Zen Breeze Art Gallery - Fine Art to Refresh the Soul

New Pendant Style, 1" Square

2011-12-31T05:51:00.000-08:00

New Pendant Style

The Harvest Crows pendant is part of a new line of pendants in 1" squares. Two crows, or ravens, watching the sun set as autumn leaves dance in the air. The sky is in shades of yellow, deepening to amber. Offered as a handmade pendant from my original painting.

New pendant, "Dreaming of a Raven"

2011-12-31T05:25:00.000-08:00

New pendant...Dreaming of a Raven A raven gazes at a lovely lilac point Siamese cat. Both are illumined by the full moon as bright autumn leaves dance in the night sky, which is in shades of muted plum and purple. This visionary landscape is part of the Dreamscapes series, which combines my original paintings with digital enhancements. The grunge texture and imperfections give the images a weathered, timeless feel.

2011-12-28T07:14:00.000-08:00

Took the new camera to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (California, Santa Cruz Mountains). It was a cold day, but sunny. The camera did really well with the light rays, I thought:

New Jewelry Line = Big Savings!

2011-12-27T08:03:00.000-08:00

Recently, I developed a chemical sensitivity to uncured resin and can no longer make the polymer clay/resin pendants. I am switching over to a new line of jewelry using glass cabochons.

While I'm busy doing that, I'm greatly motivated to clear out the old line of jewelry. Most of it is either on sale or up for auction on eBay. I have a couple accounts there, my eBay store or artbylaurali

2011-12-03T05:23:00.001-08:00

New Print - 'Ginkgo Leaves on Gray Stones'

First official one from my new camera. Took the photo out in my backyard from leaves I gathered on a walk. Altered it a bit (also new to PhotoShop Elements 10--used one of the new texture effects on the stones).

2011-12-02T02:54:00.001-08:00

I got a new camera! A Samsung NX100. Just got it out of the box, put it together, snapped a couple pictures and installed the software. Haven't downloaded the pics yet.

Once I get used to using it (this is my first not-strictly pointandshoot), I'll have to revisit everywhere to take new photos ;-).

I got it primarily to get better images of my paintings for prints but I'd also like to see how the photos compare and maybe do more with altered photos. Love the grunge/dark art style. I experimented a bit with it, combining elements from my paintings & texture layers, but I'm sure I can do much more with these photos as a base.

2011-11-20T16:08:00.001-08:00

Catch a Falling Leaf sold and is off to its new home but prints are still available.

New pendant...Winter Peace

2011-11-20T15:58:00.001-08:00

Winter Peace Pendant The full moon illuminates two red cardinal birds on snow-covered tree branches, arcing to form a peace sign. Snowflakes dance in the blue night sky. The image of my original artwork was first baked onto a white polymer clay disk, set in a silver-plated circle, then sealed with hand-poured resin.

A black ribbon necklace is included so the piece is ready to wear. These have an extender chain that adjusts from approximately 18" - 21", closing with a lobster claw clasp. If you would like a longer length, an adjustable knotted cord may be substituted for no additional charge that will fit most sizes, typically 22" - 26" (these are adjusted by sliding the knots and don't have a metal clasp--a great unisex option).

2011-11-19T16:36:00.001-08:00

Got in the larger circle pendant trays. I'd already printed out a bunch of images. I have 7 ready to be made into pendants. I'll be remaking these two (that sold) in the larger size:

Two new jewelry sets from the sea

2011-11-17T21:47:00.001-08:00

New jewelry set of The Gift of a Red Rose:

And a jewelry set of The Coming Light:

New handmade necklace (I'm keeping this one :-)).

2011-11-16T16:33:00.001-08:00

Necklace I created for my upcoming birthday. The image is from one of my favorite paintings that sold quite a few years ago now. The pendant is also available from my website, or, if you would like a beaded one similar to this, email me.

2011-10-22T17:07:00.000-07:00

Went to see the Monarch butterflies today at the sanctuary at Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz, California. They have a lovely, swampy area with eucalyptus trees where the butterflies stop to rest on their migration. This year, the day was particularly nice (some years, it's been overcast and cold so the butterflies weren't active). A couple photos from the day...

2011-10-16T15:45:00.001-07:00

They're barely gone but I already miss seeing cherry blossoms. Here's a collection from various artists: cherry blossoms paintings

2011-10-16T15:36:00.000-07:00

FineArtAmerica has so many great artists who do dark art (one of my newer interests): dark art paintings

New painting in a fresh new series...

