Christmas Blossom

Christmas Blossom
36" x 48" Oil on canvas $450

About a week or so before Christmas my parents stopped by unannounced, which is a big deal since they never do this. I had been at their house previously and said I loved their Christmas cactus, so my Dad told my Mom they needed to go buy one for me and drop it off. It is such a beautiful plant, and when they brought it there were so many blooms, nearly 2 on every little point!

I quickly took many photos from different angles, and with varying light. Later I spent time examing them all and cropping until I decided on this composition. Next I put the photo in Adobe Photoshop and experimented with some different filters. I wanted to create a slight abstraction of the image.

This filtered photo became a great reference from which to paint the different shapes and values, allowing me to capture the essence of the flower and blooms. For the green leaves I used a palette knife so that I could show the texture and color striations in them. I used thinned paint for the top layers of the blossom to capture the transparency of the leaves.

This was a really fun piece for me because I owned the project from inception to execution. Creating it really pushed me to stretch my abilities.

Impermanence

36" X 48" oil on canvas

Abstract art has never been a comfortable genre for me, but I occasionally attempt to create a painting that is not based in reality, using shapes and colors from my head. In this case the idea of this particular composition came to me as a form of coping with my reality of dealing with a chronic illness, it's limitations and pain.

From the concept that all conditioned things are arising and passing away, the shapes in the center represent conditional things which exist in my life, and how they become smaller as they rise, until at some point off the canvas they no longer exist. The verticle line on the right is any constant, possibly universal inergy, and the frame around it all suggests my "self". But you can see that at the top, at the higher level, the conditioned things begin to escape the framework of "self".

The piece needs some refining, and I don't know if I will keep it or paint over it. Maybe it will arise and pass on...

Self Portrait

18" x 24" Pencil on paper

This self portrait was cropped from a larger photograph of me at sunset with the Tasman Sea in the background. The exact location is the grounds of the Coastal Palms Apartment in Motueka, New Zealand. After arriving there we went out back to explore our surroundings. It was somewhat cloudy, and the tide was out, but it was still a beautiful view, and I was happy to be near the ocean.

Waving Goodnight to the Sun

10" x 10" oil on wood panel $150

This was an experiment in both palette knife and color, on a wood panel I had used twice and wiped/sanded leaving a nice ochre underpainting.

The image was spontaneous, and unplanned. Inspired by the tranquility of sunsets, and a love for the ocean, but living in a land-locked area near the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, I envision it to depict a place that could incorporate all three.

The water in the forground was done with my favorite palette knife, using Phthalo Turquoise, Peppermint Green, and Soft Mixing White. The mountains in the mid-ground were also done with the pallete knife, but with Phthalo Turquoise, Cadmium Lemon, and Alizarin Crimson. The sunset was created with a large bristle brush and Cadmium Lemon, and Alizarin Crimson.

Divine Feminine and Think Pink

Last night was the opening reception for both the Divine Feminine juried show and the Think Pink benefit show at The Wooden Cow Gallery in Albuquerque, NM. Along with several other New Mexican artists, I was honored to have 3 of my pieces selected to be in Divine Feminine.

Artists contributed pieces to the Think Pink benefit, and all procedes from the sales of these items will be donated to The UNM Cancer Center.






Also featured this month is the work of Regina Portscheller. Regina is a mixed media artist from Albuquerque, specializing in three-dimensional mixed media art in the forms of mosaics, collages, art journaling, and functional pieces.

Shows continue to run through October 30th - Check The Wooden Cow website for hours of operation.

Ambivalence

Oil on canvas 7 1/2" x 9 1/2" $150

Ambivalence is experienced as psychologically unpleasant when the positive and negative aspects of a subject are both present in a person's mind at the same time. This state can lead to avoidance or procrastination, or to deliberate attempts to resolve the ambivalence. When the situation does not require a decision to be made, people experience less discomfort even when feeling ambivalent.

I have experienced my share of ambivalent feelings in many areas of my life, and because I am a "take action" kind of person, this can create some angst. I am learning that decisions are not always necessary, and that some things eventually take care of themselves if we practice patience.

Micki

This 5" X 7" etching was done using a digitally filtered digital image as a reference. It was a lot of fun to capture all the contrasts and contour lines present in the manipulated photo. Thanks Micki~

Calla Lilli

24" x 48" Oil on canvas

Now this is complete. How do I know? Because I signed it. I decided a long time ago that once a piece is signed it is officially finished. Actually I did a little detail work on the center, and a few other small areas, and then I signed it.

