Dubai is a city of skyscrapers, impossible but real islands shaped like palm trees, indoor ski resorts, deserts, horse and camel races, excellent food and more giant malls than any place needs. Here are some highlights:

Dubai is new to the specialty coffee world, having mostly chains that any European or North American is familiar with. For my first coffee in Dubai, I wasn’t expecting much as I ordered a ‘flat white’ (perhaps what an Oregonian would call a ‘traditional cappuccino’) at the huge chain Costa Coffee, but was impressed by the great latte art!  Sipping it in the world’s largest mall, viewing the indoor ski slope, hearing the Muslim call to prayer over the loudspeaker, was a perfect way to start the trip. A different mall is extravagantly decorated in themes of Persia, China, and more.  Ever seen a Starbucks in a more glorious setting?

I chose my own subject for the coffee painting prize, and yet it turned out to be champion Matt Toogood’s favorite espresso machine!  The 2nd and 3rd place winners received paintings of latte art.

Here’s my booth:

The generous event organizers provided a delicious buffet every night at the 5star Meydan hotel, overlooking the racetrack where the world’s richest horse race is held.  Somehow I missed getting a photo of the 30+ choices of Indian and Middle Eastern foods.
A trip to Dubai is not complete without some crazy experiences.  On the same day, I got to swim in the warm, wavy, extra-salty Persian Gulf, then go snowboarding, and yes, it’s REAL snow.  I’m from a ski town in Oregon, but I must admit this little mountain wasn’t bad!  You never have to worry about poor conditions or sleet in your face. Maybe boredom with only 2 runs though.  I don’t know anywhere else on earth that you can be swimming in warm lovely ocean water and less than one hour later be skiing, but it’s a nice combination.

spice market

Here are some more pics for you:

water taxis- a cheap cruise!

beautiful tile

metro (subway) stations are cool

gold market

I stayed in the blue tower

The kindness and hospitality of everyone I met gave my whole trip a warm glow.  If you ever get the chance, visit Dubai!

Vintage Beer Poster

Beer Nouveau

San Diego Beer Fair, here I come!  On September 24th, I’ll be painting live on behalf of Arts ‘n Drafts, ” an inspiration lounge ‘n libation studio where artists ‘n their adoring  public come for conversation, cult beverages, kinesthetic art, charity ‘n tasty morsels….ultimately to raise funds earmarked for programs that provide a direct and instantaneous impact on the lives of those they serve.   Our charities of choice support the lives of patients and their families suffering from Alzheimer’s, Cancer and Cystic Fibrosis; as well as members of the Military and At Risk Youth.”  The painting I create during the fair will be auctioned to support their charity work.  If you’re in San Diego, come out to the Fair and visit me!

Please email me at coffeepainter@gmail.com if you would like to commission something.  It’s not too early to plan for the holidays!

Here’s another view, and my painting station.  Hearing the familiar coffeehouse sounds and drinking a fresh latte while I painted really felt good.  I’m sure I’ll be back for another delightful and inspirational experience.

And here are some paintings this town and shop have inspired:

Wreck of the Peter Iredale-  and here I am on what’s left of it today:

Another painting, ship called “Star of Shetland”:

]]> http://coffee-art.com/more-new-astoria-paintings/feed/ 1 http://coffee-art.com/coming-to-astoria/ http://coffee-art.com/coming-to-astoria/#comments Mon, 25 Apr 2011 18:20:02 +0000 karen http://coffee-art.com/?p=742 If you will be visiting Astoria, Oregon the next few months, come visit me at one of the Sunday Markets!  I’ll have a Coffee Art booth featuring my usual work, as well as the newest paintings of Astoria town themes.  I’ll also be participating in the Cruise ship markets on May 4-5, 19-2o, and later in September.

What’s the draw to Astoria?  It’s the 200th anniversary of the oldest permanent U.S. settlement west of the Mississippi, and lots of festivities are planned to celebrate it, including Tall Ships sailing.  I love the hilly fishing town at the mouth of the huge Columbia river.  It’s got lots of historical and seaside charm, and beautiful scenery surrounds.  Come see for yourself!

Arthur Guinness first brewed beer in 1759, and there was almost no advertising until the 1930′s.  Despite that, the company had become one of Great Britain’s top three breweries.  But finally the ads did come, and among the most familiar is:

Dorothy L. Sayers, mystery writer and friend of C.S. Lewis, actually sketched the Toucan and worked on the ad campaigns.  I like her books and had no idea she was connected to Guinness!

This store will be in McAlester, OK.  The founder of the town, J.J. McAlester, is one of the characters in True Grit, interestingly.  Now the town is where the state prison is, and they have a prison rodeo!  So one picture shows that, and we’ll have a train scene, and J.J.’s old storefront.  Yeehaw!

This lovely lady can’t wait for her man to finish proposing before snitching some Valentine’s chocolates. I couldn’t resist drinking the chocolate paint!