Painting of The Day

Sneak preview of my newest painting, to be released soon...

Title: Dream Magic
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 48"x48"x1.5"
Contact me for purchase

One step forward...two steps back

Some artists sketch out their paintings, doing studies and organizing their thoughts on paper or canvas ahead of the actual final product like wise, wise people-NOT ME! I just dive right in-some days that works like a charm...creating fresh, unpretentious ideas and concepts...and some days, like today, I curse myself to tears for not preplanning...after the self loathing, I scribble over everything, throw my paintbrushes in the sink and retire for the night...that would be right now.

On days like today, I realize I've spent hours creating something that seemed perfectly on track for a while and somewhere...along the way...things. went. terribly. wrong. One step forward--two steps back--urghhh. What was supposed to be a very warm piece turned into a TOO warm piece...or maybe I just got into a gradually cooler mood, who knows...anyway, the painting got gradually cooler until it ceased making sense and now, except for the part shown above, it's just a big mess *sigh* ...Well, maybe, just maybe I can get a nice underlayer out of it later, we'll see.

This is exactly what I mean when I say I challenge myself to find my interesting stopping point...it's knowing where to stop that makes the artist...and sometimes, when we're at that crossroads, we take the wrong path and do a full circle....better luck tomorrow.

Rainy Day Bliss

We've been getting some awesome thunderstorms here in Austin. I love them, bring 'em on! Rainy days compliment all my favorite things...hot coffee, wildflowers, watching movies, good conversation, cuddling, roaring fires and of course...PAINTING! I have been in the zone all weekend getting things done, primarily my last series of paintings where I'm taking metallics and mixed media an extra step forward. Can't wait to post them....

The Galapagos

I just got back from an amazing journey through the Galapagos Islands. This wildlife lover's paradise has been unspoiled by the footprints of mankind and remains an enchanting eco corner of the globe...minimally changed from its origins thousands of years back...

There is something very minimalistic about the scenery here....wide open blue skies..framing the rocky, volcanic island floor...it's all so hypnotic.....yet, look even closer and you'll see more endemic and unique species than you can possibly take in during one trip....a constant battle of the senses....between the overall landscape versus the beauty of details.

This land, for me, emphasizes the importance of negative space....and how important it is to leave room to appreciate the tranquility and the precious gems of the land.

It was a worldly, sensual experience that is certain to stick with me for some time. See my new travel blog to read more about it:

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/11f645/