2011-10-14T17:06:00.000-07:00

First painting in the Timeless series, Raven in Dark Autumn. I have been so inspired with the new Dreamscapes digital painting series that I decided to try to achieve the same effect with an actual painting. I am hoping to do three others to represent the seasons (backgrounds are done--need to add the ravens and seasonal elements).

2011-09-10T07:17:00.000-07:00

Still creating new dreamscapes:

2011-09-07T11:48:00.001-07:00

New pieces in the Dreamscapes series, in which I combine images of my paintings with digital techniques to produce a whole new work of art:

2011-09-05T14:38:00.000-07:00

Started a painting from my visit to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park yesterday. The underpainting is supposed to dry for a day so it will be all ready to paint tomorrow :-). The working title for this one is "Pool of Light."

2011-09-02T13:49:00.000-07:00

New jewelry set from my painting, Soul of a Rose:

Here are more views of the piece:

A woman takes a moment to take in the fragrance of a pink rose. Inspired by the Waterhouse painting, "My Sweet Rose," which was commonly called "Soul of a Rose" from Tennyson's Maude poem. This romantic floral landscape is offered as a necklace, handmade by the artist from my original painting. Due to the variety of vintage and modern beads, I nicknamed this one "Grandma's Attic" as I was stringing the necklace.
An 18 1/2" beaded necklace of vintage pearls, glass and metal beads, with a toggle clasp, completes this unique piece of wearable art. A bonus set of dangly kidney-wire with heart charms earrings is included.

2011-08-31T10:01:00.001-07:00

Added a raven to the autumn painting today. Usually, I paint the branches first on these but, for this set, I thought I'd do the ravens.

2011-08-30T14:37:00.001-07:00

Got the backgrounds done for the raven set (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter). Each one is an 11 x 14 canvas.

2011-08-26T18:29:00.001-07:00

Finished the new painting. I should be able to get a print-worthy image tomorrow (it's still wet so I didn't want to mess around too much). This is the first painting I've done of that swan who hangs out at the Los Gatos Lake park (which is also where these pine trees are). Haven't titled it yet. I'm thinking of Swan on an Emerald Lake. Or maybe Contemplation of an Emerald Lake. Something with "emerald".

2011-08-11T18:18:00.001-07:00

Today's painting session was about defining the wood areas and doing some underpainting. Tomorrow, I'll glaze over it with brown and (hopefully) the white areas you see will show through as wood grain. For this piece, I'm using Golden's Open Acrylics. They have a longer drying time that traditional acrylics. This tends to give the piece a softer effect, more similar to oils. But, if you want to do something like this, you have to let it dry several hours or overnight. Otherwise, the white will just reactivate and mix right in with the brown, instead of the brown glazing over it.

2011-08-10T18:31:00.000-07:00

Result of today's painting session. Really starting to take shape now.

That's pretty much it for the window & the stone path. I still need to do the woodwork, finish the cat, add a tree to the background, then a teapot & teacup to the wooden bench. And whatever else I missed ;-).

2011-08-09T18:06:00.000-07:00

Here's the result of today's painting session. I got a lot further than I thought I would. I spent hours previously planning out this piece so that helped move it along. There's going to be a cat in the window (Leroy is the model). The teahouse window is from a Japanese garden in San Mateo, CA.

2011-08-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

New pendant of Chakra Meditation in the Redwoods, handmade from my original painting. Great for a man or woman :-).

The original painting and prints are available at http://zenbreeze.com/store/chakra2.htm

2011-07-31T07:24:00.001-07:00

Went to the Lose Mine yesterday. Well...that's what we call it because we got lost the first five times or so we drove there. It's the Almaden Quicksilver Mine in San Jose. When we left, it didn't seem that bad, heat wise, but I didn't take into account that it would be hotter there and that most of the trails (if not all) are uphill. We took two shorter walks from different entrances.

2011-07-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

New pendant of Mermaid at Santa Cruz:

A raven-haired mermaid with a green tail looks out to the Santa Cruz Lighthouse on a distant bluff. Seagulls glide through the soft gray clouds, which cast a silvery-blue hue on the ocean. This fantasy California seascape is offered as a pendant, hand crafted by the artist from my original painting. Made from polymer clay with the print baked into it, then sealed with resin, giving the image a glass-like quality and providing water resistance.

An adjustable knotted cord is included so the piece is ready to wear and will fit most sizes (these are adjusted by sliding the knots and don't have a metal clasp). As they go over the head, these tend to hang long. If you would prefer a cord of a particular length with a clasp instead (recommended for shorter or choker length), let me know at the time of the sale (no additional charge).

