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Just in time for something new in the new year -- virtual art classes! These Zentangle© classes are relaxed, interactive and fun.  We use simple strokes and repetitive patterns to create beautiful pieces.  What a terrific opportunity to connect with folks from all over who love to put pen to paper and support one another.  

If this interests you, open the following links and register.  

The new session begins Thursday, January 12, 2023.  

There is an introductory course as well as a second class where we explore new and old tangles along with various techniques using the Zentangle© art method.

Introduction to Zentangle© Art --

https://www.evanstonartcenter.org/school/introduction-zentangler-art-ages-16-3

Zentangle© -- in 5g -- 

 https://www.evanstonartcenter.org/school/zentangler-art-5g-ages-16

The Elf

 

Amid our holiday décor sits the little character widely known as an "Elf on the Shelf."  Although we have no children, my husband and I still have fun hiding the miniature ragdoll throughout the house and seeing how long it takes the other to find it.  

Two big kids having a lot of fun....ahhhhhhh...something fun is something beautiful.

Holiday Humor

The above home is abundantly adorned in festive holiday lights, and, kudos to the homeowners for their beautiful display.  If you are wondering about the humor portion of this post, look carefully at the image below.  To the left in that photo is the same home as above; however, notice that the next-door neighbor cleverly posted a "DITTO" sign at the entrance to his/her driveway...genius.  Seeing that sign made me laugh and recall that sometimes it really is the little things that matter.

Anyway, at the holidays and always, may humankind continue to find light amid the darkness and humor to lighten the load.

Feliz Navidad.

Light in the Darkness

 

These images were taken during my stroll through the Chicago Botanic Garden's annual holiday lights and music event.  Known as Lightscape, this exhibit features amazingly beautiful installations of coordinated colors, lighting and sounds of the season.  A few weeks ago I also posted images of the popular "Winter Cathedral" portion -- an amazing wall of lights.  

As the winter solstice draws near, we rely on our inner light as well as outdoor décor and seasonal items in our homes to illuminate our spaces and celebrate what is....ahhhhhhh..... something beautiful.

"It is better to light one small candle 

than to curse the darkness."

                                                                                                                             --Eleanor Roosevelt

Season of Lights

At this time of the year in the northern hemisphere as the winter solstice approaches and daylight fades in the early evening, holiday lights illuminate the darkness.  These images feature scenes from the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City.

Ahhhhhh....something beautiful.

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world,

and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."                                                                                                                                 --Norman Vincent Peale

La Flor de La Noche Buena

 

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."                                                                                        --Norman Vincent Peale

Jack Frost

"The poetry of earth is never dead."

                                                                                             --John Keats

Lightscape

 

Annually the Chicago Botanic Garden makes spirits bright with this amazing "Lightscape" event in which holiday light installations illuminate the gardens.  Visitors are treated to corresponding musical features, and numerous whimsical creations that include favorites like the Winter Cathedral and a fire garden.  It is a spectacular event that fills the senses and includes many of my favorite things.....ahhhhh.....something beautiful.  

These images feature the popular Winter Cathedral.

Holiday Exhibit

Again this year I am excited to announce that my artwork will be in the upcoming Carnegie-Stout Public Library holiday exhibit.  More details below:

Library address:  360 West 11th Street

Exhibit hours:  Mon-Thurs -- 9am - 7pm / Fri & Sat -- 9am - 5pm / Sun -- noon -5pm 

Please consider attending the exhibit and purchasing a piece of art by any of the artists listed above.  On behalf of each talented individual in that list, I say thank you.

Fall Favorites

With December quickly approaching and many Christmas-related images to post, this is an opportunity to share a couple favorite fall photos that contain dreamy colors and a soft focus.  

What is my favorite color? 

 Autumn.

Turkey Day

 

"What if, today, we were grateful for everything?"

                                                                                          --Charlie Brown

Leaves

 Whether they are on a tree, floating through the air, underfoot or coming to life on the canvas on which I draw, leaves are some of my favorite things. 

"Anyone who thinks 

fallen leaves are dead has not seen

 them dancing on a windy day."

                                                                                               --Shira Tamir

Gems

"Good listeners, 

like precious gems, 

are to be treasured."

                                                                                 --William Rounseville Alger

 These images feature some of my original "gem blossoms" in which I combine repetitive patterns, a colorful center gemstone and a floral motif....ahhhhh....something beautiful.

Dusk

 

"Outside, daylight was bleeding slowly toward dusk."

                                                                                               --Stephen King

Tangle Tuesdays

 

This coming Tuesday is the next Zentangle workshop at Planted! in downtown Dubuque.  Hope you can join us.  All supplies are included in the fee.  To register visit their website or call 563-239-9289. 

Repetition

 

Want to start something fun?  

Begin with one equilateral triangle, as shown in the image above.  In that triangle create four smaller equilateral triangles.  In each section draw a particular pattern.  Repeat 5x for a total of six equilateral triangles that each contain four smaller equilateral triangles.  

That is what I did.  Again, the original triangle is above, and I repeated it five times.  The next step was magical as I created designs from the six separate pieces. Ahhhhh.....this was definitely fun.

Below are some of my compositions:

Halloween Hangover

These images are from the recent event held at Reiman Gardens where hundreds or thousands of beautifully carved jack-o-lanterns lined the multi-acre gardens.  

While in attendance, I photographed several of the amazing orange globes and edited the images to highlight the delightful details. 

This is a sampling; however, expect to see more as I love sharing my collection.  

Ahhhh....definitely something beautiful.

 

More Globes in the Gardens

In the previous post I explained this annual event hosted by Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa.  "Spirits in the Gardens" is a time to get lost in all things jack-o-lantern and outdoor lighting while wandering under the stars through the illuminated paths in this expansive property on the campus of Iowa State University.  

Ahhhh....soooo many "great" pumpkins.

"I can smell autumn dancing in the breeze.  

The sweet chill of pumpkin, 

and crisp sunburnt leaves."

                                                         --Ann Drake

 

Jack-o-lanterns Galore

An annual event that I thoroughly enjoy is "Spirits in the Gardens."  Each fall the staff at Reiman Gardens, in Ames, Iowa, located on the ISU campus, goes to great lengths to adorn the 17-acre site with hundreds (or thousands) of pumpkins that have been carved with amazing designs.  The jack-o-lanterns, as visible in these photos, are everywhere and contain hand-carved creations that are amazingly intricate and beautiful to behold.  The air is crisp, the outdoor space illuminated like an enchanted forest and folks of all ages stroll along the paths taking in the incredible vistas.  Wow!  An extraordinary feast for the senses!

Autumn All Around

 

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, 

fluttering from the autumn tree."

                                                      --Emily Bronte