They loom, stilts no challenge for their years of training. Mocko Jumbies are the feature of this months’ cover.
Interpreters of superstitions and spirits of long ago , their contemporaries perform at Jump Up, a four time a year favorite event. I found a great video
on You Tube that gives you an idea of their height and irresistible street cred.
Here’s a link to the ” About the Artist ” page on the inside of the magazine- a place for shameless self promotion, or another tear sheet for my only heir to ruminate over keeping or using it as a book mark.
St. Croix LAST week was the destination for 5 visiting friends, so I took in some beach time, photo time, dining out time, and no painting time. I HAD no time.
What I did have was an additional perspective of where I live through another’s eyes. Mary of 2FramesperSecond, dedicated to the Canon G7, montage’d the synopsis. ( Pay attention, Cloud lovers…this means you, Jala )
Thought to be milkweed bugs, nevermind that thought. Don calls them love bugs, as you’ll read in his comment below and I call them push-me pull-yous. As graphically beautiful as African Masks.
Now another PS: this edit in from dear friend Scott who knows everything flora, fauna, and food, what he states is the scientific name:
“The push-me-pull-you insects are “true bugs” – that’s the correct entomological term for them – “bugs.” They belong to the Hemiptera group of arthropods. They all have piercing-sucking mouthparts. These are found on Malvaceous plants; hibiscus and their kin, especially the beachside Hibiscus tiliacea – the tree with hibiscus-like yellow flowers.” Thanks, Scott. ( love my smart friends )
Water on wood, photographer (me ) on assignment.
Several photographers on assignment, actually. Two friends are photographers for the AP, shooting opposing teams for the World Series. Just made it here by the grace of Game 6, Game over.
A typical scene at the dinner table:
The G7 Summit
Love this group- they never sit around for too long.
Time spent with family…..
Animals triangulated, moment seized by Lobo. Thanks Judy.
Yes, they’re both real. And that Cloud is a Purina contract waiting to happen.
Be looking for some lovely watercolors from this visit by Carolking, who will now be forced to publish them on her blog sooner than she may have wished.
Tags: Art Covers/Travel Magazines, Canon G7, Cloud, G9, Jump Up, Mocko Jumbie, Painting with Gouache, St. Croix This Week
Asheville: The North West of The South East 
November 14, 2009 at 7:20 pm |
So much to respond to here… sorry I missed your guests, but we did spot the new cover as we arrived at the airport. Very nice!! Shameless promotion is ok, too. Now those bugs. I’ve known them as “love bugs” because they always seem to be travelling around in pairs connected at the rear doing ?? More precisely, I think they are the local version of cotton-stainers, called that because they would get into the cotton bolls and stain them somehow. A nuisance in the old days… More than you wanted to know? and finally, Judy’s picture of the three animals is fabulous! Must have been food that got them all to look so intently in the same direction.
November 14, 2009 at 8:23 pm |
Don- note the corrected blog. I knew between you and Sue, this was going to be edited.
I like having friends who can provide more than I knew and not more than I wanted to know.
Those animals were under Judys’ spell. Food wasn’t the lure.
They’re just that cute all together.
Chili is in the closet.
November 14, 2009 at 8:32 pm |
Fabulous cover, fun video, star material pets and friends from afar. Everything a lagoon lover could want.
November 15, 2009 at 9:57 pm |
Thanks JoAnn, and now I know who really clicks on those links!
November 14, 2009 at 8:35 pm |
I can barely hear myself type over the roar of the nascar engines, but your post brought me immediately back to that quiet happy place!! Cant wait for our return, i’ve never vacationed the same place 5 times ever, looking forward to making that SIX!
November 15, 2009 at 9:58 pm |
Mary, SIX for STX. We’re pretty tickled.
November 14, 2009 at 9:04 pm |
Forget (if only I could) those bugs and even the animals and the camera toting guests, I LOVE that photo of you on wood.
