Pinnacles National Monument

I am lucky to live in a place with so much inspiration. On Saturday, I visited Pinnacles National Monument. Here is my first view:


We decided to take the most popular route, which goes up to a reservoir. We passed under this seasonal waterfall.

The most challenging part was passing through this cave. We thought we'd hit a dead end but my trusty guidebook explained that you had to crawl through a half-fallen boulder.

After climbing up a narrow stone staircase, we reached the reservoir.
We walked around that for a little ways and sat on the rocks for a while before making our way back.

One of the fun things is that this route is a loop so you see different things on the way back, like this window rock formation:

Look for paintings of my expedition in the near future :-).

"Panda in Golden Glow":

ABU Item 54224

A panda bear sits among the graceful bamboo stalks, in the sunset, which is in tones of yellow, gold and amber. This feng shui Chinese landscape, part of the Golden Glow modern art series (botanical abstract landscapes in a contemporary Asian style), is offered as an open edition giclée print. Please note that the copyright watermark does not appear on the actual print, only the caption beneath the print.

20% of this sale will go to Save the Dalmatians and other Canines.

"Siamese Cat with Red Dragonflies":

Item 7394611794

A Siamese cat sits on a rock watching a dragonfly. Koi fish swim beneath the sunset, which is in tones of yellow, gold and amber. This feng shui mandala, part of the Golden Glow modern art series (botanical abstract landscapes in a contemporary Asian style), is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" staple-free sides are finished off in burgundy acrylic) and can be hung with just a nail. It has been lightly varnished to protect the paint and preserve the lustrous colors. The copyright watermark does not appear on the actual painting.

20% of this sale will go to Happy Paws Haven, Inc.

"Siamese Cat and Dragonflies":

Item 53896

A Siamese cat sits on a rock, watching an orange dragonfly. A triple waterfall cascades past the foliage, which in a variety of colors. This Asian landscape, from Hakone Japanese Gardens in Saratoga, California, is offered as an 8" x 10" open edition print to benefit Happy Paws Haven.

"Two Koi and Reflected Moon":

Item 53851

Two brightly-colored koi fish swim in a pond. The full moon is reflected in the water, which is in muted shades of green and brown. This feng shui piece, part of the Zen Mandala modern art series (botanical abstract landscapes in a contemporary Asian style), is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" staple-free sides are finished off in brown acrylic) and can be hung with just a nail--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.

"Crow Sunset", a 1:12 scale miniature:

ABU Item 53262

"Gold Leaves in Magenta Moonlight", from my Zen Mandala series:

Item 7393191885

"Siamese Cat in Rosy Sunrise":

ABU Item 52962

A Siamese cat sits in a blossoming tree, watching the rising sun. Some of the cherry blossom petals are dancing in the sunrise sky, which is in gentle tones of yellow and pink. This feng shui piece, part of the Zen Mandala modern art series (botanical abstract landscapes in a contemporary Asian style), is an 11" x 14" original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" staple-free sides are finished off in brown acrylic) and can be hung with just a nail. It has been lightly varnished to protect the paint and preserve the lustrous colors. Please note that the copyright watermark does not appear on the actual painting.

This is one of my newest paintings, "Purple Tulips on a Gray Background."

ABU Item 52637

A donation will be made to the P.E.A.R.L. Palmetto Equine Awareness & Rescue League

This is the first dollhouse miniature I've done from the Golden Glow zen series:

Item 5668097275

"Sea Dancer":

For now, I am only offering this one as a print for $50

This is a new one, "Bluebird in Rosy Dawn," that I put up on ebay at a special low opening bid price:

Item 7391108742

A bluebird sits among the cherry blossoms, against a sunrise in gentle shades of yellow, peach, pink and rose. The branches are metallic gold. Some of the petals are dancing in the air. This feng shui piece, part of the Zen Mandala modern art series (botanical abstract landscapes in a contemporary Asian style), is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" staple-free sides are finished off in brown acrylic) and can be hung with just a nail—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.

"Koi Waterfall":

Item 7387732403

This is a miniature (1:12 scale) from Hakone Japanese Gardens (a local place that provides a wealth of inspiration for me). It measures 1.25" x 1.75".

"Springtime Redwoods":

Item 5662905130

This is a miniature (1:12 scale). It measures 1.5" x 2".

"Megan in Cabernet Moonlight":

Item 49821

Golden autumn leaves on white branches swirl around a full moon. Megan, my black & white, long-haired cat, sits in the tree. Some of the leaves are dancing in the air. The night sky is in shades of dark red. This feng shui piece, part of the Zen Mandala modern art series (botanical abstract landscapes in a contemporary Asian style), is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" staple-free sides are finished off in burgundy acrylic) and can be hung with just a nail. It has been lightly varnished to protect the paint and preserve the lustrous colors. The copyright watermark does not appear on the actual painting.

