"Mimicry" collage

Another journal page. See the beauty around you. Sometimes we copy others to grow and evolve ourselves.

"Liminal", collage

This collage is magazine pages, Sharpie, blue Elmers glue and silver polish. If you draw with the blue Elmer's glue, let it dry completely, then wipe the area with silver polish it will remove the magazine color and can be very effective. I also find torn paper to be more interesting than cut paper, depending on the intent of the piece. It is very foggy today. Water droplets are hanging on the trees. I am so accustomed to doing what is expected of me that it is sometimes hard to know what I want and need. I know that I am constantly evolving and growing. It is a part of being human.

"Interstitial" collage

Here is my collage called "Interstitial" which is a space or opening between things. Lately I have been putting off a lot of things so this quote really hits home. I wonder if procrastination and interstitial behavior has a link to each other. "When I keep putting something off, it may not be procrastination, but a decision I've already made and not yet admitted to myself", by Judith M. Knowlton. Find the small blessings in each day.

Hegemony, collage

Here is another page in my journal. Again it is not for sale. I have started working on the cow pastels again. All three are blocked in but none are finished. Hope your Christmas was merry. We made a nice dinner and curled up with a fire. We decided we had everything we needed so gifts for each other were not important. Only loving each other and everyday acts of kindness are plenty. As I look out the window...there are a thousand birds doing an ariel ballet. It is truely amazing.

African Mask, clay

This was inspired by my students. They are not for sale just sharing the beauty I see in them.

"Fecundity" collage

The collages I am posting are not for sale, if you wondered. They are part of a journal on post colonial studies. The class has really opened up my thinking and I feel the experience of this class will have long term effects not only on my art but on how I think.

"Ethnicity", collage

This is another journal page from my "Crossing Borders Class". Egyptian artifacts are so beautiful and this collage gave me an excuse to use these images to make a photo montage. It almost feels tomb like.

A very dear friend died yesterday. He had a way of making other people feel special and appreciated. He was generous with his gentleness and kindness. He will be missed by both Jerry and I. Let those special people know you love them today. You never know if they will be here tomorrow.

Breast Cancer Healing on Paper

Diversity, collage

This collage is attempting to get a handle on the idea of diversity. It is magazine slicks and fine tip Sharpie. I did about 20 or so of these collages. Now I have started my pastels of cows. I have the first one roughed in. When it is done I will post it. Nothing gets done over night but it is about constant progress. Every small positive action is important. All of those small actions add up to a big action or result over time. Remember, one day at a time.

Discourse, collage

This collage is about communicating, sharing ideas and speaking to one another. It is not just about talking but listening as well.

I just got my grade on my journal and I was so excited that I had to print it out so that I wouldn't forget what it said!!! It was 100+ %. My teacher said it was stunning. I am so happy. I really love my journal, but I was starting to worry that I had done it wrong. No one else in my class did it the way I did, so sometimes it is easy to begin doubting yourself.

"Creole", collage

This is another collage from my "Crossing Borders Journal". Creole is the mixing of Black and Spanish heritage to create a hybrid culture. I have a new thought for today. "We are what we imagine. Our very existence consists in our imagination of ourselves... The greatest tragedy that can befall us is to go unimagined." by N. Scott Momaday. This idea is enough to really make you think.

Chromatism, collage

In this collage the leaves represent all the earths people and their multitude of colors and the pencils are the artists through out the world and their many ethnicitys. The scene represents the peaceful place we all deserve.

I passed my final yesterday and I am so pleased. I still have not gotten a grade on my journal but I'm sure Teddy will be grading them soon. She has really made me think about putting myself into my work. I may not have the answers yet but at least she has my mind working.

"We need to own our lives. We need to claim our experiences, all of them, and integrate them into our existence and decisions.We need to claim who we are and be who we are....." by Anne Wilson Schaef. This is a brief quotation from"Meditations For Women Who Do Too Much". This little book has helped me find peace when I was moving to fast.

Cannibal

The word cannibal in post colonial studies is not eating another human being but to take something from the dominant society and change it to fit the needs of the dominated people. I saw a documentary about the disappearing children of Sudan. It wretched my heart. The children leave there homes in the bush at night and go to the city to sleep under verandas and outside hospitals to keep from being kidnapped and killed at night in their villages. The children are wall to wall sleeping. Everyday I discover even more, how spoiled and privileged I am. If you want to know more, go to invisiblechildren.com

Crossing Borders Journal, cover

Well, here is the cover of my "Crossing Borders Journal" I turned it in today. It is not for sale just thought I would share what I have been doing. Remember to share smiles and kind words. My Dad always said that. Be positive and constructive. I am trying to be myself.