An interesting thing happened at the art museum. I saw a piece by Arthur Dove titled Naples Yellow Morning. Beside it was the curator's description of it, and a little tidbit. It said that he often included the color Naples Yellow because it caused whatever was painted with it to recede into the background. Eureka! I had been struggling to create depth in the center of my flower, and I felt the yellow was not standing out from its background, but was instead looking flat with it. I had used Naples Yellow. Now I know two things: Why I was drawn so strongly to the museum that day, and when NOT to use Naples Yellow!

You can see a larger version and photos of the details at my EBSQ website - Once there just click on the portfolio tab.

This piece was created with love for my sister Darlene, and was based on a reference photograph by Jan Prchal.

Calla Lilli

I've been working on this oil painting for several weeks now, based on a reference photo taken by Jan Prchal. It is relatively large (tall) 24" x 48". I still have some detail work to do, and there will be a burgundy/plum background. The finished piece will be for my sister.

Ivan and the Red Rod

Pastel on paper - 9" X 11" $100

This piece was inspired by a picture I saw on Facebook, taken by a friend of a friend. As I was flipping through the photo memories of her recent camping trip at Coyote Creek, I was captivated by two pictures of her son Ivan in this tall grass with this red fishing rod. I especially love the composition of this one, and felt compelled to paint it. I was still drinking my morning coffee, so I took out my pastel pencils and spent the next couple of hours transported somewhere between my kitchen and this tall grass.

Thanks to Rhonda and Ivan for the inspiration, and the great reference photo.

Calla Lilli Study 1

Calla Lilli Study 1 - 6" X 9" 6B pencil on Strathmore paper

This is a first study drawing of a calla lilli from a reference photo taken by Jan Prchal, and may be in preparation for a commissioned larger oil painting.

Hot Seat

Pastel on paper 18" X 24" $200 unframed

Being a cyclist, when I saw this photo I knew I had to paint it. Pastels are a more managable medium for me when I am feeling sick, because I can create while sitting, and it isn't as time consuming as oils. I can start and finish a piece in a couple of days since it doesn't require drying time. I enjoyed this subject and have Pam Langford Fast to thank for her brilliant reference photo.

Spring Fling

Pastel on paper 18" X 24" SOLD

I took the reference photo for this pastel in my backyard. The first roses of the spring are always breathtakingly beautiful, and make great specimen for bouquets, photographs and paintings.

Jilli and friend

The reference photo for this pastel called for me to paint it the minute I saw it. The mother of this beautiful child and I once worked together as audiologists, and have since been separated by time and distance. She always infused love and humor into my day, and for that I thank her with this gift. Thanks Robin 9" x 12" NFS

Art Show and Opening

Open publication - Free publishing - More show

Several of my original oil paintings were jury selected to be included in this local Albuquerque art exhibit. Please visit The Wooden Cow Gallery and Art Space from June 4-26 to see "Flower Power". I will be there for the opening on Friday, June 4th!

Makin' Tracks

This is the first rough sketch and underpainting for what will be a red trike. Some of the angles are off, and will be redrawn before I start on the next paint layer.

Horsin' 'Round a Bit

This was inspired by my friend Brenda M., who

wished me well when I was feeling sick yesterday.

I just remembered that she loves horses, so I put

on some Willie, Waylon, Hank, Dolly, Conway, Johnny,

and Charlie, and decided to give one a go!

My heroes have always been cowboys...

Thanks Brenda M.

Pastel on paper 8" x 8" $65

Banana Man

Banana Man 2010 9" x 12" pastel on paper $100

In 2006, Banana Man shared his extensive knowledge as our tour guide on a banana plantation in Jamaica. He had a fun spirit, and entertained as he taught us all how useful the banana plant can be.

The banana plant is a great source of fiber, used to make textiles such as yarn, kimonos, rugs, and paper. In addition to the fruit, the flower and trunk are also edible. The leaves are waterproof and flexible, and can be used as containers, or for cooking. The heart can be used as a vegetable either raw or steamed. Bananas offer many health benefits, such as reduced risk of certain types of cancer and for treatinghigh blood pressure. Eating a banana is a quick way to replenish electrolytes.

Thanks Banana Man!

