Marilyn's Art Blog

Mountain Series

2012-01-26T16:54:00.000-08:00

This series begins with abstracted images of the mountains seen on a recent tour in North Carolina.

Watercolor and ink used in different ways help to create an innovative look at the beautiful landscapes that we saw. The narrow format also gives the viewer a chance to see mountains in a new way.

Trees

2012-01-10T16:30:00.000-08:00

Fall Trees stresses design, color and texture. The fall trees grab my attention with their color while the fall skies with muted gray provide a counter balancing background.

Winter Dance shows the same trees stripped of foliage. The title comes from a book about a man's participation in the Iditarod in Alaska. The description in the book of the cold, the whiteness, and the starkness of the landscape inspired me to try to capture some of that feeling in the painting.

Both paintings are 10" x 22" which is a different format but intriguing for this design.

Technology Art

2011-11-22T16:46:00.000-08:00

Here are two images of watercolors that were imported into an i pad and then altered using special apps.

The first image (Brown Abstract) beame this exciting collection of polygons of the same color.

This watercolor went from a stylized rendition of Fall Trees to:

This image of pixels of the same color with exciting changes.

It's challenging to think of how to use this capability (a friend did these) but somehow there must be a future in these altered images.

Studying Abstract

2011-11-07T17:43:00.000-08:00

I have been studying the work of Joan Mitchell and reading books about her, primarily one by Jane Livingston. I learned a lot by trying to copy some of her work but in very small scale--1:10. These are all done in 8" x 10" format whereas her work was quite large--many 10 times that in size. My little endeavors are acrylic on paper and hers were, of course, oil on canvas.

Each time I did one I learned more about how to interpret her work. It's really quite complex--not just blobs or scratches but rather shapes with line.

I began to see that she often had a light background with shapes on top but the background had many, many subtle shades of color and texture. Then more definite shapes were painted on top of those.

Her paint dribbled down the canvas to create those interesting vertical lines. My attempt was done with the edge of a piece of matbard to give an illusion of dribbles.

I am trying one on my own now but it is not finished and it might never be satisfactory but the exercise was worth it!

Grapes with Texture

2011-11-07T16:12:00.000-08:00

"Grapes with Texture" is another watercolor that started with lots of random shapes and colors painted onto the paper. Then, gradually the shapes emerged by painting positive shapes and then embellishing them. The background was painted behind the shapes. Details were added with both a fine brush and by lifting out details to get branches to show. Colors were adjusted to get complementary colors next to each other to give more "pop" to the colors.

Pastel Landscapes

2011-09-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

This South Carolina landscape is one of three that I have used pastels to create. This is a new medium for me. I am attracted to the style of M. Katherine Hurley who paints beautiful atmospheric pastels and oils. After buying her DVD I tried to capture the feeling of some scenery in South Carolina.

This was the first one that I did. I'm not sure if I'm getting it!

Harbor Fun

2011-09-10T13:23:00.000-07:00

"Harbor Fun" is another watercolor of my popular style of painting random marks, shapes, textures, and splashes followed by discovering a scene to emphasize.

Some of it makes sense and parts of it are pure fantasy. That's what makes its fun!

Bright Peony

2011-09-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

"Bright Peony" glows with color because I painted it with many, many glazes. I used three watercolor colors: yellow, quinacridone orange (I think) and ultramarine blue. Each color was applied separately in a very light wash and left to dry. Then I added the next color, again in a very light wash and left to dry. Then, I added the final (ultramarine blue) very lightly and dried. I continued to paint these colors in rotation for probably a total of 20 times or more.

This painting is about 15" X 15" and will look lovely with a silver chrome frame.

Plantation Bridge

2011-08-28T16:27:00.000-07:00

This painting came from a trip to a plantation near Charleston, SC. The intention was to capture the softness and ethereal atmosphere of the swamp and trees. I think this method of painting, using lots of water on both sides of the paper, accomplished my goal. It was very tricky--leaving white yet adding dark with lots of green!

"Pickle"

2011-08-21T16:29:00.000-07:00

This monoprint is actually the second one using only green ink to make an image. It's my intention to make a series of prints using only one color. This one is titled "Pickle" because it goes with "Cucumber." Both are about 9" x 12" on printmaking paper.

"Cucumber"

2011-08-21T16:26:00.000-07:00

This monoprint began with the roller but then I added ink to the plate and moved it around. The original title "Green Roller Print" didn't really say much but I think "Cucumber" gives a little smile!

Moon and Waves Roller Print

2011-08-05T16:35:00.000-07:00

Here is another non-objective print made with a roller and some net and a piece of card stock and IMAGINATION! I titled it after I made it. It is ink on printmaking paper about 9" x 12."

