Old Lady in Window, Rovingo /Rovinij Istria, Croatia – Watercolor (work in progress) on 1/2 sheet of Arches 140# cold press
No joke. We’ve had a roller-coaster of a week. But first let me say thank you to all of my friends and family who wrote, called, emailed and texted asking how we were. We, luckily, are fine.
Our week started out with an earthquake. Although not officially evacuated, when the building shook everyone ran outside. The last time the building shook like that it was on 9/11. Interestingly, the people from California were the only ones who did NOT run outside. They recognized it as an earthquake and stayed indoors.
I did NOT feel the earthquake as I had just run across the street to get some chocolate. (NY Post Headline: Woman finally saved by chocolate!)
The week continued with all the Hurricane Irene warnings. The City took the unprecedented step of shutting down the entire subway system. Never in my life has the subway system been completely shut down. Clearly the end of the world was nigh. There was also a mandatory evacuation of all “zone 1” areas. The hysteria was on.
A cynical friend posted this. I got the vodka and I’m a pro at complaining. I’m still speculating about work on Monday. Our illustrious mayor also just announced that City offices will be open tomorrow. When asked how workers will get to work he suggested we can take a cab. Don’t get me started.
We’ll see tomorrow morning when I go to the subway if I see the pink plastic that the City uses to let riders know that the station is closed. (Thanks for the photo Judy!)
The water-color above is a work in progress. I have so many amazing images from the beautiful country of Croatia which should keep me busy as long as the local natural disasters are kept at bay. The image above is from Rovingo/Rovinij which is also called the “Venice of Istria” because of its beautiful port. Many of the towns in Istria have two names. An Italian name and its Croatian name. Like Pola/Pula where we stayed with family during the beginning of our trip. Croatia is an amazing and beautiful place and I can’t wait to return someday soon.
Carol King: drawing, painting, complaining 
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August 28, 2011 at 3:31 pm
Judith Wolfe
Tomorrow’s frantic commute to work should be more fine fodder for blogging. I am resting my fist because I am sure I will be shaking it at passing clouds while also cursing the Mayor as I walk to work.
August 28, 2011 at 3:43 pm
Carol King
I have a feeling I’ll be walking to work too. And shaking my fist at clouds! 🙂
August 28, 2011 at 4:13 pm
Earthquakes, hurricanes, tornado warnings…what's next? Locusts? (via Carol King: Painting, Drawing, Complaining) « hocinehocinegharib
[…] ≈ أترك تعليقا Old Lady in Window, Rovingo /Rovinij Istria, Croatia – Watercolor (work in progress) on 1/2 sheet of Arches 140# cold press No joke. We've had a roller-coaster of a week. But first let me say thank you to all of my friends and family who wrote, called, emailed and texted asking how we were. We, luckily, are fine. Our week started out with an earthquake. Although not officially evacuated, when the building shook everyone ran outside. The last … Read More […]
August 28, 2011 at 5:20 pm
Alex Zonis
I love the beginnings of this new watercolor, Carol! It promises to be a fine piece!
Glad to hear you were saved by chocolate :)! Still thinking of you and will continue to think positive thoughts until Irene passes. Then will start b!tching again.
September 1, 2011 at 9:14 pm
Carol King
We survived the earthquake and Irene. A bit of water in our basement and some roof damage, but it wasn’t bad. My in-laws in Connecticut still don’t have power. I have to work on the woman in the window. I need to make her look like she is in the shadows.
August 28, 2011 at 5:53 pm
Beth Parker
LOVE the watercolor start and I am happy to hear you are okay. I’ve been thinking about you. (I have a niece at Ithica College, too, who just left Idaho on the 20th, after her summer off, to head back to NY.) Stay safe!!
September 5, 2011 at 9:44 pm
Carol King
Hi Beth, thanks for your comment on the painting and for thinking of us. Hope your niece is doing well in Ithica.
