White Rose

“Dedication, absolute dedication, is what keeps one ahead – a sort of indomitable obsessive dedication and the realization that there is no end or limit to this because life is simply an ever-growing process, an ever-renewing process.”
–Bruce Lee



White Rose – Watercolor

It’s weird for me to look back at these flowers and know that I did them.  I have really changed my style.  I still need to go back and remember how fun it is to do something like this and look for the light, the color, the shadows, etc.  I was hoping to paint this weekend, but I worked Saturday and had a honey do list on Sunday.  Oh well…. it was still a great weekend!

Bruce Lee (born Lee Jun-fan; 27 November 1940 – 20 July 1973) was a Chinese American and Hong Kong actor, martial arts instructor, philosopher, film director, film producer, screenwriter, and founder of the Jeet Kune Do martial arts movement. He is widely considered by many commentators and other martial artists to be the most influential martial artist of modern times, and a cultural icon.

Lee was born in San Francisco, California in the United States, to parents of Hong Kong heritage but raised in Hong Kong until his late teens. Upon reaching the age of 18, Lee emigrated to the United States to claim his U.S. Citizenship and receive his higher education. It was during this time he began teaching martial arts, which soon led to film and television roles.  More…

White Magnolia

“There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something tomorrow.”
– Orison Swett Marden



White Magnolia
Oil Pastel on Art Spectrum Colourfix

Whenever I see someone do something beautiful in oil pastel, I want to dig mine out and try them again.  There’s something fun and magical when it works.  Most of the time, it doesn’t work for me.  I think because they are so big and awkward to a detail oriented watercolor person.  They just feel foreign in my hand.  I do still get them out from time to time and I have a lot of respect for pastel artists.

About Orison Swett Marden

Orison Swett Marden, the American writer who is considered the forerunner of motivational authors, wrote an average of two books a year from 1894 to 1924. He was born on a New England farm in 1850. During college, he worked in hotel management. He then used his seed money to buy a resort in Rhode Island. Wanting to inspire people as he himself had been inspired by British author Samuel Smiles, he began writing books like You Can, But Will You? and founded Success Magazine. He died in 1924.

Yellow Day Lily

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.  Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking.  Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.  And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.  They somehow already know what you truly want to become.  Everything else is secondary.”
–Steve Jobs, founder and CEO of Apple



Yellow Day Lily
Acrylic on Paper

In this challenge, we were to paint in Van Gogh’s style.  I hadn’t been holding a paint brush in my hand very long when I attempted this and I knew very little about Van Gogh.  Never the less, it has always been one of my favorites. 
 
Steven Paul Jobs (born February 24, 1955) is an American business magnate and inventor. He is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Apple Inc. Jobs also previously served as chief executive of Pixar Animation Studios; he became a member of the board of The Walt Disney Company in 2006, following the acquisition of Pixar by Disney.   MORE…….

White Flower ala Georgia O’Keefe style

“Striving for perfection is the greatest stopper there is.… It’s your excuse to yourself for not doing anything. Instead, strive for excellence, doing your best.”
– Sir Laurence Olivier



White Flower ala Georgia O’Keefe style
Acrylic on Paper

Unfortunately, during my computer fiasco, I lost many of my pictures that were saved on my primary hard drive.  Rather than whine… I decided to go back to some paintings I had saved on the secondary drive and look at them again, just for fun and inspiration.

The paintings I have selected to share on my blog are the Plant Parade paintings I did on WetCanvas’ Florals and Botanicals forum.  This is one I did in 2007.  The challenge was to paint in the style of Georgia O’Keefe.   The reference was a white flower, but I don’t remember what kind it is.   Any ideas? 

About Sir Laurence Olivier

The brilliant English actor Laurence Olivier, known for roles in such films as The Entertainer, Rebecca, and Wuthering Heights, was central in founding Britain’s National Theater, and was artistic director there for ten years. He was born in 1907 in Surrey. Not a Method actor, he used external attributes to create a character. He craved performance and was depressed between jobs. He was the first actor to direct his own Oscar-winning performance, in Hamlet. He died in 1989.

