Virtual Opportunity

 This is a free virtual workshop that I will teach this coming Friday, Feb. 4, 7-8pm.  

To participate, go to the Dubuque Carnegie-Stout Public library's website via this link (https://carnegiestout.librarycalendar.com/events/find-your-zen-art-zentangler) and find the actual Zoom link for the session.  

The supplies are simple -- paper, pen or marker and a pencil.  

Finally, please share this fun and free opportunity.

A BIG Surprise

 

In keeping with my love for the outdoors, gardens, summer's warmth and just about all blooming things, last year I visited the Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin.  Of course, immediately upon entering I was smitten with the stunning landscapes, including many groupings of hardy perennials and ornamental grasses along with water features and a variety of installations promoting conservation.  And, as I kept meandering through the paths and under the trees, I was even more taken with all the naturally occurring patterns  (that mimic the tangle patterns that I often draw) and took several photos for future reference and inspiration.

Anyway, as the paths led to a waterway and the trees cleared to the opposite side, the vista seen in the first photo came into view.  Wow!  Well, wow is an understatement but you get the idea.  Since I did not know about this structure, I was stunned and lingered to take in the incredible view.  Unknowingly, I had stumbled upon a Thai pavilion and garden.  

Essentially, as I later learned, the structure was a gift to the University of Wisconsin-Madison from the Thai Government and the Thai Chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Association.  Interestingly, the UW - Madison has one of the largest Thai student populations of any colleges/universities in the USA.  More interesting facts are on the Olbrich website.

Ahhhhh....still enjoying this something beautiful.

Just Doing

Just doing....hmmmmm.... Well, for me and moving forward in the midst of all the divisive and doomsday-type headlines, I must do.....  Do what?  Whatever is in the direction of my creative passions, my love of the outdoors, or just about anything that sounds fun and/or like something I've always loved.   It really is that simple.  Almost instantly a hush comes between my ears and away I go enjoying myself doing whatever....sometimes a little, sometimes a lot and sometimes not much of anything.  

Anyway, these images show some of my recent "doing" -- some contain a lot of ink and precise strokes while others have more negative space and organic, unplanned designs.    And, no worries about what appears on the paper as it is my doing that makes it all perfect.   

Plus, in my world, I would be remiss if I did not mention puzzles -- words, numbers, jigsaws, etc. -- as they are instant delight.  Check out the one below with its amazingly intricate artwork.

Ahhhhhh....something beautiful.

Double Delight

Seeing these two spectacular images lends credibility to the title I used for today's post; however, there is a little more to the story.  A few days ago the January full moon appeared in these parts -- that's obvious as one explores the above photo and can relate to the cold, snowy landscape, leafless trees and the tranquil setting at dusk.  Since I was in a vehicle when this gorgeous scene presented itself, I stopped off in a vacant parking lot in order to photograph la luna llena.  

Ok, so, that all was beautiful, and I was pleased with the opportunity and ready to resume driving....until I turned the vehicle 180-degrees and saw the horizon.  Wow....well, wow is an understatement but you get my point.  Again, with these gifts from Mother Nature I was certain I'd won the Powerball Jackpot.  Indeed, this was quite a payout for simply looking both ways.  Ahhhhh....something beautiful.

 

Warhol & His Soup

 

Little Campbell's Soup Can by Andy Warhol

Recently I saw this Warhol painting in an exhibit at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City.  Many things about it drew my attention, including the familiar label that was a household name during my childhood.  And, after reading more about his inspiration for the piece, I learned about him as a famous artist with a career that influenced folks around the globe.  But most importantly, in my opinion, I connected with him as an ordinary person and a consumer who had certain habits, favorites and ways of being in the world.  As an artist, the statement that most resonated with me was about the "powerful connection between art and life."  As I put pen to paper and draw or photograph things and write about them in this blog, the themes/subjects that reappear are simply those that I love. 

"We lose ourselves in the things we love.  

We find ourselves there, too."

                                                                                                     --Kristin Martz

Beach Day

 

Clearly the weather in Iowa is anything but what is seen in these photos; however, that never stops me from going to the beach … I can pour through pictures, walk along the river and even sit in the sun and soak in its rays.  When the temperature is moderate and the wind light, I sit outside on the deck basking in the warmth and wearing my parka to keep me toasty.  Sometimes, when the temperature is in the single digits or the wind is brisk, I perch on an ottoman in a south window and feel like a feline who is warm and cozy while eyeing the outdoors.  Of course, I am grateful for a warm home and the beautiful local landscape but I also no longer allow winter to keep me from what I love — the outdoors, the sun, the warmth….ahhhh…for me most days are some type of beach day…ahhhh

Warmth amid Winter

"In every winter's heart there is a quivering spring, 

and behind the veil of each night there is a smiling dawn."

                                                                             --Kahlil Gibran

 

Inspo from Van Gogh

 

Although he is often remembered as troubled or disturbed, Vincent Van Gogh's work and words, in my opinion, remain beautiful and relevant.  As stated previously in other posts, I am moved and inspired by his persistence, love of nature and humankind, and how his yearning to create helped him through rough times as well as gave him perspective that is still invaluable.   

And so, like VVG, I put pen to paper, snap photos, adore time spent outdoors, write, read, share my work, seek out great teachers, persevere and know that, despite the craziness in our world, "...it is possible that everything will get better after it has all seemed to go wrong."  

Thank you, Vincent.

Inspiration for 2022