The original oil painting and prints are also available at http://zenbreeze.com/store/mermaidsc.htm

2011-07-27T08:41:00.000-07:00

Got a couple more of the new pendants listed. Gingko leaves in swirling purple water:

And Blue Moon Tea:

2011-07-26T09:45:00.000-07:00

Started the next Annabel Lee painting. So far, I mostly have the moody sky done and the distant ocean:

In the foreground, there will be a bluff with Annabel going up a path.

If you missed it, here is the first painting I have done in this series, Her Tomb by the Sounding Sea:

2011-07-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

Getting some new pendants listed. First up is Kona Kat.

A black cat has leapt onto a table where coffee has been laid out, mesmerized by the steam rising from the cup and pot. The red hibiscus flowers in the background are echoed in the blue batik cloth on the table. The pottery coffee pot has a relief of palm trees crossed above a tiki and is an earthy shade of raw sienna. Behind it, palm trees sway and sea gulls glide in a glorious tropical sunset in shades of yellow, orange, magenta and purple. Tiki torches are aflame on the distant beach. This Hawaiian landscape is offered as a pendant, hand crafted by the artist from my original painting. Made from polymer clay with the print baked into it, then sealed with resin, giving the image a glass-like quality and providing water resistance.

An adjustable knotted cord is included so the piece is ready to wear and will fit most sizes (these are adjusted by sliding the knots and don't have a metal clasp). As they go over the head, these tend to hang long. If you would prefer a cord of a particular length with a clasp instead (recommended for shorter or choker length), let me know at the time of the sale (no additional charge).

2011-07-02T17:55:00.000-07:00

New handmade jewelry set of Beside Moon Bridge:

A Siamese cat watches the koi pond at Hakone Japanese Gardens in Saratoga, California. In the background, twisted pine trees and foliage in rich shades of greens, teals, purples and blues. This zen landscape is offered as a pendant, hand crafted by the artist from my original artwork. Made from polymer clay with the print baked into it, then sealed with resin.

A 20" beaded necklace of stone, glass, wood and metal beads in gray, plum and green, and stunning lampwork beads, with a rustic toggle clasp, completes this unique piece of wearable art. A bonus set of dangly kidney-wire earrings is included.

Size: The pendant is 1 1/2" x 1 3/4" (approximate, not including the bail, which is the piece that fits over the necklace). The necklace measures 20". If you would like the necklace longer or shorter, restringing is available at the time of purchase for no additional charge.

2011-06-30T14:18:00.001-07:00

New painting in the Lenore ghost series, And This Mystery Explore:

In a white gown, the ghost of Lenore drifts among the cypress trees, forgotten by all except the raven. He perches on her ivy-covered tombstone holding her necklace, which has a key dangling from the chain. The setting sun casts an eerie golden glow over the haunted abandoned cemetery. This Gothic fantasy landscape, inspired by the "The Raven" poem by Edgar Allan Poe, is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" sides are finished off in black acrylic)--no need to frame. Prints also available.

2011-06-20T17:19:00.000-07:00

Finished an ACEO (miniature painting, the size of a trading card) in the new chakra series. I'm working on a full size painting in this theme but I wanted to try an ACEO first. Great deal on this...the auction starts at only $9.99 and it's an original! Click here to bid or buy

2011-06-16T07:57:00.001-07:00

I've been working on a new painting. It's an entirely new concept, not one from the series I have going. My favorite guided meditation is chakra meditation, probably because I relate to the colors. It should be done in the next day or two :-).

2011-06-12T09:25:00.000-07:00

New pendant in the wood line, "Morning Cup of Tea":

This handmade jewelry line is a collaborative effort. My husband, Steve, cuts the wooden bases, which then have to be beveled, sanded and varnished, and the metal ring screwed in. I transfer the image of one of my paintings onto the clay, cure it, put on the resin. The result are these amazing and unusual pieces of wearable art.

2011-06-10T07:21:00.000-07:00

We went on a pilgrimage of sorts to Portola Redwoods State Park. This is one of the California State Parks scheduled to be closed in September, due to budget cuts. I wanted to make sure to visit this incredible place again while I could (I have inner ear trouble that makes the winding roads leading to it difficult but it was worth it).

It's difficult to convey the magic of a redwood forest. The trees are immense. I remembered this place as being particularly wild and primordial. It reminded me of those old gaslight authors, such as Blackwood, who wrote stories about Nature taking back over in such places.