August 28, 2011 at 7:01 pm
Jim Crescitelli
I’m glad you all sailed through safely… it could have been horrible, as these things go… Our friend Tyson lost the roof of his apartment house in Philadelphia and ALL his stuff is ruined / soaked.
Looking forward to MORE watercolors of Hrvatska…
xoxox
September 5, 2011 at 9:44 pm
Carol King
Turned out we had more damage than we thought. But nothing like Tyson’s!
August 28, 2011 at 7:16 pm
thepurpledogpaintingblog
Only you could make me laugh that hard about a hurricane. I live in Tornado Alley, I must add vodka to my emergency kit!
Great start on the watercolor, l love WIP’s.
September 5, 2011 at 9:45 pm
Carol King
I think a Tornado would scare the bejesus out of me. If I had an bejesus in me. Thanks for your comment. Can’t wait to hear about the badlands.
August 28, 2011 at 8:46 pm
wrjones
With all that flooding you don’t have to take a bottle of water for a watercolor painting. Your medium is everywhere. Get out there and get some storm paintings started before they take down those pink gates.
I like clothes line paintings. This is a good start! Also like the lady in the window but the blue background makes it seem you are looking thru the window to sky. Maybe this is simply a mighty thin building.
September 5, 2011 at 9:48 pm
Carol King
This was actually one of those Hollywood buildings. It was only the front.
The took the pink tape down and the water has been drying up. But I’m glad to see you here. It’s nice to know that you are still out there making snarky comments. I missed you.
August 29, 2011 at 1:23 am
kk2n777
Thank God we all live through another major event. I am not sure if I can do this every 10 years. Irene did not cause as much damage as we thought but that IS a good thing. I did not buy vodka and cigarettes but did commit #4 and #6 of the 10 gay ways to entertain myself. Luck for Bruno and Kitty I stopped short of #7…
http://instinctmagazine.com/blog/ten-gay-ways-to-stay-entertained-during-hurricane-irene?directory=100011
Hope you have a good Monday getting to work. I will be taking the reverse commute to the US open. Maybe it won’t be so bad.
September 5, 2011 at 9:50 pm
Carol King
I am pleased to hear you did not dress up kitty and bruno. I think EVERYONE took part in # 4!
August 29, 2011 at 3:54 am
Stephen
Hey Carol – that painting is wonderful – I love the shadows on the wall – surely there is not much more to do on it. You guys are experiencing some strange events – I say a you tube video of the storm that passed through NYC – was it last year. mmmm very strange.
But – at least you have chocolate. And vodka – heh heh
I am looking forward to the final of this work.
September 5, 2011 at 9:52 pm
Carol King
I have no idea when I will finish it but hopefully soon.
We certainly have been experiencing strange weather events. In less then a year we’ve had a blizzard, an earthquake and a hurricane. I’m ready forit to quiet down for a bit.
August 29, 2011 at 5:52 am
CathyG
You and other NY blogging friends have been in my thoughts Carol, glad all is OK – I knew chocolate could be a life-saver! Got to catch up on your trip to Croatia, how lovely – as is the watercolour you’re busy with.
September 5, 2011 at 9:57 pm
Carol King
Hi Cathy, So nice to see you. We are fine and chocolate and vodka (not at the same time) always do the trick. 🙂
August 29, 2011 at 8:38 am
Rhonda
Thanks for sharing some humor about the situation there in NY! And, of course, chocolate is a lifesaver in so many ways. I like the start of the painting and will look for the finish soon. (Sorry you had to walk to work today – don’t break any pink tape!)
September 5, 2011 at 10:01 pm
Carol King
Hi Rhonda, thanks for your comment. I actually DID not have to walk to work that day…turned out they got the subways up and running that morning.
August 29, 2011 at 1:00 pm
asmalltowndad
Great start to another great painting!
I was wondering about you this weekend. My brother-in-law finally after about 20 some years of wanting to go to New York, booked the flight and hotel about a month a go… you know the rest of the story. flew in thursday, spent friday seeing as much as possible and cursed the rest of the time. No electric, no transportation and will return tomorrow.