November 15, 2009 at 10:01 pm |
Pat, thanks big time thanks. You often know when a shot is going to be if not good, than at least interesting.
I had that feeling with this one.
I’m sorry, I knew those bugs were going to flip you out a bit but do you recall your famous spider in the web photo from a while ago?
It’s all about what you have to do to get a good shot, and a reaction.
November 15, 2009 at 12:50 am |
Is Carol there? Is that why she is not posting? Damn her.
I like your illustration. Love those skinny legs. Also like the name of the event “Jump up”. I want to come live there.
November 15, 2009 at 10:04 pm |
Bill, Carol WAS here. She left before you could track her down.
When I first got here and heard the name Jump Up as the name of a big street carnival I thought it captured the mood of the evening.
You really have to Jump Up to give those dancers a tip.
November 15, 2009 at 4:11 pm |
Shhhhh, don’t tell Bill I was one of the five friends in St. Croix! Damn that man is nosy!
Great post Bonnie and I’m already nostalgic for STX, you and Kelly, the sound of the waves, Cloud, Cuba and the kitties. Carroll St. ain’t cutting it today.
The pictures of the 5 chairs was hysterical. I can see us all jumping the waves right now.
xoxox Carol
November 15, 2009 at 10:06 pm |
Thanks Carol- and now you know Bill ( and I ) are waiting to see those watercolors you did when you were here. The only one of us, by the way, that took her art supplies out.
I just made excuses.
Hope your descent back into the office was uneventful.
November 15, 2009 at 4:17 pm |
Oh damn! I forgot to say congratulations on the November cover of St. Croix this Week (Month!).
I can personally attest to the fact that:
1. those magazines are everywhere!
2. therefore EVERYONE gets to see your beautiful cover art
3. and, everyone was impressed when I told them who I knew on the Island and that YOU were the cover artist for the Oct. and Nov. covers.
Big Name Dropper…Me!
November 15, 2009 at 10:07 pm |
And this is why you will always be asked back. Among the many other reasons.
November 16, 2009 at 2:00 am |
Gorgeous cover and a tribute to your versatility. That photo “spending time with family”…did you photoshop that or are you a miracle worker?
November 16, 2009 at 7:32 pm |
Thanks Nancy.
No, these animals really interact closely, often and sweetly. My good friend Judy snapped that picture but didn’t have to rush to get the camera. They stay near each other a lot.
I used to have a functional life. Now I gaze at small, furry beasts and emit many ” awwwwws”.
November 16, 2009 at 2:02 am |
p.s. Florida has love bugs….and they ain’t pretty
November 16, 2009 at 11:23 am |
Love the cover, the cats and dog. 😉
Paz
November 16, 2009 at 7:33 pm |
Paz- it’s all about the animals..
November 16, 2009 at 3:41 pm |
Looks like a wonderful time was had by all, both two and four footed! The new cover is a treat for all!
November 16, 2009 at 7:34 pm |
Only you were missing from the sixth chair on that beach.
Easier for you to remedy than the East Coast gang.
November 16, 2009 at 11:43 pm |
Hee hee…It’s always so fun(ny) to go to someone’s blog and find one’s own name highlighted. 🙂
I have to tell you that I just watched the Mocko Jumbies video (wow) and Rumi came running over to stare at it up close. I still think Cloud La Pigletta and Rumi are alter egos.
Those red-and-black things? Well, they may look kind of cool, but they’re still all just bugs to me. I HATE bugs. You know that already, I think. 🙂
November 18, 2009 at 4:53 pm |
Jala- hating bugs living here would be like hating snow living in Colorado. We get used to lots of things…. I have size limits though……
November 18, 2009 at 12:35 am |
WOW…. So much to see…
I’ll bet you had such a great time with your friends. LOVE those photos… even the bugs…. so interesting… Your extended family is furry and friendly and so so cute………………..AND that FABULOUSLY creative, colorful WONDERFUL magazine cover … it’s just GREAT!! You (and your single heir as well as your significant other) should be so proud!!
