Out of Africa

My last watercolor painting was from my visit of the cold turbulent waters somewhere off of the rocky coasts of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. I always like hunting for sea shells and all of the other critters that wash up on the shore. One time I thought I had discovered quite a find of a bunch of miniature conch shells. I gathered them up and took them home only to discover that the shells had yet to be vacated. Yikes, what an odor! But nothing that a little clorox couldn't handle. I still feel bad though because the little slimy occupants belonged in the ocean and not in one of my craft projects.

Anyways, the other evening I ventured out of my imaginary third floor loft art studio to journey once again to Africa. I love feeling the heat, wearing my cool prescription sunglasses to ward off the glaring sun, and painting the exquisite Acacia tree. This time the Luangwa River is set  behind the amazing tree but my two spirit birds continue to soar high in the noontime heat. I thought about adding a giraffe or two deep in the distance but I wanted to keep the solitary feel from that time of the day when the animals are motionless. You sense their presence and danger although you cannot see them. As always I hope you enjoy the journey.

Peace of the Seasons

When I thought about what I wanted the style and composition for this year's Christmas card to be, I was still whetted to the idea of creating it in traditional watercolors. I wanted however, to try my hand this time at a more cartoon like, light hearted expression while simultaneously seriously capturing the essence of the season. And of course, I definitely wanted it to be Another Original. So I pondered a lot about what the spirit of the season means to me. Here's the story...

Christmas Kitty has returned for this year’s Holiday Season card and this time she is joined by Christmas Mouse. Unwittingly, they work together to figure out a way to get the star to the top of the Christmas tree. And so I call this little painting "Peace of the Seasons." Each element of this scene has a special personalized meaning for me… from the snoozing cat that always found its way under the tree or that would bat around the ornaments on the tree to the snowflakes falling outside of the window.

If you think about it, I am sure that you will find many of your holiday memories in this tiny painting as well.

"Everything you can imagine is real." -Pablo Picasso

Summer Art is the Best!

I made it back to the museum for a return trip before the end of the Impressionism Show and the end of summer. This time, I thought that I would be able to study the masters a bit more closely. The day that I chose for my visit also turned out to be Art Camp Day. After I was done pouting and wishing that my job was to work at Art Camp Day, I bravely journeyed onwards. My studious intentions seemed to evaporate for some reason and I wound up playing around a bit more than I should have. I eavesdropped on conversations, tagged along on a guided gallery tour with elementary children, and did a lot of people watching. Very interesting what the artsy crowd wears to the gallery.

I eventually paid attention to the artwork and discovered a new favorite artist when his incredibly colorful floral canvas spoke to me. He is Odilon Redon, another artist to join Gustav Klimt from the Symbolism Movement. And then I was fascinated by the affairs, intrigue, and murder surrounding artist's model, Evelyn Nesbit. Her portraits and photographs were included in this Monet to Stieglitz exhibition. Ms. Nesbit was born in Tarentum, lived a fast paced life, and was a super model, pin-up and Gibson girl. Her multi-millionaire jealous husband shot and killed her lover on a rooftop theater during the evening on June 26, 1906. It became the trial of the century. 

Then I ran across the street to get a huge slice of pizza and snuck back into the museum courtyard to eat it under an Acacia like tree by the waterfall. I prentended I was taking lunch while on an African Safari since the weather was just how I like it. Hot! I felt like I discovered Nirvana from the simple pleasures of life. Peace, imagination, sunshine, art, and pizza!



Below is the 2012 Summer Collaborative Art Project. As any artist must do, I had to first understand my subject material. I watch Quobo and the Zulu Patrol but unfortunately was not hip enough to be familiar with Nick Jr. So, I had to take a crash course on the Backyardigans and become inspired quickly. I watched video and googled coloring book pages and soon started to feel as if I had the essence of the characters. Meet (from left to right) Austin, Uniqua, Tasha and Pablo. Not enough room for Tyrone :(  The best quote this time was from a young child as he held the paintbrush up against the canvas while painting and who remarked "I feel like an artist!" That totally captures the goal of this project. 

2012 Collaborative Art!



A Day in a Bug's Life

The other day, a friend of mine asked me what I had done over lunch. It had been another one of those sweltering over 90 degree days and so I said that I had sat a little bit in the park to unwind. Truth was, it was more like I wanted to see how long I could endure the heat before I was eager to go back indoors and unbelievably I was even eager to return to work. My friend then asked me if I had talked to the squirrels again.

Now you know the moment...when you are not sure whether you should be embarrassed at your quirky behaviors or laugh at your friend's candid humor that was directed towards you. I chose the high road and simply acted non plussed and said, NO, I did NOT talk to the squirrels. Actually, none was around because it was too hot for them to be out and about. I did however, have a short tete a tete with a strange looking bug who came a crawling. I mean a calling.