Binarism, collage

Well this is the 3rd collage in my book for my "Crossing Borders" class. I have done 20 plus collages."We must get in touch with our own liberating ludicrousness and practice being harmlessly deviant." By Sarah J. McCarthy Good night!

Appropriation, collage

I have skipped alterity because I have included photos of my students in the piece and need permission to publish it online. I have done about 20 collages for my journal for the class "Crossing Borders". Each collage is about a word in post colonial studies. This word is appropriation. In this collage the modern gangs are using tatoos that originated with early tribal peoples but they are using for their own imagery and purposes. One of my class mates said we should wash our faces in good thoughts and I love the idea behind those words. Now every morning when I wash my face I will think of those good thoughts for the day. Good night all!

"First Signs Of Autumn" 24" X30"

This piece will also be in the Knowlton Galleries "Artists Choice Show" that opens on December 5th. I have been very preoccupied with the creation of a one of a kind book for my "Crossing Borders" class. The book is almost done. The only major decision I have to make is the cover. I already have it bound, did it myself because Kinkos would not let me do my own cover and do not stitch the pages. I must be getting picky in my old age. I am trying to decide if the cover should be flat and easy to put in a book case or 3 dimensional. I really like the 3-D cover best but know that it will not store as easily as the 2 -D cover. With the 3-D cover the whole book feels more like a sculpture, where as a 2-D cover it is truely a book. I also put extra blank pages at the end so that I can sketch, journal or add more collage to the book. The entire book is of collage/mixed media to define the words in the course.

"Autumn Vineyards" 24" X30"

Sorry, I have really neglected my blog. I have not been painting much. I passed my midpoint review at the Academy of Art in San Francisco which has taken a lot of my time. I had to learn how to install Power point and a web cam onto my computer. Then I had to learn how to use powerpoint for my online video conference. Also I have had 2 wonderful uncles visit from out of town and Nana, our past Indonesian exchange student also has come to visit. I went to Kansas for a week to visit our daughter and her family and give those 4 grandchildren some hugs. In between all this I have still been teaching high school art and taking an online masters class called "Crossing Borders". I am making a book for that class that illustrates the vocabulary of the class in collage.

The piece I am posting today will be at the Knowlton Gallery the month of December and January.

Personal Passport

This is a collage I did for my new class"Crossing Borders". I think it will be an interesting class. I am sure I will learn a lot. We will be illustrating 15 terms in the media of our choice then binding them into a book. I think this will be fun and challenging. This is my personal passport. It is done with magazine pages, photos, marker and colored pencil.

Mackville Spectators

This is a pastel I did of the cows out on our Mackville Road Ranch. This is how they look when they are busy watching me work or paint or prune trees. They are interesting and amazing. It is 12.5" X 17.5" and it comes framed for $850.00. It is at the Knowlton Gallery right now. Sorry I have not spent much time on the blog. I have been learning powerpoint for my mid point review and working on my mid point proposal. I am learning more all the time but sometimes I need to prioritize so the critical things get done.

In the Company of Buttons

This is an oil pastel, about 12" X 12". It is framed, $650.00 and is available at Gold Strike gifts in Virginia City, Nevada. Sometimes I do this with my high school students. This is done on a brown paper bag that has been waded up and then re flattened. In painting if all the spots of color in the right place, there is no need for drawing.

St. Mary's

This is a very old oil painting of the St. Mary's Art Center in Virginia City, Nevada(she used to be a hospital in the gold rush days). It is a 24" X 30" painting on masonite. I went to see the art center last summer and she is looking pretty rough these days. It is really sad. 20 years ago all the rooms still had antique wood burning stoves and that nostalgia was part of what made her such a special place. I was painting on location at the Ca. State Fair today and I think it was 113 degrees. I was working in acrylics...not a good idea. I should have taken my oils. The paint would dry in my brush before I could get the brush to the canvas. The painting is in the art display at the state fair if you want to see it. Like a dummy I did not shot a digital picture to post. I was so hot that all I wanted was to go home and get a huge cold drink!!

Pink Palace

This is a 16" X 20" oil done on location in Virginia City. It is $800.00 framed and being shown at Gold Strike Gifts in Virginia City, Nevada. Another thought for the day. "The only constant is change".

North of St. Mary's

An 11" X 14" plein aire, oil done in Virginia City, Nevada. "Painting should be done from the floor up, not from the seat of a comfortable chair" by Robert Henri

An Up Hill Hike

This is an oil done in Virginia City, Nevada. It is 16" X 20", $800.00 framed and hanging at "Gold Strike Gifts" in Virginia City. I got some great news Saturday. My 2nd barn painting sold last week, so both paintings I did for the barn show have sold. Yahhhhhhh!!!!!!

Zinnia

This an oil, 24" X 30". It was done many years ago.