Tulips - Oil on artist's wood panel 12" x 12"

Finished at last! Spring means tulips to me, and with the unpredictable nature of the weather lately I have enjoyed my own private Spring while painting this. To me tulips are a flower of perfection, order, and control. Michael Pollan describes the tulip this way, in the book Tulipa: A Photographer's Botanical by Christopher Baker: "The tulip is all Apollonian clarity and order. It's a linear, left-brained sort of flower, in no way occult, explicit and logical in its formal rules and arrangements (six petals corresponding to six stamens) and conveying all its rationality the only way one could: through the eye. The clear, steely stems hold the flower up in the air for our admiration, positing its lucid, linear form over and above the dubious earth. The blossoms float serenely above the turmoil of nature; even when they expire, they do so with aplomb. Instead of turning to mush, like a spent rose, or a used Kleenex, like peony petals, they cleanly, dryly, and, often simultaneously, shatter." Tulips - oil on 12" x 12" artist's panel SOLD

And, here is the original reference photo taken by Ruthanne Annaloro












Special thanks and acknowledgement to Ruthanne Annaloro for granting me her kind permission to use her fabulous photograph as reference for this piece. Her work may be seen at http://www.flickr.com/photos/53928360@N00/ where she goes by 1bluecanoe.

Tulip - Yellow

One more progression picture....

Unleashing the reds

Continuing on with the progression photos of this piece, here it is with the addition of reds. I LOVED this section of red. It was like being in flames So much fun to paint these shapes, lines, and curves. Fortunately for me, I stumbled onto some very inspiring music today. I will be sharing that when I post the finished piece.

Today's pallette

Since I am posting the progressive shots of this piece, I thought I might share the view of my pallette, and paints. I am usually a really messy painter, but since I am working mainly in one color today, it looks tidy.

Tulips - Pink and Yellow

Fourth in the progression of these beautiful spring blooms. Here I have added pink and yellow, and added a light mix of colors at the right to make up the background. I accidentally painted over some of what was to be the yellow petal on the right bottom, and had to correct, but that's the beauty of oils! I have run out of good light and must stop for now.

Tulips - Purples too

This is the third shot in the progression of this piece. Here I added purples, and made a slight correction to the sketch near the top purple tulip.

Tulips - Dark values

Scroll down for the first photo is this progression series.

Take Two - Here is a shot with only the dark values applied. Details will be added to these areas later, as needed.

Tulips - Sketch

I haven't documented my process lately, so I thought I would capture it for this piece - First I selected the image from a collection of reference photos of flowers. Next I cropped the reference photo to a 6" x 6" macro composition on which I want to focus. Here is the sketch, which I have drawn on an 12" x 12" artist's wood panel after coating it with white gesso. Come back to see the values and depth develop as I apply color!

Flamingo

In keeping with the unexpected theme of the week! Pastel and colored pencil on paper with a water wash 4" x 5" SOLD

Reference photo taken at the Rio Grande Zoo courtesy of Gael Holmes Hofemeier

Snow Bird

My art has gone to the birds lately. Pastel on paper 5" x 7" $50 unframed

Hummingbird

For my friend,who sometimes behaves like a hummingbird, and always brings joy. 9" x 12" Pastel on paper $60 unframed

Silver

Silver
Was the moon.
Not black,
Like my sighs
Or blue,
Like my child’s eyes.
Silver
Was the moon,
And I touched its surface
Gently,
Slowly,
Caressing its every crack
Like a tombstone
Where a loved one lay.
Silver
Was the moon
And the people
To it prayed,
For life, they begged.
For death, we beg.
And we yell
And curse
And scream
And cry
And one night
For the first and last time,
I saw
That it was
Silver.

Inspiration

What can I say? This was named Inspiration for a few reasons. I was inpired to do this piece by my friend Tonya,creating it was a completely inspirational, absorbing, and transformational experience, and lastly I hope it is inspirational to you!