While walking through the trees, we made our way along the stream, having to cross it now & then. I still need to get a walking stick so we passed Steve's back and forth as necessary.

We chose the trail (coincidentally, the Iverson Trail) that led to tiptoe falls, a lovely waterfall cascading down a hillside (only the last section was visible to us but we could hear it). Resting a moment by this pool, you could imagine that, if the old pagan gods are still around, this is one place they are.

I'm looking through my treasure trove of photos of which ones to use as a basis for future paintings. Look for them in my Land Gallery.

2011-06-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to introduce the prototype for a new line of pendants. I had the idea for combining the beauty of wood with my earthy style of art. The wood base is handcrafted by Steve (my husband). The image is, as usual, transferred onto polyclay and sealed with resin. We're planning ovals, squares, etc. I'd love some feedback on them before we go into "production mode".

You can see my other jewelry on my website.

2011-06-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

Big Sale on Big Prints! I know a lot of you have been wanting big prints. Here are specials on giclee canvas prints (ready to hang) in larger sizes:

30" x 40" only $149!

24" x 36" only $119!

Limited time only! Other prints available at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/laura-iverson.html

2011-06-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

"In the Buddhist tradition, June 1st through the 15th is the most auspicious time of the year. June 15th commemorates Lord Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana (passing from this world). June 15th is the holiest of holy days for Tibetans and it is our belief that because Buddha Shakyamuni prayed for all sentient beings to achieve enlightenment, and he achieved enlightenment on this day, the merits of our virtuous and positive actions during this 15-day time period will be multiplied 100,000 times (most especially good deeds done on the full moon of June 15)."

Oak Tree Meditation

Daffodil Dawn Meditation

Golden Afternoon Meditation

Meditating by a Golden Waterfall

White Tiger Meditation

2011-05-06T16:59:00.000-07:00

Current promotions running...You can purchase any of these as an 8" x 10" giclee print on stretched canvas for only $45 (ready to hang):

Mermaid at the Golden Gate Bridge

Bamboo Morning Tea:

Peace Tree with Orange Dragonflies:

2011-05-01T17:23:00.000-07:00

Went for a walk at the Almaden Quicksilver County Park today. That's one we only started going to this past year. It's a little more strenuous than I'm used to. I should paint a manzanita--I haven't done one of those yet. They have this distinctive red bark. Here's an example (not the one I'm going to paint--I want that to be a surprise):

2011-04-20T19:07:00.000-07:00

Balinese Cat at Hakone giclee print on canvas (ready to hang) for only $45!

2011-04-19T18:50:00.000-07:00

I walked along the hills at Arastradero Open Space Preserve today. I was thinking about a boy who will never see these hills again. Who was only a few months away from coming home. Rest in peace, Lance Corporal Harry Lew.

May our children come home soon.

2011-04-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

Special promotion this week...Get an 8x10 print of Siamese Cat in Purple Moonlight on stretched canvas, ready to hang, for only $45!

2011-04-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

Sale today only! Enter coupon code 18REFUND for 18% off your order in my cafepress shop. In addition to the T shirts, sweatshirts, mousepads, boxes, etc., they are offering a whole bunch of new products...jewelry, gym bags, iphone cases.

2011-04-17T15:58:00.001-07:00

New Print Options! Canvas prints, larger prints, framed prints...all sorts of options are now available at laura-iverson.artistwebsites.com. Enter coupon code BFDUYM for 10% off your order (offer good through 6/30/11--coupon may be reused up until then for multiple orders).

2011-04-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

Went for a walk in downtown Saratoga and saw this fantastic saltbox house at the end of the street. I vintaged up the photo, like I like to do, and called it The Empty Swing:

2011-04-01T18:17:00.000-07:00

Found some time to make pendants today. One was for a custom order but, since I had the clay out, I also made one of the new painting, Alone in the Treetops:

2011-04-01T07:26:00.000-07:00

Poppies just starting to bloom at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve (Mountain View, California)

2011-03-26T06:58:00.000-07:00

Free shipping in the Great Stuff (cafepress) shop. To qualify, order $30 or more through Sunday and use code: 2DAYFREE

2011-03-25T21:04:00.000-07:00

My furbabies/muses/companions are two today :-). Well...we celebrate it today. They were both shelter cats so we didn't get exact birthdates.

