Early-morning Surprise

 

As seen in the above photo, it was a partly cloudy early morning as my husband and I walked on the beach; however, that did not matter as I was mesmerized by the colors of the gulf waters, entertained by the shore birds, lost in the expansive horizon and delighted by all of the surprises left behind by the tide.  In addition to some beautiful shells, the sponges were some of my favorite finds.  Although I knew of sea sponges, I had never found them on a beach.  As we strolled along the shore, we found that initially they rolled in on the waves as little orbs similar to the size of a walnut.  As they lingered out of the water they expanded and their numerous hitchhikers were visible.  What a treat to find these in our path. Ahhhhh.....something beautiful.

Current Exhibit

 

Currently these pieces and several others are featured in an exhibit at the Carnegie-Stout Public Library in downtown Dubuque, Iowa.  Due to the ongoing pandemic, we did not have an opening reception but still want to get out the word and promote our work.  Take a mask and visit during regular library hours.   In addition to my tangles, the other featured artist, Pamela Hiatt, has numerous oil paintings on display that will make this a wonderful outing on a cold day in Iowa. 

Following My Heart

"It's impossible," said pride.

"It's risky," said experience.

"It's pointless," said reason.

"Give it a try," whispered the heart.

 

Art @ Your Library

 Currently my work is featured in an exhibit at the Dubuque Public Library.  The following link contains a video featuring me and Pamela Hiatt as we share tidbits about our pieces in the current collection on display in the beautiful rotunda on the second floor of the library.  The exhibit is open during regular library hours.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxRW3XCmHo0

El Dia de San Valentin

As I was searching for coloring pages related to Valentine's Day, I found this beautiful piece and added a favorite pattern along with cool colors. 

Ahhhhh....this kiddo loves to color.

In Memoriam

"Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; 

they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."

                                                                                                     -- Marcel Proust 

"He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, 

more potent, nay, more present than the living man."

                                                                                             -- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

1 - 2 - 3

 

1 -- get paper + pen / marker / pencil

2 -- draw a box 

3 --  draw two more lines to intersect at midpoint and thereby create 4 smaller boxes

And then color and/or further embellish the pattern by adding more lines, shapes, colors, etc.  Or, as seen below in the first sample, rotate the original pattern in each of the 4 boxes to create a slightly different design.  

There are so many options, and it is easy to quickly fill a few sheets of paper while experimenting with the original design.  

If this interests you, have fun.  In the meantime I hear my sketchpad calling....   

Ahhhhhh.... something beautiful.

Eye Candy

When it's February in Iowa and the view from my window looks far different than what I see in these images, there's only one thing to do:  go to my photo library and look at all the beautiful images that immediately make me feel warm, lighthearted and peacefully energized.  The next step is to identify a few that I would love to share with the world via my blog and make the post.  

Regardless of the time or season, something beautiful is always something beautiful and worth sharing.  

"Dwell on the beauty of life.  

Watch the stars, 

and see yourself running with them."

                                                                                                                        -- Marcus Aurelius