November 18, 2009 at 4:55 pm |
Marian- ha- I felt like I bundled everything I could ever post into one and now I’m on empty!
Thanks for leaving your usual, wonderful comments.
All of these encouraging words and capital letters! They really get to me.
November 18, 2009 at 12:37 am |
By the way… that article about you is great!! It’s fun to learn a little more about you.
I also hope it sends scores of new clients your way!!
November 18, 2009 at 4:14 am |
This is one of the best blog posts I’ve ever seen! Wow! You’ve got the great art cover with your fabulous work and then all of the great stilt walkers, animals and bugs. For a moment, I was there…on vacation.
Congratulations on being famous! Wishing you all the best, always.
November 18, 2009 at 4:57 pm |
Melinda- I’m thrilled to have so many wonderful fellow artists leaving these heartfelt comments.
My 15 minutes of fame is now over and I’d better get to work to drum up the next 15 minutes.
Thanks for stopping by again.
November 18, 2009 at 4:12 pm |
Oh Bonnie! The cover is wonderful – so colorful, so full of movement! I love it. And those bugs are phenomenal! WOW – the colors and markings are absolutely amazing. But I do have to tell you – it is the creatures’ pictures that I enjoyed so much! “A Purina contract waiting to happen” had me spewing the coffee in my mouth as I laughed out loud. I LOVE visiting your blog. I ALWAYS feel uplifted afterward.
November 18, 2009 at 5:01 pm |
Joanne- I’m a creature sucker too. In fact, if I could pull myself away from the fuzzy entertainers, I’d be a more productive artist.
But damn, they just kill me.
Sorry about that spilled coffee- should I put a warning on the blog like McDonalds and their hot coffee cups?
Thanks for checking in- your comments are uplifting to me too.
November 18, 2009 at 4:47 pm |
WOW, BONNIE!!!!!
LOVE THAT – and another WOW to how perfectly your cover painting captures those jump dancers (thanks for the video – I figure if that guy can limit his vocabulary to “Wow,” so can I. 🙂
G7 Summit – hahaha
What a fascinating group of friends you have – and how fun to travel with them.
Those bugs – I’ll just call them bugs – definitely like African masks. WOW! again.
And, I’m a sucker for the Cloud pictures, as always.
(tear sheet – more than a bookmark, I suspect…..)
Love
November 18, 2009 at 4:51 pm |
p.s. love the charming lure/luria wordplay in your bio! ❤
November 18, 2009 at 5:07 pm |
Solveg- I know I have a kindred spirit in the ” I love my animals department ” in you.
Maybe a little obsessive about it too but we love what we love, right?
In keeping with your recognition of gratitude, I am grateful that you come to visit here and leave your exuberant comments.
Always.
Love right back.
November 20, 2009 at 9:08 pm |
You’ve been very busy! I love seeing the push me/pull you bugs–how fascinating and lovely their coloring and design is. Also the photo of water on wood! Thanks for sharing,
Faye
November 21, 2009 at 4:05 am |
Obsessive love of animals – guilty and happy to be guilty. Were someone to say, “Solveg, you really need to get a grip on this and scale back your love of animals,” I would reply, “LALALALALALALALA, I CAN’T HEAR YOU!”
: )
p.s. – it was on Marc Hanson’s blog that I found Frank, and on Frank’s blog that I found you. Marc’s was the start of it all – the first painter’s blog I’d ever seen. He’s gracious and kind and love animals and paints beautifully – just like you.
November 25, 2009 at 2:22 pm |
I thought I commented on this one a while ago … I guess I didn’t.
I enjoyed reading it though. 🙂
December 3, 2009 at 2:47 am |
I DO hate snow. And I live in Colorado.
I keep checking in but there’s no new post… We want Cloud! We want Cloud! (Accompanied by fists banging on table) We want Cloud!
December 4, 2009 at 5:02 pm |
Are you still experiencing company? Where are you? hee hee!