Eye Of The Dragon

I began painting rocks in 2021 during the pandemic. When the world went on lock-down and people were going stir crazy sitting at home; I was painting rocks. These small paintings actually were fast and fun. My young grandson’s thought they were cool too. So I was doing something right to keep their attention while having fun. After finishing our painting project; we took those rocks and placed them in playgrounds around the area.

Rock art is a fun craft to do outdoors or indoors. It also is a fantastic medium tool for those looking to practice painting in a crafty way. Great for gift giving, hiding in parks or along a hiking path to a passersby. 

Sometimes hiding rocks can be rough.
“Do I have to give up this rock, grams?”

 

Rock Out

What do rocks and art have in common? They can be hard, thrown, rough, smooth, deep, shallow, slick, and vary in shape, color, texture, style, dimension, and weight.

This painting came together as a study for a larger piece I had been working on at the time. Creating realistic-looking water is a challenge, but painting rocks in a stream of moving water is mind-bending for a novice.

The takeaway from this experiment in rock painting was that it was an interesting attempt that I actually liked, even though it did not turn out as intended. What I liked about this monochromatic project before adding color was how the rocks looked in depth. When adding color, the rocks gained a shiny texture by applying white to the edges. That small gesture made a big difference in the dimensional perspective. 

 

Dots and Flowers

The painting below was created using a concept similar to another piece I made, which was inspired by Van Gogh's "Irises" painting.

The technique came to me while looking at Aboriginal and mosaic art. The dots or rough shapes surrounding the main subject—in this case, the foliage, plants, and blooms—were placed randomly. I began with a black painted canvas, inserted white shapes, and then filled them in with color.

I classify these types of paintings as mindless abstract. Generally, after finishing more complicated work, I enjoy simply painting something that requires less thought, at least for me.

All those dots and unintentional shapes around the subject create a mood-enhancing calmness for me, simply through the repetitiveness of placing these shapes simultaneously.

For those interested in the origins of Aboriginal art, it was created by Australia's indigenous peoples. This art is characterized by dot painting, symbolic depictions, X-ray style showing internal details, and cross-hatching patterns. It conveys "Dreamtime" stories using natural materials like ochres and pigments on bark and rock, reflecting a deep connection to the land and often produced collaboratively.

To view Aboriginal style art click link. Aboriginal Art Store

 

Cloud Canvas

When driving through the countryside, a vast cloud cover stretched endlessly across the horizon, offering expansive views as far as the eye could see. The setting sun cast a golden glow that emerged from the depths of the cerulean blue sky, painting the road ahead with an enchanting aura that seemed to vanish into the infinite expanse.

In the cerulean sky so vast and wide,

Where cotton clouds like dreams do glide,

Their billowed shapes, a painter's delight,

Drifting softly in the sun's golden light.

Each cloud a story, ever-changing art,

Whispering secrets to the dreaming heart,

On wings of azure, they dance and play,

In the canvas of the endless day.

Oh, cerulean sky, with clouds so fair,

Reflecting moods in the open air,

Mysteries hidden in your depths so high,

Infinite tales written across your sky.

 

Van Gogh Inspired

One of my favorite artist, Van Gogh, who painted Irises is what inspired this painting. 

In the beginning, I created shapes surrounding the floral subject in a black and white mosaic like pattern. Then completed the painting with a similar color scheme of Van Gogh’s.

Historical, Vincent Van Gogh painted Irises in 1889 while living at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France.

Van Gogh said the painting was "the lightning conductor for my illness" because he believed painting helped him avoid insanity. 

Van Gogh painted Irises from nature, capturing the irises' dramatic petals in the garden for the patients. The painting features a prominent white bloom among deep violet hues, with turquoise leaves forming a swirling band beneath the flowers. The painting's cropped composition and broad areas of vivid color are likely influenced by Japanese woodblock prints, which Van Gogh was a dedicated collector of. 

Van Gogh intended the irises to be purple, but the red pigment has faded over time, turning the flowers blue. He created a balanced background by dividing it into brown, purple, and green/yellow sections, which emphasizes the energy of the flowers and leaves. Van Gogh also made another still life painting of a bouquet, contrasting purple and pink with green. 

Irises is currently owned by the J. Paul Getty Museum in Malibu, California. In 1987, it became the most expensive painting ever sold, selling for $53.9 million to Alan Bond. Mr. Bond was unable to pay for the painting, and it was resold to the Getty Museum in 1990.

 

A Mother’s Whisper Echoes

This small painting was created for my mom as a Mother’s Day gift before her death in 2019. 

