Not yet done....one more day needed to finish these

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Nora's creations

This is an 8x10 canvas with marker and wax.

This is Nora's version on a tree woman......(8x10), waiting to get painted.

Textured mixed media on canvas.....and layers of acrylic. This painting has since changed twice more.....it now has wax on it....and looks amazing.....will post those soon....

Nine New paintings (photos and descriptions included)

I have been working on various new pieces within the past 2 months. They are around the subject of nature, specifically plant forms and roots. I have always believed that nature holds all the answers and this work allows me to contemplate all the lessons held by these seemingly very quiet and unassuming living things.

The painting about is called 'Nurturing Nature'. As a parent of 2 young children I am constantly thinking about all the aspects that go into parenting. This painting reminds us about what is happening beneath is just as important as what is happening above, in fact, it may very well be more important, for what feeds the tree is what will allow the beautiful blooms to grow way up on the tops of the tree. That is called 'rearing'.

This one above is an 8x10. When we went to the Redwoods last year we saw thousands of ferns. ferns come into life rolled up into this beautiful spiral which later unwinds. I call this one 'process'. It's reminiscent of the path without the need for a end-result.

The one above I am still working with, but I am including it here for it;s part of the 8x10 sets. It's called 'Hidden beauty'. Here sits a plant form at the bottom of the ocean floor, unobserved and unseen by human eyes. Is it still beautiful even though no one sees it? even thought no one calls it that? Yes, we define ourselves in life, regardless of the criteria of others, we must learn to sway all alone at the bottom of the ocean and still know we are worth it.

I showed this one above to my schoolchildren and they all had varied responses that were VERY vocal and strong. I wanted to bring up the idea of the inside of our bodies and how the veins and capillaries are very much like roots. Also notice how the bulbous items come in the way of the path of the 'roots' and yet the roots go around it, and sometimes right over it. This image calls for the need for flexibility of the human heart.

In working with flexibility I had to create one for my son. I always tell him about the importance of flexibility and how flexibility is strength. These flowers above do not fight the wind, they bend with it, allowing themselves to survive. A less flexible plant might fight the plant and snap in half and die. What we often see as weakness may very well be a strength.
This one above is called, 'birth'. I tool AP bio in high school and I always remember being somewhat fascinated by the 'birth' of a seed. As a teacher of kindergarten years ago I also sprouted seeds. It's always such a fascination to see such a delicate thing crack open a seed I myself can't open. A baby too for example seems like the most delicate thing yet in going through the labor process is no picnic. Babies are stronger than we think.

The one above is titled, 'Love'. One set of roots are embraced and curled together .

This one (24"x30" ) was the first I made in the series.....the picture does not convey the level of texture in this painting. To see close-up images go here.

The one above is called, 'idea'. When we get an idea it begins as a small seed or dream deep within ourselves. But it holds great power, wonder and potential.

Peak at my new art series

Only in art can I explain the deep impact that trees and nature has on my soul and way of being. I have been working every night for a week now on my "root" series. The kids are of course doing their own art besides me. It's the only way I have found I can make art while aware and awake.

Close-up of my "roots"
This one is called, "The idea". I am fascinated by the concepts of nature versus nurture.
My son likes it better reversed, so it looks like a tree. Not bad. But I prefer it as a root.
Closeup look at, "In love"
Luke loves touching the art once dried. He turned this one around too to make it look like a tree. My kids and hubby are my toughest critics.
Nora working on her own "root" mixed-media painting. Chloe sits besides her....the cats make such sweet company. They love watching her draw too, and sometimes chase her pencils drawing lines.
Check back soon or sign up on your left to get e-mail updates. I will not show the whole series until I am done with 12 paintings. My New Years resolution is to get several shows in DC. I will post the kids' work tomorrow.

The book I am reading now....

I found this book in the library and had to borrow it. My friend who passed 3 years back had a few chinese brushes which I now own and would love to try out. I know he would have loved to do it with me. The more I read the more I want to get started. Yet, I will read a bit more before starting.

Angel for my Suzi Blu Class

I am taking Suzi Blu's class on Angels. My first assignment was to make an angel. I am not yet done with her, but here are some process pictures. I will plug in for Suzi's classes. She explains everything and gives excellent feedback. Click here to be directed to her Petit Academy Site.

It began with a sketch.
I use tissue paper to texturize her dress and her wings.
Here is her face.....Suzi made it look so easy.....

My face added on
First layer of painting


Close up of face.

Nora at the studio....

Nora often wakes up in the middle of the night to watch me paint then fade off again. She always tells me how much she loves whatever I had completed at that point. it should be no surprise then to see her also want to paint. She now wants to sit on my stool and paint on my easel.....making me have to work on some other project as she creates her little painting. But how can I say no to that face.....there is just no way...

Silly momma below...
She is so focused. She could literally sit here for about half an hour. Pretty amazing for a 3-year old. I encourage all parents to always share their passions with their kids.
She's on my easel!!

New painting....a dab at landscape

Anyone who knows me knows I lOOOOOVE trees. I actually not only love trees, but I also love tree seeds, tree roots, tree textures....leaves....before the kiddies were born my hubby and I would get tree books and try to get to know all the trees in our neighborhood. To purchase this painting go to my art online art store.

The painting it done in mixed media and it's so textured that the tree comes to about 3/4" off the canvas. The canvas is 24"x30".

My husband...."my harshest critic", did not like the idea of adding flowers to the tree.....here is what it looked like before the flowers were added on. I still like the flowers better....in the end, it's my painting...right?

You can see the texture much better from this angle....these are supposed to be rocks and tall grass.

Here is a close-up of the tree itself..
another close-up.
a close-up of the branches.
I studied tons of cherry blossom photos on Google Images and this is my representation of them.....they are just so beautiful. If you have never been to DC during the Cherry Blossom Festival, it's something to see.

New HUGE Dahlia Painting

I worked until 3am listening to my ipod touch, painting and having a blast. Surprisingly I am not tired.....I am very excited about my new painting....I love contrasting colors and bold lines. Please check my Etsy store in just a few if you are interested in buying this piece. It's 24x30 inches with a 1.5 inch gallery wrapped border. Ready to hang and inspire beautiful thoughts....Click on any of the images below to go to my store.

I just LOOOOOVE Dahlias.......they are just so amazing.......

Some detail work

Nora and Luke's First Group Art Show

These pictures came out a bit dark.....Here is Nora next to her framed drawings....

Here is Luke making a face (or course) beside his 20"x24" abstract tempera painting. Although they allowed children to show their work....seems like Luke and Nora were the only children who participated.