The Shadow's Reply

Lynden St Victor

2010-07-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

I love the allegorical work of Lynden St Victor. Not only is he an outstanding painter (self taught), but also has very interesting thoughts on religion, life, art. He and his wife are also involved heavily in dog rescue, apparently- animal rescue is an issue that is close to my heart.

new painting

2010-06-21T19:28:00.000-07:00

I've been working on quite a few paintings over the past few months. Because I work in oils with slow-drying mediums, it takes me a while! I think I'm going to alter this process a bit- but for now, that is how it is. I work in layers- slowly building one upon another- atop a base drawing/painting. Working this way allows me to make major changes to the work, if needed. This painting started out as a basic American folk art inspiration- taken over by dreams of the earth, of death and rebirth. Entitled: (in secret) between the shadow and the soul- I do love Pablo Neruda...

Swan Bones Theater

2010-05-31T16:47:00.000-07:00

One of my very favorite artists- Kelly Louise Judd created illustrations for a children's book about faeries: 13 Treasures, by Michelle Harrison, that was just released. If you have never looked at Kelly's beautiful paintings and illustrations- you are really missing out! She is an amazing artist who seems to pull from fairy tale, myth and dreams to create the most lovely paintings. She is truly an inspiration!

And.. who can resist a faerie book?! The book sounds wonderful: "No one else can see the evil fairies that rouse Tanya from her sleep, torturing her at the slightest mention of their existence, but they are as real to the 13-year-old as anything she's ever known. She cannot rid herself of them, nor can she ignore them. But it is her insistence on responding to them that has her banished to her grandmother's secluded countryside manor.

There is much to explore and even more to fear in the woods surrounding the estate. But, the forest isn't the only source of dark secrets, and Tanya soon finds herself entangled in a mystery that could trap her in the fairy realm forever."

I can't wait to buy a copy of this!

Sergy Tyukanov

2010-03-28T07:49:00.001-07:00

I found this Russian artist- Sergy Tyukanov- through Bibliodyssey (beautiful blog - best images on the web, I think) a while back.

I love Sergy Tyukanov's work- such delicate line and wonderful detail. I want to live in those fantastical worlds!

Travel, Painting, Life

2010-03-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

February was such a busy month- I've hardly had time to sit and think- much less blog... but it has been a good-busy period.

M and I took a wonderful trip to San Francisco. It has been probably 15 years since I have been there- and I do love the city so much! I had a fantastic time perusing the art museums, shops, parks- not to mention enjoying great food-! We filled up on clam chowder, Indian delicacies, Thai deliciousness, fish and chips, French cuisine- makes my mouth water to remember it all.

After SF, I travelled to Albuquerque to see friends and family. It was a shorter visit- but a good one- and again, I got my fill of delicious food- specifically green chili luciousness.

So, 10 lbs later-!

Before I journeyed off- I sold this piece to a private collector:

The Gift

It is an oil on (textured) board (8"x10")- entitled "The Gift". It took around 4 months to complete- and was created in the traditional styles of painting- starting with a drawing, then an underpainting, then layering of glazes. I also do a bit of wet on wet mixing in some of the layers - so in the end, it is a combination of styles. This type of painting takes months to dry. I did not use quick drying medium, but mixed my own mediums- with slower drying times. This type of painting can be a hindrance in today's quick market art world- but it's worth it, to me. I think that the glazing technique gives the painting a luminous look- and creates an added dimension. However, because of the slow drying time, I had to varnish with a retouch varnish before selling it to my collector. In a year, I will need to go back and varnish the painting with a proper varnish.
All in all, I was happy with the results and very pleased that it will be enjoyed for many years to come.

a Little Byrd with beautiful taste

2010-01-31T10:07:00.000-08:00

My friend, Rebekah has such a lovely vintage shop on Etsy I just wanted to share it: http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlebyrdvintage

She has the most beautiful taste - I love the way she looks at things- I guess with a folk-Victorian sensiblity- lots of lovely faded prints, old lace, animal trinkits, antique childrens' books...AND she is a talented seamstress who creates her own lovely accessories, house decor, and clothing. I especially love her super cute elfish hats (of which I now own 2!) and her fingerless cozy mittons. (shown)= Adorable!!

