Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway City Hall Art Show

After last week’s disaster, I’m happy to report that this week’s trip to the Lakeway City Hall Art show will be a success. The lights and art cooperated.  We are catered by Stella San Jac of Austin. Our entertainment is Don McLean.
Before we go, I want you to know that I will be traveling and on a break from Wednesday March 12th until Wednesday March 19th. I will be off-line for the whole week. Tempeste and Twiggy will be back on the 20th.
Menu
All American – Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Crispy Hash Brown, Sourdough Toast
Chorizo & Potato Tacos – Eggs, White Cheddar, Crème Fresca, Roasted Salsa
Grapefruit Curd Parfait t- House Made Granola, Greek Yogurt, Texas Berries
VegetarianPecan Praline French Toast Bourbon Maple Syrup, Vanilla Whipped Cream
Steel Cut Oats – Sorghum, Texas Pecans, Dried Fruit
Chicken & Waffle – Bourbon Maple Syrup, Country Gravy, Fried Herbs
Steak & Eggs – Flat Iron, Pickled Onion, Chimichurri, Crispy Hash, Over Easy Eggs
Short Rib Grilled Cheese – Hawaiian Roll, Smoked Cheddar, Caramelized Onion, Jus, Fries
Shrimp & Grits – Blackened Shrimp, Cheddar Corn Grits, Creole Sausage Gravy
Fried Avocado Salad – Charred Corn, Candied Jalapeño, Queso Fresco, Cholula Ranch
Picture of an old time school bus
Everyone get on the bus
Here is a little about the artist, Andy Hempel
Falls on the Pedernales – Oil on canvas
Hill Country Spring – Oil on canvas
Texas Ranch Life – Oil on canvas
Texas in Bloom – Oil on canvas
Man O War – Oil on canvas
Fall on the Frio – Oil on canvas
Heavenly Day – Oil on canvas
I hope you enjoyed the show and will relax with food and music. Here’s wishing you a terrific week.

81 comments

  1. Darlene's avatar

    This artist is very talented. As a rancher’s daughter, I love the cows. The French toast looks so good! Have a great trip.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Darlene. Going to spend a few days with my best friend.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Darlene's avatar

        That is such a good thing to do. Enjoy every minute.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Thank you. I will. 😊

          Liked by 1 person

  2. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    It’s nice that you were able to get these great pictures of those beautiful paintings and show them to us, John. Don McLean’s music stirs me. Enjoy your time off.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I was very pleased with how they came out. Thanks, Tim 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  3. noelleg44's avatar

    Thanks for the art show tour. I loved Hill Country Spring – and the cows! As for food, that French toast is very tempting. Have a good time wherever you are heading to. I am off to Utah during the same time.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Well, have a good time in Utah. I’m off to Phoenix

      Liked by 1 person

  4. tokragly's avatar
    tokragly · ·

    John, as an art lover, I really enjoyed his work. But I also liked Mad Magazine. Go figure. Enjoy your time off. Tom

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Tom. I bought the first Mad magazine when it came out in 1953. I was a loyal reader until high school. After that I enjoyed an issue or two as I came across them.

      Like

      1. tokragly's avatar
        tokragly · ·

        That’s amazing. Your love for Alfred explains a lot. 😀

        Like

  5. tokragly's avatar
    tokragly · ·

    John, as an art lover I really enjoyed his work. But I also liked Mad Magazine. Go figure. Enjoy your time off. Tom

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Debbie's avatar

    I love his Hill Country Spring! It reminds me very much of a trip I took years ago to Denton for a workshop of some sort. The bluebonnets and paintbrush were in full bloom and were gasp-worthy! (Enjoy your time away and safe travels!)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We love the spring flowers. Thanks, Debbie.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    The ones with water are amazing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think he has water and sky down pat. Thanks, Charles.

      Like

  8. Dale's avatar

    That vegetarian breakfast looks delish.

    What beautiful paintings! The first, third and fifth are particularly arresting!

    Love, love, LOVE this song!

    Happy Sunday, mon ami!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I love that song, too. Van Gogh had such an unhappy life and would be amazed at how much people love his work today. As a side note, when I was a radio guy, I loved it when American Pie by Don McLean appeared in the rotation. It is an over-eight-minute song, which meant a potty stop and a new cup of coffee. Happy Sunday to you, mon ami.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        He did. When I went to see that Impressionists 3D event, my girlfriend heard, for the first time, the lyrics. She had never realised what was being sung before and to hear the song while the scrolled the images of his paintings was magical and very touching.

