Back from the Holidays

We had a great time in Florida and worked hard in the yard as usual. Hope to have photos later today as the back yard is becoming the paradise, I envisioned.

Went to the doc yesterday, October virus that keeps on giving, developed into pleurisy(spelling). This inflamation of the outside lining of the lung is nothing serious (Mom), but can be painful. Thank goodness for drugs. I'll be right as rain in about 2 weeks or so.

On a happier note for this year, I'm looking forward to working on my christmas journal so I can finish it before February. Also, playing with my Etsy shop, social networking & maybe, maybe, even a new iphone to make it all happen. No pressure Art, honey, only when we can aford it. An exciting year to come.

Hope all is well with your New Year. Enjoy!

Hawaii Vision Journal & Starfish Shadow Box

Above is a Starfish Shadowbox I made yesterday, while Art talked to Juan Carlos via Skype. As I gathered my shadowbox &materials, I debated how to best hold the starfish to the back of the shadowbox, as I wandered around my studio(Art was Skyping in my studio so Juan Carlos could see me walking back & forth). Juan Carlos said I appeared to pick at things just like a hen in a barnyard looking for food. Interestingly, Juan Carlos observation sheds more light onto my working process. Usually, I start with one idea & add to it repeatably until I feel finished. For me deciding a piece is finished when there is a pleasing connection throughout every part of the painting with all parts of the piece coming together to make a whole.

I thought the Aloha Tower painting posted on Monday, June 15th, was finished, but it didn't have enough color especially for my image of Hawaii. Being somewhat intimated to ruin my previous work, I started small with coloring the word 'together' with a bright purple pen. Then, continued to spread the purple around & I was off comparing & creating for another whole morning.

I just love the picture above, it just seems so quiet & peaceful in a tropical place. to me

Halifax Island Florida

Success, sometimes as an artist you struggle to get what you see in your mind on the canvas, but I love how these 3 paintings came out. They flow together and the color makes me so happy. This the 1st time I have used watercolor canvas as usual I ignored instructions and treated it like paper. Watercolor canvas really does need to be stretched, but the surface is wonderful to work on in that you can pick up any watercolor paint and even ink if you are quick enough.

islands & vaca yahoo!

Finally, decided to put some paint on an Maine island sketch. This small island next to Crow is painted in watercolor with a limited palette.

I am looking forward to more island sketching on our Florida vacation next week. Hopefully, some new sandbar islands to paint when i return.