Yellow Hibiscus

Painted en plein air in a private garden.

The Standout

This piece in addition to quite a few other miniatures will be on display and sale tomorrow from 11-6 with a small gathering from 2-6 at Austin ArtSpace. We are located at 7739 Northcross Drive Suite Q, Austin, Texas 78757. We are also open today if you want to stop by ahead of time. On December 23rd we will also be open for those last minute shoppers. In addition to paintings we have notecards, t-shirts, prints, stickers etc. Hope you can stop by.

Plumeria

Have a wonderful week all.

Highway Vineyard View

Posting for the holiday's more frequently.

U Turn

My current goal is to draw cars more accurately. I'm also not taking this goal too seriously. Most of these will be colorful and abstract.

Downtown Hat Lady

This hat lady lives on yet again. This is a small oil. The subject was photographed by me in the 90s. She was entering a bank and dressed to the nines. I located the photo again this year and noticed that she had a cigarette in her hand. I then began to wonder if she was a bank teller or banker returning from lunch. Her story lives on in my imagination.

Here she is again.

Parking Lot Woodie

I saw this vehicle in a parking lot in northern California and took a few photos. My new art challenge is drawing and painting old vehicles. I have always found them to be intimidating artistically.

Balloon Release 3

One of the advantages of being a photographer is that people tend to ignore you (or so I think)and you can get these very candid photos . I found this little one amongst a crowd of people. He stood out to me because his expression was of unbridled joy. I was gathering photo and video footage of a balloon release and there he was this little ray of sunshine.

Self Portrait 2022

Each year on my birthday I do a self portrait. This year I did about four. Some years are more abstract than others.

Bulb Entrance

We went back to the "Albany Bulb" for some different scenery. This time we walked around a bit before I got this sketch in. One reason, I had a new modified full spectrum camera to play with. I really liked that the eucalyptus tree provided a natural entrance into the area. I threw down the intial lines in ink and moved on to the next sketch/photo op.

Lake Cleone Atmosphere 1

Usually on our last day in the Fort Bragg area we visit Mackerricher State Park. The beach is beautiful and Lake Cleone is always a distraction from it. The morning atmosphere in the forest is always engaging to me. Pam was busy collecting rocks and shells. I did this little piece standing outside the car.

Sisters On A Mission

I went to my hometown to see family and also attend an annual community event which I was fortunate enough to photograph. Immediately after snapping this photo, I knew I had to paint the image. Most who follow me on Instagram have seen the sketches. This is the first of about four paintings in this series.

Lake Cleone Muse

This is Lake Cleone in Fort Bragg California. Behind you is the Pacific ocean. The atmosphere is always compelling here. We visited this month and the views did not disappoint. I did two small value studies that I later covered with pastel. I think that I'm finally beginning to see this place.

Two And A Half Royals

This painting was initiated on site and of course finished later. My tools were Fabriano toned paper, brushpens, fountain pen and posca markers. I so wanted to cover the background but a part of me likes the background as is. These royal Lilies are part of Pam's garden. This is pure conjecture but, I think these originated in her mom's garden. Its funny the first painting I ever posted on my Daily Paintworks site was "Arlene's Poppy" which was from her mom's garden. I remember taking the photo when I first met her.

Girlfriend Fishing

Whenever I'm in Richmond I have to go down to the pier to sketch the people fishing. They ignore me sitting or squatting in the corner sketching and taking photos and video. The group varies depending on the day or time you show up. It's always a diverse group and a chill mood until someone catches something. I was able to film a man catching an eel. Of course the video is shaky because I was excited. On this particular day a little girl was catching "all the fish" as one of the guys below would report to me as I was leaving. I had photographed them earlier as they approached the pier

I didn't realize who they were until I uploaded the photos that day.

Sierra Cliffside and Sierra Slice

Another two paintings for the Eastern Sierra series. I'm working in different formats and mediums and it's fun. I took hundreds of photos and almost finished a complete sketchbook while there. I'm really looking forward to going back.

Stream And Dream

This painting is from our 2019 trip to the Eastern Sierra. I've been slowly building up this body of work. I really liked the light and reflections in this scene. Water reflections are the latest challenge revisited.

Wedding Prep

In 2018 I had the privilege of photographing a cousins wedding. My approach to any photography sessions is very organic. I went over to the house of the groom and bride before the wedding. Everyone was there (wedding participants) or arriving. I took photos and video of hair being done, makeup being applied and ties being tied. I recently went back to some of those images for paintings. I started out with a simple pencil sketch in my sketchbook and moved on to this pastel. This version was sitting on my easel waiting to be finished. Pam saw it and said it did't need any additional work. I always (sometimes) value her opinion on when something is finished. I look forward to exploring more images from the wedding and reception.

Pank Trim

This is just a random building that I took a fancy to and photographed. I made up the colors and street sign. To me this is a combination of Richmond, California and Charleston, South Carolina. I know that this building is on Cutting Ave in Richmond. However, the overall scheme reminds me of Charleston. Oh well it's just our artistic licenses on display. I'm not very good with perspective but that doesn't deter me. I am slowly getting more comfortable with structures and my own way of rendering them.