Lots of painting going on

2010-01-14T10:27:00.000-08:00

I've been painting like mad lately- oils mostly. Because my primary paintings take 3-4 months to complete (I work in the "old master" style of layering or glazing over an underpainting- though I also employ some wet-on-wet techniques to parts of the painting.) I am just now able to show completed paintings that I started during the summer! The one above- "She Who Watches" is oil on board- measuring 6" x 6".
I'm thinking of having prints made for the shop or maybe producing note cards of this image.

The Sun= The Reason For The Season

2009-12-21T09:01:00.000-08:00

Woden

It is that time of year again- the shortest day and an opportunity to welcome back the sun. This day, of course, has been celebrated for thousands of years. Many ancient traditions mark this day as the rebirth of the sun god.
Yule is upon us and it is a good time for meditating on the year ahead- another opportunity to change, transform and renew.
Happy Solstice Everyone!!

Kathleen Lolley

2009-12-02T08:20:00.000-08:00

Kathleen Lolley is a storyteller via gorgeous illustrations. I just found her work today and am astounded. She really does send the viewer to a magical world...

Too Wonderful!!!!!

more miniatures

2009-11-25T07:56:00.001-08:00

I sold out of my little wreath paintings a few days ago- but now have more to display in my shop. I'm trying to mainly focus on North American forest animals right now- though I'm sure I will start expanding geographically soon...

Moss Paintings

2009-11-23T06:59:00.000-08:00

I have a couple of new pieces up in the store- Hand crafted frames of moss surrounding original paintings of animals. I love the forest and these little paintings remind me of my favorite wanderings through the woods. I think they have a bit of a fairytale quality to them and I'm thinking this year of doing a fairytale Holiday tree- lots of woodland animals, maybe even a few fairies, witches and other curious characters mixed in..

Isabellas Art

2009-11-22T14:02:00.000-08:00

There are so many wonderful artists out there- too many to name. I just found another one that I love:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/IsabellasArt
Isabella is an artist inspired by myth and fairytale- she creates unique illustrations and (very cool) shadow puppets. I want one!!

Texas- who knew?

2009-11-20T08:14:00.000-08:00

McKinney Falls State Park
I recently moved to Central Texas from Portland, OR. Portland is a wonderland for me- lovely and mysterious- I love the way nature still overtakes the city in all of the beautiful parks and neighborhoods. I have spent many days and evenings in Portland, just walking around under the canopy of trees- feeling a connection with nature within the town.

I didn't imagine that TX could create that same feeling for me- but I was wrong! I bought a State Park pass shortly after moving here and have spent quite a lot of time hiking with my sweet friend (and dog) Tinker- exploring various parks in the hill country. There are so many beautiful parks here- and so many different types of geographical environments- from partial desert, to shrub covered hills, to forests- it's really quite amazing!

Guadalupe River State Park

Though I do miss my beloved Portland, I have found a home here in the wilds of Texas- and am happy to explore this beautiful land.

Colorado Bend State Park

Holiday Miniature Art Show- Seattle

2009-11-10T09:50:00.000-08:00

I have work up in this show- http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=158703532972&ref=ts.

If you are in the Seattle area- please check it out! There will be another show in December- more details to follow...

The Path Through The Woods- Oil on Board, 4"x 4"

New Holiday Ornaments

2009-11-09T07:22:00.001-08:00

I have new work up on Etsy! These miniature paintings can be hung on the wall or on a Holiday tree. Measuring only 2.5 inches in diameter, they are composed of a tiny acrylic painting of various animals and birds- framed by a small grapevine wreath.

I have a strong love of all animals and a huge concern about environmental destruction. This issue is very important to me. Because of this, I have decided that 20% of proceeds from sales of my work will go to the World Wildlife Fund. This organization has been working for many years to assist in conservation of natural areas and animals, promotion of sustainable approaches of natural resources, and promotion of more efficient resources in order to reduce pollution. (www.worldwildlife.org)

My Favorite Time of Year

2009-11-02T08:24:00.001-08:00

Every year at this time- in honor of Dia De Los Muertos, I create a special altar. I like being able to honor those who have crossed to the other side- it is a wonderful tradition. This year, as the dead pass by, I will honor them with sweets, coffee, liqueur, candles, pictures, flowers, and a specially prepared dinner.
In remembrance of those special ones- Happy Dia De Los Muertos!

