Mimi Torchia Boothby

When I was young, my grandfather gave me an address so I could write to my cousins in Italy. One cousin, Patrizia, wrote back to me in English! She invited us to her home in Rome. We took her up on this offer, my mother and I traveled to her great city, and for a week Patrizia gave us the grand tour. 15 years later, she graciously shared Rome with Donald and me. Patrizia is a world traveler. She has been almost everywhere, from desert with camels and pyramids to icy places covered in snow. She was my inspiration to travel, and she continues to be. I just finished this commission today, and I think her smile is very contagious.

Enza is one of those cats that commands the room. She is quiet, confident and smart. She is also particularly fond of sunbeams in the winter. Look out, she will steal your heart. She is also a shameless beggar. I used a “bull’s eye” technique on the background of this painting. It really caught the glow of the sun on my wood floor.

For the 28th day of our drawing a day challenge, we were told to do roosters! Ruthie, our instructor at Seattle Art League has given us a brilliant set of challenges this month. Happy New Year to you!

In 2009, while Donald rode his bike 120 miles including a 30 mile mountain climb, I went to the Saguaro national park in Tucson, Arizona and plein aire painted this little scene. A very ubiquitous plant here is the prickly pear, and in this painting it is joined by some Saguaros and a Cactus Wren. The Cactus wren is a loquacious and fearless little bird. It had a lot of different things to say. During this trip, we became acquainted with them. Really neat little birds.

I’ve never been glib. I am not good at thinking up witty responses (in time for them to have any effect), nor am I good at slogans. For that reason, I never considered going into advertising with my art. What I can do is portray emotions, and paint them. So this is how I imagine lady liberty is feeling right now. #drawingaday #seattleartleague .