Pictures in Napa

Napa California

Some of the views I had while enjoying my day in wine country.

The quest for a purple Lotus

This is the beginning sketch. I've found some brush painting tutorials, and I have my books.  But I thought rather than do this in Sumi ink first I would sketch our the  general idea first.  I mean I'm adding in fish as well as changing some of the composition, I should get the idea out in pencil so I can scratch and erase.

I really didn't do that much though, but it was low on the paper. I had the flower centered well so the bottom filled up with an empty sky line.  I will be completing this with a purple flower and creating a logo of sorts for Power up for PCOS.

There is always a meaning in the Chinese culture, so here is what I know: two fish are a symbol of harmony and married bliss in China. The lotus is a symbol of purity, summer and fertility, and when accompanied by a fish, love.
The purple lotus is a rather mystical symbol itself and has meanings in many cultures.  I have loved the freshness of Brush painting and am delighted to know that this sketch is being well received by those it is intended for.

Foggy Day - In water color

Foggy Day 

 

 

 

 

 

Water color 8 1/4" X 12"

This is one version of a scene, I will be re-visiting in the future in other mediums and with different interpretations.  I liked the thought of bringing out some of the colors floating around in the grey that is fog.  I love fog, it's a versatile expression for romance and mystery.

Sketches...real rough draft versions

was to be for a book, but we're going a different direction now

started while in the waiting room at the hospital

Started in the car while driving home over Labor Day weekend

another drawing done in the car

The last two are the most recent, and when I've done something that I'm very happy with, I will paint it for my sister and her book cover. She is writing short stories along with a set or other books.  She's taking some time right now to rest and re-group, but this is the best time for me to work out what to paint. It helps for me to have more time and less of a deadline.  I have another water color to post, I just have to get the computer to work so I can scan it in.

Hawaiian beach

Hawaiian Beach 24 X 30 Acrylic

This last weekend I stopped my current projects to get this done in a hurry.  Originally I was asked for ideas on making a board for my bosses birthday, like she makes for us. Here is an idea of what that looks like, it's at the very bottom of the post Valentines day and my birthday. This seemed boring, and yet time consuming.  A quick discussion with a co-worker validated my thought of doing something a bit more permanent and lasting with my time. 

My boss not only loves Hawaii, but rainbows, not the "hi, I live an alternative lifestyle" rainbow but the promise of God to never flood the earth again kind.  Since I was looking for an honest rainbow, I went with the most translucent and iridescent representation I could.  Also, I feel it is important to let you know that the beach is really not so yellow in reality, but I'm having a challenging time with color correcting here.

The base was done with an airbrush, along with the clouds and the rainbow.  The rest of the painting was done with traditional brush work. 

What ever you do, give it your best. Find the beauty in the world around you.

Barbie Fairy

My niece was looking for her wall to be painted, but since there might be a move in her future, a hanging piece was much more suitable.

She will be five, and has decided that Barbie is one of her favorites.  My new software for cropping and adjusting the camera distortion is something I'm still working on.

Week 30 - Fruits of Fall & Harvest Pumpkin

Fruits of Fall

Harvest Pumpkin

It's a two'fer this weekend! I was in the mood to paint pumpkins, the Harvest Pumpkin was the first and then the Fruits of Fall came along after.  The second is more in line with the traditional Chinese brush painting style.  The first was not in actual brush painting style, but with the brushes, paper, and the paints of course.
I love the smells, colors, and flavors of autumn.  If I can capture just a portion of those in paint, then I will have accomplished something amazing.
Enjoy the season!