Before learning to paint; going to the store to shop for a gift seem more like a chore than a giving notion. Especially, when I did not have a lot of indispensable income to spend on a gift no matter who the recipient.

However, creating a gift seemed more traditional and practical. Although, years ago you could say some of my family was not thrilled with receiving one of my homemade paintings. As a matter of fact, those paintings either ended up in a circle file or tucked deep in the back of a closet. 

Like anything the more one continues to experiment and practice the more growth and potential one grows at improving their skill. Especially paired with passion and determination.

As a result, my mom and other family member's became a fan of my art and eventually looked forward to receiving a painting as a gift.

When you lose a loved one, such as a parent. Their spirit lives on within the heart of the one who carries forth their memory. My mom continues to shine bright like the sun!

 

Mother & Daughter celebrate Mother’s Day
before mom passed in 2019

In the stillness of dawn's gentle light,  

Where memories dance in softest flight,  

I feel your spirit, calm and near,  

In whispered winds that dry my tears.

Though your voice has left this earthly stage,  

In echoes, it lingers, age to age.  

Through mirrored eyes and shared embrace,  

I glimpse your love, a timeless grace.

Grief's shadow, faithful yet to fade,  

Guides me through this quiet glade.  

With each sunrise, I am learning to heal,  

Embracing whispers that time reveals.

And in the cardinal's vibrant hue,  

I find solace, a hint of you.  

A symbol of hope, in every wing,  

A melody of love, forever to sing.

An angel dressed in red,  

Sent from above to keep watch.  

Days turn into years, returning with each season,  

Until our spirits embrace everlastingly.

Diving Sea Turtle

 

Oh ancient sea turtle, free and bold,

Diving to the depths untold,

Rising high with grace and might,

To nest upon the shore at night.

Lay your eggs with hope and care,

A legacy beyond compare,

Return to the sea, where elders glide,

In endless currents, side by side.

Swim on, majestic soul so grand,

Through azure waters, vast and grand,

Your spirit shines, forever strong,

Inspiring hearts with nature's song.

The Diving Sea Turtle painting was inspired by the world-renowned photographer Jordan Robins, whose work is extraordinary. I love how he captures his subjects and his use of perspective, especially in combining the sea, subject, and sky in a single frame.

The photograph served as both inspiration and a guide to replicate the subject leaping off the canvas, mirroring the impact of the original image. Unfortunately, the painting did not turn out as well as intended but did provide a valuable lesson.

Now, this painting adorns the wall of my hair salon, adding a touch of interest. More importantly, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of the print I ordered from Jordan Robins to share with his painted companion.

To see more Jordan Robins Photography click the link.

Coastal Song

In the early morning’s hush,

Sunlight bursts through clouds like diamonds,

A dazzling awakening, a radiant blush,

Upon a world just waking with vibrant hymns.

Waves crash upon the waiting shore,

Their dance a playful tease,

Tickling feet with foam of turquoise blush,

Nature's lively symphony that endlessly frees.

Amidst this coastal reverie,

Sea gulls swoop with hungry cry,

Their wings a graceful poetry,

As they search for fish that swiftly fly.

Time stands still,

Nature's beauty vivid and profound,

Where sparkling light and turquoise blush abound,

In this morning's tale, for me and you.

Cupcake Conundrum

Cupcake added to original photo 

In this piece, I aimed to incorporate an element missing from the original photo that would explain to viewers why the little girl had a purple color around her mouth.

Original photo before cupcake

This painting was created during the COVID-19 lockdown when many of us were confined at home, searching for creative outlets. Social media, especially Facebook, became a refuge for those with talents like music, painting, and storytelling. Feeling the urge to paint but lacking inspiration, I decided to post a request for interesting photos that could serve as subjects for a painting contest. I was looking for lively and engaging photos of people willing to participate.

The photo that caught my eye was the one with the girl, but as I began painting, a challenge arose—specifically with the purple face in the photo. It made sense in the original context, but I didn't want to include the background of original photo just the girl. The purple face puzzled me and didn't quite align with my creative vision. This dilemma led me to explore digital art in a whole new way.

I used Procreate to experiment with digital painting. The idea of a cupcake came to me as I wondered what treat the little girl had enjoyed to leave her face that delightful shade of purple. Seeing her open hand in the photo, I decided to introduce a cupcake into the scene, which then became the focal point of my painting. This unexpected turn not only resolved the confusion but also inspired me to embrace digital art as a medium I had never considered before. 

Cupcake conundrum complete