that would bleed through the paper.

I'd have two ways of looking at the idea.

I often carried a sketch book with me if

I knew I was going to be waiting somewhere.

Sometimes one little thing will give an idea for another.

Today I have so many unused sketch books

because I've recently taken to sketching directly on the canvas.

Using oil color thined with turpenoid,

I sketch and if what happens doesn't seem to work

I just wipe it off with a cloth

and try again.

(If you would like to hear more about this, let me know.)

LCH@carterholman.com

"In all things it is better to hope than dispair."

Goethe

Brighter side of the Coin

2010-09-16T10:13:00.000-07:00

Garden to kitchen

Along the Road

Thunder

Inspiration

I've been reading about sacred fools and clowns

and came across an interesting book called

The Sacred

Ways of Knowledge

Sources of life

"It is important to remember that the knowledge at the core

of most traditional or aboriginal beliefs and practices

remains virtually unchanged since our Road of Life

has not changed at all much.

We are still faced with four traditional enemies:

Poverty, Sickness, Fatigue and Old age.

We can still map the sacred boundaries of our world.

The seasons continue their cycle of change,

and the stars appear as night covers the earth.

People are born and people die.

The study of these phenomena

and their relationship with one another

is where the study of all North American religions

and Sacred ways begin."

From "My Little Corner of the World"

The contradiction that statement offers is awesome.

"Poverty, Sickness, Fatigue,Old Age"

Nothing stays the same?

But on the other side of the coin----

we are given something inspiring.

"We can still map the sacred boundaries of our world.

The seasons continue their cycle of change,

and the stars appear as night covers the earth.

People are born and people die."

Middle of summer--moving to Fall

2010-08-16T11:42:00.001-07:00

Getting started again

Kat

Shermin at the back door

Greg's special tacos
last dinner of the family summer visit
My mother, Esther
our daughter Roxanne and son-in-law Eric
And Max and Kat

Big to small and back Again

2010-07-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

( For those of you who didn't get our news letter.

If you would like to be on our mailing list

send me your email address

lch@carterholman.com )

Big to Small and back Again

We go to a few outdoor festivals each year

and more often than not I hear Greg say to someone
"Now you might not believe it but-

the original painting was 5" by 6"......!

Scale is one of my favorite elements.

For the past year or so I've found myself working on the small side.

And now as if to accentuate that point and to celebrate

an end to small and a new beginning to big
these 4 mini paintings on my easel.

Have you ever played that drawing game where someone draws a squiggle

and then the next person makes something out of it?

Well my brain seems to naturally work in that direction.

I never know where the swish of my brush will take me.

And these little paintings are good examples.

Making the squiggle playing the game.

"Paw Vase Johnny "

5" by 5"

oil on canvas

I've been painting variations of this fish vase for over 15 years....

Still one of my favorite symbols.

Fish startled, swirl upward.

A world topsy turvy.

Even the Love Birds wonder what is up.

"The Eggen Moon"

5" by 5"

oil on canvas

Orange faced dog sketched with the hint of a hat

or is it a nest?

Birds appeared, moon in sky above.

Near the end I add an egg

and looked again to see the moon in a nest of blue.

I love it when that happens.

One page after another till the story unfolds.

"Beyond Me"
5" by 7"

oil on canvas

Horse and rider leaping

On the heels of sunrise.

Over earth with moon and stars

Little Pal, Earth bound below.

"Welcome"

7" by 5"

oil on canvas

The little dog at his doorstep

becomes a whimsical "Welcome!"

Another greeter inside on stage appears.

Curtain back to all creation.

One thing leads to another.

Letting Go

2010-07-18T15:49:00.000-07:00

The Treasure

40" by 52"

oil on canvas

Beginning the sketch with the main characters

Starting with them and building

experimenting with the idea.

Like settling into a chair

adjusting to the space.

And now

wondering--what's going on here?

A feeling of stillness and simplicity.

Moving forward, testing the color, design--

the character's facial expressions are the inspiration for it all.

Faces, hands, and feet

are the most essential parts of the painting for me.

Everything else is detail.

One day a design or color is very emotional.