Cave Horse Roller Print

2011-07-30T06:07:00.000-07:00

"Cave Horse" is another piece created with roller printing. In this image, the horse torso was found by painting the background with light washes of watercolor . The result is a small but mysterious print, only 4" x 6".

Roller Print Landscape

2011-07-27T16:47:00.000-07:00

This non-objective horizontal design happened when I manipulated ink on a plate and used fine grid with ink. The shapes are dramatic and, of course, unexpected.

Mountain with Totem Roller Print

2011-07-15T19:05:00.000-07:00

This image was created by rolling printing ink on a plate and then printing it on to paper. The image was not pre-determined but rather was a spontaneous application of ink, rolled, and scraped with the edge of a piece of mat board. This image is only 4" x 4" and actually has greater contrast from what the photo shows.

This is a fun and experimental type of art--just what I love!

Whimsical Women

2011-07-04T17:31:00.000-07:00

These whimsical images are monoprints in the style of Henri Matisse. These are my first attempts at painting faces directly on the plate before running them through my press. They are kind of cute, I think. I may try some more.

Environment Exhibit

2011-06-29T13:15:00.000-07:00

"Prairie Restoration" was the theme of the MEEC show this year (Marianist Environmental Education Center). The show offered viewers a variety of media, including these hanging "blossoms" which were fashioned like pinatas and suspended from the ceiling. Other items were made from Raku pottery, silk for a quilt, straw for a clump like a nest, branches from a birch tree as supports for a ceramic leaf, collage, and traditional watercolor and acrylic. Here you see my "Prairie Biodiversity" painting again with the narrative posted next to it.

The exhibit also had lots of poetry posted on the walls and placed next to relevant photography. It's always a challenge to create and image suitable for the theme but always gratifying when it all comes together.

Environment Show Exhibit

2011-06-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

Here are two more photographs of some of the works of art displayed at Gallery St. John in Beavercreek, Ohio as part of the Marianist Environmental Education Center exhibit 2011. The theme was "Prairie Restoration."

Healthy Choice

2011-06-21T17:13:00.001-07:00

"Healthy Choice" is a watercolor done in the style of Matisse. It has a lot of pattern and shows the contents of the room behind the table where the fruit is. It was entered into the Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society show and provided an alternative to typical watercolors!

"Barrier on Island"

2011-06-09T17:25:00.000-07:00

"Barrier on Island" is another attempt to create a painting for the MEEC show on the environment. The theme was "restoration." In painting this I thought of how barriers on islands create opportunities for the beach to recover from erosion. This watercolor didn't suit me so it didn't get entered in the show!

From the Mountain to the Prairie

2011-05-30T17:13:00.001-07:00

This painting/collage was done for the Marianist Environmental Education Center art show. However, I didn't submit it because I wasn't satisfied with it.

The mountain area was done by making my own stamp using softened plastic on which I pressed bark from a tree. This was then painted and pressed to the paper. The foreground is paint with lacy rice paper glued over it.

The theme for the show was restoration with an emphasis on the prairie as a conservation of soil.

MEEC Postcard

2011-05-22T17:51:00.000-07:00

This is a scanned image of the postcard used by the Marianist Environmental Education Center (meec) to advertise its series of programs offered currently. The programs emphasize the beauty of the prairie that was established to reclaim a "borrow pit" which was disturbed land left after construction of an interstate highway. I was honored to have my painting selected for the card and other advertising. For the complete schedule, go to www.meec.udayton.edu.

Prairie Weeds

2011-05-15T17:13:00.000-07:00

"Prairie Weeds" is another whimsical and imaginary field of weeds generated by interactions among the seeds of biodiversity. It's not real but it's fun!

Seeds of Biodiversity

2011-05-10T17:22:00.000-07:00

"Seeds of Biodiversity” exaggerates the makeup of seed formation in a graphic but fun interpretation of possibility. What is possible when nature combines fertilization accomplished by wind and birds and even tramping feet? Is it going to generate fantastic forms like those illustrated in this painting? Probably not! But restoring land condemned to abuse by waste or refuse or unneeded construction can open land for beauty and the unexpected.

Prairie Biodiversity

2011-05-01T12:54:00.001-07:00

“Prairie Biodiversity” is a whimsical suggestion of the plants that can spring up in a field left on its own. A stroll through a field of grass can help the observant to discover a variety of plants and flowers that are unexpected at first glance. Restoring land, whether it is a hillside like at Mt. St. John, or seashore where dunes are preserved, encourages growth of the oddly shaped or multi-colored plant.
Imagine the possibilities—just like this painting is full of imagination.

