Reading While Watching the Olympics on TV

I have been reading like mad while watching the XXX Olympics on television.  (1) Thinking no one can speak for herself as well as her Mother, Caroline has released "Jacqueline Kennedy- Historic Conversations of Life with John F. Kennedy."  Interviews with Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. in 1964 revealed life in the White House.  (2) "In The Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin," by Erik Larson, is another narrative non-fiction.  (3) And, currently, for lighter fare, Alexander McCall Smith's, "The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection." 

Herb Ritts "L.A. Style"

The distinctive vision of Herb Ritts is displayed in the mostly black and white photographs at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles.  It is so appropriate that they be displayed there, as his outside locations were in and around the Southern California area. 

It Rarely Rains

It rarely rains, but when it does a double rainbow in a raspberry sky can be the prize. 

Gustav Klimt Drawings at the Getty

Gustav Klimt's exquisite drawings are on exhibit in "The Magic of Line," at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles through September 23, 2012.   He did thousands of drawings.  Who knew? 

A Technicolor Morning

This morning's sunrise seemed to be in Technicolor, as Chris Barber's Band was playing "Hush A Bye" in the background.  Magical!

On Location in Malibu

"The End of the Day" is a fresh and contemporary painting done in acrylic on linen on a panel.  The artist, Marcia Burtt, is from Santa Barbara. 

"Sparkling Surf, Malibu" as expressed by the self taught Los Angeles artist, Frank M. Serrano is shown.  His confidence is assured as he is the author "Plein Air Painting in Oil." 

Rodolfo Rivademar painted this high long view of "Paradise Cove."   His verve and color reflects his cultural upbringing in Argentina. 

The very colorful artist,  Alexey Steele, painted this large-sized, "As The Storm Goes On." 

Coming from Russia in his early 20's he remains true to the grand tradition of European painting.  When seeing this artist painting on location one is guaranteed a show from this immensely exuberant painter.   

I have come to look forward to the annual exhibition of plein air paintings at the Weisman Museum of Art at Pepperdine University.  When I happen on an artist painting on location, I am hoping the resultant creation will be in this juried show of the California Arts Club.  These paintings will be on display until August 4, 2012. 

"Reading My Father"

With her exquisite writing, Alexandra Styron makes it clear she is the daughter of a brilliant writer.  "Reading My Father" is a poignant autobiography exploring that stormy relationship. 

An Artist is Born

Malibu A Way of Life

It is so easy to simply stop into our local garden center to get a quick shot of beauty.  ...so bountiful and joyous. 

Gypsy Robe

Tonight are the 66th Annual Tony Awards.  An award not given on air is one dancers give to each other.  Honoring a dancer with the revolving GYPSY ROBE is a tradition. In 1983 the tradition continued in Hollywood at the annual Gypsy Awards. 

In 2011 this GYPSY ROBE was awarded at the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. 

Yucca Dotting the Mountains

I have been noticing these Yucca as they began their blooming.  The mountains, canyons and beaches seem to have many more than usual. 

Leo Carrillo State Park

...leaving our place, just a short walk down a beautiful beach we come to Leo Carrillo State Beach. 

Screen Actors Guild to SAG-AFTRA

I am proudly showing my newly-arrived SAG-AFTRA card.  Since 1993 I have been a member of the Screen Actors Guild. 

The merger with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists has created the largest union in the entertainment and media industry.

(P. S. My professional name is Spangler Cummings). 

Algonquin in Malibu

I took this photograph of Algonquin chairs on the dunes at Broad Beach.  Today I am taking my camera on a walk  from here to the Leo Carrillo Beach.  Let's see what happens.