Beautifying Black Velcro

Due to an unfortunate jogging accident (at least no one saw me skid in the dirt and swear profusely), I am on crutches for a couple of weeks while I heal from a fractured ankle. But, since I'm sitting around, I'm staying busy with my art supplies! The walking cast I'll be in for several weeks needed some upgrading– and I love an excuse to use paint markers:

Plus, it now goes with everything! Ha!

Flowing

I was inspired by some of the graphic novels I read to compose this simple face. I wanted to concentrate on the flowing of the hair– with just lines, so much movement can be conveyed. I imagine the hair waving and swishing in a breeze.

Flowing. Pen and Ink. 4"x4". 2015

Zen Kumomi

I was invited to join a women's retreat this last weekend and teach Kumomi, the art of meditative doodling. Not only was the retreat wonderful (it was at a Zen center in the mountains, after all), but the evening of Kumomi was one of my favorite activities. Even though I'm on the spot, so to speak, when teaching this, there is so much spontaneity that it's unpredictably amazing every time. It's such a thrill to overhear the conversations that are sparked by people getting into their doodling and mark making (centers of energy! bringing animals or creatures out of the chaos! finding meaning in the randomness!). I sincerely hope the few hours we spent painting and drawing encourage everyone in the group to continue.

Of course, the rest of the weekend was fantastic, too. It felt like we were just hours from full springtime, so the leafs had not yet covered the trees, but there were buds on the branches,  a few flowers, a few trees in bloom... The sunlight was invigorating! Sitting in the hot springs and watching the stars didn't hurt, either.

In the morning, the sun revealed the cliffs of the river valley slowly but brightly.

The blue sky was so deep. On a meander through the grounds, many contemplative Buddhas were discovered.

I feel so fortunate to have been a part of this remarkable group of women!

And Another

The third installment. Actually, I need to come up with another way of introduction, since there will be quite a few more.

Face Three. Pen and ink, Paint Marker, Sealing Wax on Bristol. 4"x4". 2015

My Boy

Another installment of my new project.

Face Two. Watercolor on Paper. 4'x4'. 2015

New Project

I'm so inspired right now, and am working on a new project! The first installment...

Face One. Acrylic ink and pen on Bristol. 4"x4". 2015