Memories Journal #5

In 1987, my family moved from southern Oregon up to Portland to find steady work. It was a very low point in my life, but I understood it was necessary even at age 14. While the bigger city had malls and a much better selection of things for a teenager to do, it did not have the same feel of home as southern Oregon had. The Portland Oregon area has remained home for nearly 30 years since.

Finally back to sewing

This summer is the season for projects, especially sewing. A few months ago I decided I needed an Asian inspired duvet cover for my bedroom. I have always loved jades and magentas together, so this was a project of pure indulgence. I used a bed sheet for the backside (gasp! a big quilter's no-no, but I make my own rules when it comes to sewing). When I lay in my bed with this cover, I feel like a million bucks.

Another sewing project I completed in just a few weeks is a baby quilt. This was another indulgence as I love to make small quilts. Quilts for boys are totally underrated too, they are so much fun! I chose plain fabrics for the top and a cozy flannel for the backside. The pinwheel design turned out fantastic with these colors.

Watercolor landscapes

What I appreciate about watercolor painting is you can use a heavy wet media sketchbook instead of canvas being the best option for gouache, acrylic or oil. These two were done in my Bee Creative Watercolor Journal, which I absolutely love. Paints are from M. Graham & Co., as I love the vibrancy of these paints.

Hollyhocks in England

Twilight in the Outer Banks

African Violet

My dad used to create beautiful pottery which I have two pieces that I proudly display in my home. One of those pieces is a pot for a plant that has a balanced mixture of robin's egg blue and clay. In this pot, my African Violet just thrives, although I don't know how. It seems to bloom non-stop yet I don't do much but give it water once in awhile. I love the combination of earthy colors of the pot with the cheerful pink of the flowers and thought it needed it's own painting to celebrate it. Originally I was going to submit this painting to my first public display with the city of Beaverton, but I liked how it turned out I couldn't give it up. It's now sitting in my office area at work. The background was a little plain, but I happened to have gel bead paint to give it some texture.

Traveling vicariously by Art Journal

Even though I am such a homebody, I fantasize about traveling to places that are majestic and stunning. This is another art journal by Pentalic that I am filling up with places on eARTh that capture my attention and longing to experience that nature. This is a long work in process, but here are the first 9. Number 1 (Kirkjufell, Iceland) I am hoping to see in person next month. 

Kirjufell, Iceland. Hope to see this mountain in March 2017!

Canterbury Plains, New Zealand

Southern France

Arizona-I have seen these cacti up close, and they are amazing

Redwood Forest, California. Mind blowing to see these gigantic trees in real life

Colonial Del Sacremento, Uruguay

Crater Lake, Oregon. This is an incredible sight in person, never get tired of see this work of nature

Sagano bamboo forest, Kyoto Japan

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

More watercolor birds

I find birds such beautiful creatures of our planet. They are graceful, make beautiful song, are so diverse, and have gorgeous colors. I have dedicated a Bee Creative watercolor book in learning my sketching and watercolor painting. All sketches below use M. Graham watercolors.

Easy peasy sketches

Using more watercolor pencils, and Sakura Micron pens, these were quick outlets of creativity found in a pocket of time in my busy life.