        And I love that! Radio guy… Seriously, John… are you starting your memoirs yet?

        Merci!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I was between jobs and still had my broadcasting license from college days. I walked into the local radio station and they hired me to take the 10 to 6:00 slot on Sundays.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Dale's avatar

          You have had such an interesting path!

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          I have. It’s been an experience.

          Liked by 1 person

        4. Dale's avatar

          Looking forward to reading your memoirs 😉

          Liked by 1 person

  9. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

    Wonderful venue and pics to make up for the last week!!!!! 💓

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree, Cindy. Thank you. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Michele Lee's avatar

    Wow! 👏🏻

    Liked by 1 person

  11. robertawrites235681907's avatar

    Hi John, I really like these artworks. Right up my street.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      In my opinion, you are more talented.

      Like

      1. robertawrites235681907's avatar

        I am so delighted you like my paintings. Your comment is very encouraging 🙏🤗

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Rebecca Cuningham's avatar

    Wow, I thought they were blurred photographs. Well painted!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think the colors are lovely.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    Outstanding show with terrific art! Enjoy your time off-have a fabulous time away.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Linda. Going to visit an old friend.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    I love the Hill Country Spring and Texas in Bloom paintings! Would love to have either one on a wall. Thanks for sharing, John!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. GP's avatar

    The art did cooperate today. I especially like the first one.

    Being it’s afternoon, I’ll have the steak and eggs – very rare please, eggs sunny-side.

    Thanks, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m glad you enjoyed the art, GP. Steak and eggs coming right up.🥩🍳

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    WOW! The paintings look so realistic.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I like the colors too.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        Yes, they seem to have a glowing quality to them.

        Liked by 1 person

  17. Dan Antion's avatar

    Great exhibit, John. The artist is talented, indeed. I hope you have a nice break.

    BTW, I can’t pass up, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Crispy Hash Brown, Sourdough Toast.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I thought you would like that one. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  18. thomasstigwikman's avatar

    Those photos came out great. I will be gone from blogging about the same time as you but I am going to Breckenridge, Colorado to ski with family (back March 20/21).

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Oh, lucky you. Sounds like fun. I hope you have a great time.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. thomasstigwikman's avatar

        Thank you so much John

        Liked by 1 person

  19. Sorryless's avatar

    There’s a little bit of Dali coming through in the work, I dig it just fine.

    As for your absence, we’ll miss you Boss. And umm . . could you please pass me one of those chorizo tacos?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes, I will miss you all as well. I think I can still fit in the cheers.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sorryless's avatar

        Have a great time and if so, bonus round!

        Liked by 1 person

  20. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    I really like all of Andy’s warm colors. My favorite is the second one with all of those colorful flowers in the foreground.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Good choice, Pete.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    I would visit evert art gallery in the world, given the opportunity, so thank you for this opportunity!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m with you, Annette

      Liked by 1 person

  22. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Very nice exhibition.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Craig.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Jacqui Murray's avatar

    That was delightful. Western songs are characterized by trains, old cars, Mama, dogs–we need to add cows.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree. Cows belong. Thanks, Jacqui.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. srbottch's avatar

    One order of waffles, hold the chicken. Nice paintings, I especially liked the long horns. Perfect song.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks Steve. Waffles without chicken coming up.

      Like

  25. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

    These are beautiful, John! Enjoy your break!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Lauren.

      Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The work looks like spring for sure. Thanks, Becky.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Teri Polen's avatar

    This artist is very talented. With the first one, I thought I was looking at a real picture!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I had the same feeling. Thanks, Teri.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Resa's avatar

    Beautiful art, John, thank you! The cows are wonderful.

    You took fab shots!

    Andy has a unique sense of colour, very pleasing. It reminds me somewhat of old Kodachrome colours, predominating with the green end of its spectrum.

    The blues are more Tecnicolor.

    Congrats to Andy, and to you!

    🟠𝒳 🟢𝒳 🟤𝒳

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree on the colors. His formative years must have been with Kodachrome.🟠X 🟢X 🟤X

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        🏆🏆

        Liked by 1 person

  28. Jennie's avatar

    Love the art, John. Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

  29. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen M. Plano · ·

    Andy is an excellent painter. The Texas Ranch Life painting really struck me. Beautiful! Thank you for sharing, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree, Gwen. He has a way with color.

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Ilsa Rey's avatar

    Those are some beautiful paintings. The man-o-war looked like a giant nose at first. 😛

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes, a giant nose, for sure. Thanks, Ilsa.

      Liked by 1 person