Year's End

 

 

Merry Grinchmas My Way

Whenever I see a sketch of tangled strings of holiday lights and some corresponding statement that resonates, I laugh and laugh....and think that I need to create me own version.  

So here it is!  Above is my version along with one of my favorite remarks about everything being fine....when, of course, that appears to be the farthest from the truth.  Can you relate?  Always makes me laugh, and I hope it does the same for you.

And, I wish you all a holiday that feels peaceful and warm in your core.  

Merry Christmas.

Often Imitated

If you are wondering why this seemingly-random photo appears in my blog, first read the previous post as that contains several details.  

Specifically, regarding this Hokusai-inspired piece, read below for more interesting facts.  

Currently at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City this as well as Hokusai's iconic Great Wave and several other amazing color woodblock prints and more are in a special exhibit while on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.  

Catch it if you can!

 

The Great Wave

 

Currently at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City curators have assembled a spectacular collection that contains one of my favorite pieces....Hokusai's Great Wave, as it is commonly known.  And what a delight it was to take in all of these spectacular works and stand up close and personal with this amazing icon of the art world.  It is small and yet, in my opinion, monumentally mighty.  I love so many parts of this extraordinary composition, including the bold Prussian blue, the encapsulating movement, the proportions, the contrasts, the raw power and beauty of nature portrayed with such ease as well as all the metaphors that correspond to life and the natural world.  

And, be sure to notice Mt. Fuji in the middle distance.  Read about that in the images below.

Ahhhhh.....something beautiful

Last-minute Gifts

Need a last-minute gift?

I used several of my favorite images and corresponding inspirational verses to compile this beautiful spiral-bound 4" x 8" desk calendar.  The above image is the cover and below is October.  I am in love with it -- the quality, the photos and verses, the size, the functionality and the versatility as it fits easily in many spaces.

So, don't delay.  Purchase yours soon as supplies are limited, and they have been very popular already.  $18 includes tax but shipping is extra.

To request your calendar, use the following email:  sjbfbusiness@gmail.com

 

 

Making More

 "You can't use up creativity.  

The more you use, the more you have."

                                                                                            --Maya Angelou

Perfect Pair

Happy Thanksgiving

 

Happy Birthday!

 

Yep!  It's my birthday, and because in late November in these parts it's a bit too cold for my liking and watersports, I'm still spending the day doing other things I love, including being outdoors.  Anyway, this is me, the person responsible for some amazingly beautiful and original works posted in over 1870 editions of this blog.  I love nature, beautiful things and creating all sorts of even more beautiful things.  Today I celebrate me....ahhhhhh.

Gratitude

 

Holiday Gifts -- Desk Calendar

 

Recently I used several of my favorite images and corresponding inspirational verses to compile this beautiful spiral-bound 4" x 8" desk calendar.  The above image is the cover and below is October.  I am in love with it -- the quality, the photos and verses, the size, the functionality and the versatility as it fits easily in many spaces.

So, don't delay.  Purchase yours soon as supplies are limited, and they have been very popular already.  $18 includes tax but shipping is extra.

To request your calendar, use the following email:  sjbfbusiness@gmail.com

 

 

 

Another FIERY Kiss

 

Happy Halloween

 

Kaliedoscope

As seen in these images, anything is possible, one stroke at a time.  Recently in one of my art classes featuring the Zentangle Art Method, founded by Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts, we used the above combination and completed it on a 3.5" sq .....and then pushed repeat!   We sure had fun and the results are stunning.  Have a look.

Bliss

 

Kaliedoscope

As seen in these images, anything is possible, one stroke at a time.  Recently in one of my art classes featuring the Zentangle Art Method, founded by Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts, we used the above combination and completed it on a 3.5" sq .....and then pushed repeat!   We sure had fun and the results are stunning.  Have a look.

 

Autumn @ Lake Delhi

 

Covered in Cobbler Crust

 

In Downtown Dubuque

 

@ the Carnegie-Stout Public Library

Dubuque, IA

All pieces are for sale

Autumn in Iowa

 

2025 Desk Calendar

Recently I used several of my favorite images and corresponding inspirational verses to compile this beautiful spiral-bound 4" x 8" desk calendar.  The above image is the cover and below is October.  I am in love with it -- the quality, the photos and verses, the size, the functionality and the versatility as it fits easily in many spaces.

So, don't delay.  Purchase yours soon as supplies are limited, and they have been very popular already.  $18 includes tax but shipping is extra.

To request your calendar, use the following email:  sjbfbusiness@gmail.com

The remaining image features the entire calendar, including thumbnails of each month.

 

Mosaics

 

During a recent daylong Zentangle event at the Shalom Center in Dubuque, Iowa, the participants and I got busy putting pen to paper and created these beautiful pieces.  The photos above and below feature the same triangular-shaped pieces each drawn by separate artists yet when matched side to side, there are many delightful combinations resembling a kaliedoscope. 

"Anything is possible, one stroke at a time."

                                              --Maria Thomas, 

                                                                   Zentangle co-founder

                 We also spent time drawing organic patterns, including those in the two                               remaining images.

BTL JOOS

 One of the patterns present in my piece is inspired by and named for the movie Beetle Juice....notice the tangle name BTL JOOS as well.  The timing corresponds to the updated version of the film along with the season of ghosts and goblins that is quickly approaching.  Regardless of pattern names and the world of entertainment, I love indulging my creative spirit by putting pen to paper and then several hours later relishing in what has appeared.  How fun!

More Art is Happening!

 

With much excitement and pride, I am eager to announce the opening of an upcoming art exhibit at the Dubuque Public Library that features more of my work.

Friday, October 4, 2024

5:30 - 7:30 pm