Holiday Exhibit

 

This is a wonderful setting for local artists to exhibit their work and a unique opportunity for holiday shopping with one-of-a-kind, beautifully crafted items.  A big shout out to the terrific staff at the Dubuque Carnegie-Stout Public Library for making this such a wonderful community event.  With gratitude and much excitement I look forward to the open house and tree lighting. 

Giving Thanks

"Gratitude turns what we have into enough."

                                                                                       --Aesop

Stunningly Beautiful

Recently I felt like I won millions in the lottery as I was driving on a county road and saw this amazing blaze just above the horizon.  Knowing that I could not enjoy the scenery while moving at 55 mph, I pulled onto the shoulder and sat quietly as I was mesmerized by the colors, the expansiveness of the landscape and the beauty surrounding me.  After a few minutes I realized this might be a great photo opportunity; however, I felt reluctant to do anything but just enjoy the view.  The thought of trying to capture the perfect photo really was not appealing as I sat quietly in the stillness.  So, I sat for a while longer and then made a deal between my head and my heart:  just take a few pictures, do not look at the images until later and let go of the desire to take an award-winning photo.  And, that proved to be perfect as I love this image with the stunning sunset along with so many amazing lines in the concrete, paint, gravel, rolling hills and the sky as they move the eye and create interest and balance....ahhhh...something beautiful without trying so hard.

Turkey Trot

It's that time of the year when turkeys are a topic of conversation, at least in these parts as some folks prepare traditional Thanksgiving feasts.  What a perfect time to feature one of my favorite subjects!  Regardless of one's reaction to this big bird, the textures, shapes, lines and colors give our brains lots of great places to explore.  And, with the upcoming holiday in mind, I pause to express my gratitude for capturing this unexpected image as through the years it has generated much excitement about and interest in my art.   

 

EAC Winter Expo

This Saturday, November 20, the Evanston Art Center opens its doors to the annual arts and crafts expo that features beautiful handmade art of all shapes and sizes.  These items may be home décor as well as so much more, including things to wear, holiday gifts or simply something beautiful that inspires and warms your heart. 

Fortunately, my art is in this collection, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my work with so many others.  If you are in the Evanston, Illinois area, a visit to the art center is a unique venue to explore with lots of great work to view and awesome holiday shopping options.  

Inspired

 

If you regularly follow my blog, the above image may surprise you as it seems atypical since most posts feature anything related to nature, our surroundings and my artistic creations.  Occasionally I share photos of landmarks, art exhibits and other beautiful places that I love and think would interest readers; however, this creation is rare.  So, how did this come to be?  The short answer is that recently I participated in a virtual Zentangle art seminar with co-founders Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.  During that time we studied some of the art created by a few world-reknown artists and took inspiration from their amazing work.  This particular piece was inspired by Salvador Dali as well as my own desire to break ever so slightly yet boldly with the pattern.  Despite the blur, the latter is obvious in the bottom right quadrant.

"To live is the rarest thing in the world.  

Most people exist, that is all."

                                                                          --Oscar Wilde

Frosty Morn

Extra crunchy.  

Slippery when wet.  

Intricate.  

A masterpiece.  

Stunning.  

Unexpected.  

Often overlooked.

Frosted flakes.

Those statements describe my thoughts when I see these leaves from a spectacular and  frosty morning along the river where Jack Frost's amazing artistry was on display.  Upon first glance I could not believe my eyes -- leaves and frost -- a feast for the senses and especially for me, the artist, known tree lover and avid leaf looker....ahhhhh

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."

                                                                                     -- Albert Camus