It's been a while since my last post.  Well, school started and I was all consumed with getting my classroom in order, etc.  But I did manage to illustrate a CD cover for the women's choral group that I sing with, Chanteuses.  We recorded our last Christmas concert music in January of 2012 and we will sell this CD at our upcoming performances this Christmas.  It was done with watercolor.

Fertile Ground

I decided to depart from my usual mode of working on a double page spread inside my art journal for this Quote and image.  After painting with acrylics and adding fabric, I mounted the smaller canvas board onto a larger framed canvas which I painted also with acrylics.  Even though I was tempted to apply store bought lettering, I chose to paint the letters on to keep this piece more personal, so it's not perfect. Even though you can not see it, I painted the edges that wrap around all sides of the canvas so it looks cool hanging on the wall = )

These pages came about on the last day of a Gratitude Journaling class I took this summer.  I wanted to keep it simple and flowing.  These people have helped me grow from the inside out and it felt good giving them a place in my journal.

Beyond The Sea

While taking an on-line watercolor class, we had a prompt to paint to one of our favorite pieces of music.  I always liked this song and have heard it sung by Bobby Darin, Kevin Spacey and Michael Buble.  So I connected to the children's book illustrator in me, and had a ball creating a very fanciful, underwater scene.  Somewhere...beyond the sea, somewhere waiting for me......

Clarity of the Soul

Well, I finally finished another 2 page  spread in my latest illustrated art journal.  It seemed to take forever.  After I sketched out my design on tracing paper, I cut out sections of the paper so that I could lay them over pieces of fabric. Cutting out some of these swirls from fabric was a bit challenging at times, but it mostly worked.  I used gold,dimensional fabric paint to stop the edges from fraying.  I really enjoy using fabric and I want to learn how to utilize it in journaling with a bit more finesse.

Sunday Morning at its Best!

Who can resist a gorgeous pot of flowers, a cup of fine coffee and a cool fresh breeze on a Sunday morning?  Truly some of life's gifts and I appreciate every one of them!  Thank goodness for my camera that keeps me able to blog while I get my studio cleaned up.  I am almost ready to start   journaling again in my art books and I am excited at the prospect and a bit intimidated too.  My creative juices need to be jump started and I am wondering how to do that???

Cotton Candy Peony

Couldn't resist getting close up and personal with this gorgeous bloom.  This is going as number one in my Gratitude journal today!

Tea in the Afternoon

Last Sunday, while touring gardens in a very nice neighborhood, I came upon this creamy white pitcher filled with a colorful bouquet.  The table was set for 6, laid out with ice tea and lemon scones.  Quite inviting!

I've Got A Feeling

New Life. New beginnings. Here it is Easter Sunday and I felt compelled to work on another 2-page spread in my art journal.

Watercolor, colored pencils, pen and ink and a few embellishments.

Art by Chris

Shapes and textures galore!

While in Wisconsin last week,
I attended an event call Art In Bloom
at the Milwaukee Art Museum.

This close up was just a small section
of one of their floral arrangements.

Each arrangement was created by a
Milwaukee florist and had to be inspired by one of the paintings in the museum.
Very cool idea!

Art in Bloom

An " O'Keefe" close up of my favorite flower,
the tulip of course!
Amazing color tones and
beautiful petal formations.
What else can I say?

Photo taken by Chris Miller at the Art In Bloom exhibit in Milwaukee.

Eyes Wide Open

I was lucky to happen upon this flowering tree as I was returning from my power walk.
The petals are very velvety
and this particular bloom was beckoning.
I loved getting as close as possible just to feel the energy of this tree.
It was emitting lots of good vibes ; )

Zentangle away!

I couldn't resist doing another Zentangle. It combines my love of doodling and getting lost in the process of making art.
Actually, it makes me quite happy!

Spring blossoms!

Even though it is not officially spring, there are many flowering trees
appearing here in Sacramento. I found these pink beauties
while I was on a walk
along the river yesterday.

Coming from Wisconsin, I never take this weather for granted.

I am lucky indeed!

Fun with Zentangles!