I was trying to do some sketching which ironically wasn't going so hot in the heat. This intruder had really started to bug me. So, I turned the tables and started trying to sketch him. Suddenly, he decided that he did not wish to hang around any longer. I am still way too hesitant when I sketch and so I figured that this was the perfect teaching moment. I tried to draw more quickly before he got away and gave him a gentle poke with my pencil to keep him moving in the right direction. I even tried a few words of encouragement and of appreciation. Eventually, I released him from his duty and watched as he waddled away. We must have become fast friends because very shortly he decided to visit again. YIKES! I looked over my shoulder and there I saw those familiar antennae waving (hello?) at me. But I was tired of playing our game and really hot by now. This time, it was I who quietly crept away.

 This is what I have been working on lately. I wanted to experiment and to try a more abstract floral design on a canvas bag. Not sure what happened. Well, I do know. I enjoy painting butterflies and gardens too much to give them up. I think that I shall keep this bag for myself and maybe try an abstract design again later. My next project is to begin sketching a huge 3' x 4' canvas for this year's Summer Collaborative Art. And already dreaming what I'll do after that...

"Every creator painfully experiences the chasm between his inner vision and its ultimate expression." ~Isaac Bashevis Singer

Horsing Around




Come a little closer. That camera looks yummy.

 

Elvert the Gubknit and I decided to leave the Blog Bog for a day and go down to the park to see the  friendly equines. I don't really know them very well but that did not seem to matter much to them. They poked their heads over the fence to eagerly reach the luscious green dandelions that I had freshly picked and snatched them right out of my fingers. They were very gracious, never refusing any of my offerings.

I was mesmerized as I watched their lips fold up as they nudged me and I couldn't help but think "what big teeth you have." Whoops, wrong story. Sorry.

Dazzle the Dancing Dragonfly did not come with Elvert and me, murmuring something about having to practice her plies. Sweet Pea was also afraid to join us. Something about the horses' fondness for vegetation. Snap. Crunch. Yikes! Princess Sapphire and King Siam stayed back in the Blog Bog World, meowing about that darn Dalmatian who lived in the stable and how he wasn't a very good hostess the last time they visited. Probably the dog chasing cat issue had surfaced again.



 Another painting of the Bog-on the day we left on our adventure.



So. That just left me and Elvert, whom no one seemed to notice. Or maybe they just couldn't tell him apart from all the other Gubknits flying around. But that probably accounts for all the odd looks I was garnering as I carried on an animated conversation with my friends. "You're so pretty" I said to the chestnut mare and "My, you're a big one" to what looked like a Clydesdale Budweiser horse. They were so silly with their head bobs, grinning teeth, and the way they went after my fingers for more snacks. For a minute, I thought Elvert was going to get gobbled up too. But all in all, it was a lovely adventure with God's creatures in paradise. You'll have to come with us the next time!

He knows when you're happy
He knows when you're comfortable

He knows when you're confident
And he always knows when you have carrots.


~Author Unknown

Quirky's Blog Bog World

Muffled woman's voice: "I think I see her. Quiet now, don't spook her. She's over there, behind the frog, floating on that chartreuse lily pad. She is sooo tiny as she gently glides through the Bog. Listen closely and you can hear her flapping shimmery wings playing the Moonlight Sonata. Then, when she rests on the flower and her wings stop moving, the music also stops.



Saphire, the Slinky Siamese SophistiCat!



Her name is Zephora and she is my garden nymph friend. I think you met her once before in another post. Her chakra is a beautiful shade of azure blue and it is lightly tinged with a ring of magenta. Zephora's mystical talents along with her interesting friends have taken us all on many magical journeys. I'd like to introduce to you to her friends who live in the bog and tell you all about our blog adventures.

Zephora's best friend is Elvert. He is one of the colorful Gubknits who lives in the bog right next door. Elvert is such a comedian and he loves to make Zephora laugh with his corny jokes and pranks.

Saphire, the slinky Siamese SophistiCat is the Fashion Buyer for the pond's only Boutique. She knows where to find the most beautiful and the most softest forest fur. Saphire has big gorgeous blue eyes and she is such a Diva! Saphire is married to King Siam, the Siamese Cat from Siam. They just had 4 little kittens.

Then there is Dazzle the Dancing Dragonfly. She teaches the Expressive Yoga Dance classes in the bog.  Dazzles' best friend is Sweet Pea, the Sugarbug. Sweet Pea is so kind and she loves to snap her fingers and keep the rhythm for Dazzle when she dances.

The Blog Bog World

And oh yeah, I'm Quirky. I think we have already met. I'm the artiste friend who is staying in the Bog's third floor loft studio. I'll keep you posted on our escapades and toss in a few sketches and watercolors along the way. You're gonna be our new friend to join Quirky's Blog Bog World!"

"Art is the only way of leaving home without running away." - Twyla Tharp

Sand Stand

 Name of my ocean front boutique or new I-phone accessory? Periodically, I think about how nice it might be to live all year long along the Outer Banks. Specifically, North Carolina. And more specifically Ocracoke Island.

I can still feel the salty sea air and the balmy breeze during the ferry rides to and fro from this remote island. The coveted spot on the vessel for me was always to perch on the helm to catch the wind and ocean spray as the ship lurched and crashed through the waves. And you know, it always reminds me of that very famous scene from the Titanic when Kate and Leo are perched on the figurehead, gazing into the ocean.

