"Lighthouse"

Lighthouse:

This is one of my favorites. Why? It is captivating. I could feel this painting, literally. 

I had to stop what I was doing as this tingly feeling washed over me. My feet seem to disappear, sand cascading over them. A warmth radiates over me. Sweet-salty flavor fills my breath. My long dark locks, take flight, swirling, whirling from my face into space. Seagulls clattering way above, where my eyes roam across the sky. White billowy shapes form and groove, shaking up the sky as if taking on a life of their own. Is it a lion or a horse? 

Roaring, whooshing, gurgling, and fizzing. Echoes in my head. Look out, rogue wave in coming. Inhale. Freshness. Exhale. Calmness. Eyes open. Home again.

This piece is not one of my original designs. It is a copy of another artist who's identity is unknown. I loved the layout and the colors of this piece. Since I had no official art training I learned by copying artwork from other artist. Most times, I would discover inspiration online or from books. Then challenging myself to recreate the artwork. If my painting turned out with similar likeness then I knew I was getting it. I was satisfied with the end result of this piece and gifted to a very close friend.

Holy Cow! Nine years since my last post.

Time keeps on slippin, slippin, slippin into the future.

Life is full of so many ups and downs but painting helps keep me grounded and inspired.

"The most exquisite moments often feel fleeting, slipping away just as we yearn to savor them for eternity."

Preserve those moments by photographing, painting, journaling-blogging. 

Capture life as it happens!

"Fetishism"

After finishing my traditional paintings, I enjoy immersing myself in the world of abstract art. I affectionately refer to this practice as "mindless painting," where I allow my thoughts to wander freely as I translate them onto canvas. In my latest piece, titled "Fetishism," I explore the abstract representation of various body parts.

Self-Portrait. 17th Century Style

Beginning of glazing application

Beginning of self-portrait

The only aspect of this painting that resonated with me was the dress. Despite my efforts to achieve accurate proportions, I found myself struggling. In frustration, I resorted to tracing other images to ensure my painting resembled the individual rather than a monstrous interpretation.

Despite dedicating ample time to sketching my subjects, I continually fall short of capturing their essence. However, I recognize that patience and practice are essential companions on the journey to mastery.

"Mt Palisades" Completed

This painting has undergone numerous transformations, and as of now, it stands as a completed piece! Initially, my perspective was skewed by the amalgamation of two photos. The interplay of lighting, shadows, and the arrangement of foliage led to a series of evolving changes in the piece.

Before painting over the foliage on the left side of the painting, I found it to be overly busy. However, after making the adjustment, I found myself wishing I had left it untouched. Adding more paint created an unintended texture to the leaves, resulting in an appearance that didn't quite sit well with the overall composition. Ah, the joys of the learning curve!

Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susans symbolize encouragement, motivation, and resilience. They are often associated with positivity, determination, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Additionally, they can represent admiration and appreciation for someone's strength and endurance.

These sunny flowers evoke bittersweet memories of my childhood. I remember one summer vividly: I was just a kid, splashing in my kiddy pool next to the flower garden my mom had painstakingly planted near our backyard play area. The air was filled with laughter and joy until a bumblebee, drawn by the commotion, appeared. Suddenly, a piercing scream escaped my throat, shattering the tranquility. My mother, sitting nearby, rushed over in a panic. I remember the terror as I saw something lodged in my arm—a black, sticky object, pulsating and oozing. My skin swelled up, red and inflamed, like a grotesque balloon. The pain was excruciating, a stark contrast to the blissful moments that had just passed.

The sight of these beautiful golden blooms stirs painful memories, yet I love having them as part of my garden. I foggily recall the moment when my divorce was imminent—I had just finished planting my Black-Eyed Susans, their bright petals shimmering in the sunlight. It struck me then, the irony of how such delicate flowers could evoke contrasting emotions: the pain of a chapter closing, and a reminder of resilience and the beauty that can emerge from difficult times.

As for my artistic pursuits, painting flowers remains a challenging subject for me. Despite my reluctance, I persist in capturing their likeness on canvas, and maybe one day I will be happy with the result. In the meantime, I find solace in the way their natural beauty mirrors the complexities of life.

"Mt Palisades" update

"Mt Palisades"

A work in progress. Will post more when completed.