Hey, we do actually work around here...

I don't want you to think that we just play around all day here at the Ryder Studio, although that might be the impression you get from some previous blog posts. Here is some photographic evidence of students actually working. This was toward the end of a six-week portrait pose (3 hours per day). At the moment we are in the midst of a still life week. Check back for still life fun!
































Above: it must be Friday


And check out who David is sketching!

Itsy bitsy artist

The newest member of the family, Jane's granddaughter Mazie Grace! Cute is a strong understatement...

Harry's Show

Greetings from sunny (and hot!) Santa Fe. One week ago members of the Ryder Studio hung their first ever public exhibition at Harry's Roadhouse, a much-beloved eating establishment in Santa Fe. So far we have gotten an extremely positive response to the show. If you are in town, stop in to Harry's to check it out! It is a great chance to see some of our work (and, if you want, to purchase our work). The show hangs until mid July.

If you find yourself unable to drop in to Harry's for a margarita and a plate of blue corn turkey enchiladas (if you find that you are in France, for example) then you will find some pictures below. (Thanks to Bethany for the photos.)

Enjoy!

Randy

Here are some pictures of Randy Orwig, one of our favorite models, in his other incarnation as a human statue. Check out the nifty matching dog statue!

Opening this Saturday!

Artist, former Gallery owner, and fellow student Deborah Allison will be showing Texan landscapes at the Kchisos Gallery (located at the Inn and Spa at Loretto) this weekend. The artist will be on hand from 1:00-3:00, so if you are in town consider stopping on by to say hi. I hear there will be snacks...

A Poem

Below you will find a poem by Michelangelo Buonarroti that has recently been a favorite at the Ryder Studio. Enjoy!



You have a face more beautiful than a turnip,
Sweeter than mustard; it appears the snail
Has walked on it, it shines so; like a parsnip
The whiteness of your teeth is, and like treacle
The color of your eyes; surely the Pope
To such as this must be susceptible,
Whiter and blonder than a leek your hair;
So I shall die if I don't get your favor.

I think your beauty much more beautiful
Than ever in a church a painted man,
And your mouth is just like a pocketful
Of beans, it seems to me, and so is mine.
Your eyebrows seem dyed in a crucible,
And more than a Syrian bow they twine.
Your cheeks are red and white when you sift flour,
Like fresh cheese and poppies mixed together.

And when I look upon you and each breast,
I think they're like two melons in a satchel,
And then I am like straw, and start to flash,
Although I am bent and broken by the shovel.
Think, if my lovely cup I still possessed,
I'd follow you past others like a beagle,
And if I thought that getting it was possible,
Here and today I'd do something incredible.

From the Complete Poems and Selected Letters of Michelangelo, pp 11-12, translated by Creighton Gilbert.

Birthdays, Etc.

Sorry for the lack of posts! I promise to get my act together and post more often. Below are a few recent events at the Studio.


John has been baking some really amazing cakes!


Above: Emile makes a wish (and we all wish he could stay longer! We'll miss you Emile!)


Emile's girlfriend sent a big box of delicious pastries for his birthday. Did I mention how much we all love Emile and his girlfriend?


John baked an amazing chocolate cake for Alyssa's birthday