Tree of Life

This recent pen & ink and watercolor painting, done in Ibiza while on vacation, seemed an appropriate entry for Illustration Friday's word "Perennial."  The tree is not only a perennial plant, the subject of the tree as a symbol for life is a perennial subject.  One of my favorite Tree of Life paintings is by Gustav Klimt.

Nuri, Roy and Liz in Ibiza

The highlights of Nuri Barata's dark brown hair gleamed red/orange in the July sun while she posed in the pool.  It had been 6 years since my last visit to Ibiza in 2005 when I did quick sketches of Roy and Liz and 14 years since Nuri last modeled for me.  It's amazing how quickly time disappears when you go back and visit a familiar place.  When I was there it felt as if I had just been there the day before but now that I'm back home it feels like it was just a dream.

J.L. and Susan

Jean's Mumu

Circle Tree

Circle Tree is my latest oil on canvas, measuring 8"x10"x1".  At first I tried painting candy in the style of Wayne Thiebaud with no success so I painted over most of my crummy attempt and drew circles over the rest using my Kern mathematical instrument set. I then painted in some of the circles with Schmincke's Bronze powder, which creates a rich pale gold color that glitters nicely in the sunlight.  I've had the Kern set since childhood.  It must have been one of many odd items E.A. Autrey acquired at an auction or Bekins sale in Santa Barbara years ago.  The one I have looks just like the one manufactured between 1914 and 1926, as seen via the Kern & Co. link above.  It is amazingly useful as an artist's tool.

Three Foot Sun Seeking Dandelion

There are a lot of beautiful images of dandelion weeds on the web but this one I scanned is the tallest I've seen. 

On The Road Again