Welcome to my International Art Collection

Samuel Ruiz, Sobreimpresíon 60" x 36"

So when we went to Puerto Rico last April and I fell in love. With a piece of art. Lyle loved it as well. Neither of us was in love with the price so though I obsessed, ultimately we came home and the painting stayed there.

We returned to Puerto Rico in December and went back to the Galeria Botello see if the painting was still there. It was gone! But maybe... it was still close? Seems the artist had come to Puerto Rico as well and had taken the painting to try and sell at an art show in Miami. But had not left for Miami, yet.

So we returned the next day to meet the painting again. It was back and so were we. Hello painting. Hello lover. Prices were discussed, shipping was discussed. Drinks were offered. We bought our first piece of big art.

Now I have to redecorate the bedroom because the color is all wrong for this painting.

Samuel Ruiz, Painter, was born in Argentina, 1957. He has studied with different teachers: Mario Bustamante, Colombia (1976); Rodolfo Abularach, Guatemala (1983); Manuel Ayllon, Spain (1985); Juan Valladeras, Paris (1988); among others. Among the distinctions he has received: Mention, Biennial of Taiwan (1987); Mention, Gran Salon de Agosto, Foundation Gilberto Alzate, Bogota (1987); and First Prize, Salón del Desquite, Manizales (1983). The last years has had showings in the United States in Miami, Chicago and Philadelphia.

I'm Cold!

It's cold and raining in Los Angeles.

Screw this weather.

I'm out of here.

Meet me over here:

See ya' Tuesday.

Shhhhh... Secret side trip...

So while I've been posting about our recent trip to Paris... we snuck out of town for a long weekend in Puerto Rico. Overnight flight out late Thursday night with a Friday morning arrival. I've still got lots to say about Paris, so I'll keep this brief and full of photos. We flew in over Old San Juan. This was out third trip to Puerto Rico and the first time we would be staying in the heart of Old San Juan. On the far left of the picture above is El Morro an old fort that dates back to when Spain first settled here.

We stayed at the El Convento Hotel. The building was once a convent, now they have more than three bars.

The view from our room.

We ate.

La Bombonera

We shopped.

We saw the beach.

We saw Jesus.

We walked around the city... A LOT.

That pink building in the back with a large green door and a small green door is the Fire Station.
We also learned that because of all the wind and ocean water that blows through town, that most buildings get painted every year. Which may explain why people make some really bold choices with color. Why not? It's only for a year.



Staying at the El Convento gave us beach and pool privileges at their sister hotel, La Concha.

We enjoyed the water.
We enjoyed the sun.
We did not enjoy the rain.

We got out of town and did a one day driving circle from Old San Juan down the west coast across the south and back up to San Juan.

Since we were in San Juan Puerto Rico in a former convent (was this the San Tanco?), I couldn't help but make references to "The Flying Nun" and wondered where Sister Bertrille was. Luckily we found Carlos Ramirez on the beach. He said he hadn't seen her for years.

On our southern coast tour we drove through Ponce. Though once as grand as Old San Juan, Ponce seems to have fallen on tougher times, but is working on maintaining its amazing architecture and history.

We drove back to our hotel, and on Tuesday we flew home.

In 6 days, my email received over 200 messages. That is after the spam filter took away all those "satisfy your woman every time" emails, and after I deleted many emails via my phone while gone. Over 200 emails that I actually wanted and now have to go through...