Naked Ladies

Sorry, I have been so tired that my blog has been the least important thing to do. This painting is an acrylic on paper called Naked Ladies. I started it on location and finished it in the studio. I need to slow down and make very careful choices about how I spend my energy.

White Iris

This is a large acrylic. The light on the petals are what drew me to the subject. I am still working on the midpoint review power point. I went to my 1st power point class last night and made a visual for my A.P. 3-D Design class. It was pretty cool and much easier than the power point for my Masters. This quote sounds like me. It is one of those things I need to change. "I'm defensive even when what's going on has nothing to do with me. I just know I must be wrong somehow." by Elizabeth from "Meditations for Women Who Do To Much".

Purple Iris

This is a 11" X 14", oil of an iris I saw in a vineyard on Peltier Road. I wish I had taken pictures of all the iris pictures but I did not. I am always busy. I need to take the time to decide if all the business is adversely effecting my life. I need to remember what is really important and eliminate the unimportant business from my life. What is REALLY important?

Coral Iris

This is also 16" X 20 " watercolor. I used a lot of dropped in color in the background while the background was wet. I only wet the areas that I am working in. This reminds me of my daughter, Melissa. She taught me how to make flower pens. I love the ones she made for me a few years back and use them everyday. I was at a garage sale and bought a group of silk roses and made some yesterday just for fun. Thank-you Melissa. "It is not the realization of our dreams that makes us feel lost. It is what happens to us when our dreams become nightmares." by Anne Wilson Schaef.

Yellow Iris

This is a watercolor I did of a yellow and white iris. The image is a 16" X 20". I try to do a watercolor every year as a demonstration painting for my high school art students. This is an older painting that I want someone to see. Much of my work never makes it out of the studio. I really love painting flowers and so many other things. I wish I had a separate body to paint each subject that I am fascinated with because I will never be able to cover all of them in my lifetime.
This is a moment. I will live each moment fully. Then when death comes, and it always does, it will be a culmination of well lived moments, not an end. And no, I am not dying but each day I am one step closer to that moment.

Reflections of Iris

This is an older painting that no one has seen. It is 36" X 48" oil painting with the still life on a mirror. I really like using mirrors and things that reflect color and light. Enthusiasm and aliveness are intimately connected!

Worry Lines

Don't you have to love that face!!! This calf is done in acrylics on paper, it is 21" X 14.5" and is $1,100. framed. It is also called " Worried Calf". It is now at the Knowlton Gallery. Something about the shape of the cow pulls at my heart. I can not explain why. My school district is doing an after school training in Power Point! yahhhhhhh!!!!! So I will be there on Aug. 11th. I am making progress on learning eschool...I actually was able to put a few assignments in the online roll book. Did I say progress not perfection yesterday? I am grateful!! Try to be grateful today, there is always something to be grateful for. I am alive today, even that is a treasured gift!

Mackville Spectators

This is a pastel that is now at the Knowlton Gallery. It is 12.5inches X 17.5inches and is $850.00 framed. If you are interested in it contact the Knowlton Gallery. They have 4 of my cow ieces right now. This is a good example of how the cows gather around when I am on location painting or even planting a tree. They all want to see what the excitement is all about. When I lose my integrity, I have lost my soul. Just another thought for today.

Spotted Cow

This is an acrylic painting on paper of the cows out on the Mackville Ranch. They can be so cute! They watch me as though I am an entertainer. They are very funny!! I especially love it when they have calves. What beautiful faces they have.

Sorry I have not been posting. I went back to work last week and am trying to keep up with 160 high school students, learn a new program for work called eschool (and I don't know it yet and no training, so it is trial and error!!!) I hate that! Also I gave up on a laptop and installed Microsoft Office and soon will install my webcamon the old computer, as I have time. So I am teaching myself to use Power Point for my Midpoint Review in Sept. at the Academy of Art in S. F. All things in time. Progress not perfection!!! Remember that...it will keep you sane!!!

Three Old Friends SOLD

This is the sixth painting for the Lodi Memorial Hospital. I just love these old vehicles. They are out on Liberty Road and they make me think of three old friends sitting together in the sun!!! This is a 24 inch X 30 inch oil painting on red orange primed masonite. "If I could see whats going on with myself as well as I see what's going on with others, I'd be "fixed" by now" by _Pat (from "Meditations For Women Who Do To Much" by Anne Wilson Schaef)

Spring Bloom SOLD

This is the 5th painting I did for Lodi Memorial Hospital. It is an oil painting with an red orange under painting. It is 24 inches X 30 inches. This Cherry orchard is on DeVries Road in Acampo. My husband gets better and better at giving powerful feedback. His critic was invaluable in this painting. I am back teaching full time at the high school since Monday so I have been a bit negligent in posting. Sorry!!!!! Tonight I took my final for my Art and Ideology class.