False Bravado Or Self Care?

We encountered these young men while enjoying an afternoon stroll/sketch session at the marina. I immediately got a sense of false bravado as they walked past us. Of course being a Black woman I gave the customary chin "what's up" as we passed....strictly out of habit. Of course I turned around and took photos as they walked away.

This was the initial sketch. I was attracted to the lines and postures.

Fort Bragg Revisit

I just got back from a long stay in northern California. It was a very fruitful visit in many ways. I did a ton of sketching, painting, photograpy, video and of course relaxing with Pam. This painting is from a visit in early 2000. Before my trip, I was doing a series of oil paintings from old sketches. I used a Sourcetex wood panel for my surface.

Mesa Bus Stop

I'm old enough to remember actually having conversations while waiting for the bus or train. Now we can self isolate and not even acknowledge anyone. This is a new part of Austin for me. I still visit my old hood out of habit. The economy and feel of Austin changed as we "emerged" again from the pandemic. The cost of living almost tripled for most of us and we had to move our homes in a very short time. I feel as if wolves have taken over our economy. It's unpleasant to witness and be victimized by. This will pass in time. I took the photo that inspired this painting during a walk. Of course the light attracted me but also the distance we create between us with technology.

Sierra My Perspective

One of very few oil paintings completed last year. My oil painting has decreased over the years and I really can't expalin why. I do enjoy the medium but I do find it messy and cumbersome. Its probably not that good for our environments either. Who knows this year may be a banner year for oils. This one is from my visit to the Lee Vining, California area in 2019.

Snow Covered

This little painting is from my trip to the eastern Sierra in 2019. I'm working on a series from this trip. Maybe I will show them as a group in my gallery. Speaking of which, Austin ArtSpace gallery will be hosting shows for the first time since the Pandemic. I will keep you posted. Its been hard for me to feel the freedom I used to feel in public places. I still wear a mask indoors and probably will for a while. Its a form of PTSD I think. I know I'm not the only person that feels this. Watching snow covered mountians offers peace and a sense of safety. Have a great weekend and find your inner peace and comfort.

Really Nice Fog

During my last visit to northern California the clouds had me. I did lots of little 3 by 3 studies in my sketchbook while Pam was driving or of photos taken while we were out. I think they were very abtract and more about how the landscape made me feel. I also forced myself to work with the pastels I had in California. I'm such an art supply junkie. For the past few years one of my vows has been to use the supplies I have before I make another purchase. Not working well.

In The Shade Made

These days getting a picture downtown without people is pretty hard. During the pandemic, not so much. Downtown was literally just buildings and a few cars. I hope our attempt at returning to "normal" will be sucessful this time. For all of you visiting our city for the Rodeo, SXSW etc..stay safe, healthy and enjoy Austin.

All Glory Fades?

I try to paint each stage of the florals life. This includes the eventual wilting, falling off the stem and ending up in my kitchen sink. The shapes become more complex and the colors change. I posed the question in the title because of our societies obsession with youth and beauty. I try to find beauty in all stages of aging because I was raised that way. That translates into my approach to painting florals. Lately I've been frustrated with the quality of flowers that are available for purchase. This year more flowers will be added to my garden.

This is an Agave that grew in my old hood prior to the February freeze last year.

Sierra Trees On Top

I know the title is silly but its what I casme up with. This is a mixed media image that started out as an ink rendering. At times, the ink drawing speaks for itself and others demand a little watercolor, etc. The photo that inspired this piece was taken during my last real vacation in 2019. The last time I traveled without fear of infection and maskless. Now I feel naked and vulnerable without a mask. My how we have changed as a world.

My passion for gardening strenthened even more over the past three years. Of course I paint, draw and eat what I grow.

SOCO Coffee Buzz

South Congress in my opinion is more like an inner city vibe than anything else. The pace is fast and the people are young and unique. That is unusual for a small Texas town like Austin. Even though it has grown in population and density, it is still a small Texas town. This is the companion piece to "SOCO Boots On The Ground ."

SOCO Boots OnThe Ground

This is a little slice of bustling South Congress (SOCO) Avenue. Its a very popular spot as its where you will find coffee and the "I Love You So Much" sign.

Died Lavender

Another in the kitchen counter series. I call this one died lavendar because I think these flowers weren painted this color by the florist. Do florists paint flowers?

The Star Lily

The title came to mind because of my focus on this one lily from a full bouquet of flowers that were on my counter.

The Show Off

I've been working from life with floral arrangements. This is one that started out as a fountain pen rendering of course watercolor was added later. I usually have a floral arrangement in the kitchen and living room. I do multiple drawings on various surfaces and paint them later. It keeps my eyes fresh and I think its good to draw from life.

Mt. Diablo Fog and Rain

I recently had my first opportunity to visit California since the pandemic began. I really missed the majestic views. I went with Pam and her friends on a golf outing. I didnt golf but I did sketch and take photos of the beautiful landscape. This was my attempt at Mt. Diablo. The clouds and fog were amazing. The touch of the sun on the greeens was just beautiful.

Samuel P. Taylor Trees

Happy New Year Everyone. This is the companion piece to the last post of 2021.