Pastel on Strathmore Medium Paper 14" x 17" $99 unframed

Little Man

This is a portrait of my friend's little boy Rishi, and is a gift to her. It is based on a reference photo and was done using watercolor pencils and pastel paint. The watercolor pencils are nice because their pencil form provides more accuracy in application than a brush, but with the added versatility of watercolor, the colors can be blended and made more vibrants by brushing over them with water. I used pastel for the face and neck to keep it soft, and for the background for ease of coverage. 9" x 12" Watercolor pencil and pastel on paper

Fire & Ice

The reference photo which inspired this painting was sent to me by my friend. It was originally a picture of an iceberg, so was very much blue/green, with water in the foreground. Encouraged by Tonya, I changed the pallette to mostly reds. Once red, the lines and values of the iceberg took on the look of a mountain to me. Painting rocks and fabric have the same effect on me as painting macro flowers; they pull me in and I become part of the object while painting it. This was a great escape. Thanks Tonya! Oil on wood panel 6" x 8" SOLD

Reflecting On Old Times

A new subject for me, a new surface, and a different way to get the job done. This was a one-session painting, so started and finished today. Although I typically paint on canvas, artists' panel, or vinyl records, this was done on a panel which required a primer before painting. I covered the surface with gesso, and commenced to painting. The straight, thin lines that accent the car window were a great challenge to me, and I didn't take the time to tape anything off. This added the element of freehand detail. I love the original composition and color palette of the reference photo called "Firedome Chrome" taken by Murray Bloom, and I thank him graciously for his permission to use it for this painting. I took the liberty to add a wide border around the image, which in the end gave the effect of peering at the old car through a wooden window. 11" x 14" Oil on wood panel $99

Dragin' the World

This is an original design for my friend Jeni, who prefers monochrome pieces. It is an abstract made by overlapping geometric shapes, then randomly filling the areas with like shapes, and creating some purposeful negative space. The end result looks to me like a dragon who is carrying the world on his back. It is done in Sharpie on Strathmore 500 series illustration board. 22" x 30" SOLD

Three Young Monks

It was an honor and a pleasure to paint from this reference photograph taken by Orion Knox, whom I had the privilege of meeting at the 12 Buy 12 art show in Austin, Texas last month. He saw these three young monks in the Punakha Monastery in Punakha, Bhutan. I especially loved recreating the light and shapes he captured in the folds of fabric, and I took some liberties with the background by simplifying the lines and adding some reflected colors. Creating this painting was truly a great experience. Thanks Orion!
12" x 12"

Female Eclectus

Years ago I was in a pet bird phase, and had several of them. First there was Polly the parakeet, then One Guy the cockatiel, then the African Grey Parrot, and finally, Sonny the parakeet. They each provided hours of entertainment, so this painting is in memory of my departed fine feathered friends. 2009 10" x 10" Oil on artist's wood panel  SOLD

Bite Me

Well, this one took a long while to complete, and was much more challenging than I anticipated. I approached it by doing a quick sketch with charcoal, then taped off the background entirely. I have only done this a few times in the past, but I find the colors of the background in this piece almost as interesting as the foreground, and I wanted to remain focused on the details of the image. It also adds an element of surprise for me when I peel off the tape, and see how the image relates to its surroundings. Although I thought the cupcake paper would present more of a challenge than the cupcake itself, in the end it was the opposite. The pink portion was done in many layers with drying time in between, and then subsequent sanding. I purposely left some of the scuffing from the sand paper to add texture and dimension. Thanks to my friend Lori Workizer for the fantastic reference photo, which she took one afternoon while we visited a local cupcake shop, where they bake mini cupcakes daily. We sampled a few and took a few more home. 12" x 12" Oil on artist's wood panel $300

Nepali Boy

I have collected some photos of children, cropped them to be profile compositions, and removed the color. I hope to make this a series of charcoal drawings. Special thanks to Cristiano Bonassera for the great reference photo, which was originally a full color portrait! You can see his work on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/crileto/. Charcoal pencil on paper 5.5" x 8.5" $40 unframed

S'nta Claus

This is the second piece in the Winter Holiday Series. The first was S'no Man, which I donated last year to a silent auction to benefit M.S. I had planned to create it on three separate canvases of varying size, but after completing the sketch on one sheet of paper, it was clear that it was finished. This piece follows that same pattern; with three separated boxes of varying sizes on one sheet of 14" x 17" Strathmore Medium paper using Rembrandt soft pastels. SOLD

Bleeding Hearts

This is a piece I had started earlier, but was waiting for permission from the photographer of the reference photo before completing it. When I saw the information for the Susan G. Komen fundraiser, this piece felt like a perfect match. Special thanks to Gail Hicks for her reference photograph.

The voting is in, and this piece won Patron's Mention! Thanks for the votes!

Let the three blossoms represent three things that come from difficult times: Beauty, Dignity, and Hope. The reflection is of challenging times, from which all growth comes. Pastel on paper 9" x 12" $99