Across the Great Divide

Just back from a week's vacation in Colorado -- which promises to provide fodder for more upcoming blog posts -- and was so inspired by the landscape east of the Rockies that I couldn't wait to get back into the studio and try my hand at a landscape in pastel. Actually, that's not entirely true. Part of me couldn't wait, but another part of me was really quite afraid to take this on. Luckily, the muse is pushy and will not shut up, so today I gave it a try.

I'm working at staying looser in my style and not worrying so much about each specific rock and tree. Many years ago, at the Georgia O'Keefe museum in Santa Fe, I saw an exhibit of her landscape paintings of the area displayed next to photos of the actual landscape. It was eye opening and inspiring to see how she both captured and transformed the landscape in her paintings. I've never forgotten it.

While working on this piece today of Garden of the Gods, I just kept asking myself, what would Georgia do?

Saturday Morning Revisited

Pastel on paper

One of these days...

About an hour and a half into the four-hour drive between my home and my Dad's is the Milk Farm sign. It's classic. It's iconic. It's old school. It's totally cool. And every time I drive by I say, "One of these days I'm going to stop and get some photos of that sign. I love that sign." One of these days...

Seize the day. The cow will thank you.

Draw a Bird Day 2011

April 8 is Draw a Bird Day! This time last year a dear friend of mine was fighting for her life. She won. Last year's entry was dedicated to her. This year's entry, another swallow, is a reminder to me of every step we take on our journey and to practice gratitude every day.

The What I Love Series #8: California

Yup - I love my home state. Can't help it. This photo shows one reason why.

Saturday Morning: Light and Shade

The What I Love Series #7: Street murals and graffiti art

It's been a while since my last What I Love post. I love graffiti art and street murals. I love the colors, the techniques used, the total artistic commitment they require. Truly inspiring.

Coyote TOD: A Book About Death - Redux

As one of the original artists from the first A Book About Death exhibit in NYC, I recently received an invitation to create a piece for the new Ray Johnson and A Book About Death exhibit. This piece is based partly on a long-standing argument between two aunts as I was growing up, partly on what death looks like to me over two years after losing a loved one, and partly on what Coyote continues to teach me.

Coyote TOD

Lizard Humor

Folks who know me well know I've been talking a lot about Coyote lately. So much so that he really rates his own post - but that will come later. (Yes, yes, let's keep Coyote waiting and see what happens... wanna play with fire anyone?) We think of Coyote as the trickster and the funny guy - but my personal experiences have shown me many animal teachers have a sense of humor. I know a few ravens and magpies who've enjoyed endless amusement at my expense. I laugh and like to think I'm in on the joke which, no doubt, makes them laugh harder.

I was a little surprised, however, to discover Lizard's sense of humor. I had always thought of the dreamtime as a sort of serious sacred place you shouldn't poke fun at. While working on this piece in my studio, Lizard begged to differ. And I love him for it!

The What I Love Series #6: Old Signs

They don't make em' like they used to. Found this one in Santa Barbara where the Greyhound bus station is tiny, gritty, and still operating. A wonderful respite and antidote to how pretty most of that town is.