Glad that your o.k. and can’t wait to see the finished painting.
September 5, 2011 at 10:09 pm
Carol King
Oh no Ryan, Your poor brother-in-law! I’m sorry he got the crappy hurricane weekend to visit. I hope he comes back again soon. We really are nice.
Thanks for your comments on the painting. I love your dolphins.
August 29, 2011 at 2:24 pm
Irina
I am glad the hurricane is over and you are OK. I saw this today, liked it and keep believing in American character)) http://youtu.be/pY4gJoKwtAQ
September 5, 2011 at 10:10 pm
Carol King
LOL! Someone always has to take his clothes off! I’m glad the hurricane is gone too.
August 29, 2011 at 4:13 pm
lindahalcombfineart
Carol, glad to see that you staying organized with that to do list. Looks like you’ve got all the essentials covered (especially since I know you already had chocolate on hand!). Good progress on the painting. I have watched several travel shows on Croatia. It is a beautiful country.
September 5, 2011 at 10:54 pm
Carol King
Hi Linda. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I hope Ken’s doing ok with the chemo.
I usually always have some chocolate stashed away somewhere. Still have to finish the painting. I’ve started some other projects that I now must finish.
Croatia is truly a beautiful country.
August 29, 2011 at 8:01 pm
Androgoth
It is nice to know that you faired well my friend,
and by the way I like your painting…
Androgoth Xx
September 5, 2011 at 10:55 pm
Carol King
Thank you Androgoth…on both counts. 🙂
August 29, 2011 at 10:31 pm
napabelle
I love this delicate beginning! Can’t wait to see the rest ! Glad you are safe !
September 5, 2011 at 10:57 pm
Carol King
Hi Isabelle, I can’t wait to see the rest of this painting as well. LOL! I enjoyed your trip to the Sierras.
August 30, 2011 at 6:23 am
Zeinab-Art
The moment I wanted to add a new post or comment , the internet connection interrupt. I think this is worse than tornado 😀 it was a joke …
I have a question how does that lady in your painting hang on the clothes on that yarn??? it is too high ….
September 5, 2011 at 11:07 pm
Carol King
Hi Zeinab, It is not that lady’s laundry. It is the laundry of the people who live above her on the next floor up.
August 30, 2011 at 5:51 pm
pointypix
i have to say that other than what i’ve seen on twitter, i’ve really heard nothing about the whole hurticane in NY. has it passed by now and was it as bad as predicted? i can’t believe they shut the subway-commuting must’ve been chaotic. i do love your dry witty take on it though. the watercolour is looking good-you should submit your work to paint party friday. oh, btw-i never watched the glee project but i read your post on it and it turns out the guy from northern ireland is my mum’s old work colleague’s son-hows that for a small world!
September 5, 2011 at 11:12 pm
Carol King
The Hurricane passed with some damage to the city, trees down, flooding and some power outages. We were ok, but it turned out that New Jersey and the states in New England (Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont) really had some devastating flooding. We were pretty lucky in my neighborhood though.
it certainly is a small world. Please tell your mum to pass along the message that Damian has tons of fans in NY, including me…even if I’m old enough to be HIS mum!
August 31, 2011 at 5:49 pm
Debbie Adams
Painting is looking good, Carol. Can’t wait to see it when it’s done.
Glad to hear you alright!
Deb x
September 5, 2011 at 11:13 pm
Carol King
Hi Debbie, I hope to get back to it shortly. And yes, we fared pretty well. I was even able to make it to work that Monday. (Drat!)
September 1, 2011 at 6:21 pm
lesliepaints
Great start on the watercolor of the washed clothes on the line. I like it even more that you included a little person in the window, below.
When I heard that Long Island had no electricity, I remember thinking; “anywhere but there!” I hope you had a day off work or two!…..and glad you are o’kay. You are aren’t you? 🙂
September 5, 2011 at 11:15 pm
Carol King
I have so many memories of laundry hanging on a line. Apparently, no one has a dryer in Croatia! The old woman had been looking out and when Matt when to snap the photo she started to turn away.
Thanks for your concern. We survived and are fine. Yes, we are ok.
September 2, 2011 at 10:52 am
Joan T
I am finally back from Venice and since you are on the top of my blog list, I’ll start catching up with you. I missed a lot of things while I was gone like the earthquake and the storm. I love the photo of the pink tape across the top of the subway stairs. lol Only in NY!!!
Great start to this painting. Croatia seems to resemble Italy a lot…same style architecture. Can’t wait to see it finished. (I almost didn’t put in the apostrophe in the contraction. I got used to leaving them out when I couldn’t find the apostrophe on the Italian keyboard.)
September 5, 2011 at 11:18 pm
Carol King
Welcome back from Venice. My husband has been wanting to go back there and spend time. I’ll have to write you if we are ever ready to go and spend a month. (ha! I can’t ever imagine that, but you never know.)
Croatia (at least Istria and the coast) was party of Italy for hundreds of years. If you can over look some of the remnants of the communist years, it is very much like Italy, without the tourists.
I understand about the apostrophes. You should have seen me trying to use a Croatian keyboard! LOL!
September 3, 2011 at 3:21 pm
cathy
Hi Carol, a challenging week indeed. At least you had your trip to think about and a drunken friend to email. A pink band to block the masses- and it worked?! Amazing that citizens are able to listen and cooperate at times???
September 5, 2011 at 11:19 pm
Carol King
I suppose people can and do go down to the subway platform, but they’ll be waiting a long time for a train to show up.
September 4, 2011 at 1:05 pm
Camilla
Hi Carol!
So good to read that you are fine. I’ve read so much about the hurricane in the news, even in the norwegian newspapers. (But we like to keep up with things over there, it makes us feel like we’re more important than we really are ;-)) I really enjoyed the “hurricane to do list”, and I can’t wait to see your watercolor finished. Looks like a very idyllic place!
September 5, 2011 at 11:24 pm
Carol King
Croatia was very Idyllic. You should go for a visit. It wouldn’t be as far for you, I don’t think.
September 19, 2011 at 8:44 am
Cathyann Burgess
Well, we had just about cleaned up after Isabel, then Irene blew us raspberries, downing four trees the size of the Chryler building sooooo, I think we will let the tress stay were they fell and naturalize. Can’t afford the cost of crane removal.
The ground is still trembling here in VA; lots of aftershocks which is highly unnnerving. How do Californians take it? Oh yeah…must be with Vodka an Valium.
Like the beginning of this Carol. Glad that my NYC friends beat the storm. I was impressed with Bloomberg’s action and lmao with Christie. A no nonsense kinda guy.:-)
September 23, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Carol King
The ground is still shaking???? Wow! That is scary. I’m going to CA soon and I hope there won’t be any earthquakes while I’m there. One in a lifetime was more than enough for me.
Hope you are all settled and back in order.
September 21, 2011 at 2:59 pm
northpenninegallery
Your washing is a joy to behold. Hope all is well.
September 23, 2011 at 12:28 pm
Carol King
LOL! Thanks for your comment…..I think there will be many “laundry” paintings in the future as no one in Croatia seems to own a dryer. There was laundry everywhere. Hope all is well on your side of the pond.
September 28, 2011 at 9:25 pm
Rick Daddario
aloha Carol – yeah, crazy world. I get hurricane warnings here every so often and earthquakes frequently… minor earthquakes usually. I do a lot of the world to-do list all the time. …having lived in up-state NY off and on for a few years – a while back… I think I’m entitled to follow that to-do list occasionally too… let me think. yes this must be some occasion, I better restock up on vodka.
the water color reminds me of Italy, after reading I see why. I remember those same little old ladies beyond the swinging shutters… and I think that laundry has been out there since three forevers at least. cool image you’re bringing up.. fun. aloha