2011-03-23T08:04:00.000-07:00

I have several canvases in progress (got some underpainting done, then couldn't decide which one to work on next). Here's Sky, again hanging out with me. She's a studio cat (even if the studio is in the dining room):

2011-03-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

One of those occasions where I was really glad I had my camera. We were walking through Santana Row, which is an outdoor mall in San Jose (across the street from the Winchester Mystery House). I looked up and saw this second story window with this enchanting scene. I was so taken with it. I grabbed some photos, then altered them:
The Fading Scent of Lavender:

A Window Lost in Time:

Waiting in the Window:

2011-03-13T21:14:00.000-07:00

New photo from my walk today at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, Ancient Tree by a Stream:

2011-03-12T08:37:00.000-08:00

Landscape in Purple and Gold:

An oak tree on a hill, beneath dramatic clouds. This California landscape, from the Eternal Wanderings series, is offered as a print on fine art paper (soft, matte finish) from an artistically enhanced photograph. The original photo was taken at Arastradero Open Space Preserve in Palo Alto. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual print.

2011-03-12T08:32:00.000-08:00

Oak Branches in Purple

Oak tree branches at Arastradero Open Space Preserve in Palo Alto. This California landscape, from the Eternal Wanderings series, is offered as a print on fine art paper (soft, matte finish) from an artistically enhanced photograph, in tones of purple. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual print.

2011-03-12T08:18:00.001-08:00

Green Shutters:

A historic house with green shutters. This California landscape, from the Eternal Wanderings series, is offered as a print on fine art paper (soft, matte finish) from an artistically enhanced photograph, in tones of sepia and green. The original photo was taken in Santa Clara. I cannot say why it appealed to me so much. The sunlight glinted a certain way and I liked the way it peaked through the pine branches. The border hearkens back to TTV (Through the Viewfinder) vintage photography. The scratches and imperfections give the piece a Victorian Gothic feel. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual print.

2011-03-12T08:04:00.000-08:00

Lost and Wandering:

A gnarled oak tree on a hill. This California landscape, from the Eternal Wanderings series, is offered as a print on fine art paper (soft, matte finish) from an artistically enhanced photograph, in tones of sepia and purple. The original photo was taken at Arastradero Open Space Preserve in Palo Alto. The border hearkens back to TTV (Through the Viewfinder) vintage photography. The scratches and imperfections give the piece a Victorian Gothic feel. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual print.

2011-03-09T18:21:00.000-08:00

Bayou Peace Tree

The full moon illuminates green Spanish moss hanging on gnarled tree branches. The tree branches have arc'd to form a peace sign. Blue dragonflies dance in the night sky, which is in shades of lavender, deepening to purple. This meditation piece, part of the Zen Mandala modern art series (visionary landscapes in a surreal Asian style), is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" sides are finished off in purple acrylic)--no need to frame. It has been lightly varnished to protect the paint and preserve the lustrous colors. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual painting.

2011-03-07T09:26:00.000-08:00

New dark art photo, Welcome Home:

A lighted mausoleum beckons, beneath a luminous full moon. This cemetery photograph is in gothic shades of purple. The original photo was taken in the historic Santa Clara Mission Catholic Cemetery. This California landscape, from the Eternal Wanderings series, is offered as a print on fine art paper (soft, matte finish) from an artistically-enhanced photograph. The border hearkens back to TTV (Through the Viewfinder) vintage photography. The scratches and imperfections give the piece a Victorian Gothic feel.

2011-02-26T09:16:00.000-08:00

New, from my original painting, Lenore in the Breaking Dawn

In her prettiest ballgown, the ghost of Lenore casts a final look at the raven, before the day breaks and she fades. The rising sun illuminates the haunted cemetery, casting light of pink, deepening to magenta. Cherry blossom petals dance among the tombstones. This Gothic fantasy landscape, inspired by the "The Raven" poem by Edgar Allan Poe, is offered as a pendant, hand crafted by the artist from my original painting. Made from polymer clay with the print baked into it, then sealed with resin, giving the image a glass-like quality and providing waterproof protection.

2011-02-20T14:14:00.000-08:00

New peace tree, Blue Dragonflies in the Spring

The rising sun illuminates blue dragonflies and blossoming tree branches, covered in cherry blossoms. The tree branches have arc'd to form a peace sign. Some of the petals are dancing in the Spring morning sky, which is in shades of lime green, deepening to a rich emerald. This hope-filled piece, part of the Zen Mandala modern art series (visionary landscapes in a surreal Asian style), is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" sides are finished off in purple acrylic)--no need to frame. It has been lightly varnished to protect the paint and preserve the lustrous colors. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual painting.

