Present past

Present Past - 18" X 22" - Mixed Media

A lifescape inspired by life in Berkeley, California.

Summer of Love

It's been months since I have painted -- my creative energy redirected to new care giving responsibilities. In the midst of continuing challenges, I took it on faith that all I was experiencing would become part of my landscape and deepen my artistic expression in time. I scanned my everyday routine seeking a moment of inspiration.

One day it came in the form of an invitation to a friend's Summer of Love party - theme attire required. I set out to recreate an outfit I wore to a Grateful Dead concert in Lindley Meadow - a long time ago. The creative juices began to flow as I tie-dyed a peasant blouse, sewed a jean skirt, knotted a macrame belt, and wove a flower head wreath.

But the best inspiration came when I visited Berkeley to buy incense at the Annapurna head shop on Telegraph Avenue. I captured an image of two older hippies sitting on a bench with a younger man, who appeared to be their son. It was the living extension of the Summer of Love - present past. I'm now using this image, coupled with other images from People's Park, to create a composite drawing and painting. How uplifting it is to spend time focused on the ideals of that time while I create!

Oh very young

A little play with mixed media - photo transfer, watercolor, color pencil and a touch of pastel. I also tried a bit of narrative art as part earlier renditions, but found the results to be too Kitsch. As is, this seems a bit illustrative. Still, it was a good process of exploration, which will lead to other creations.

As for the photo transfer process, having read several blogs on the topic, I started with an ink-jet print of a personal image, testing a variety of photo papers, gel mediums, and transfer techniques. In the end, a simple ink-jet print on 20 lb. bond, using water as the transfer medium, provided the soft, misty image that I sought.

Oh Very Young - 8" X10" - Mixed Media

Tyvek and watercolor

Tyvek: A light, tear-resistant and water-resistant paper by Dupont. When I ask others if they've heard of Tyvek, the general response is, "That's the stuff they use for wrapping houses and making Fed Ex envelopes." Not what you might expect as a vehicle for watercolor.

Following a watercolor demonstration using Tyvek, and being one to enjoy the exploration of new mediums, I just had to give this a try! The exploration was freeing, as the flow of water and color is less controlled on the water-resistant paper. The results are delightfully surprising, producing a range of soft to vibrant colors and lines. The paper allows for the repeated placing, pushing, lifting and adding of color, creating a depth more like work with oil or acrylic.

This is my first exploration with Tyvek, working a bit larger and more loosely, taking advantage of the vehicle.

Pears - 18" X 24" - Watercolor

Winter's day

A blue-gray sky presses down on the day. Cold, still, damp, hushed. Dark branches fracture space and fade away. I'm held captive by and in this moment.

I see the world in panoramic snapshots. At times the sheer beauty of nature is overwhelming: How can I recreate in a painting what already is perfection?

While not a photographer, I'm beginning to think about how I might incorporate my photographs into my work - with transfers, words, paint, and pen. My mind is already composing a series of narrative lifescapes...

Winter's Day -Pleasanton, California - Photograph

Once in a blue moon