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Blondie – the Howler Monkey – usually Howler Monkeys are light and dark brown

There was so much wild life around us, that it was hard to take it all in.  Here are a few of my favorite photos of some of the animals that I captured on our recent trip to Costa Rica. You can click on each of these images to enlarge them. I did not use a fancy camera.  These were all very close to us and all that I needed to do was point and shoot.

Here are some that have caught my eye this week. Laundry is difficult to dry here, as the climate is very humid.  Even though it is the dry season, it rains often during what is considered their summer.

As you can see from the photo we have our rain gear on.  The leaves to my left are used by the natives as umrellas. When they need them, the just pick them and hold them over their heads.

When it wasn’t rainy we were on the beach in Totuguero, the beach where the green sea turtles hatch.  We found some eggs, empty…they have already all hatched and made their way to the Caribbean.  Once they are 5 miles out to sea they have a real chance for survival.

•   The bicycle is one of the main modes of transportation.  There is usually one in front of each home.
• This is the land of butterflies and frogs.  Yes, that is my foot and my hand.

Santorini (left) and Mykonos (right) are Monotypes.  That means they are one of a type and can not be duplicate.

They were run through the printing press after being painted on a piece of plastic, not etched – but painted.  The plastic is then washed off and reused for another painting to be run through the press.  Each monotype is one of a kind.

Both of these monotypes Santorini and Mykonos will be in the John Muir Medical Center Art Exhibit (sponsored by East Bay Artists Guild) as well as Sangre de Cristos (an oil painting of the mountain range in/near Sante Fe, New Mexico.

John Muir Art Exhibit in Walnut Creek, CA runs from Dec. 3, 2011 until Jan. 2012.

As I left the house two days ago in this beautiful fall season, I was excited to be a particpant in the craft sale in beautiful Palo Alto, at the Pacific Art League.

My craft sale table consisted of my Pacific Grove Cottage Series which you see here.

My Pacific Grove Cottage Series - great real estate for sale!

It was fun to see art work of three of my East Bay Art Guild colleagues on the wall of their current Scapes Exhibit.

Kurt Vorheis had his “Trees” juried in by the curator of the SFMOMA Gallery, as did Mark Pemberton with his photograph of  ”House in Iceland”  and I had my “Galapagos Islands” on the wall.

Galapagos Islands by FROgard

House in Iceland by Mark Pemberton

Trees by Kurt Vorheis

Mi Casa Es Tu Casa – My House is Your HouseExhibit at the Pajaro Valley Art Gallery in Watsonville will be open until December 18.  This exhibit is one of the most interesting I have seen in a long time.  It consists of displays (alters) which were set up by many of the local classes,organizations, and individual artists in and around Watsonville.

 I was lucky enough to be able to include a watercolor done after van Gogh’s skeleton.  It reminded me so much of my father with his cigarette holder.

 The Day of the Dead honors those who have gone before us. One of my favorite alters was done as a tribute to man’s best friend – dogs.  It is very special to see how much love went into these displays.  If you are in the area – it’s not too late to stop by and see for yourself.

Fuji Apples - Watercolor - $300

I love Fuji apples.  They are crisp, sweet, and have a nice juicy quality.  My three Fujis are watercolor and will be showing for the next month at 105 Crescent Drive .  We have a monthly Exhibit in downtown Pleasant Hill.  If you are a resident of Contra Costa County, you have probably attended the cinema on Crescent Drive.  It is next to the cinema and across the street from the public parking lot that the East Bay Artists Guild displays their work. Check out the window for some original art work that is for sale.  Artists can be contacted direct by phone or email, which is listed on their plaques.

Alex, the African grey will be showing at the Lynn House Gallery at the Seventh Annual Local Artist Exhibit on November 28th through the end of December.  My other two showing are The Forest and Pinecones. You can view them on my oils page.

Alex was painted after I read an article in the National Geographic.  He was one of the smart animals that was featured.  Although Alex is no longer alive, there have been many articles on him and he has made  several television appearances in the past. Google Alex the parrot to learn more about this incredible bird.

Come to the Lynn House Gallery in Antioch (809 W. First Street- across the street from Amtrack) and “meet” Alex at the reception on Dec. 3 from 2-4. Refreshment will be served.