It isn't that things haven't been happening in my part of the world. Nothing drastic, just time consuming, and complicated. I will try to get back into the blog business. I have all kinds of tips and ideas to share.

My quote of the day is from M.C. Escher:

"We adore chaos because we love to create order."

I can create chaos. Order is another order...

This spring and summer have been busy with projects. One was to make progress with a deal I have with my son, Kyle Torke, a writer, professor and poet, to illustrate the children's book he wrote. Another was to do all new watercolors for my 2018 calendar. Still not busy enough we did a little traveling. Several of the Eighth Tribe went to Alburquerque for the international Association of Pastel Artists.

The Eighth Tribe are showing their art  again:

"Red Boat" by Barbara Allen

The Eighth Tribe, my artist friends and I, are showing at the Gunnison Gallery in Gunnison, Colorado through November. Anne Michel is the owner-artist of the gallery. Her enthusiasm and support are inspiring, and greatly appreciated. The opening is on the First Friday Walk, November 3, 2018, in the afternoon and early evening. I believe 5-8. A section of the tribe will be in attendance. If there is any way you can get there, please do join us. There's music as well. More information at wwwgunnisongallery.net

124 N. Main Street
Gunnison, CO 81230
970-641-6111

 "Yellow Poppies" Carol Ann Rasmussen

"Snowy Field" Amy Daniels

"Pawnee Buttes" Laurae Fortner Welch

"School's Out" Lindy Palmer

 "Thistle" Maryellen Miller

See you there.

Thanks for reading - and looking

Barb

So much to do. So far to go. Even as I write this I realize I am behind in writing this blog, and might always be so. I am best at keeping caught up at Facebook, Barbara Torke Art, (I can post from my phone in a quick heartbeat). I am next best at www.barbtorkeinsights.blogspot.com (tips and art suggestions and information), and on to www.eighthtribecedaredge.blogspot.com (which is art of students and friends who show and work with me) and my poetry blog www.barbtorkepoetry.blogspot.com (sometimes with art, but mostly my second love - the written word). 

This website has more paintings and more information. You can buy prints here. You can find my history here in art work. You can get in touch with me here (which I enjoy immensely). I love to share. I want you to enjoy my work.

My art is not all kittens and warm puppies. Hidden below the surface is a real desire to keep our planet alive, and our society healthy - emotionally and physically. Does it show? I'm not sure. Look for it, though. It's subtle.

I don't want to go back to the traditional painting of the fifties (my 1950s), or the abstractions of the sixties - or anything between. You are welcome to join me on this journey. Maybe - little by little - We'll figure it out. 

Let's fight the good fight.

45. COLLAGE LAWRENCE FERENGHETTI QUOTEScollage with references to artist Lawrence Ferenghetti

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:

Twelve Drummers Drumming. The red headed woodpecker I remember as a kid. Not a lot of them but there they were, like that toothpick picker. Now the red-headed woodpecker is focused in the woodlands of the Tennessee area, or the middle Appalachian area. They are struggling like the rest of the bird species. A moment for a plea to take care of our planet. The Downy, the Pilated. We see these more, and the Flicker. If you've ever had one try to get to the inside of the metal sheeting on your roof or in the eaves, you know they are real drummers.

My true love marched to a different drummer, not the little drummer boy, or other drummers we know, but these red-headed woodpeckers, who are my favorite.

On the Twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me;

Twelve drummers drumming,

Eleven pipers piping,

Ten lords a leaping,

Nine ladies dancing,

Eight maids a milking,

Seven swans a swimming,

Six Geese a laying,

Five Golden Rings,

Four Calling Birds,

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

The End