Thankful for Winter Snow

SNOWFALL

“Snowfall”  12″ X 9″ original acrylic painting

Winter is upon us and we have had a beautiful season so far. Those of us living in the Southwest are very thankful for every bit of moisture that falls from the heavens. Living in a forested area if we get snow we are doubly grateful for this form of precipitation because it seeps into the ground with no runoff.

 

This week my praise painting is all about snow, and the blessing it becomes. A delight to the eye, the snow falls heavy with moisture and settles in the nettles of existence. At first seeming to suffocate but ultimately nurturing all life.

Praise paintings are early morning studies on vellum paper that I create after my meditation and journaling when I first step into the studio. Simple heartfelt quick studies of what is on my mind.

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“Snowfall” an original acrylic painting

9" X 12" acrylic on vellum paper, matted to 12" X 16" and ready to frame.

$75.00

RED HILLS

RED HILLS

“Red Hills”  9″ X 12″ on 150 lb. pressed paper

Oh Gosh I am way behind on my 30 in 30 challenge.  It was a busy weekend and I took sometime off in the studio for rejuvenation and catching up with friends.  So this is #14 but actually should be #18.  So I better hustle, or should I.

These 30 in 30 challenges are to make you better not perfect; the idea is to continue to improve, elevate your creativity and build strong habits.  It is like boot camp for artists. It forces me to  get in there and paint even when the spark is lacking. But deeper than that it is helping me see where my creativity comes from. Somewhere deep inside I pull out glimpses of past experiences, feelings and emotions that silently bubble and wait to be brought forth.  Sometimes I don’t like what I see but most of the time I do.  In all cases it is very cathartic and keeps me mindful of who I am.

Red Hills is one of those paintings that reminds me of how much I love living in the West. It is of no place in particular, but some place I have been to in my dreams.

Challenging myself one painting at a time…

 

 

ENJOYING THE JOURNEY

ENJOYING THE JOURNEY

“Enjoying The Journey”  9″ X 12″ Acrylic on Paper

Number 2 in my 30 in 30 days painting challenge.  Today I chose to loosen up and paint from the heart, which almost always turns into flowers. I also tend to paint in blue or purple when it comes from deep inside me.  Two of my favorite colors.

This painting was quick, not like yesterdays which took me several hours. This spark of creativity was spontaneous. It just bubbled out after meditation time on the deck. It is actually my favorite way to paint. Loose brushstrokes, a limited color pallet and contrast. It never fails to produce a dramatic painting.  So I named it “Enjoying The Journey” because that is what I do as an artist.  Enjoy life one painting at a time.

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ENJOYING THE JOURNEY

9" X 12" Acrylic on paper. Ready for matting and frame.

$45.00

Switching Gears

WATER WORLD

“Water World” In a private collection

Today is one of those days when I start “Switching Gears”, wrapping up all my projects, that are due now and planning for the week ahead’s media for a marketing blitz.  Then packing and planning for my road trip to the Central Coast of California starting next week.

It always takes me a few days to switch gears…  Frankly it is hard for me to leave the studio. It really is my sanctuary and a place I love to be.  It is my creative space, meditation space, growing space, and retreat. It is where I self-actualize, move from one thought to the next, place one stroke and then another on canvas creating my story.

Road Tripping is a way to gather more inspiration to bring back to my studio; to constantly keep my flow going and to stop the blocks that hit me as a sledge-hammer hits a brick.  So it is time to switch gears, move forward and seek some down time.  Down time to me is seeking the ocean, feeding the gulls, dinning on fresh fish, sipping my favorite wines and visiting old friends.

After a long trek through the deserts of Arizona and California, my first stop will be at Hadley’s.  Here is where I replenish my supply of nuts and the sweet dates that grow in the Coachella Valley, below the towering mountain of San Jacinto.  The wind blasts the hot air captured by the giant arms that whirl along the highway, and I will need a drink to quench my thirst.

As we drive up California Route 101 after the smog and grit of LA, I will switch gears again.  That first waft of salt air and the feel of moisture that gently pats my cheek and caresses me with a kiss, signals it’s time to let go.  The ocean will come into view and the green rolling hills of the Central Coast will beacon to come further and I will have reached my inspiration.

So follow along as I travel on my first “Road Trip” of 2017.  Let’s see where inspiration will lead me as I gather resources for my “Road Trip” series.