Funny how life gets in the way of making art.  It has been a busy time in our household with many guests and the passing of a great friend.  It's been good to paint again and play with the energy of the color green.  Aureolin, Lemon Yellow, Cadmium yellow, Cobalt Turquoise, Cerulean Blue, Permanent Sap Green, Green Gold, Winsor Green and Blue were all mixed.  This painting's sole/soul purpose is to remind me that life is about creating and returning to simple joy. Not an easy task in a complex world, but one that soothes.

New Cycle Mandala:2013

Here's a new painting to celebrate the beginning of 2013.  It's a 14"x19" watercolor using French  Ultramarine Blue, Turquoise, Aureolin, Quinacridone red and Magenta, Opera Rose and Winsor Violet. I was inspired by the 40 Arts West call for submission for a show that will combine the healing arts and artwork with a spiritual flair. It's the first time I've created a painting with a show in mind and will submit 3 pieces.

 

www.40westarts.org/uploads/40W_Healing_Arts_Exhibition_Feb_2013_Call_for_Entries_12_05_12.pdf

 

Mandala means sacred circle in Sanskrit, and it can be inspiring and delightful to paint a Mandala.  By starting in the center and allowing the painting and creativity to take you where it leads, you never know where you are going.  During the process you have to trust your instincts and decisions and watch what unfolds.  What a great metaphor for life!

Salvia in Color

The main focus of this painting is color.  I used Aureolin, Lemon Yellow, Opera Rose, Green Gold and Cobalt Turquoise watercolor paints.
 It's a confusing time artistically as my drive to create has changed.  I'm simply not interested in working the same way, but not sure what to do next.  Although the one thing I remain interested in is vibrant color.

Golden I

My muse left me high and dry for awhile and whereas I still don't feel like painting, it's time to do something.  This painting was done a few years ago with watercolor and acrylic.

Other interesting news is that the 40 West Arts had it's open house this week end.  They are a non-profit championing the artists of the local community.  It looks like a great place for local creatives to get together and has sparked my interest.   www.40WestArts.org

Christmas Cactus Watercolor

It's a good thing that friends insist that I post paintings that would otherwise languish in the bin for wayward art.  This Christmas Cactus cheerfully bloomed in November and sat quietly while I painted this 8"x10" portrait using watercolors of thalo blue, cobalt turquoise light, aureolion and opera rose. I can only believe the message emanating from friends and the beauty of these flowers is "Lighten up!"

Whispers

I've been reading Rolina van Vliet's books on painting abstracts and appreciate her love for teaching. My work is influenced by colour, rhythm and movement.  This 8"x10" watercolor is created using glazes, puddles of colour being shaken and spatters.

Beyond Time

This is an 8"x10" watercolor created by allowing watercolors to flow into each other.  Details include toothbrush splatterings and placing puddles of color and tilting the paper.  I've always wanted to paint the Cosmos and this one is moving closer to that goal.