patron of the arts

i bought my first painting recently. it's by gelo, a co-teacher's boyfriend, and the title is "shock absorber no more":

i took the photo mid afternoon, thus the beautiful rays of light streaming in through the window. i loved this painting immediately--and i don't fall in love at first sight, you know. so even if the price was a little steep, i was able to haggle for installment. and now, fully paid, it hangs in the room i share with my sister.
i also got another painting, this time by one of my students this summer, kat. she's a graduating FA student who begged to be admitted to my media studies class. i told her i would, but only if she gave me a painting of hers. ang whoa! she brought this on the first day of class:

i'm still not sure what to call it, as it's untitled, but i've already had it framed. and it's beautiful! i'm taking it home when i go to manila next week. oohh... i love being a "patron" of the arts!