How I spent my summer :)

Although I haven’t written here for the whole summer – that doesn’t mean that nothing was going on. Quite the opposite :) By the way - do you know that in Russia summer season lasts exactly three months: June, July and August, starting on June 1st and ending on August 31st? I know that in the US it’s a bit different and is defined by equinoxes – but I cannot do anything, it’s already in my subconscious. I just remember walking on the street with my parents or sometimes grandparents, me – a cute 5-year old, memorizing seasons. Since then I know this – summer: June, July, August; fall: September, October, November; winter: December, January, February; spring: March, April, May. As you probably understand – it is quite difficult (if at all possible) for me to defy that knowledge. So – I believe you that your summer starts on June 21st and I am cool with that (I am not even starting to talk about the summer of people living on Southern Hemisphere, that’s a total mind-bender!) – but my summer, as usual, started on June 1st and ended on August 31st.
 
Therefore, now I can tell you what happened during my summer. First of all – my son has graduated from high school! And that, of course, was a huge event! What else? I haven’t had a long vacation, but we went out of the city as much as possible. We’ve been to Rhode Island and Cape Cod, and New Hampshire. For the city activities - we have watched 4th of July fireworks from canoe on the Charles River! That was soooo cool and beautiful!!! We have also sailed through New York city on the actual sailboat!!!! Our short vacation we’ve spent in the area of the highest and lowest tides - New Brunswick in Canada. And the tides difference IS indeed impressive!!!

Slideshow

As for my art - in the beginning of the summer I was looking online at Rhode Island School of Design and had a sudden realization that it’s not THAT far from my home. Only one-hour drive. I knew that’s it’s the coolest art school around but was under the impression that it’s too far and I won’t be able to get there. As you know (or maybe you don’t) - I don’t have a lot of official art education, and I make my living from biology. I’d be glad if my art would be not only my passion but my major occupation in life. For that apparently I need some sort of a degree or whatnot. So - this summer I have made a serious and potentially life changing decision - to receive a certificate from RISD. What type of certificate to choose was also a tough choice for me - after weeks of thinking and hesitations I have chosen Graphic Design as a specialization. So now I am a certificate program student at RISD!!! During the summer I have taken two classes - Color theory and Illustration. They were great, I’ve learned a lot and after color theory I have a good amount of nice art. Taking two classes at the same time was a bit tough and, considering that fall classes are mostly longer, I decided to take one class in the fall - and it’s drawing I. It’s required for a certificate, and although I am not a beginner in drawing, I am sure it will be a good class for me anyway. There is always something left to learn, and the teacher is good!

Slideshow

The last day of my summer I was painting foxes on the wall of my baby nephew’s room (he hadn’t been born yet then, but he is born now :) Considering my statue it was not only fun but also a bit extreme activity :D I had to put a cooler on two chairs and climb on that interesting construction to reach some (or most of) areas. But it was well worth it!!!! I have never painted on the walls before - and I have totally enjoyed it!!!

Slideshow

For those of you whose summer hasn’t ended yet - please enjoy the last days of it :))) And after that - have fun in the fall! I am already enjoying it and it’s wonderful!!!!