The Baron

Fairy Tale Box and Doll

2009-10-12T06:30:00.001-07:00

I recently posted new items in my Etsy shop. I'm quite happy to be sharing these on Etsy- it has been a while since I used that forum to sell my work.

Among the items is my Briar Rose frame and doll- based on the fairytale Briar Rose, or Sleeping Beauty. The frame is handpainted - a fawn and a mourning dove peep out from the briar while the Beauty sleeps- or does she sleep?

A frog on the top of the frame watches over and a quote from the Emily Dickenson poem- "There's Something Quieter Than Sleep" scrolls across the front drawer. If you a never read this poem, I highly recommend it. It's quite beautiful:

There's something quieter than sleep

Within this inner room!

It wears a sprig upon its breast --

And will not tell its name.

Some touch it, and some kiss it --

Some chafe its idle hand --

It has a simple gravity

I do not understand!

I would not weep if I were they --

How rude in one to sob!

Might scare the quiet fairy

Back to her native wood!

While simple-hearted neighbors

Chat of the "Early dead" --

We -- prone to periphrasis

Remark that Birds have fled!

New Frame and Doll

2009-10-03T10:33:00.000-07:00

Front View

I recently finished another frame and doll in what looks like is going to be a series. This one is based on my fascination with Medieval paintings, style and life in general. I will sell this in my Etsy shop soon!

Side Views

Journaling Again

2009-09-30T13:17:00.000-07:00

I am recommitting myself to blogging- Always difficult for me as I am not a person of words, but am very inspired by images and communicate best (I believe) visually. I have finished new work of late though, and have entered a new era artistically. I am painting more- in both oils and acrylics.
I recently completed a commissioned project and wanted to share it here.

This is a canoe shaped frame- hand painted with acrylics. The doll seated within is a smaller version of the dolls that I create with epoxy resin, yarn, fabric and paints. The piece was inspired by a friend and the world of books that I lived in as a child (and still do). I was so pleased by the results that I will be creating more of these- with different themes- and selling them in my Etsy store.

Side Views

a love affair

2008-03-29T14:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm having one- with Portland. Sure, right now it's almost April and it's freezing (snowed this morning)- but I can't help but love Bridgetown. - absolute best city in the US! I've lived many places, have been an explorer, a drifter and a gypsy, and I've loved every minute of it.

But Portland has captivated me for years.

Too Beautiful!

Portland has so many gorgeous elemants: cloudy sky and rain, the industrial waterfront, the tree-filled streets, the victorian architecture, the bridges, the flowers, the hippy bicycle culture and attitude that helped to create the best mass transit system in the country! Oh yeah, and did I mention the coffee?!

I'm sitting at coffee as I type this in one of the many cute coffee bars in one of the many sweet, interesting neighborhoods here. Neighborhoods like Woodstock, Hawthorne, Alberta, Belmont, Sellwood- all filled with funky little shops, creative types, sweet coffee houses, a bevy of quirky bars and cool restaurants, galleries, and usually surrounded on all sides by residential neighborhoods that contain everything from Victorian architecture to mid-20th century ranch houses. (With more than a few trees!)

It's a good life, folks, a good life!!

travel

2008-02-29T13:14:00.000-08:00

Change is the only constant.

Starting a new life requires a journey- inwardly and outwardly. Recently i was fortunate enough to be able to embark on both trips. It has taken an immense amount of courage for me to make the changes that i need to make, but i feel like i am on the right path now and am so thankful for all the help i have received from friends, from family and from the gods above...

from the deserts of the Southwest to the great Northwest forest- I have traveled - my inner journey mirroring my outward journey.

i love the cities, the people, the chaos that humans bring upon themselves, the lights and the madness.

And the incredible ingenuity and creativity of mankind.

But I equally love the peace of nature, the wildness and the solitude...

i pray that the great spirit stay with me and with my family and friends.

as we journey on.