I'm in love with it.

And then the next day--

Let's try something new.

The faces remain the theme of the story.

The eyes.

The expression.

And again color----

To the conclusion.

Someone asked me once----

How do you know when a painting is finished?

"When there is nothing else I can do, but start over."

That's the time to let go.

The Treasure

oil on canvas

40" by 52"

Coming to the Front

2010-06-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

Coming to the Front Side

I was trying to think of a way to describe the waiting period

when it feels like nothing is happening.

That is where I have been lately--

in a holding pattern.

Like when you are sewing--making a regular running stitch.

You can't see that stitch on the back. You only see the one on the top.

But the bottom one is necessary to hold it all together.

There seems to be a natural desire to go right into something new

at the end of one adventure--

instead of giving a space to digest and experience.

Sometimes For me I need that space just to figure out what is going on.

Oh, the needle and thread go from the top

down and under

Here I am--interesting

a pause(you never know how long that pause will be)

and now up to the top--

Great, Everything looks better.

Now I see where I'm headed.

In and out

back and forth

happy sad.

Floating High on Blue Mesa

2010-05-17T15:57:00.000-07:00

from the series "When Poppa brought the Rain Home"

Floating High on Blue Mesa

12" by 20"

This perspective is a little different.

I suppose it's an introspective angle.

There is the feeling for me that the world is still,

but sloshing.

As Poppa's rain cloud rolls over the top of a distant Mesa.

Burrow stands watch.

Red book in hand.

Time

2010-05-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

the spiral

After being lost for 30 some years

This painting came back to us this week-end.

It's a long story.

The interesting part to me is what was written on it's back side--

Pink Ribbons for Anny 1975 Carter Holman.

Roxanne's (Anny we called her then) birthday is in a few days.

She was 3 years old when the painting was painted.

Our Dillon and Roxanne's picture taken about that time.

And here's Roxanne's Max and Kat today.
Kat's favorite color is Pink!

I can't remember Roxanne being excited about any color-

except black in her Goth period,

but there must have been something

because the ribbons were Pink! for her.

Time in a spiral.
The same, but not.

Happy Birthday Roxanne!

Photos by Dillon

2010-04-27T14:36:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine said she liked this picture.

Hummers move so fast that it's not often

you can actually see the expression on their little faces.

FMr frog from the fountain.

Baby Buddha on the path.

My favorite of the bunch.

When Poppa Brought the Rain Home

2010-04-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

Distant Rumble

9 by 12 inch

oil on canvas

from the series

When Poppa Brought the Rain Home

Do you remember the Rumble in West Side Story?

My version.

Tortoises against the Scorpions!

Tails curled....

And there in the distance...

Poppa rumbling up the road

dust cloud billowing behind.

The rain

following.

The Mission

2010-03-30T09:35:00.001-07:00

The Mission

March.

White tail skirt flutter,

foot loose.

On Paradisio!

LCH

End to Beginning---Spring Trip to Arizona

2010-03-29T18:42:00.001-07:00

Tanks!

On our way back Greg had to stop and take a few pictures.

Saturday March 27th

Desert Caballeros Museum in Wickenburg, AZ

Cowgirl Up show

Mark Meyer/Wilde Meyer Gallery in Scottsdale

It was nice to have Mark there with us.

The Mission

oil on canvas

painting size 36" by 36"

This was the 5th Annual Cowgirl Up

invitational exhibition and sale.

To my great surprise The Mission was awarded

2010 First Place, Two-dimensional Art

Artists reflecting the spirit of the West,

collectors, hats, and boots--

I'm not that comfortable being out of the studio

talking to people.

Another artist said the same thing to me.

Sometimes there is just too much to take in.

Not to say the whole adventure wasn't inspiring--

it was.

Now back a step in time

Wilde Meyer Gallery opening night

March 25th

New Paintings by Linda Carter Holman

The lady with the purse was spotted by Laura

during the week

and invited to come and see more.

Fun that her introduction to my work

was a purse--she loves it.

www.iconshoes.com

Mark at work.

The show in full progress.

It is nice to meet the owners of my creations.

They often tell us their own inspiring stories.

