Vegas Bound!

Gee, today was tough at work. So, I've decided to focus on something positive, my upcoming vacation. In a few weeks I'll be headed to Las Vegas. I've been to Vegas twice before. The first time I went alone (not fun). The second time I went with family (only a little more fun). This time I'll be going with a friend.

The first two trips I stayed at the Las Vegas Hilton. I indulged my geeky Star Trek fanaticism. But as we all know, Vegas isn't about Captain Kirk and the Enterprise. Its about worldly, decadant self-indulgence and this time I plan to thoroughly indulge. On my first trip I visited the other casino hotels. The one that stood out in my mind featured lush tropical gardens and a swimming pool that could be mistaken for a small lake. We'll be staying in the Mirage. The Mirage is the former home of Siegfried and Roy. I figured that if the Mirage has made those guys welcome for so many years, I'll fit in just fine.

Today's artwork is a portrait of a young man by the pool. I appropriately call it "Poolboy." I know there is really no great deep meaning in this work other than a simple admiration of masculine beauty. I painted this work a few years ago but decided to post it today in anticipation of what I might see around the pool at the Mirage. Its something to look forward to, right?

The medium is acrylic painted in watercolor technique on watercolor paper. Its painted from a photo I found. My personal technique is not sufficient to paint from a live model yet. But, I'd love to try. I work so slowly and fuss over the details too much to use live models. If I did, the model would be a geriatric and I'd owe him my life savings by the time we finished the sitting. I know, I know, I should practice drawing a little everyday to develop my eye/hand coordination. But, gotta work for a living you know. If painting paid the bills. . . . .

Let me know what you think.

Mama Mia!

Wow! What a great show. My last post was about "The Producers" and I thought it was fun. But, I was totally awed by "Mama Mia!" I'm not the most savvy individual concerning musical theatre but I thought this show was far better than "The Producers". Once again I saw the show at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. I've really enjoyed the quality of performances they've booked into that venue. I hope it continues.

I'm not very familiar with the music of ABBA. Yes, I know they were a band from the 70's/80's. As a friend said to me earlier today, "It was roller rink music," for us. If the show had been about the band it would have been a real snoozer. Instead, there was a sweet, happy story that everyone can identify with in some way. Since I'm approaching that mid-life thing I really enjoyed the idea that all of us are young at heart. For a moment I embraced my inner rock star. But, I'll be outraged if anyone suggests I'm a "Dancing Queen."

The female lead was quite the diva. In this production the actress was Laurie Wells. Her solo on "The Winner Takes it All" was spine-tingling. Of course, I would be negligent if I didn't give credit to the outrageous characters created by Lisa Mandel as Tanya and Laura Ware as Rosie. They were absolutely hysterical in their roles and the musical numbers were real show-stoppers.

I've been to a few musical theatre productions. I'm no expert but I've seen my share. This show is the first where I've seen audience members dancing and singing along with the music. Even geriatric old ladies were standing with arms in the air swaying to the beat. I loved every minute of it. I would see it again in a heartbeat. I even bought the expensive super deluxe program and the CD.