This is the first portrait I've done of Megan.

Another zen cat ACEO, "Calico Cat in Amethyst Moonlight":

eroo Item 9423

Against the background of a luminous full moon, a calico cat sits in a tree watching the falling autumn leaves. The night sky is in gentle shades of lilac, lavender and purple. This miniature feng shui piece, part of the Zen Mandala modern art series (botanical abstract landscapes in a contemporary Asian style), is an original acrylic painting.

I am almost finished with an 8 x 10 zen cat painting. This will be my first painting of my cat, Megan. Stay tuned...

A couple new ACEOs (miniature paintings) from my Zen Cats:

eBay Item 7386424409

A Siamese cat sits in a tree gazing at the sunset. The sky is in bright shades of yellow, orange and red. The leaves are turquoise, which gives the piece a southwestern palette.

Up for Auction on Art-Cards

An orange tabby cat sits in a blossoming tree, watching the luminous full moon. The night sky is in gentle shades of pink and yellow.

Oak Tree in Red Sunset:

Item 7386915796

A live oak tree against a brilliant sunset in shades of yellow, orange, red and purple. Mists are rising in the distant hills. Inspired by the San Mateo landscape. This Northern California abstract landscape is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" staple-free sides are finished off in purple acrylic) and can be hung with just a nail--no need to frame. It has been lightly varnished to protect the paint and preserve the lustrous colors. The style would be best described as Abstract Impressionism. The copyright watermark does not appear on the actual painting.

"Desert Crow" Original Art Card:

eroo Item 6913

"Green Bamboo":

Item 7384004500

Green bamboo frames a luminous full moon. The night sky is in shades of velvety purple. This feng shui piece, part of the Zen Mandala modern art series (botanical abstract landscapes in a contemporary Asian style), is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" staple-free sides are finished off in purple acrylic) and can be hung with just a nail. It has been lightly varnished to protect the paint and preserve the lustrous colors. The copyright watermark does not appear on the actual painting.

"Watching a Leaf":

Item 7383479582

This is my favorite ACEO that I've done. The reserve is only $24.99.

"Snowy Branches in Silver Moonlight":

Item 7383284054

Snowflakes dance around a luminous full moon. Snow-covered turquoise branches with bright red berries add a touch of color to this winter landscape. The night sky is in shades of gray and metallic silver. This feng shui piece, part of the Zen Mandala modern art series (botanical abstract landscapes in a contemporary Asian style), is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" staple-free sides are finished off in silver acrylic) and can be hung with just a nail--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.

"Bridalveil Falls by Moonlight":

Item 7383220028

Item 7382988118

After I painted this, I went to an antique sale and saw a vase just like this, only without the sun (pink background, gold branches & cherry blossoms). I'll probably do a larger one of it.

One of my bamboo ACEOs:

Item 7382136661

New dollhouse miniature original painting, "Mermaid Watching a Purple Sunset":

Item 5655348761

I added a mermaid to this seascape:

Item 7380888437

Here is an art card I did for snow theme, "Torii in Snow":

Item 7381091160

I like this one so much, I am going to do some larger pieces with this basic theme.

I did a new art card of a peace dove for the theme "2006 - Hopes and Dreams for the New Year":

Listing on Art-Cards.Org

Happy New Year!!!!!!!

The big news for today is the grand opening of an auction site for ACEOs (collectible art cards). I've painted several new ones to help kick it off:

Dancing Gold Leaves in Teal Moonlight (12" x 24"):

Item 45180

Bright metallic gold leaves on tree branches swirl around a luminous full moon. The night sky is in shades of teal, turquoise, blue, indigo and purple. Some of the leaves are dancing in the air. This feng shui mandala, part of the Zen Moonlight modern art series (botanical abstract landscapes in a contemporary Asian style), is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" staple-free sides are finished off in black acrylic) and can be hung with just a nail—no need to frame. It has been varnished with a light spray to protect the paint and preserve the lustrous colors. The copyright watermark does not appear on the actual painting.

Get a fantastic deal on this piece and help Direct Relief International!

ebay is having a listing sale today. I decided to list a bunch as an end-of-the-year blowout. There are lots of pieces that have never been up for auction before:

My eBay ID is iversongallery

I hope to get more up there today.