Bald Boys

“The world stands aside to let anyone pass who knows where he is going.”
– David Starr Jordan



Bald Boys
6″ x 9″ Watercolor & Ink

This is another reference from the WetCanvas WDE.  Of course, the plant life is strictly from “Bethville”. 
Don’t they look like they’re having an argument over politics in the jungle?  he he

About David Starr Jordan

David Starr Jordan, a scientist, educator, author, and ichthyologist, was best known for his work as a peace activist. He was the president of Indiana University from 1885 until 1891, when he became the first president of Stanford University. He coauthored The Fishes of North and Middle America and served on international commissions for fisheries. Later in his career, Jordan became involved in the quest for international peace and served as director of the World Peace Foundation from 1910 to 1914. He died in 1931.

Beach Babes

“Forgiveness is the economy of the heart.…forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits.”
– Hannah More



Beach Babes
6″ x 6″ Watercolor

I played at WetCanvas this weekend for the first time in ages.  I had fun playing loose and fast with these gals.  It was a challenge trying to get their body language.  They were very interested in something over on the left, out of our view.   FUN!!

About Hannah More

English writer and philanthropist Hannah More, one of the most influential women of her time, is seen as a proto-feminist because she argued for true education for women. She was born near Bristol in 1745. When her long engagement to a local landowner ended badly, he gave her a yearly stipend in apology, which allowed her the freedom to move to London and write plays. She later shifted to philanthropic work and writing popular religious tracts. She died in 1833.

Wiener Dog Love

“Never let life’s hardships disturb you…no one can avoid problems, not even saints or sages.”
– Nichiren Daishonin

Boy, that’s a good one for me.  

Wiener Dog Love

Watercolor & Ink

I still don’t have my work computer, so I grabbed something off my home computer to post today.  I should get it back today, then begin the process of reloading all my programs, drivers and backup.  What a time eater that’s going to be.  I sure have missed it, though.   I’m happy to be getting it back.   

About Nichiren Daishonin

Thirteenth century Japanese monk Nichiren Daishonin is known as the founder of the branch of Buddhism that bears his name. Born Zennichi-maro in a fishing village in 1222, he changed his name when he founded “True Buddhism,” a return to the non-discriminatory basis of the religion. His huge following and his dire predictions made him unpopular with rulers; according to legend, he was about to be killed when a freak astronomical phenomenon blinded the executioner and saved Daishonin’s life. He died in 1282.

Fantasy Fish IV

“We each need to let our intuition guide us, and then be willing to follow that guidance directly and fearlessly.”
– Shakti Gawain

Fantasy Fish IV

Watercolor, Inktense & Ink

I’m still going to be off-line today.  Long story on the computer, but survivable.  Have a wonderful day!

About Shakti Gawain

American New Age author Shakti Gawain was born in 1948. Raised by atheists who taught her to question everything, she went through an existential crisis after a romantic breakup, which led her on a pilgrimage to India. Her experiences inspired the book Creative Visualization, which became an international best seller. She has been featured in Time magazine and has appeared on such shows as Oprah, Good Morning Americav andThe Larry King Show. She currently lives in California with her husband Jim Burns.

Fantasy Fish III

Don’t let other people tell you what you want.”
– Pat Riley

Fantasy Fish III

Watercolor, Inktense & Ink

This is the third in my series of four.  They were so fun.   I see more of these in my future, only different.

My work computer grabbed it’s throat, coughed, spun around and died yesterday.  I am hoping it is just electrical and can be saved.  The computer doc is coming this morning.  Please have good thoughts for the patient, as I am not ready to deal with lost data.  Until then, I’ll be off-line during the day.  (I’m sending this from home this morning.)  :)

About Pat Riley

Legendary American sports coach Pat Riley, the three-time NBA Coach of the Year, was drafted by both NBA and NFL teamswhen he graduated from college. He was born in 1945 in New York. He played with the LA Lakers on their championship-winning 1972 team and retired in 1976, becoming an assistant coach to the same team in 1980. The 1981–82 season began badly, so management fired his boss and promoted Riley, who took the Lakers to the first of their four championships under his guidance. In 1995, Riley resigned from the Knicks and became the head coach of the Miami Heat, advancing the team to the finals for the first time in francise history. He stepped down as head coach in 2008, but still serves as President of the team.

Fantasy Fish II

“Most people are so busy knocking themselves out trying to do everything they think they should do, they never get around to what they want to do.”
–Kathleen Winsor



Fantasy Fish II
Watercolor, Inktense & Ink

This is the second fish in my series.  To appreciate the intensity, I must confess that the whole image is only about 8″ x 10″.   The little egret is quite happy to be enjoying the sunny day in a Fantasy Fish.  he he

We’re going to enjoy a day in the upper 60′s here today.  YAY!!

