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 

 

Alaska

Alaska, embraced by deep blue seas and towering, majestic mountains. Out on the water, fishing for clusters of salmon or halibut to sell at market. A solitary painter contemplates a planet squandering its beauty, losing sight of the abundance that surrounds us.

Stock Photo

The sea sustains both you and me, yet commercial enterprises act as scavengers, encroaching upon our escape. Alaska, reveal your beauty to me, and let the sea's creatures roam freely. May they explore without succumbing to conventional captivity and capitalism.

Completed Painting

My parents traveled to Alaska almost every year for nearly three decades. My mother took numerous beautiful photographs during their visits. The photo below is not hers but from a stock collection. I was particularly captivated by the varied shades of green on the mountainside and the light blue ocean below, accentuated by the subtle glow of red from the buoy trailing behind.

Blocking 

Adding details

 

Pool Oasis Awaits

In the quiet hush of morning's embrace,

Where sunlight dances upon gentle waves,

A pool awaits with its inviting grace,

A canvas of serenity it bravely engraves.

Teal waters shimmer, a radiant hue,

Reflecting the sky with a soft, glimmering glow,

Surrounded by foliage, lush and true,

Nature's embrace, a tranquil tableau.

Roses bloom with colors so vivid and bright,

Their fragrance whispers in the soft summer air,

Adding a touch of romance to the sight,

A garden of dreams, beyond compare.

In this painting of peace, where time slows its pace,

A cherished retreat, a haven so sweet,

Each stroke tells a story, each detail a trace,

Of the beauty and solace that make life complete.

Photo

Painting

 

Aspen Landscape On 3

This artwork was crafted using acrylic paint on three separate 12”x 24” canvases, all painted concurrently to ensure a harmonious color scheme across each panel. The process of working on them simultaneously added to the cohesive unity of the piece.

Engaging in this project was particularly enjoyable, and upon completion, the artwork was gifted to a cherished family member. The choice of acrylics allowed for vibrant colors and a dynamic texture that enhanced the overall visual impact of the piece. Each canvas was thoughtfully approached to maintain a seamless flow of color and theme across the triptych.

In a secluded valley nestled between towering peaks, a pristine wilderness unfolded like a painting on canvas. Along the trailhead, golden Aspen trees stood sentinel, their leaves shimmering in the morning light. Beyond them, the landscape opened up to reveal a majestic mountain vista painted with hues of purple, blue, and soft peach tones.

The valley floor was a mosaic of colors and textures. Lush green grass carpeted the meadows, punctuated by patches of lemon-yellow grasses swaying gently in the breeze. Wildflowers added splashes of color, their petals like tiny brushstrokes against the verdant backdrop.

Above, the sky was a clear azure expanse, framing the rugged peaks that stretched towards the heavens. In this tranquil setting, the only sounds were the rustle of leaves, the distant call of birds, and the soft murmur of a nearby stream.

As the day unfolded, the changing light cast shifting shadows and highlights across the landscape, accentuating its natural beauty. The scene was alive with an effortless harmony, where every element—the trees, mountains, grasses, and sky—came together in perfect unity, creating a breathtaking tableau of wilderness.

 

Visit Galena

 

 

Visit Galena nestled in the heart of Illinois. Galena beckons with its historic charm and vibrant offerings for a day of exploration. Strolling down Main Street, visitors are captivated by quaint boutiques offering handcrafted jewelry and vintage treasures. The aroma of freshly baked bread draws them into lively bistros for a delightful lunch.

Afterward, a visit to a local winery nestled amidst rolling hills provides a taste of regional wines and scenic vistas. Indulging in handmade chocolates at a nearby confectionery fuels their sweet tooth for the next leg of the adventure.

The town's art-inspired landscapes offer a picturesque backdrop for photo enthusiasts, with historic architecture and vibrant installations to capture. As the day winds down, a stop at an ice cream shop by the Galena River completes the experience, leaving visitors already planning their return to this hidden gem, bursting with endless delights for all to enjoy.