Montana Artworking by Cindy Betka

Fall Spark, Oil, 9" X 12" We watched the movie, ‘Woman in Gold’, last night. It is a good one. It is about Maria Altmann's fight to regain her family's paintings that were confiscated by the Nazis. This incident was about her struggle with the Austrian National Gallery to return the five paintings by Gustav Klimt. The movie is interwoven by her flash backs to her growing up in Vienna and escape to America. I found it to be a very compelling story. No spoiler alert here, you must see the movie or cheat and Google it. In no way do I see such a story behind any of the art I create. However, each painting does have a story, not just for the artist, but also for the viewer. People get different feedback from the art they observe. Next time you view an art piece that you like, aside from the execution of it, what are you really thinking. Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, by Gustav Klimt, 1907

Literally, over night we went from summer into winter. The beginning of the week's temps were in the 80's. Wednesday was a cool 70's. Thursday the same with rain in the evening turning to freezing rain, then snow that continued nonstop through Friday. The thermometer on Friday did not go above 30 degrees. We put away our gardening tools and brought out the snow shovels. What happen to fall? We were looking forward to breakfast outside enjoying the fall colors. We need to be careful what we wish for. This much needed moisture did wonders to putting out the wildfires; burning well over 1 million acres. Meanwhile, our Florida family is recovering from Irma. All is safe there. Perhaps some of this cooler weather can be sent their way, just a bit.

Good Boy,   dry media, 8" X 10" We collect grey water from our washing machine. I use the waste/grey water on the garden. Always good to recycle. Unfortunately, with the dry weather, the small critters jump into the water to meet their demise. I really do not despair over the mice, but the small chipmunks?  That chipmunk yesterday that was following me around the garden and chirping at me, was trying to tell me something. His friends jumped into the tub. Animals certainly communicate among themselves, why not with humans as well, or at least try. I love dogs, mostly the large dogs. The two German shepherds we had were the best. We miss them dearly.  The two of them would have their disagreements, but usually got along well. They were very loyal and smart. As for most dogs, they can read your facial expressions and tone of voice. For the most part they could not communicate back to you as well. At best we read their behaviors. Too bad they could not tell us wha...

Abyss,   oil, 16" X 12" A friend this morning shared her experiences in being a teacher. She realized that she must be on her game; and fully motivated before starting her 6AM physical training class. She finds that listening to speeches like; Admiral McRaven’s commencement speech, really gets her motivated to where she can transfer that onto her students. Some find it spiritually in reading ‘The Word’, some find it from other people like my friend’s way, others may find it in a walk among the aspens. Wherever or whatever you find it, hold on to it. That spark of hope is what will sustain you. We are lost without hope. We are all given gifts along the way that are a way out of feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and helpless. For me my way out is diving into artwork. If I can consume myself into the process fully, I feel more at peace. That momentary escape refreshes and renews. I also feel a bit stronger to confront the next step in resolving the issues before me. There...