Art and Life Pastel Painting

Cari Amici (Dear Friends),

Sometimes life and art coincide, sometimes they just do not seem related at all. Back in 1995, I had an accident on a three-way skateboard at a ToysRUs [no worries, the toy store took this disaster off of the market after my proof of its danger -- I can be quite convincing -- ha!] In a matter of seconds, I had damaged my spine and broken three of my front teeth. This year, one of those teeth started to rot [external resorption, the dentist called it] and very recently, it was removed. I will have quite the gorgeous smile for several months now, as my normal bone will grow in place of the cadaver’s bone that was put into the vacated space in my jaw.

Anyway, I recently finished a new pastel painting and was contemplating the title of the work. Sometimes I start with a title, sometimes they come to me as the work emerges, but this time…I needed some help. It is good to have friends!

I saw this image of a table for two with the leaf of a palm plant and a single white calla lily and unopened bottle of wine as a setting full of potential. It seems to leave more questions than answers, allowing one’s imagination to take off. What will be served? Who will enjoy the meal, the wine? What will they talk about? And after?

While I had fun with the technical aspects of painting transparent objects and creating another one of my pastel paintings, trying to be a bit of a minimalist with color on black paper, I imagined many a scenario.

I hope you enjoy “A Night’s Promise” and let your imagination run wild.


After my surgery, I was told to eat only soft foods for several days and that later, I will not be able to eat with my Essex retainer that hosts the false temporary front tooth. My imagination now turned towards one party at the table being too shy to smile or sipping only wine, or perhaps soup … ANYTHING soft to avoid sharing the beautiful reality during this one special dinner.

And that made me smile . . . again.


Allora, I GOOFED! E.A.S.T. is NOT happening this weekend, but the next two. My exhibits page is correct, while my overwhelmed brain is out to lunch.

Saturday, November 13 & 14 and again November 20 & 21
Sculptor Beth Schoen's Open Studio: guest artist Kelly Borsheim
4601 Smith Road
Austin, Texas
Tel. 512.740.7817
Both weekends, four days: 10 am to 5 p.m. Hope to see you there!

[Thank you, Simon, for the title of this pastel painting!]

Locks of Love – Florence, Italy

The Italians are quite the passionate bunch. It shows in many ways – from the care that is put into the preparing a meal to the pure enjoyment of every passeggiata, the evening walk throughout the city’s streets, usually arm in arm. One can see lovers, friends, siblings, and parent and child couples of all ages walking linked and involved in familiar conversations as they people-watch.

Of course, the passion extends to areas of romance. Pictured here are some of the proclamations of a lasting devotion – the locks of love. One can see them in various, sometimes random, places around Italia. Sometimes so many locks are placed in a spot that they are eventually cut off and the process may begin again. This image was taken at the end of the arched walkway that is near the famous Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy, along the Arno River.

Painting - Pizza in Munich, Germany - Lovers

I would like to introduce you to a new small painting on wood. Her title is “Pizza in Munich.” Yes, perhaps this is a silly title, and I am open to suggestions. I visited München in September 2006, on my way from Prague to Florence. While I was only there for a 6-hour layover from the train, it was Oktoberfest time and I enjoyed my brief visit.

While sightseeing, I was struck by the image created by this young couple, obvious travelers with backpack in plain sight, taking a dinner break in front of a charming fountain that emphasized their beautiful forms.

Painted in sepia tones, this painting on a panel measures 24 x 18 cm (9.5 x 7 inches). She is available for (US) $180, with a $20 shipping fee (I will ship her directly from Florence, Italy. If interested, please just contact me (e-mail is best) and we will work it out.

And again – thank you so much for reading and for your interest in my work!
Ciao, ciao,
Kelly