The Magician -Paint Party Friday

I apologize for being so late with my post.  It has been a VERY busy week.

Here the magician begins his magic. Though all is illusion, we wonder, "could this be real?"  Part of the genius of this boy, is his wonderful imagination. He lives in a world where anything is possible.  Like his Daddy, he is a storyteller.

Have a lovely week, dear Friends.  Though the sadness still crashes into my heart like the waves of the sea, there are so many things for which to be thankful.  It is good to be alive.  I'm SO grateful for my Family and dear friends--you know who you are.  You are loved.

Have a wonderful week and Happy Paint Party Friday!

Angel of the Roses -Paint Party Friday

Angel of the Roses started as a pencil sketch in my sketchbook. When I had a moment to spare for drawing, I would add a little here, and a little there. This drawing took about six years to finish.

I love the jewel tones of the colors, and the graceful line of her wings. Many people have told me this piece looks like a stained glass window.

Happy Paint Party Friday, my precious Friends.  May God bless you with rainbows of joy, have a beautiful weekend and thank you for dropping by.  ((hugs))

Rainbow Angel -Guest Heart Thursday

This is an ACEO--a tiny piece of art the size of a baseball card.  I created this doodle while watercoloring with my tiny niece.  Everyone should have the opportunity to see the world from the eyes of a six-year old.  Of course there are hearts to be found.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday. 

SKETCH BOOK UPDATE: I was so heart broken when I lost my sketchbook and thought I had lost it forever. I looked everywhere, made phone calls, put it out on the internet...then Monday morning I was cleaning the house for housesitters, when I picked up a dark blue cloth bag. Beneath it, half under the carpet, between the wall and our dining room table--was my sketchbook. I have NO idea how it could have slipped beneath the carpeting--but someone suggested it must be Toez the Polydactyl cat. Hmmmmm....scary thought. (grin) I can't tell you how overjoyed I feel to have my sketchbook back!!!!!

Gentle Rose - Guest Heart Thursday

Can you find the hearts?  This is one of the bookmarks I create--it is my gift to you this beautiful summer day.  It is a celebration of summer's ending, memories of sunshine and flowers, birds and blue skies.  (The bookmark is lovely when printed in color on glossy photo paper.)

I also wanted to honor Dani, a lady who's unique photography delights my soul.  She is off to China for a time and she will be sorely missed. 

For more wonderful heart art, photography and heart stuff, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Early Rains, Woodland Waters - Illustration Friday

I love the magical forests of our childhood.  My sister Clytie and I often walk there with our cameras.  This year, with the arrival of early spring rains, tendrils of water thread their way down the canyon to the creek below.

For more wonderful "Early" artwork visit Illustration Friday.

Rainbow Blessings

I've always loved rainbows. In fact, I've seen a rainbow just about anytime something amazing is about to happen in my life.

My favorite rainbow story is told by my sister Clytie. A tremendous storm had swept over the sea. Clytie, adventurous soul that she is, went for a long walk along the storm-tossed ocean. Suddenly sunlight burst through the clouds and a vivid rainbow appeared. To Clytie's great astonishment, the rainbow stretched from the skies above, reflected down upon the rain-streaming beach, flowing to touch the tips of her shoes, then flung back up to the skies creating a huge circle of brilliant color. Someday I shall draw the wonderful word picture she painted.

But there is more to the story of the rainbow. The very first rainbow appeared when Noah and his family came out of the great ark. The world as they knew it was destroyed. Their lives would never be the same. Yet they still gave thanks to God for keeping them safe. In response, God promised them He would never flood the earth again. And as a token of His promise, He set a rainbow in the skies.

So every time I see a rainbow, brilliant with color and promise, I remember the blessing of the rainbow. God always keeps His promises.

Joyful Genies

I have always loved Genies. The story of Aladdin's Lamp was a childhood favorite. As a youngster, I Dream of Jeanie was the television show of choice.

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I own three "Genie" bottles, one of which my darling Sissy gave to me as a birthday gift just this last weekend! Beautiful!

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With a little imagination, you just never know--if one looks hard enough, one might actually see a real Genie!

Angel Face Over Resting Souls

Tuesday I went to lunch with my youngest Sister, who works as a receptionist at a local memory garden and mausoleum. We had a delightful lunch sitting on the green grass, beneath the spreading trees.

Just before heading back home, I stood for a moment and gazed out over the peaceful hills filled with the headstones and memorials of those who have gone on. Then I noticed a rainbow around the sun...looking closer, I saw an angel. But then I shouldn't be surprised. What better place for an angel?


She appears to be looking up at a small heart-shaped cloud. Below is the original cloud angel I saw.

Dance of Rain Cloud

After last week's storms, this whimsical lineart drawing seems so appropriate! There are times when rain soothes my soul. One of my favorite sounds as a child, was the sound of rain drumming on the tilted ceiling of our upstairs room. I still love that sound.

Papa and the Pink Cat

This is Papa. Papa is one of the most lovely down to earth people you could ever meet.

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In this picture, you can see Papa is really an elf. You would never guess it to look at him. I surmise he must be an elf because of the magic he does with cement. Papa is a true artist. He can turn cement into an authentic looking wooden porch, or add color to make the most lovely rock walkway imaginable.

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Papa is so gifted, in these hard times, he does not lack for work. People know the incredible quality of service he gives, and of his honest, hard-working nature. I consider it a great honor to know this wonderful, gifted artist.

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Here a pink cat is perched upon his shoulders because it chose to do so. I have NO idea how it ended up in this drawing. (grin)

Angels Among Us

There are some angels among us. This lovely angel's name is Daka and she is filled with kindness, wisdom and immense humor. We are all VERY blessed to have her in our lives. I know she would laugh (and I love her distinctive laughter) because in this drawing of her I added rainbow wings to her shoulders.