I like that.

Back further in time--hanging the show.

Greg on the telephone.

Again--the night of the show.

Ending the story where it began--

That quiet spot.

Breathing In---and Out

2010-03-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

Preparing to breath out.

Paintings gathered

now packed

and ready for loading--

Off on our trip to Scottsdale.

It's a good feeling--in a way.

although

I couldn't get that last painting finish in time.

It just kept changing.......

Still on the easel,

waiting my return.

Wilde Meyer Gallery

Marshall Way, Scottsdale

March 25

Painting in Progress

2010-03-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

Have you met my husband Greg?

"This Green Earth"
20" by 16"

Last week we shipped the paintings to Arizona

for the 5th annual Cowgirl Up show
at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum
in Wickenburg.
March 26-May 2, 2010
We will be there on Saturday night the 27th.

I'm still working on new painting for my show

at Wilde Meyer Gallery on Marshall Way in Scottsdale.

These three pictured above are works in progress.

I have an idea when I start out--but--

I never really know what will come forth.

Sometimes I think--

Linda, What are you doing?

I've learned to just try to go with it--

make every effort I can to do my best and have fun.

"La Buena Vida" Linda Carter Holman

2010-02-27T19:22:00.000-08:00

I mentioned "La Buena Vida" last June-

as a new series I had started to work on.

But I don't think I ever mentioned that

Wilde Meyer Gallery in Scottsdale--

Marshall Way and Main Street

both have "La Buena Vida" rooms.

I love the color of red they chose to paint the walls.
When I saw this big still life called "Delicious Moments"

(see below) on the wall- I wanted to take it home

and make my own "La Buena Vida" room.
I really had planned to paint a section here in my new studio,
but it hasn't happened,
as usual I have more things than I do space.

Wilde Meyer in Tucson also has a
"La Buena Vida" room.
The rooms all feature my paintings and prints
as well as all sorts of interesting things
that Betty( Wilde) has selected--
When ever we visit I love to see what's new.
And almost always find something I need.

Zen Poems of Ryokan

2010-02-23T09:02:00.000-08:00

The Zen Poems of Ryokan translated by John Stevens

are my favorites right now--

From Dewdrops on a Lotus Leaf

A Visit to Mr. Fuji's Villa

It's several miles outside the town

And I walk there together with the woodsman

Along a meandering footpath through rows of verdant pines.

In the valley around us, sweet-smelling wild

plum blossoms.

Every time I visit, I gain something new,

And there I truly feel at ease.

The fish in his pond are big as dragons,

And the surrounding forest is still the day long.

The inside of his home is full of treasures:

Volumes of books scattered about!

Inspired, I loosen my robe, browse through the books,

And then compose my own verse.

At twilight I walk along the eastern corridor

Where I'm greeted again by a little flock of spring birds.

Spirit of the Southwest

2010-02-21T18:31:00.000-08:00

" In Spirit" 36" by 36" came following

"And Now"

Together here--
And then came "Poppy"

And now I'm working on "Setting the Table".

Filled with color, today--but still in that state

of telling me the story.

More later.

Painting--A work in Progress

2010-02-13T12:47:00.000-08:00

As an experiment you'll see here three steps

in the evolution of the painting called "And Now."

It was a good lesson for me to observe the changes that happen.

Someone asked me once--How do you know when a painting is finished?

The reply--When the only option I have is to start over.

There is always some little spot you can be grateful for.

Some part that works.

(But then--It might not work tomorrow like the orange sky here.)

Painting is for me like a mathematical equation.

It's a matter of adding and letting go.

At the beginning there is the idea--the shape.

When it's roughed out-

on to the coloring.

That's another balancing act.

And all along the journey new ideas--ways of seeing--

appear.

So the challenge then is letting go of something I liked yesterday

for something else that seems better today.

The question becomes--

does this face(for instance) that I really like. I think I did a good job on it.

I'm afraid I won't be able to ever do another one as good.....

The question is--

does the face work here. In this painting. At this time.

It is difficult to go against those fears,

but it is just another opportunity to let go.

One challenge after another.

