March Countdown

Being in the Moment

8" x 10"

acrylic on panel

This painting was inspired by a photograph I took in Japan.  The origami rabbit and origami crane are in a magnolia petal sitting on printed paper.  Our living room in Japan was bright and airy, perfect for setting up stilllifes for paintings.  When I was painting this, I thought of Pyar and I on our adventure across America.  If you have not checked it out yet, please see www.hikingandhoping.com

We are only 21 days away from our launch.  I know we will have challenges and fun.  Hopefully, at least for part of the time, we can float like origami on a mirror lake.

Thank you, Pyar.

February ~ The Self Portrait Attempt

Not Self Portrait Self

mixed media on paper

4" x 6"

A recent call for entries on Self Portraits was the catalyst for this piece.  I drew the figure in pencil and then painted in washes in watercolor.  I used my handmade stamps for embellishments and added the text from a book.   I originally wanted a python body after reading a story about pythons invading natural habitats in the everglades, but the coils began to look more like a scarf. (besides scales somehow feel creepy to draw)

Though the face does not resemble mine, I think there are some qualities illustrated that I possess .   And although I don't feel like an invasive species, I sometimes feel like I belong elsewhere.  I guess I am still struggling with my limbo and a sense of place. 

May the Cupcakes Unite

Cupcakes Unite (working sketch)

pencil in sketchbook

I imagined many cupcakes and looked at photos of ones online until, I caved.  I went to the Coop and bought cupcakes to study, and hopefully not eat.  I know that I work best when looking at my subject in its purest form, but I did not want to be tempted.  It all turned out fine, I have the finished painting below and Grandma  Voe had two cupcakes for her dessert. 

Cupcakes Unite

acrylic on cradled panel

6" x 6"

I am getting to know a special person in Ashland.  When we met the other day we talked about our individual health concerns and histories.  She confided that she had just had a double mastectomy and has plans to get her replacements during surgery tomorrow.  She termed her replacements as 'cupcakes' and we laughed and joked about other names we have used.  Her boldness made me feel loved, I knew she felt safe.  And thus, these cupcakes are for that friend.  I purposely painted them to coordinate and not be identical.  The most difficult thing for me to draw is the second eye and thus, I knew duplicating a cupcake centimeters from its partner was not a task I wanted to try to accomplish.   

So, the pair speak volumes about our own desires for that perfect match and that perfect set. 

Drawings of Trees

Portland Trees

pen in sketchbook

Pyar and I walked from our hotel on the river to my favorite breakfast restaurant, Zell's in Portland.  After an amazing breakfast with dear friends, we headed out for our friend's house further north.  We had a blast, the air was crisp and it felt like a new day, it being New Year's Day.  I felt invigorated and blessed.  We talked about houses we liked and didn't like and noticed some wonderful trees that managed to outgrow their cement surroundings.  A magical day, thank you, Pyar.  

January 2012 Happy New Year (the year of the dragon)

Komodo Dragon Sketch

pencil in sketchbook

Drawing fantasy characters are challenging for me.  I have several other pages not in the post of attempts at drawing dragons; they are pensive, sloth like and nonchalant - none of which looked 'dragon' enough for my annual new year stamp.  So, my next choice was to draw the komodo dragon from a photograph on the web.  I think with the head tilt and the sway of the tail, he looks more dragon than anything I could conjure.  

Komodo Dragon, New Year 2012 

2" x 3"

handmade stamp on paper

December Paintings

Koyasan, Japan, Trees in the Fall

For Lewis

3" x 3"

acrylic on wood

Trees fascinate me.  Sometimes looking up in to their long reaching limbs is the best glimpse of life. These trees are very special, they reside in a magical place called Koyasan.

 I visited the mountain of Koya about five times during the two years that we  lived in Japan.  It is one of my favorite places, any time of year.

"The grand scale of temples and shrines that sit at the peak creates an unbelievably austere ambiance that will make you feel like you have stumbled into a totally different world. The religious site of Koyasan, located at the peak of the mountain, has an elevation of 800 meters and 1,200 years of history. " from this site
http://www.wakayama-kanko.or.jp/world/english/world-heritage/koyasan.html

December Paintings

 Intertwined 
(recurrent)

8" x 10"

acrylic on wood

Sometimes things in our lives happen that we may not understand completely. We all experience rises and falls. I believe life occurs perfectly, as part of a divine plan, though sometimes seemingly jumbled. I have been seeking clarity and have caught glimpses in others.

Intertwined (recurrent) honors and commemorates those on the journey with me, thank you.

December Paintings

Japan Skies, Early March 2011

3" x3"

acrylic on wood

This is from a photograph taken in Tanabe. One of my fondest memories is how often I would look to the clouds and skies and think of the clouds and skies above my loved ones. Now, back in the States, I look to the skies and think of our loved ones in Japan and how their skies might look. This is in memory of Japan.

Three Pillows

3" x 3"

acrylic on wood

This painting was from a still life I set up in our room. For days, I would rearrange the pillows from our bed and side chair and draw. I found that when they were stacked or leaning, they became creature like and thus, I would give them personalities.

(more of these studies in paint to come)

Painting in November

Turban Squash Meets Pear

11" x 14"

acrylic on gessoboard

Balancing Act

12" x 6"

acrylic on gessoboard

The cold has brought me inside to paint for some of November. I have had fun with the abundance of fruit this season and unusual shapes of squash. The turban squash was a centerpiece in the dining room. I like the shape alongside the leaning pear.

Currently, I am working on a new series of blanket and pillow paintings that were inspired by my dailies from 2008-2009.