Siamese Cat in Orange Blossoms:

Item 7377344475

A Siamese cat sits on a tree branch watching the petals dance in the luminous full moon. The night sky is in shades of blue deepening to indigo. This piece, part of the Zen Moonlight modern art series (botanical abstract landscapes in a contemporary Asian style), is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" staple-free sides are finished off in indigo acrylic) and can be hung with just a nail. It has been lightly varnished to protect the paint and preserve the lustrous colors. The copyright watermark does not appear on the actual painting.

Three Cardinals:

Item 5649717237

Three cheerful red cardinals light on the snow-covered turquoise branches as snowflakes dance around a luminous full moon. The night sky is in shades of gray and metallic silver. This miniature winter landscape is an original acrylic painting. It is 1.25" x 1.5" (1:12 scale for dollhouses).

Quan Yin with Three Dragonflies:

Item 7376782755

Quan Yin, the Buddhist goddess of compassion, against a luminous full moon. A dragonfly lights on one hand and she holds turquoise mala prayer beads in the other. A couple other dragonflies circle around. The night sky is in shades of lilac and lavender, deepening to purple. This feng shui mandala, part of the Zen modern art series (abstract landscapes in a contemporary Asian style), is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" staple-free sides are finished off in purple acrylic) and can be hung with just a nail. It has been lightly varnished to protect the paint and preserve the lustrous colors. The copyright watermark does not appear on the actual painting. You can also see the painting on my website.

Branches and Berries:

Item 7376064530

Snowflakes dance around a luminous full moon. Snow-covered turquoise branches with bright red berries add a touch of color to this winter landscape. The night sky is in shades of gray and metallic silver. This miniature feng shui mandala, part of the Zen Moonlight modern art series (botanical abstract landscapes in a contemporary Asian style), is an original acrylic painting.

ACEO Art Card...Bidding starts at only .99, No Reserve!

Quan Yin in Teal Moonlight:

Item 43229

Get a fantastic deal on this print and benefit Direct Relief International!

I haven't decided whether to put the original painting up for auction. It is currently on my website.

Quan Yin, the Buddhist goddess of compassion, among branches of cherry blossoms, under a luminous full moon. Her belt is decorated with a gold lotus flower and she holds a dove in one hand and mala prayer beads in the other. The prayer beads are white, ending in a gold tassel. The night sky is in shades of teal and blue, deepening to indigo. Some of the petals are dancing in the air.

Madonna in Pink Clouds:

Item 7374970348

The Virgin Mary, her lips parted in prayer, among the clouds. The sky is in gentle shades of pink, coral and purple. This inspirational art is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" staple-free sides are finished off in pink acrylic) and can be hung with just a nail—no need to frame. It has been lightly varnished to protect the paint and preserve the lustrous colors. Note that the copyright watermark does not appear on the original painting.

Pink Sunrise Angel:

Item 7373522288

A praying angel among the clouds. The sky is in gentle shades of pink, coral and purple. This miniature inspirational art is an original acrylic painting.

I have a couple new miniatures (under 2"):

Dove in Pink Clouds:

Item 7373696646

Lantern by a Koi Pond:

Item 7374706343

Crow in Blue Stardust:

Item 7373522288

A lone crow sits on a tree branch as bright autumn leaves swirl through the clouds around a luminous full moon. The night sky, studded with stars, is in shades of deepening blue to indigo. Some of the leaves are dancing in the air. This piece, part of the Zen Mandala modern art series (surreal abstract landscapes in a contemporary Asian style), is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" staple-free sides are finished off in indigo acrylic) and can be hung with just a nail—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.

Sunset Crow, a miniature:

Item 5644507804

It is 1.25" x 1.5" on matboard (the edges are painted so it does not need framing).

Two new subjects for me, Saint Francis and a Dalmation dog:

Item 41763

Get a fantastic deal on this piece and benefit Save the Dalmations and Other Canines!

Here is my latest, Magnolia:

Item 5643396135

It is 1.5" square on matboard (the edges are painted so it does not need framing).

Purple Stardust Angel:

Item 41194

Get a fantastic deal on this piece and benefit Direct Relief International!

A praying angel in a white gown glides through the night sky, in shades of purple, dotted with stars. The full moon provides a natural halo. This inspirational art is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" staple-free sides are finished off in purple acrylic) and can be hung with just a nail—no need to frame. It has been lightly varnished to protect the paint and preserve the lustrous colors. Note that the copyright watermark does not appear on the original painting.

Here is my latest miniature, Elephant Sunset:

Item 5642575868

1:12 scale (perfect for dollhouses).

Here is another mini, "Seascape in Deep Purple":

Item 7371381224

It's 1.25" x 1.75" original acrylic on matboard (1:12 scale, great for dollhouses).