Painting Water 2

This is the second painting I did in Doug Oliver's workshop. "Breaker" acrylic on canvas. 20x16

Painting Water 1

I recently had the opportunity to take a workshop with Doug Oliver. Over the course of three days, Doug demonstrated and taught his method of painting water with acrylics. He works quickly, with many layers of paint as he draws out the light and shapes and motion of his subject. It was fascinating to see him work. Doug is a generous teacher, excellent artist, and a man of warmth and compassion. It was a good three days. Here is the waterfall painting I did under his watchful eye. "Secret Falls" acrylic on canvas, 20x16.
Click here to view Doug's work.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

May the season bring each of us renewed life, and eyes more attuned to the beauty around us. May we care more generously for those around us.

And in the coming year may we enjoy new adventures, deep friendships, and greater joy. Life is good!

We shall see the sky sparkling

Pastel and gouache on paper. My favorite Checov quote.

Still Life with Clemintines

Here is the first charcoal piece my niece has ever done! We had fun setting up the still life with Christmas clementines from a friend. Stormy skies outside, baking Christmas goodies in the oven... a wonderful day.

Good job, Chiara!

DREAM Act

Today the US Senate voted against passage of the DREAM Act. This legislation would have given the children of immigrant parents who are here without legal documents a pathway to become citizens. I am disappointed and ashamed of their vote against these young people who have done nothing wrong, and want only the chance to be productive citizens. I have many young friends this legislation would have affected. They know no other homeland. Most have never left the US since coming here with their parents as babies or young children. Ricardo sees his parents working day and night for him and his siblings, and wants only the chance to study and work to repay them for their sacrifices. The DREAM act would have given him that chance. Bette is afraid to go anywhere after school because she fears she will be arrested and sent to a land she has never visited since she was two years old. Sarah wants to be a nurse. Salvador wants to study engineering. What are these people supposed to do with their lives now?

This piece is for them, and for the many "Dreamers" who led hunger strikes for the passage of this legislation. "Per aspera ad astra: Through adversity to the stars" I know there will be justice for them and for us all one day, it just takes more of us working for it, and a lot of perseverance. We are, after all aiming for the stars, for heaven on earth.

View from Red Rock Road

Here's a little watercolor sketch. The landscape here is so varied, and the colors change dramatically every minute. It is inspiring!