While taking an art journaling class on line, one of the participants did a Zentangle for her daily page. I was immediately attracted to the doodling format and knew I had to try one. She gave me a link to find out more about this type of art and I discovered a whole new world out there! Here is a link for anyone interested:
http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-zentangle

Wise Words

I've been participating in an online watercolor class entitled " 21 Days in February". It was basically painting a page a day in a watercolor journal. This page was on the 20th day and the prompt was "Wise Words". I found this quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson quite inspiring. And here is a link to my inspiring teacher's website: http://creativity-matters.weebly.com/

Succulent Morning

I decided to splurge and purchase a new plant for my back patio.
I just love the ease of tending a succulent. This particular plant is catching the morning light
as the sun rises
on a lovely cool morning in
Sacramento.
Ahhh....

Summertime at Mckinley Park

While I am working on art journal pages and another watercolor painting, I haven't been able to post anything new on my blog. So I thought I would share an oil painting I did a few years ago.
While Nora was a young girl, we lived a block away from this wonderful park.
With a fantastic playground and a duck pond, this park had a lot to offer. We spent many a day here and we both have many fond memories of Mckinley Park.
Painting this park with oil paint was a new experience for me and being out on location brought new challenges. For one week, I came at the same time of day and captured the way the light fell on the water and the ground.
I hope with this painting you are able to get an idea of the beauty of this place and the magic it has to offer people of all ages.

Petal Power

With modest fanfare and much delight,
I adorned my art studio
with a bouquet of tulips.
I felt the desire to inaugurate
my new found space with
one of my favorite things.

So with camera in hand,
I knew I needed to document this moment,
as my flower-eating cat lies in wait!
The question is: How many days
can I keep these beauties alive?

Delicate Profile

I am so taken with the shape of a tulip.
Why do these flowers always look happy to me?
I'm probably drawn to them for that very reason.

Subtle Beauty

It's so great to look really closely
at these lovely flowers.

These colors are so delicate
that I need to spend time
to see them at all.

Explosion of Joy

Here is my latest work in progress. Yes, another floral watercolor.
But I enjoy this subject matter so very much.
This painting is inspired by a photograph taken by Alexandra Penney.
This finished work will be revealed in the near future!
Stay tuned!

My Art Studio!

I finally made it happen. Since I no longer need a guest room, I was able to sell the futon couch and get some space in this room. My art table has been packed in the garage for the last 15 years. What a pleasure to pull it out, clean it off and actually start using it again!
Every time I walk into this room, I feel such a rush of joy and excitement for all the possibilities that may unfold.

A Bit of Freedom

There is something about
the fluidity of watercolor
that encourages me
to open up
and just let it unfold.

This 2-page spread
was done wet on wet.
This technique helps me feel
like a little kid again
as I watch the paint travel
with a mind of its own.

Relax a Bit!

As I work in a new journal,
I find that it is useful
to remind myself
to stop grasping
for certain outcomes.

Now if I can only listen
to my own advice!

View Point of an Ant!

In photography class this week,
my theme was to shoot photos
from the view point
of an ant.

Who knew life could look so good?

Life on the Ground

When your sunglasses fall to the ground,
check out the cool reflection
that results.

Still looking at life
from the view point of an ant!

Japanese Maple in the Summertime

No, it isn't fall.
Just sunlight passing through
the red leaves of a Japanese Maple
on the Country Day campus.

Towering Majesty

Today I went on a photo shoot
at Capital Park with my daughter Nora.

This park has a variety of trees
that could rival many a forest.

I took this by leaning against the trunk of the tree
and angling the camera up
for a viewpoint
as if I was laying under it.

People need to look up more often!

Nature's Bounty

A garden that is thriving,
an array of vibrant colors and
painting
with Winsor-Newton watercolors.

Now that's something to celebrate!


Watercolor by Chris

Walt Whitman

A poet, a thoughtful and evolving thinker.
He reminds me that during the dark storms
of my life to take the time
to sit quietly, let the energies settle
and find rebirth as I let go of previous misconceptions of myself.
I am not defined by my past and each
morning provides me with a chance
to start anew.
How did I get all that from this painting?
By looking deeply into his eyes and feeling the energy of this man.