I guess, you could consider working on a painting like

working on a chapter of your life.

It ends up one way,

but looking back as I did through the photos along the way--

there were a variety of directions the painting could have taken.

And yet something at each step

determined the direction.

At the end when I think that I've done all I can do,

The painting moves to the side--

And another canvas steps forward.

Paul Davis

2010-02-04T17:13:00.000-08:00

Our friend and fellow artist Paul Davis passed away--

just a few days ago.

Paul was born in the same town

that Greg and I were-Cushing, Oklahoma.

However his family moved from Cushing before Greg and I arrived there--

so we never met.

Paul and I even attended the same college.

He was a few years older and had already moved on before I arrived.

It wasn't till the mid 90's that we at last met Paul

and his wife Donna.

Greg represented Paul's paintings for quite a few years in Scottsdale,

During that time we were able to collect several of his landscapes--

Like the small one here in the dinning room.

His use of color really gives you

the feeling of the Southwest.

In the mid to late 90's Paul and I shared an upstairs studio.

I enjoyed those days.

We talked now and then

but mostly we painted.

I remember more than once looking over at the painting

he was working on--

and thinking to myself --What A great color!

It was inspiring.

To see a color and how he had used it with other colors---

in away I had not imagined.

One day we were talking about technique or something or other

and he said,

"Well you know it's all an illusion."

This is one of Paul's newer paintings.

I found it on the http://www.wildemeyer.com/

Carter Holman late 90's

2010-02-01T19:13:00.000-08:00

I came across this image today called "Angel."

I thought--interesting shape--the white.
The colors are clean--simple solid composition....

Funny how what was once the result of an inspiration
can become the source of an inspiration.
Like being turned inside out.

Valentine Print

2010-01-31T15:47:00.000-08:00

I guess, I could have called this print

"Going Dutch"

Periodically I have created little paintings,

colored ink drawings

or mono prints for special occasions.

Last year was the "Mad Hatter Love Fest"

Christmas slipped by--

so I started early not to miss Valentines Day.

For some reason I could not shake the vision of a Dutch rabbit--my favorite.

I was compelled.

I know rabbits and baskets are for Easter,

but I had to do it.

"Abounding"

Shower me down

Abounding love

seized.....

Sweet Spring!

Cowgirl Up

2010-01-21T20:01:00.000-08:00

http://www.cowgirlupart.com/

This is a really nice site.

You can go to the artist list and see a sampling of

who will be there and what they will be showing.

I enjoyed looking.

CowGirl Up is an invitational exhibition and sale

March 26th

at the Desert Caballeros Museum in Wickenburg, AZ

Last year we sent paintings

but weren't able to attend.

Greg and I are going this year.

The day before on the 25th we'll be at the Wilde Meyer Gallery

for my annual spring show.

Thursday Evening 7:00 pm

Come by if you can.

Creating a Space to Paint--easel

2010-01-09T13:53:00.000-08:00

This picture shows my basic easel idea

---- spanning a double book shelf

Which provided space to keep books and supplies and

whatever.

Studio Easel--Red Shoe Studio--Apache Junction, AZ
2002

(My original 1985 easel was just a simple framework

that leaned up against the wall.)

Then the easel evolved into this version.

It also had a twin there out of view on the right .

The two easels linked together allowed me to paint an 18 by 6 foot triptych

once upon a time.

A close up here shows the basic idea.

Holes drilled in the vertical wood side ends.

I've always used these giant nails to hold up the cross piece--

they might be called concrete nails--

About a foot long.

Now this is the latest incarnation. I designed it and a friend of ours built it.

This time no book shelves behind--no sliding doors.

A small shelf at the top attached to the wall --12 inches deep--

supports the flat surfaced easel.

And gives me a place for my special books

with storage for extra canvases behind.

I considered buying a free standing easel for my new studio--

but I like to be able to move the painting up or down

all together or one end or the other.

I paint mostly horizontal large paintings

which doesn't work so well with even the most expensive free standing easel.

I usually sit to paint--but with this I could stand.

We built the extra cross board

to hold small paintings when I'm working on a series.

These little ones are from the series

"When Poppa Brought the Rain Home."