Oh, I have to tell you about Justin Wilson. He was a student 15 years ago and he saw me in the grocery store yesterday and said my name. I didn't recognize him till I looked at his precious daughter, that looked just like him when he was in my class. He is now a father of 5 beautiful girls, a firefighter and seeing him just touched my heart. Actions speak louder than words. Think about what you do before you do it. What is your action saying about you.

Morning Glow on DeVries Barns, SOLD

This is the first of 3 oil paintings I just completed for Lodi Memorial Hospital. It is 24 inches X 30 inches on a masonite panel. I used a red orange toned surface. I did a 6 inch X 6 inch study first to get comfortable with the colors and feeling I wanted in the painting. Isn't 6 A.M. a glorious time of day!!! "Wonder is a gift of living. Living is a gift of wonder." By Anne Wilson Schaef

Acampo Church SOLD

This is the 3rd pastel for the Lodi Memorial Hospital. My husband really likes this one. It is 24 inch X 30 inch pastel. I bought a large pastel paper roll for these pieces because they are larger than standard pastel paper. They are done on a dark blue grey paper. I am still trying to decide about the laptop. Nature teaches great lessons in humility. In order to learn from her, I have to be in her.

Reflections of Costa's Cherry Orchard SOLD

This is the 2nd pastel that I did for the Lodi Memorial Hospital. I have painted this scene several times but this is the first time I have done it in pastel. It is a 24 inch by 30 inch pastel. My husband Jerry likes my pastels better than my oils. What I like about them is that I am able to get some interesting color vibration and the stroke can effectively be left in the painting and feel right. Well, as much as I hate it, I will be out shopping again. I found a dress that I can live with but now I have to find shoes to go with it. I would rather be getting the powerpoint and webcam figured out and that is also torture!!! The only time I have fun shopping is when I go with a pro. I have 2 friends that always seem to help. We find wonderful things but we so seldom get to go together. Life is always in the way!!!!

"It is better to be a lion for a day than a sheep all your life." by Elizabeth Henry Conflict(which I hate) is inevitable. Fighting is a choice. (usually I choose not to fight, but when I do I pick my fights carefully)

Morning Glow SOLD

This is the 1st of 6 pieces that I am doing for Lodi Memorial Hospital. I haven't finished the 6th piece yet. I am hoping to finish it today. They are all 24 inches X 30 inches. This one is a pastel and the location is in Acampo out on Peltier Road almost to DeVries Road. It is about 6:45 A.M. so it is that wonderful golden hour!!! I am still laboring over what computer to get and when etc. It is enough to make me feel sick. I hate shopping. I do not know how shopaholics do it. The thought of spending that much money and not being sure I am making the right choice is almost paralysing. One of the students in myonline masters class said something so profound that I just must share it. I sure hope she does not mind. "Love is not a feeling, it is an ability." by K. I. Rogers

Socks

I just love her socks don't you? Well, I got the 3 pastels done for the hospital now I need to finish the 3 oil paintings. Today I will work as hard as I can on those 3 oils. I am trying to decide if it is best to get a new laptop with a web cam and powerpoint already in it or to upgrade my old one from the difference in cost is $500.00 extra dollars. I hate these kind of decisions."When nothing is sure, everything is possible" by Margaret Drabble.

Fur

The purpose of this painting was to experiment with making fur feel soft edged and to create the illusion of texture. I was happy with the colors I used in the face. Well, today I need to really work hard on the paintings for the hospital. Something I have done over the years when I needed a reality check was to make a gratitude list. I learned about this many years ago. When I start to make excuses for myself I start making the list of all the things I have to be grateful for. If I am being honest the list would never be done. Is life perfect? No, and would I want it that way? Would there be anything to work towards in a perfect world? Something to think about.

Shrouded Figure

I really like how this one came out. I learned a lot about form and cast shadows on the drape over the body. Fabric can be so facinating can't it!

Sorry I have been away for some important family time. I read this, this morning and it was so off the wall that I had to share it. " A mark of a workaholic is cleaning house in your underwear." by _Coleen

M 4 Figure in my hallway

Interior

This is an interior I had to paint for my "Situations and the Environments" class at the Academy of Art in S.F. It is an oil 11 inches X 14 inches. I have been away from the computer for a few days. I still have not broken down and gotten a laptop with that internet chip. I ran off to the mountains(Dorrington) to work on my pastels for the Lodi Memorial Hospital commission. I am almost done with the 3 pastels. I just need a little fine tuning and they will be done. The 3 oil paintings still need finetuning as well. All choices have consequences. Be sure to learn from whatever the consequence is.
: )

2.2 Study

This is another 3 hour study. Again, I am not overly happy with this painting. I will be away for a few days then I will be back. Remember to see the beauty in the smallest of things!