Coquille River Lighthouse

Most of the watercolor paintings I do are from a photo that someone else took. I don't get the opportunity to paint en plein air (outdoors) very much. On our recent Southern Oregon coast trip, I found this lighthouse to really grab my attention. It appears abandoned, and isn't shaped like one you would typically find as it's quite small. Sometimes you can tour the Oregon lighthouses, but this one we could not the day we visited. Below is the photo I took of it.

A friend of mine uploaded the photo to print and increased the size for me to use as a template for my painting. This was helpful in analyzing the details. I still have some growing to do with watercolor, but the finished result is now framed 11 x 11 in my dining room.

Hawai'i-a long overdue honeymoon

This month, my husband and I had the opportunity to take a vacation alone to Hawai'i. We never had a real honeymoon when we married in 2004, so finally 14 years later we were able to make it happen. This year has been active with hurricanes, so I was concerned we would not be able to go. Luckily, we timed it just right and missed Hurricane Olivia. The late summer air was incredibly sweet, flowers and rainbows are everywhere! We ate a ton of pineapple, drank the best coffee, and came back sun kissed and happy. I will be back!

Hiking Diamond Head, it was very hot and crowded but worth it!

Waimea Falls, this garden was paradise but full of moquitoes!

Our final day in Waikiki, one of the happiest days too. Notice my new Tahitian Pearl purchased in Honolulu!

My husband enjoying a Mai Tai, and it was good to see him smile.

Hanauma Bay where we snorkled. Beautiful place, but I learned I am not a fan of snorkeling!

Waikiki Beach, very pleasant to swim in compared to the frigid waters of the Oregon coast.

I smiled so much this first day of coming to Honolulu!

Nuuanu Pali Lookout overlooks the windward coast of O'ahu. Bring a jacket, it's very windy up here.

My absolute most favorite place on Earth-Kailua Beach Park. Turquoise surrounds you.

Buddha in gouache

I have a few Buddha statues in my home, and painted one of those in gouache and flourescent acrylic paint. This is a small 5 x 5 on canvas board. Enhanced with the black and white outline method.

Simple eyelet shawl

My oldest daughter turns 22 this month, and this year I made her a gift. She's a big fan of black and dark teal, so I knitted her a shawl with those colors. I am hoping she will keep this one for life as it can go with everything. The pattern I used was Eyelet Lace Shawlette however I used a much finer yarn so you can't see the eyelets so good. I used Malabrigo Sock Yarn for the main part of the shawl and for the edging I chose Madeline Tosh Unicorn Tails. Overall, I am pleased with the results.

Red Crested Cardinal in watercolor

For my watercolor bird journal, the Red Crested Cardinal is native to countries in South America, and was introduced in O'ahu in 1928. Interestingly enough, they are not related to the Cardinal desite their similar appearance. I find these birds just beautiful. Painted in watercolor on paper.

Cannon Beach, Oregon in watercolor

If you are an Oregonian that resides in the Portland area, you are probably quite familiar with Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach. This is a painting in my Oregon landscape series that I am very pleased with. I used few watercolors in this and I believe that helps this stand out. I've outlined it in fine liner, and really impressed that I go the reflection pretty good! This is now framed hanging in my living room.

Bolivia Bug

I believe South America in general is very under-rated. I've never traveled there, but so many places in this continent fascinate me. Bolivia is a country that most don't pay enough attention to. It is landlocked, but has so many places that are interesting. Ametrine is mined there-a natural occurence of Amethyst and Citrine! Salt flats, and Lake Titicaca (what a fun word)! La Paz is a city in Bolivia, and has it's own interesting facts (dead llama fetuses offered in the city, and a town square clock that runs backwards??). This small canvas board photo is a modified replica of a lonely street in La Paz with a VW beetle parked. I added my touch of South American colors to it in gouache. I hope to visit some beautiful places in South America someday.