If you can't have your own personal studio right now--

You could have your own closest studio

using this idea.

Put everything inside--even the painting holding horizontal board

and the giant nails.

The two vertical rows of holes

would be the only visible clue.

My new Red Shoes Studio

Shanrila-la
Oregon House, CA

To Love and To Be Loved----Purses and Shoes

2010-01-02T20:11:00.000-08:00

If you are not familiar with Icon Shoes

a visit to their website will be a fun adventure--

Art on purses and shoes.

My daughter, Roxanne has been collecting Icon shoes for years.

Being purse lovers, we talked about how much fun it would be to see

Carter Holman images in their collection.

They make beautiful high quality products.

Roxanne sent Icon Shoes one of my

Evolution of a Self-taught Painter books--

as an introduction.

Like planting a seed---

That was more than 2 years ago.

I hear that this spring the complete line of shoes and purses

To Loved and to be Loved

will be available to see and buy.

I guess you can find them right now in their shops

but not on line---

until now?

We took sample to the festivals in Arizona.
It was fun to see such a positive response.
Take a look for yourself--
http://www.iconshoes.com/

Beginning again

2010-01-01T18:21:00.000-08:00

I don't know quite where to start.

My last post was in October.

How could that be?

Things are just now settling out.

I painted in my new studio

at my new easel

for the first time

in months--

today.

Moving the studio from one room to another

is equivalent to the average person moving to another house.

So many things to find a new place for.

It's a burden--most people see it that way--

to have so many things.

For me it's like having a large pallet.

And I do.

So we have been moving furniture--dishes--collectibles for two months.

Our website had to be redone---

All better now.

And new.

Nothing stays the same.

November and part of October

was filled with preparing for outdoor art festivals.

In October we went back to our home town Cushing, Oklahoma

and participated in the Art in the Park Festival.

It was fun to see and meet friends and family.

Then there was the Olive and Wine Festival across the street.

Really!

A show at the Lilly Vijil Gallery in Nevada City--

Very nice Southwestern flavored spot.

A fun Day of the Dead show.

Then we went to Arizona for two outdoor festivals.

It is very special to actually meet the people that appreciate my work.

Our daughter Roxanne came up from Fort Worth to help.

Great to spend time with her and see her in action.

We stayed with our friends Mark and Betty

of the Wilde Meyer Gallery.

It was fun to see Betty's horses down in Tucson.

Then we came home to finish the studio move

and get the house ready for

Christmas and the family visit.

And now on to the next detail as the story unfolds.

Henri Matisse said,

"Derive happiness in oneself

from a good days work,

from illuminating the fog

that surrounds us."

photo by Dillon

2009-10-05T19:52:00.000-07:00

2009-10-02T11:39:00.000-07:00

Rumi

Raw, cooked, boiled

A chickpea leaps almost over the rim of the pot

where it is being boiled.

"Why are you doing this to me?

"The cook knocks him down with the ladle.

"Don’t you try to jump out.

You think I’m torturing you.

I’m giving you flavor,

so you can mix with spices and rice

and be the lovely vitality of a human being.

Remember when you drank rain in the garden.

That was for this."

Grace first. Sexual pleasure,

then a boiling new life beings,

and the Friend has something good to eat.

Eventually the chickpea

will say to the cook,

"Boil me some more.

Hit me with the skimming spoon.

I can’t do this by myself.

I’m like an elephant that dreams of gardens

back in Hindustan and doesn’t pay attention

to his driver. You’re my cook, my driver,

my way into existence. I love your cooking.

"The cook says,

"I was once like you,

fresh from the ground. Then I boiled in time,

and boiled in the body, two fierce boilings.

My animal soul grew powerful.

I controlled it with practices,

and boiled some more, and boiled

once beyond that,

and became your teacher.

"translated by Coleman Barks

Inspiration

2009-09-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

The idea for this painting came to me

on the road to Phoenix.

A semi-truck passed
and as it did I noticed a big dirty smudge on it's back door.
Reminded me of a circle head on a square chest
with a lamb across the shoulders.
I made a quick sketch-reminder
and took it to canvas a few weeks later.