2011-02-17T07:08:00.000-08:00

Stone Ghost and Cypress Trees fine art photograph:

Mysterious stone drapery covering this urn looked, to me, like a figure standing among the cypress trees. The original photo was taken in the historic Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. This California landscape, from the Eternal Wanderings series, is offered as a print on fine art paper (soft, matte finish) from an artistically enhanced photograph. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual print.

2011-02-12T18:00:00.000-08:00

We thought it was about time to visit historic San Juan Bautista, a California Mission town. Many of the buildings remain as they were, taking you back in time.

The first thing you notice is the chickens & roosters. They run free all over the town:

I had carefully made a list of all the haunted sites in town for my Haunted California paintings, then forgot it, but, as I recall, most of the buildings claimed some ghost story. Here's the Plaza Hall:

And the Plaza Hotel:

And a shot of the bell tower of the mission church:

We finished up with a trip to the cemetery on the hill, as inspiration both for the Ghost Paintings and the Eternal Wanderings cemetery photos:

2011-02-12T16:56:00.000-08:00

Seagull Cove is a painting I did several years ago. I always felt, at the back of my mind, that it needed a bit more pizazz. So, I added a mermaid:

Cypress trees stand on a bluff covered with magenta wildflowers on a Spring day at Pacific Grove (near Carmel and Monterey). Seagulls fly through the white, fluffy clouds, while one takes a rest on a rock, watching a mermaid trying on a necklace of white shells. This California fantasy ocean seascape is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" staple-free sides are finished off in blue acrylic)--no need to frame. It has been lightly varnished to protect the paint and preserve the lustrous colors. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual painting.

2011-02-07T10:36:00.000-08:00

New commissioned painting, Abby and Caesar in the Spring:

Abby, a beautiful Calico cat, and Caesar, a handsome gray tabby, gaze at the luminous Springtime moon. Cherry blossom petals dance in the lime green sky, and a purple dragonfly flits in the upper corner. This visionary landscape is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" sides are finished off in purple acrylic)--no need to frame. It has been lightly varnished to protect the paint and preserve the lustrous colors. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual painting.
Being commission, this piece is sold, but prints are available.

2011-02-06T20:03:00.000-08:00

This is a painting a did a couple years ago, Dandelion Wishes and Pine Trees. I had the sudden urge to add a cat in the tree:

The full moon illuminates a distant hill with three pine trees, and is reflected in the lake below. On a closer hill, a twisted pine tree stands over dandelion globes, a flame-point Siamese cat on one of the branches. Dandelion fairies dance in the night sky, which is in shades of blue. This visionary landscape is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" sides have been finished off in black acrylic--no need to frame). It has been lightly varnished to protect the paint and preserve the lustrous colors. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual painting.

2011-02-06T15:59:00.000-08:00

Sky helping me with a commissioned painting:

2011-02-05T10:11:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite areas in the Santa Clara Mission cemetery, The Town Square:

Amazing architecture abounds in the historic Santa Clara Mission cemetery with its mausoleums like small cathedrals. A statue of Jesus watches over the city of the dead. This California landscape, from the Eternal Wanderings series, is offered as a print on fine art paper (soft, matte finish) from an artistically enhanced photograph. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual print.

2011-02-03T15:22:00.000-08:00

New Painting, Her Tomb by the Sounding Sea:

The ghost of Annabel Lee, forever a maiden on the brink of womanhood, stands in the red iceplant on the bluffs overlooking the sea. She wears a white regency gown with a string of pearls, her blond hair swept up in a bun. The full moon illuminates the Grecian-style sepulchre on the rocky cliff. This Gothic fantasy landscape, inspired by the "Annabel Lee" poem by Edgar Allan Poe, is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" sides are finished off in brown acrylic)--no need to frame. It has been lightly varnished to protect the paint and preserve the lustrous colors. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual painting.

2011-02-02T13:03:00.000-08:00

New photo from Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, Crow Among the Stones:

A crow lights on a tombstone, nearly lost among the many graves and mausoleums. The original photo was taken at the historic Santa Clara Mission Cemetery and was artistically enhanced to resemble an old sepia print. This gothic California landscape, from the Eternal Wanderings series, is offered as a print on fine art paper (soft, matte finish). The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual print.

2011-02-02T11:31:00.000-08:00

New cemetery photo, Monuments under a Blood Red Sky:

Three monuments, grouped together as if in conversation, standing against a red sky. The original photo was taken at the historic Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. This gothic California landscape, from the Eternal Wanderings series, is offered as a print on fine art paper (soft, matte finish) from an artistically enhanced photograph. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual print.