Kathleen Winsor, author of the bestselling Forever Amber, has died aged 83. Her 1944 novel, which was made into a high-profile film directed by Otto Preminger, was a thousand-page fictional romp through Restoration fashion, politics, bedrooms and public disasters, among them the plague and the Great Fire of London. It was a love letter to a London she had read about in Defoe and Pepys, but had never seen.

Forever Amber was published in New York by Macmillan, the firm that had sold 4m copies of Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With The Wind in 1936. Alert to the possibilities of Winsor’s manuscript, which ran to 2,500 pages, their editors set about carving something commercially viable from the sprawling story.  More…

Coastal Fantasy Fish I

“When I do things without any explanation, but just with spontaneity…I can be sure that I am right.”
– Federico Fellini



Coastal Fantasy Fish I
Watercolor, Inktense & Ink

This is the first fish I did for a new coastal series I am working on.  I am having so much fun working on this new collection!

Whenever I share something new, I have copyright in the back of my mind.  Stealing art on the internet has become so blatant that it is a huge concern for anyone who creates art for a living.  I am new to art licensing, but it is still art that I do with the intent to license.   It’s a shame we have to be afraid.

There is a new group, started by Phyllis Dobbs,  on LinkedIn that addresses these issues.   Copyright – Artist’s Rights. I am very interested to learn how we can work together to protect our art.  If it concerns you, too, join us at LinkedIn.

About Federico Fellini

Famed Italian director Federico Fellini is known for the dreamlike logic and rich symbolism in Oscar- winning films like La Strada, La Dolce Vita, 8 ½, and Amarcord. His films often featured his wife, actress Giulietta Masina, and his onscreen alter-ego, actor Marcello Mastroiann. He was born in 1920 in Rimini. After he’d begun his film career, he opened a store named the Funny Face Shop, where he sold his drawings and artwork from other filmmakers. His 1993 funeral was attended by thousands of fans.

Green Birdhouse

“It is only by following your deepest instinct that you can lead a rich life.”
– Katharine Butler Hathaway




Green Birdhouse

Since I missed a day of posting, due to the weather, I thought I’d share another little birdhouse.  The sun is out and it’s supposed to get to 52 today!  YAY!

I drove my pickup home yesterday, without any trouble, and I thought I’d go ahead and drive it today.   I scaled that steep driveway with no problem, just to get stuck at the top on the road.    That F150 just spun on the ice.  I was able to inch it out of the way, so I could walk back down and get the jeep.    By this afternoon, we should be able to get it back down the driveway.  Ah… the adventures of winter.

I am so ready for spring! 

About Katharine Butler Hathaway

Katharine Butler Hathaway’s memoir, The Little Locksmith, earned glowing reviews and was a best seller when it was published in 1943, just after the author’s death. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1890. After coming down with spinal tuberculosis at age five, she was strapped to a board for ten years to prevent hunchback, but the arduous treatment didn’t work. She soared despite her body’s limitations, attending Radcliffe, making friends, and buying a house in Maine as a refuge for friends and lovers. She died in 1942.

Purple Bird House

“When a man is sufficiently motivated, discipline will take care of itself.”
– Sir Alexander Paterson



Purple Bird House
Watercolor & Ink

I have been painting so many birds lately, that I thought a couple bird houses might be in order.  I have been painting fish, while snowed in.  It has been really fun and occupied my busy mind.
I am out of the house and happily in the sign shop.  I enjoyed spending time with my husband, but am thrilled to be able to travel around at will.  During all of the snow, I am especially happy for my little 97 Jeep Wrangler.  It has been a faithful friend.  My sign shop truck, a 2000 Ford F150, has been safely tucked away inside the shop.   Though the bed is filled with cinder blocks, it’s no match for all the ice and snow.

I am glad it’s over and I’m looking forward to the 60′s we’re expecting this next week.

About Sir Alexander Paterson

Alexander Paterson was instrumental in humanizing the Borstal juvenile delinquency prisons in England. He was born in 1884 in Cheshire. While working to aid the poor, he moved into a tenement. Across the Bridges, his book about his experiences, was a call to action and set off much-needed reforms. As prison commissioner, he initiated a training program of hard but interesting work, believing that prisons should focus on rehabilitation, not punishment. He died in 1947.

