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