2011-02-01T20:08:00.000-08:00

Stuck for a unique Valentine's Day gift? Handmade jewelry is an excellent way to go. And there's still plenty of time to ship. Most online sellers will ship directly to your faraway Valentine too!

For an excellent selection, check out Linda B's Beaded Jewelry.

For a gal who loves the southwest or Native American styled jewelry, there's this wonderful Turquoise and Coral Necklace.

Or, for a lady who loves fairies or vintage, consider these charming dragonfly earrings.

Or this excellent all-around Valentine's Day necklace, with its hearts, red beads and little key (adding a touch of steampunk as well)

How about St. Patrick's Day earrings? They're multi-purpose :-).

2011-01-31T06:46:00.000-08:00

A new cemetery photo, Lonely Angel:

A lone angel statue, standing against a purple sunset sky. The original photo was taken at the historic Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. This California landscape, from the Eternal Wanderings series, is offered as a print on fine art paper (soft, matte finish) from an artistically enhanced photograph. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual print.

2011-01-30T08:06:00.000-08:00

A new one in the Eternal Wanderings series, Grave Redwoods:

Three stately redwood trees stand among the tombstones and monuments, watching over the graves. The original photo was taken at the Madronia Cemetery in Saratoga. This California landscape, from the Eternal Wanderings series, is offered as a print on fine art paper (soft, matte finish) from an artistically enhanced photograph. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual print.

2011-01-29T14:41:00.000-08:00

After spending so much time visiting cemeteries for my ghost paintings, I decided to try out offering the photos for sale as well, figuring there were people out there who love these places as much as I do. I call the series, Eternal Wanderings.

2011-01-22T18:22:00.000-08:00

In search for interesting cemeteries for my ghost series of paintings, I found a fantastic one, right near home. The Santa Clara Memorial Park. It's even dog friendly! My mom's dog, Star, found a friend there (Star is the white dog). Interesting monuments and trees, including redwoods and pepper trees. We got there late so we only had time for a short visit but I'll be back soon.

2011-01-20T08:57:00.000-08:00

New ghost painting, Lenore in the Breaking Dawn:

In her prettiest ballgown, the ghost of Lenore casts a final look at the raven, before the day breaks and she fades. The rising sun illuminates the haunted cemetery, casting light of pink, deepening to magenta. Cherry blossom petals dance among the tombstones. This Gothic fantasy landscape, inspired by the "The Raven" poem by Edgar Allan Poe, is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" sides are finished off in black acrylic)--no need to frame. It has been lightly varnished to protect the paint and preserve the lustrous colors. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual painting.

2011-01-19T14:17:00.000-08:00

Found another great site on etsy, sewmeamemory, featuring all kinds of clothing, items for the home, accessories. This little girl's purse is just too adorable:

2011-01-18T07:41:00.000-08:00

One thing I love for breakfast is a whole-grain English muffin and some sort of fancy jam. I found a great shop on etsy, dasweetspot. The Vanilla Bean with Pears Jam is particularly tempting.

2011-01-12T15:40:00.000-08:00

Today, I went on a little day trip to Monterey to gather inspiration for my Haunted California series, and more Lenore paintings. There was a fantastic cemetery there. I took over 100 photos. Here are some highlights...
My personal favorite for "Spookiest Tree in the Cemetery":

Unusual cross covered in seashells:

One of the many mausoleums. This one was a little fancier:

These tall cypress trees stood like sentinels, watching over the graves:

This was a different one with an Asian theme:

And, as we were leaving, I spotted this sweet little angel statue near the base of a tree:

2011-01-09T18:22:00.000-08:00

New ghost painting, "Bent Cypress and Blue Lady":

A local legend, the ghost of the Blue Lady walks the bluff along Half Moon Bay. She wears an evening gown from the roaring 20's. A crow (messenger between worlds) perches on one of the distinctive cypress trees. Seagulls glide through clouds in gentle shades of mauve, gray and purple tones. A golden halo surrounds the sun in the late afternoon. This haunted California paranormal fantasy seascape is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" sides are finished off in dark green acrylic)--no need to frame. It has been lightly varnished to protect the paint and preserve the lustrous colors. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual painting.