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”
– Winston Churchill



Purple Grasshopper
5″ x 7″ Watercolor & Ink

I painted this little dude over the weekend.  We were stuck at the bottom of the icy driveway and it made me think of spring.  I did another one, which I’ll show you tomorrow.  Since we are anticipating being snowed in again for a few days, I have some fish paintings started.  I’ll just pretend I am in the Caribbean! 

About Winston Churchill

Sir Winston Churchill was an extraordinary British prime minister; he laid the groundwork for welfare in England, helped set the boundaries in the Middle East, became a symbol of the resistance against the Nazis in Europe, and was a central force in the Allied victory in World War II. He was born in 1874 near Oxford. He was known for his courage, his stubbornness, and his powerful personality. He was also an accomplished painter and writer. He died in 1965.

Snow Storm Bird Painting

“If one scheme of happiness fails, human nature turns to another; if the first calculation is wrong, we make a second better.”
– Jane Austen



Snow Storm Bird Painting
Watercolor & Ink

Yes, I painted this fellow in the hotel room last week.  When I finally got out of that room, I painted grasshoppers.  ha ha ha 

It’s noon and I just made it in to work.  After tomorrow and Wednesday’s snow, I may be housebound until the weekend.  *sigh*

About Jane Austen

Jane Austen (1775-1817), the British writer whose sparkling, socially incisive novels remain extremely popular two centuries after her death, is best known for Pride and Prejudice, which she called her “own darling child.” She started writing solely for her own family, and her novels, including Sense and Sensibility and Emma, were initially published anonymously (or “By a Lady”). Nevertheless, she won fame later in life, and she earned the high honor of burial in Winchester Cathedral after her death in 1817 at age 41.

Dressed For Tea - Bird Painting

“Happiness is a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you sit down quietly, may alight upon you.”
– Nathaniel Hawthorne



Dressed For Tea
Watercolor & Ink

This is another hotel room painting.  I can tell it’s time to leave that room, because I quit painting.  I’m ready to go home.  We checked out of the motel and are heading home this afternoon, even though it’s snowing again.  I’m ready to be in my studio and my own bed.  YAY!

About Nathaniel Hawthorne

The novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864), famous for his dense prose and allegorical undertones, is perhaps best known for The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables. He was born in Massachusetts, and his New England upbringing permeates his work. Hawthorne achieved fame late in life: his first work, a collection of short stories, was rejected by publishers, but he continued to write even as he worked at the Salem Custom House.

Toucan

“Happiness is neither virtue nor pleasure nor this thing nor that but simply growth. We are happy when we are growing.”
– William Butler Yeats



Toucan
Watercolor & Ink

Another bird painted in the hotel room during the storm.  It’s amazing how my art took my mind off of all the turmoil taking place outside.  Isn’t it wonderful to be able to do that?

We may venture to our house Friday evening.  We haven’t been there since Monday.  We’re looking forward to spending the weekend in our own home.  They are forecasting snow for Friday, Monday and Wednesday, but not this much.  I hope everyone reading this is safe and warm.

About William Butler Yeats

Irish author William Butler Yeats, known for his mysticism and Celtic imagery, won a Nobel Prize for his plays but ultimately achieved more renown as a poet. He was born in Dublin in 1865. Co-founder of the Abbey Theater, he served as its resident playwright and worked with actress Maude Gonne, who inspired the romantic longing expressed in many poems. He married at age 52 and co-wrote A Vision with his wife, a book with occult roots that explores the mythology in his poetry. He died in 1939.

Pink Poppy Flamingo

“The individual is capable of both great compassion and great indifference. He has it within his means to nourish the former and outgrow the latter.”
– Norman Cousins



Pink Poppy Flamingo
Watercolor & Ink

This is what happens to a mind that is trapped in a hotel room during a snow storm.  ha ha ha  With our steep driveway (out in the country) we decided to stay in a hotel in town.  It turns out that it was a good decision.  Our neighborhood is still too icy to venture in, so our neighbors are taking care of the house, while we stay in town a couple days.   We got a lot of snow and it’s a mess!

I hope that wherever you are reading this from, that you are safe and warm.

About Norman Cousins

American writer and editor Norman Cousins is best known for his book, Anatomy of an Illness, an account of how he used nutrition and positive visualizations, including laughter, to heal from an illness diagnosed as fatal. He was born in New Jersey in 1915. He served many years as editor-in-chief of the Saturday Review, a job he loved. Under his guidance, circulation increased from 20,000 to 650,000. He received the UN Peace Medal for his world activism. He died in 1990.