The Glow of Ms. Etna

 Sometimes I'm amazed at some of the stories of my Sicilian family ancestry, how they came to America in the early part of the 20th century, the traditions they still carry on, and the pride of their heritage. The DNA test I took claimed I have 24% Italian in my genes. Whether that's accurate or not, I'm definitely of a Sicilian bloodline, and I think it's pretty cool 😊

What I love about Sicily is the blend of being a desert yet so fertile with citrus fruits, grapes and plumerias. Visiting Hawaii a few years ago, the scent of plumerias were everywhere and it is one of my favorite floral scents. I'm surprised plumerias grow in Sicily because I think of that flower growing in a more lush tropical environment. Blood oranges are also a thing in Sicily, and those are delicious. Sicilians grow the best tasting lemons too. And of course wine is another gift from this volcanic island.

This abundance is due to the rich fertile soil from the volcanos nearby, particularly the active Mt. Etna. In this painting, I refer to her as Ms. Etna, and the glowing flow of her lava and plumes of ash contribute to this soil. I also imagine standing at a market in Catania, indulging in the beautiful colors of this magical place.

Painted on 10x12 canvas board in gouache, fluorescent acrylic and other mixed media.

Calla Luna

 On a 6x8 canvas board, this is a mixed media of gouache, ink and watercolor. The full moon goddess shines her gentle light over the hills of Big Sur California, sprinkling her magic over the delicate Calla Lilies. In the distance, the turquoise ocean reflects her light.

Bookmarks in color

 A few years ago I got a hold of some sample Arches watercolor 140lb cold press paper that are small narrow pieces still attached to the glue. The original pads were cut and these slivers are the remnants. I have about 8 of these narrow pads and reminded me of bookmarks. Over the years, I have painted landscape scenes and other small glimpses of other worlds. 

Below are two places in Europe that a) I have seen in person or b) would like to see in person.

The portrait/vertical scene is the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival just about an hour from my home. I've never been here, but I might just make a day trip soon. The landscape horizontal scene are turf houses in Iceland, which I have seen. I was disappointed though I couldn't go into these. 

Painted with Daniel Smith watercolors, and these measure about 2" by 9". I will get them laminated someday as bookmarks, or just cute little windows to another place in time and space.

The Giraffe

 Since the 80's, giraffe populations have decreased by about 30%...think about that. Just 40 years and nearly a third of these gentle giants are gone. The more I paint animals, the more I really appreciate just how special they are. This one is done from a copy of a photo, and then I added my own idea of an African landscape. Painted on a 10"x12" treated canvas board with watercolor paint.

Tiny cat portraits

 I love tiny canvases, and found these at Dick Blick a couple of years ago. They came as a pack of six, and have just been sitting in my art supply stash for quite a while now. Since I enjoy painting animals it seems lately, I thought it would be fun to paint Bean and Jerry-my older kids' cats. Both of my older kids are roommates, and they each have a cat. Bean belongs to my 24 year old daughter, and Jerry belongs to my 21 year old son. These cats each have quite their own personality, but one thing I especially love in cats is their eyes. Bean (my daughter's tabby cat) has glorious green eyes, and Jerry (my son's white cat) has some intense amber eyes. These canvases are just 2"x2", and these head portraits are painted in gouache.

Bean on the left, Jerry on the right

The vivid blue and gold Macaw

 A few months ago, I had an intense dream of these blue and gold Macaws flying above my back patio at dusk. It was a very happy feeling, yet somehow not a single spot of bird droppings in the dream. The feeling that I was left with inspired me to paint one in my watercolor bird journal. These are large birds, and live for many years, such incredible and beautiful animals. Watercolor on paper.

Crocheted with love

 A few months ago I snagged a huge lot of acrylic yarn, and some of it was the super soft baby yarn. Even though there aren't any babies in my life (sadly!), this soft white, blue and pink yarn appealed to me to want to crochet a blanket for a baby coming in the future. I used a vintage pattern, and this turned out very soft, elegant and beautiful. Currently it is stored in a sealed container for an infant-someday.