I never know for sure what's going to happen
as the process of painting occurs.
I have an idea–like a seed.
Sometimes it turns into the plant and flower
you imagined it might be.
Sometimes it’s a surprise—a miracle or challenge.

The title of a painting usually
comes to me as I'm painting and the story is unfolding.
Other times like this one, it waits till the end.

“Return."
30” by 18”
oil on canvas

Meeting on the Path

2009-09-19T11:17:00.001-07:00

Meeting on the Path
(Based on a true story by LCH)

It happened at sun set.
Dillon was out taking his usual walk around the yard
looking for interesting things to photograph.
He was on his way up the gravel path toward the garden tables.

This time of year it's almost like a jungle path!
Lavender, mint, and red berry bushes are spreading out and over,
Trees dropping all sorts of things to the ground,
and those sword shaped Dutch iris leaves along the edge—
4 foot tall by now-- have already started to turn brown and lay down for winter.

Dillon moseyed on wishing he had a machete to clear this annoying vegetation.

Then he stopped...
looked down,
And there just before him amongst the twigs and chat on the overgrown path
was what looked like a piece of rope?
What!
Rope that m o v e s ?

Snake!
Awakened abruptly from his warm end of day nap--
scared out of his wits!
Reared his venomous little head.

Maybe he thought Dillon was the monster Red Shoulder Hawk.
No matter--he sensed something was not good.
With a tail rattle he said--
"Back I say-- Back!! I'm warning you!"

Dillon got the message.
He reported that Snake was only about 14 inches long--
not much more that a baby,
but he also knew that even a small rattlesnake is dangerous.

Dillon scared Little Snake
and Little Snake scared Dillon.

Dillon stepped back, snapped his picture,and Little Snake slipped off into the bushes.

The end

Along the Road--a seed painting

2009-09-03T11:30:00.000-07:00

"Along the Road"

Sun shined high on Blue fox

Purely paused at back---

Prayed'n moved with steady breath

N'held there to day's end.

~
I had a thought come to me yesterday that my writing could be called

"figurative abstract verse". I saw those words "figurative, abstract"

I don't remember where right now--and the rest just popped into my head.

It sounded right.

I think this freedom I give myself in writing any way I want--

making my own rules is one of the reasons I paint the way I do.

It's probably true for all self-taught/naive artist.

The child in us doesn't realize there are so many rules in life.

The good side of all those rules being imposed on us is

that it gives our external world order.

The other side of the coin is that it can restrict our self-expression,

if we feel what we have to say doesn't fit the mold.

Funny thing --Linda doesn't feel obligated to restrict the expression

of her internal world through her painting or how she arranges the dishes

on the table or how she designs and plants the garden.......

But when it comes to going against a "Don't Walk on the Grass" sign

--you'll have to drag her across.

Journey Forth

2009-08-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

In our garden there are roses of many varieties
Variations of color, stock, and form.
The sun inspires the rain to fall

and gives each flower a bloom.

Linda Carter Holman

The Garden is growing

2009-08-11T19:48:00.000-07:00

The Garden's growing

and so is Buttercup.

2009-08-05T10:54:00.000-07:00

Zazen on Ching-t’ing Mountain

The birds have vanished down the sky.
Now the last cloud drains away.
We sit together, the mountain and me,
until only the mountain remains.

Li Po (China, 701-762)

From Dream To Day

2009-07-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

Two years ago Priscilla wrote to me

"Good afternoon Ms. Holman.

I would like to thank you for some of the "happiest" paintings

you have introduced into my life.

I look at them and it makes my heart smile.

I email your paintings to my girlfriend in California all the time

(I'm in New York) especially the paintings with 2 women.

It does not matter what color their hair is, it is still us.

I tell her you paint pictures of us...the way we are...

and the way we would like to be.

They bring us Joy.

Ms. Holman, I have just recently taken up Mosaics on my own. Self taught....

There is a painting of yours of a big chubby Rabbit eating a carrot,

that I just love. I would like to reproduce it, in tiles for a mosaic.... "

And here it is!

I think Pricilla captured Meija perfectly.

