Zebralicious!

Here is my ink drawing of Illustration Friday's Word of the Week, Stripes! I was thinking Peppermint Candy Canes and getting into the holiday spirit this week.

Name Grid

I used images of primitive African art and borrowed patterns and shapes to include in this abstract name grid. I want to try another in a more subdued, monotone palette.  I'm thinking of using this piece as my calling card!

Polar Bears

Burrrrr, Santa Ana weather last night and today!  If your not familiar with Southern California weather this is our version of fall.  Cold nights & mornings with very warm days. Strong winds blow in from the desert in the east.  Thought this colored pencil sketch would be a good pick for the time of year. 

Passage of Time

This colored pencil study was inspired by looking at paintings of Marc Chagall.  It is personal in that it represents images of my family and the passage of time - egg shape is birth, floating woman is marriage, the portrait is an ancestor, the river flows home, the moon, sky, and sun are the passage of time, and the dog is the great spirit who watches over us all.

Elephant

Happy Halloween!  I have already posted my scariest creation, Dzoonokwa Mask, so thought this one might put a smile on your face! It's a graphite drawing of one of the elephants at the SD Zoo.  I often use the Zoonooz as inspiration

Ode to Jack

Jack past away yesterday so I am reposting this sketch and poem as a dedication to his loyal, loving and faithful friendship. We will miss him dearly.

My dog Jack is sweet as can be
He has lived a long life
Fun and carefree.

He's getting old now
and sleeps all day
Dreaming of cats
Running away.

Jack has always been
And always will be
My best friend
And canine baby!

Warm Still Life

This is a recent journal study that I painted in warm dominate hues.  I included both organic and geometric shapes.  I have not yet completed my final painting and I am debating on whether to leave in the vibrant floral arrangement making it the focal point. I originally intended to make the fruit at the bottom of the composition the focal point but got carried away which is a weakness. I am open to any suggestions!

Dzoonokwa Mask

Created this for Illustration Friday's word of the week, 'Ferocious'.  She is a Mythical Personage represented in the Northwest Coast Indian art of the Kwakiutl people.  My father made papier-mache masks using primitve art as his muse. He was my inspiration for this drawing using watersoluble pencils.

SDWS

I visited the San Diego Watercolor Society with my Palomar College painting class on Saturday and toured the International Exhibit.  Artist & member Rise Parberry gave a phenomenal docent tour.  Rise's Fossil Fusion won the 3rd Place Award and was a beautiful abstract experimental piece. If you can't get to the exhibit you can view the winning entries on the SDWS website http://sdws.org/.  Really beautiful & inspiring pieces!

First day posting!

After listening to Jane LaFasio speak yesterday in my painting class, (An artist and teacher known all over the world for her journaling and small quilt art.) I have decided to start blogging and share my art in the hope of connecting with other artists to get feedback and support.  Today I have put a photo of  an unfinished pastel still life and welcome any critique or suggestions.