Watercolor by Chris

Fanning Out

I can feel myself opening, allowing layers of stress and control falling away.
I am trying to give myself permission to create freely, without the guilt of thinking, "Oh, there surely is something else I should be doing."

Just trying to ignite inspiration!
To not be afraid of mistakes or others' criticisms.

I'm getting there...I'm on the verge of recovering a sense of autonomy!

Sweet Abandon

School is out and I feel free!

This dancer I rendered with colored pencil
is able to convey the emotions
I am feeling now.

The time has come for
nourishing my soul.
and all is well.

Welcome Spring

No matter how many roses I may look at,

they continue to be pretty awe inspiring!

Welcome spring, with open arms!

Flower Power

Tulips can bring

me so much pleasure,

especially on cold, foggy days.

They are a delight to watch

as they change each day,

reminding me

of the impermanence of all things.

Truly my favorite flower

The Juggler

Here we go! Tis the season to try to do too much as we spread ourselves thin, juggling our time and energy.

In an oversized watercolor, I have tried to
demonstrate the distortions we put ourselves through trying to accomodate the needs of other people and handling too many commitments.

So look upon her as she tries to balance more than she can handle.
And have compassion for the way she twists and turns, unknowingly distorting herself in the process.

Perhaps there is something we can learn from her...

The Captive

Trying to please

as she is pulled in many directions.

She becomes entrapped.

Sometimes self-imposed restrictions.

Often not.

Yet trapped by the invisible

chain of expectations.

watercolor

4' X 3'

painted in 1996

Signs of Fall

Such an amazing flower!
Sometimes it can take your breath away.

Serenity

Time to put away all parts

of one's day, reconciling disappointments and regrets.

Let go, be free of conflicts as the

sky deepens in color.

Now is the time to turn inward,

after all the outward movement

of the day.

Welcome the silence and open

your heart to the blessings of rest.

You Get What You Get!

Life gives you

whatever experience

is most helpful

for the evolution of your consciousness.

This latest 2-page spread in my book of positive aspects will be viewed better by placing the cursor on the image and clicking it to a larger format.

Opening

Leave it to a flower

to remind us

to open up to life

in order to receive

its powerful energy

and blessings!

Seeking Refuge

There is a resting place,

a starting place that you can always return to.

Bring your mind back home

and rest right here, right now,

in present,

unbiased awareness.

Your true essence.

Walk Confidently

Initially inspired by a quote from Thoreau, this 2 page spread evolved with some help from my daughter, Nora.

She drew the female figure for me and added her special touch of personality.

I painted the background with acrylic. One edge is finished off with ribbon and fabric.

This art journal is almost completed! I'll need to get another used book to mess with soon!

Empowered Heart

The title says it all.

Done with acrylic on a board prepared with Gesso.

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Working from images off of his last CD, In Step, I painted this piece using only black and white tones in acrylic.
I love the music and passionate guitar playing of this man. I was devastated when he was killed in my home state of Wisconsin after completing a concert there at Alpine Valley, August, 1990.
This is my tribute to him.

Blast from the Past!

This is an oil pastel I did back in my Art Academy days. Two models came to Bill Shield's Beyond Reality class and they posed together. From the drawings I completed that day, I then used oil pastels to create this rather Egyptian-looking piece.
This is truly a blast from the past.

The Heart of the Matter

I am so visually oriented.
This 2 page spread is a reminder to use my heart
to see clearly
instead of relying on outward appearances.
This will lead me
to the heart of the matter.


Journal pages: art paper, acrylic wash,
fabric, embellishments and found images.

portrait of girl:
Mati Rose McDonough
matirose.blogspot.com

And so it goes...

It is important for me
to remember that art
is more about the process
than the
finished product.

My book of positive aspects

Concealed within these pages
are my intentions
to live in an open
and positive manner.

Looking for Trouble!

Here he is. The flower-eating cat!

And yes, I had a rose in a vase on the table which he is planning to attack.

We call him Mucci ( moochy).