Sunset on the Beach

I spent one evening on the beach watching the sunset. The colors were really incredible. I took probably 4 or 5 dozen photos trying out the various settings on my camera that I never use.

One of the settings uses a long exposure -- which I didn't know. I clicked the shutter, it opened, and didn't close. Thinking there was something wrong with the camera, I started shaking it. Then the shutter closed and I realized what had happened. Doofus.

My first reaction was to delete the photo. Instead, I thought it might be interesting to leave the shutter open, and shake the camera side-to-side (intentionally) just enough to blur the details. I got a bunch of photos with really luscious sunset colors in horizontal bands. Very abstract, very soft. They'd make great paintings.

This ACEO is based on that evening. I painted it the next day from memory of that great sunset. Painting on location is something new for me. I'm insecure about doing it yet but am working on it.

It's watercolor on woven paper which gives it that great texture.

Read about the supplies I took along.

The Beach at Puerto Vallarta

Here's a quick ACEO of the beach in Puerto Vallarta. I spent a few days there earlier this month -- fantastic, lovely, warm (not snowing), relaxing. All the wonderful things I'd heard about it were true.

Breaking out of my comfort zone, I did some quick watercolor sketching on the trip. I admire people who do that, but never have myself. Really had to force myself to get over the nerves and do it, but it was fun. I'm glad I did.

This little card is watercolor on rice paper, which gives it that great texture.

I took along some new Bienfang watercolor brushes, which are hollow pens loaded with watercolor paint and a brush tip. One of the pens holds clear water. Squeeze the pen a little and the paint flows to the bristles. Just cap them when done. No cleanup, no mess, no spills. Very handy.

Security made me put them in my checked luggage during the flight, which worried me a little, but they arrived safely to PV. One of them leaked a little during the flight home, so I had a bit of cleanup to do, but better at the end of the trip than the beginning. Good thing I had them in a zip bag.

I hope to do more sketching in the days to come.

Vase of Roses

Ah, here we go again. All this cold snowy weather is making me wish for spring -- and what's more spring-like than a vase of roses? Especially with Valentine's Day coming up quickly.

These are colored pencil and watercolor on paper. Much cheaper than the ones at the florist!

Buy them here.

SOLD

ACEO Magazine is here!

The first isue of "ACEO Magazine" arrived today and is it gorgeous! A really classy publication!

I am delighted that my ACEO, Stonewash, is included on page 3. What an honor!

Here's a picture of page 3. For details about the magazine and to subscribe, visit www.aceomagazine.com.

Tulips

On the coldest day of the winter, I needed a little springtime. These tulips were too pretty to pass up. They're colored pencil and watercolor on cardstock.

Buy them here.

SING

Here's a joyous expression of the need to break into song.

Watercolor on high-quality acid-free 100% cotton paper.

SOLD

On the Wing

This fanciful little creature flew into my head and onto the paper last night. It looks a little like a butterfly to me, or maybe a lily. Either way, it's charming.
This is watercolor and ink on high-quality acid-free paper.

Fields of Green

Much of my inspiration comes from nature -- how light plays on flowers, how breezes ripple through leaves, even how sun sparkles on snow. I delight in those things, and trying to represent them on paper is a satisfying challenge. Have you seen how a breeze plays with tall grass? That's the idea behind this card. Buy it here.