I especially like the yellow she added to the carrot.

This adventure reminds me that those seeds we planted

are sprouting there--out of sight.

And then like magic

they appear.

Pricilla, thanks again for sending the picture

and your kind words.

2009-07-13T14:29:00.000-07:00

One way or another,

we all have to find what best fosters the flowering

of our humanity in this contemporary life,

and dedicate ourselves to that.

Joseph Campbell

Magic Carpet Ride

2009-07-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

So here we are....

living our lives or trying to....

riding the back of time.

The Magic Carpet

Morning fishing

Max and Kat

With Pops, Uncle Dillon and their dad, Eric.

It was calculated that this sweet slice of eternity

lasted about......3 minutes

our time.

The Prophet said : What is this world in comparison with the next world ?

This world is like that drop of water which a finger catches when it is put into sea.

Al Ghazali

Greg's stuffed mushrooms holiday style

2009-07-07T18:02:00.000-07:00

24 fresh mushrooms--about 1 pound

6 ounces uncooked, boneless lean pork

1/4 cup drained whole water chestnuts (1/4 of an 8 ounce can)

3 green onions

1/2 small red or green pepper, seeded

1 small stalk celery

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon grated, pared fresh ginger root

2 teaspoons dry cherry

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon hoi sin sauce

1 egg white

3 cups vegetable oil

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Batter

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup milk

1/3 cup water

For Mushrooms

1. Clean mushrooms by wiping with a damp cloth. Remove stems, chop stems finely and transfer to large bowl.

2. Finely chop pork, water chestnuts, onions, pepper and celery with sharp knife or in food processor.

Add to chopped mushroom stems. Add corn starch, ginger, sherry, soy and hot sin sauces and egg white. Mix well.

3. Spoon pork mixture into cavities of mushroom caps, mounding mixture in center.

4. Heat oil in wok over high heat until it reaches 375 degrees F (190 C)

5. Prepare batter. Carefully dip mushrooms in flour, then in batter, coating completely. Fry 6 or 8 mushrooms at a time in hot oil until golden, about 5 minutes. Drain on absorbent paper.

For Batter

6. Combine cornstarch, flour, baking powder and salt in bowl. Blend in milk and water.

Makes 2 dozen

La Buena Vida

2009-06-23T11:29:00.000-07:00

Shifting gears

back to something so familiar

and making it new--

Taking what you've learned and

adding that to what you already know.

I think that must be growth.

It seems like sometimes we have to change directions

first this way then that way.

I changed direction at the end of the year---

started opening up with the desert landscapes.

A short detour with "The Day of the Dead"

And now I find myself back in familiar territory

but with a new perspective.

Beginning a new series --"La Buena Vida"

Refreshment!

2009-06-09T11:55:00.000-07:00

Everything is blooming most recklessly;
if it were voices instead of colors,
there would be an unbelievable shrieking
into the heart of the night.
Rainer Maria Rilke

"Strawberries are for Girls" says Kat

2009-06-05T20:04:00.000-07:00

I know a place

Where the rose sun shines.

And rain falls

strawberries.

Photos by Dillon

2009-05-27T20:23:00.001-07:00

" Sun Rise" inspired by our last trip to Phoenix.

Peonies on the garden path.
Right in front of Mr. Lincoln --the rose

With my friend Kimberly in thought.

When you make the inner like the outer, and the outer like the inner,

and the upper like the lower…

When you make the male and female into a single one,

so that the male will not be male, and the female will not be female…
then will you enter the Kingdom of God.

Gnostic Gospel of Thomas

Red Shoe Photographer

2009-05-23T14:13:00.001-07:00

Everyday---

While I'm painting,

grass growing,

flowers blooming,

things moving around inside and outside,

Dinner on the table,

cats lounging---

Whatever is happening!

Our photographer makes his rounds

and at the end of the day pictures appear

reflecting our daily lives.

Quite a luxury.

Photos by Dillon

Time in the garden

2009-05-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

Inside I'm working on The Day of the Dead--

Paintings for a show in October.

Outside I'm working on shaping and coloring my garden.