2011-01-08T18:54:00.000-08:00

I am inspired to work on more ghost paintings so I looked up some older cemeteries to visit. Today, we went to Los Gatos Memorial Park (in San Jose, California). We had the puppy with us so we couldn't go in. I took some photos at the entrance gate (where there was a crow...I thought that a good omen) and where the hedge was low enough. We saw there was another entrance on the other side but we couldn't find it so that will have to wait for another trip. Here are some images from the excursion:

2011-01-03T16:04:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Got my newsletter out: Click here for my January 2011 newsletter. Chock full of special offers and a nice recap of new pieces. There's a sign up on my website, or email me.

2011-01-01T11:40:00.000-08:00

I can't really say when it started but, for years, I've wanted to go to the ocean near the new year. This year, we went to Santa Cruz. This was a particularly inspirational photo, I thought, of the light and the ocean.

And wouldn't this be a great house to have.

2010-12-26T12:28:00.000-08:00

Full Moon over Paris, original ACEO painting (half price):

2010-12-25T12:14:00.000-08:00

I joined a new ACEO group on etsy called ACT. The first project is a cityscape. This is not a subject I've worked much with. After some debate, I decided to spend Christmas in Paris and painted this:

It will be available for sale soon.

2010-12-24T18:31:00.000-08:00

Got two 16 x 20 canvases gesso'd for peace tree paintings today. One will be a green background with butterflies. The other a multi-colored background with dragonflies. Not sure which one I'll start with.

2010-12-24T15:38:00.000-08:00

2010-12-23T16:36:00.000-08:00

New ghost painting, Lenore by an Olive Tree (from Poe's The Raven). Went into a private collection but prints are available.

In a white empire gown, the ghost of Lenore drifts among the olive trees, forgotten by all except the raven. The full moon illuminates the ghostly landscape. The night sky is in shades of dark red and burgundy. This Gothic fantasy landscape, inspired by the "The Raven" poem by Edgar Allan Poe, is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" sides are finished off in black acrylic)--no need to frame. It has been lightly varnished to protect the paint and preserve the lustrous colors. The copyright watermark does not appear on the actual painting.

2010-12-14T16:50:00.000-08:00

Peace Tree in Golden Glow Original Acrylic Painting:

The setting sun illuminates blossoming tree branching, arcing to form a peace sign. Some of the cherry blossom petals are dancing in the sky, which is in shades of glowing yellow and gold. A couple dark red dragonflies dance in the sky. This hope-filled piece, part of the Zen Mandala modern art series (visionary landscapes in a surreal Asian style), is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" sides are finished off in burgundy acrylic)--no need to frame. It has been lightly varnished to protect the paint and preserve the lustrous colors. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual painting.

2010-12-14T16:46:00.000-08:00

Peace Sign Tree with Monarch Butterflies Handmade Art Pendant on Cord on ArtFire. From my original painting :-)

2010-12-11T08:09:00.001-08:00

Got a good start on the golden glow peace sign tree painting. For this one, I started with a 16" x 20" canvas and used my new Golden open acrylics. The background went on very similar to oils. I then wanted to get the main branches & some blossoms in while the paint was good & wet. You can't really simulate that after the fact. Worked for hours. Time for a break. The open acrylics will stay wet through the day and can even be reactivated. I was planning on some dragonflies as well, however, and I may want the paint to have set for those (easier to do the transparent wings).

2010-12-07T16:00:00.001-08:00

New zen painting, The Moon in a Teacup

A blue dragonfly lands on an earthenware yunomi (Japanese teacup). The luminous full moon is reflected in the green tea it holds. Steam rises from the black tetsubin (cast-iron Japanese teapot), which is sitting on a woven mat. In the background, a couple more blue dragonflies flit among the green bamboo forest, twilight turning the sky lavender. This zen landscape is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" sides are finished off in black acrylic)--no need to frame.

This is one of those paintings that's been on my mental "to do" list for I don't know how long.

2010-12-06T19:16:00.000-08:00

Through Dec. 9th, get free shipping on *any* order by entering the code SLEIGH: http://shop.cafepress.com/zenbreeze. My CafePress Shop has various wonderful things...T shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, mugs, pet dishes, cards and calendars.

2010-12-04T13:54:00.000-08:00

I've had in mind that, for my next Lenore ghost painting, I'd set her in olive trees. Olive trees always look kind of spooky to me to begin with. Since I was there anyway, I asked Steve to take a couple quick photos of me (pretending to see a raven);
Then, I remembered there was a great olive grove at a nearby convent.

2010-11-30T17:54:00.000-08:00

New art pendant, Lenore in Lavender Moonlight:

2010-11-27T19:24:00.000-08:00

New little dragon sculpture, Maggie:

2010-11-25T18:36:00.000-08:00

New pendants: