renée michele andolina

Archive for the ‘people’ Category

The summer isn’t over yet, but I have done so much, that I wouldn’t mind if it were. A few weeks ago, the boy and I took a drip down to Burke, Virginia to visit the cousins I never see, but wish I did. We stayed at my great aunt’s house, which by far is the most amazing house I have ever been in. She collects everything from old toys that she once owned as a child, to cookie jars. Her yard is a haven for hummingbirds and chipmunks. When eating breakfast in the kitchen, you can see the birds around the feeder surrounding the massive windows. One of my cousins owns a bar in Manassas called The Philadelphia Tavern. We decided to spend our first night there. The food was tasty, and was made tastier with the never ending flow of free drinks.

The next day consisted of Washington DC, with its mall of Smithsonian Museums, sculpture garden, and pretty buildings. My favorite was seeing Julia Child’s kitchen, and the evolution of birth control in the Museum of American History. On the ride home, we stopped at an outlet mall, where I ended up buying a winter coat in the middle of August.

On our last day, the boy and I drove to Old Town Alexandria, where there is an artist community called The Torpedo Factory ,where there are three floors of open studios and galleries to walk through and meet artists. I saw some really amazing work that I wish I could afford.

This past weekend, the boy, my brother, and his girl all spent the day at Six Flags! We started and ended the day riding the El Toro, the fastest rollercoaster there! My heart dropped at the almost vertical drop. My second favorite was the Bizarro, which had a narration while coasting through fireball blasts and steam. After the last ride on the El Toro, the park ended the night with a huge shabang of fireworks. Below is the best picture we had all night:

Since I had most of the summer off, I have been getting back on track with Roller Derby.  Oh skates, how I’ve missed you!! I must say I love skating and love playing, and hopefully I will be back to play the next bout September 19th! If you are in the area, I HIGHLY suggest going!!

Some fun, fearless, and quirky photos with some amazing models I have had the pleasure working with!

A few figure drawings that I have drawn the past few weeks. Below are some of my favorites. I am taking a break from a painting, really because  I can’t draw on wet paint. I haven’t been on here in a while, or a few days, or something like that. This Saturday is the first anniversary Genuine Artikle show. I have one new painting from the Sugar Babies series in there.

Just to let anyone know, all of the images from the My First Date series are sold. So, if you are interested, I will have prints available at a recession rate.

currently listening to: Juana Molina
currently reading: my blog

play me off, keyboard cat.

On Monday night, the class and I will be in the presence of Maxine Greene in her apartment on the upper east side. Maxine is one of the most well known philosophers on education and the arts in the world. You can click on her name above to learn more.

Oh, Maxine, how I went through this year struggling to understand your writings. As amazing as she is, I have a really hard time reading her, mostly because her English skills are far beyond what I have ever heard of. Nonetheless, when I do begin to understand, I realize how incredible her philosophies are.

In the next few days I will think of what I will say, while drowning my stomach in wine & cheese.

On another subject, I have 3 pieces which are almost done for a new show. I have a bit more time now, which is great and awful at the same time. Below is a smidgen of a fraction of a thumbnail:

I am now getting portrait requests in class. Here’s to boredom!

I was cleaning out my studio (aka spare room) and found a few forgotten drawings, including this one:

I had remembered the model for these drawing, and I remember that day. This drawing is over a year old. Weird that an image can bring back an entire memory of an ordinary day in your life.

On a side note, student teaching is over. Which means I will actually have time to sleep, draw, and relax. I will be picking up more on this blog again too.

Some images from the My First Date series. Leave me comments please!