In Oklahoma I was raised to call it "the yard."

Garden meant an area where you grow things to eat-

a vegetable garden. Then there was the flower garden.

Today--I like to think of it all as "The Garden."

It's my outdoor canvas and all I need to do is look

which can be dangerous for Greg, because I always

see some way to improve--to refine. That's the fun of it.

My creation outside is like a ripple that keeps expanding.

I know when a painting is finished.

I paint the edges and give it my signature.

Maybe a garden is just on a much larger scale.

I can't do all the creating by myself.

The work required and it's possibilities seems to have no end!

I guess, it could be thought of as a series of paintings.

There are so many different areas.....

I'm working on the edges now, but the signature is not in sight.

Red Shoes

2009-05-12T20:24:00.000-07:00

The two vases there in the back were a gift from

my daughter Roxanne.

Greg called them"Japanese Dresden."

Fine examples to my eye.

I like the red shoes on the girl.

It's that orange red you see so much from that period.

And they didn't use it any where else --but on the shoes.

Very special.

Red Book Rubaiyat

2009-05-02T07:48:00.000-07:00

A book of Verse underneath the Bough,

A Jug of Wine, a Loaf of Bread--and Thou

Beside me singing in the Wilderness--

Oh, Wilderness were Paradise enow!

from "Red Book Rubaiyat"

Omar Kyayyam

rendered into English verse

by Edward Fitzgerald

Arranged and illustrated

by Linda Carter Holman

Copyrighted by Linda Carter Holman

Red Shoe Publishing

2009

Rain and Shine May Day

2009-05-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

This affair is like the bright sun in the blue sky, shining clearly,changeless and motionless, without diminishing or increasing.It shines everywhere in the daily activities of everyone,appearing in everything.Though you try to grasp it, you cannot get it; though you try to abandon it, it always remains. It is vast and unobstructed, utterly empty...- Letter to Hsu Tun-chi from Zen Master Ta Hui

Funny how an idea can lay there for so long

like frying bacon
Turning and turning
Then all of a sudden it’s ready.

My "Red Book Rubaiyat" is beginning to brown.

At My Side

2009-04-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

START CLOSE IN

by David Whyte

Start close in, don't take the second step or the third,

start with the first thing close in,

the step you don't want to take.
Start with the ground you know,

the pale ground beneath your feet,

your own way of starting the conversation.
Start with your own question,

give up on other people's questions,

don't let them smother something simple.
To find another's voice, follow your own voice,

wait until that voice becomes a private ear listening to another.
Start right now take a small step you can call your own

don't follow someone else's heroics,
be humble and focused,

start close in, don't mistake that other for your own.
Start close in, don't take the second step or the third,

start with the first thing close in,

the step you don't want to take.

The Corn Maiden

2009-04-22T08:59:00.001-07:00

The Corn Maiden

oil on canvas 20 by 42"

Carter Holman--Third Phase

From “Sun Chief” the autobiography of a Hopi Indian
My grandfather cautioned me that chickens
are the chosen pets of the Sun god.
”The crowing of the cocks in early morning

is important,” he said.
“The Sun god put them here to wake up the people.
He rings the bell telling the roosters
when to announce the coming of dawn.
They crow four times before daylight.”

"Listen"

2009-04-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

I've often thought the paintings have a life of their own.

They seem to come to mind and appear on the canvas

at their own time and choosing.

Last month I had the opportunity to do a painting for a couple of friends of ours.

What do you have in mind?
They said, "do whatever you like."

Now I've been working on Southwestern themes lately,
since I entered the "Third Phase" of my painting life.
But that didn't seen right for them.

To give me some ideas I asked, if they would give me a list of things
they would like to see in their painting.

They are both performing artist-- so I had already started to
think of themes that involved music.

Their list was filled with
all kinds of animals and flowers.

I've liked the idea of Orpheus
and had wanted to do my version for some time--
the effect his music had on animals.
And not just animals--even the rocks would
gather to listen to his music.
And the trees would up root themselves to follow him.

Unfortunetly every up has it's down.
The story is glorious and tragic.
For me, I want to focus on the glorious
while holding tight to the hub.