But back to the Ocracoke Ferry where seagulls could always be found waiting dockside because their eagle eye would spot that huge bag of cheese popcorn, tucked securely under someone’s arm. Such fun to toss up handfuls and watch the acrobatic results. I loved the sound of their squawking appreciative delights. Such chatterboxes.


And then there is the ample supply of sand for building endless rows of sandcastles. I wonder what one could do these days with their cell phone at the beach, and then it came to me. I bet your I-phone would set snuggly into one of the (castle towers) for extra strong reception. LOL.

I often think about packing up my paints and opening up a little boutique down there. I could walk for miles during the day along deserted beaches and gathering seashells. And then long into the evening, sit on the beach, fashioning them into ankle bracelets as the moonlight reflected off of the pounding surf. Ahhhhh.

And of course, I would be willing to share the island with the wild ponies, hiding in the swaying sea oats. I hope that they would not mind if maybe I even tried to sketch a few of them. Though, not so good at drawing horses. But practice makes perfect. Then, every summer without fail, it seems around the time that we get to the hurricanes that start with the letter “I”, I re-evaluate my re-location plans and unpack my portfolio.

Another season has passed but the warm pleasant memories of seaside frolicking shall not. One love and peace from the Quirky Artiste.

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle."
--Steve Jobs, Stanford commencement speech, June 2005

Dreaming

Close Your Eyes...

 



If a dream is realistic, it's not really a dream. It's a to-do. - Kim and Jason Kotecki



Go ahead. Don't be afraid. Dream. What do you see? I see a brilliant blue sky with puffy marshmallow clouds and I start to float away. Weightless (no worry about those chunky chocolate cookies I just ate. Or that I experimented and tried dipping them in Hershey's chocolate syrup too. Yum).

OK. Forget about the chocolate chip cookies. Try again to focus. Take a deep breath and clear your mind. Feel your muscles begin to unwind and untie those knots. The tension is ebbing. Wait for it. Calgon will take you away.

Now I see a warm, sunny bayou. It is soooo relaxing and calm. Your heart rate is slow, strong, and even. What do you hear? At first I hear silence. Aaahh. Then I hear the wings of a tiny hummingbird. Ohhh but I do not see him. Does not mean that he is not with me? You are full of nature's joy, relaxed, peaceful, and filled with bliss. No worries. No annoying aches. Samahdi.

Time's up. Say your prayers and you can come back down to earth now. Deep sigh. Time to go to work. But don't worry, we can do this together again tomorrow. The best things in life really are free. Sometimes we just don't take a mindful moment to read the price tag. One Love and Peace.

Bridge on the River Luangwa

Hawaii comes to my mind when I think about exotic flowers. Rain forests also come to mind but I usually think of Costa Rica with them. Costa Rica's name means "rich coast" because it has so many types of animals, plants, and other critters all in one place. More than any other spot around the world.

Here, in my rain garden, we get about 36.68 inches a year. To qualify as a rain forest, you need a lot more rainfall than that. Most rain forests are found in South America and around the equator. But places you do not typically think of as tropical, also have rain forests. They are are found in West Africa and in the U.S. The largest temperate ones are found on the Pacific coast of North America. They stretch from Oregon to Alaska for a mere 1,200 miles.

The forests of Mount Waiʻaleʻale in Hawaii are one of the wettest spots around, getting a whopping 460 inches of rain a year. Did you know it easily gets 90 inches during the month of May? With all that water around, I bet the plein air painters never run out of waterscape scenes to paint. This is a watercolor painting of the Luangwa River in Africa. I took a little canoe ride in my imagination. I hope you can feel the mugginess as you travel down the river, during the rainy season. The hot burning sun is reflected off of the mysterious swampy waters below. An observer described this painting as interesting and I would agree as it not my usual style of painting. Although I am not certain that "interesting" was not a euphemism for something else. The trees were done with many washes of dark colors to capture the impenetrable darkness of the dense rain forest foliage. I hope you enjoy the journey!

   Some people have a bucket list or their 3 wishes already drawn up and ready to go...just in case that genie shows up. Me, I have a pocket full of magical Pixie Dust. Oh, it's not really mine. It was given to me on loan by Zephora the Fairy. She is my tiny, sparkly, diaphanous friend. Yeah, I know what you are thinking. Where did I ever find a friend whose name starts with a Z? Her hair is a long swirl of blushing pink, her skin a translucent mystical pale blue and her gown a venerable rainbow of colors that I'm pretty sure is Vera Wang. A shimmering blend of lamé with a touch of spandex to show off her petite physique. She lives in the mist of the most beautiful and colorful place. This is an acrylic painting of her home. Don't confuse Zephora with a gnome whom also lives in nature. Did you know that gnomes have an uncanny ability to stand perfectly still giving them the appearance of not being real? Tee Hee. Someday, when I am not so busy, I shall pay Zephora another visit. In the meantime, I am dreaming about what to do with my pocket full of pixie dust. Smile.


"You become what you love." - Catherine of Siena