White Flower

2011-04-23T11:04:00.001-07:00

Easter Sunday and the impossible has come true. Jesus has risen from the dead. I chose this watecolor of a white flower that I painted using primarily the shadows. Little color was added so that the effect is somewhat ethereal. To me it suggested the purity and elusiveness of that early morning when the women first saw the empty tomb.

"Call to the Table"

2011-04-16T17:07:00.000-07:00

This painting, "Call to the Table" suggests the inclusion of a variety of people at the Last Supper. The reading for Palm Sunday begins the final stage of Jesus' presence among His followers. This painting represents that time when some of His friends were invited to celebrate a Seder meal. This watercolor version of the story shows that we all are special to the Lord.

Spirits of Mt. St. John

2011-04-09T13:28:00.001-07:00

The readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent emphasize living "Life in the Spirit." Therefore I chose this watercolor monotype created for the 2010 Marianist Environmental show.

“Spirits of Mt. St. John” utilizes color and shape to describe the heritage that the people, now gone, have given to us who enjoy the land, the events and the spiritual growth opportunities at Mt. St. John. Those communities of people are represented by the colors in the image: the Society of Mary (blue), the Shakers (brown/green) and the First Nations (red).

Rising Sun

2011-03-28T17:17:00.001-07:00

The fourth Sunday of Lent tells the story of Jesus' healing of the man who was blind from birth. The message is seeking light. Paul also deals with living in the light. We all want to be enlightened and as new insights come, our life is enhanced. Those moments of "Aha!" bring important ideas to us to help us lead the fullest life possible.

I chose this painting because of the light from the sun. I painted it after going to the beach at dawn. The lack of light before sunrise made everything look gray. Then--the sun came up and color shown!

Thomas Merton wrote: "My being is given me not simply as an arbitrary and inscrutable, but as a source of joy, growth, life creativity, and fulfillment. But the decision to take existence only as an affliction is left fully to me. Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander, Doubleday, New York, 1989, p.221

River Daze

2011-03-28T16:58:00.000-07:00

The readings for the third Sunday of Lent focus on the "Living Water" offered by Jesus to the woman from Samaria. Living water is a term used to designate the vitality of water in a symbolic sense.

The symbolism is that of cleansing, purification, life sustaining, thirst quenching, washing, and more. The image on the left is whimsical and yet symbolic in its own way because the river is depicted with unusual waves and creatures. One can never know what living water will bring to our lives.

Sunspot

2011-03-19T10:44:00.001-07:00

This painting, "Sunspot" was chosen to illustrate the dramatic intervention in our world by our God. The reading for the second Sunday of Lent describes the appearance of Moses and Elijah with Jesus: "And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun..." (Mt 17:2)

We can appreciate the importance of such intervention although we are not likely to experience it in the same way.

After Eden

2011-03-12T16:21:00.000-08:00

"After Eden" depicts a fragmented image of what was initially a simple scene of a tree with fruit with grass, sky, and the glimmer of sunshine. In the reading for the first Sunday of Lent, Eve yields to temptation to eat of the tree in the garden that was forbidden to her. This idea of yielding to temptation is behind the meaning of this painting. The original bucolic scene is fragmented into barely discernible shapes to represent our lives when we yield to temptation and fragment our lives.

Experimental Art

2011-03-05T10:52:00.000-08:00

"Sun Spot" is a watercolor 8" x 8" monotype that demonstrates line and rhythm.

"Untitled #1" will eventually have a title but for now it was an exercise in spontaneous lines that created shapes to paint.

"Line Abstract" was an exercise to emphasize line and composition. First I developed a composition, then painted the shapes and then outlined the shapes. It is done in acrylic.

These paintings are examples of work that I am doing following the guidance of Rolina van Vliet. Her instructional books teach concepts followed by directives to make a painting based on the concept. I have her two books: Painting Abstracts and The Art of Abstract Painting.

Christmas in January

2011-01-30T16:38:00.000-08:00

These are paintings for my Christmas cards for December of this year but created in January. The first is a pen & ink drawing done in a simple style. The next is a "yellow line" painting where the sketch or drawing is done by painting yellow lines through the leaves and petals so the lines make many new shapes. These shapes were then painted without a total reality color. The third painting is more realistic yet has an abstract quality with the petal and leaves painted negatively and the color allowed to drip into the white area below.

Evening Twilight

2011-01-16T17:09:00.001-08:00

"Evening Twilight" is a an art quilt using watercolor to paint the fabric. The background was painted and dried. The small pieces were painted separately and then dried. Each piece was then affixed to the background fabric. Finally, the backing, the batting and the topic were sandwiched together and the whole thing machine quilted using the regular needle. Although it doesn't show in this photo, gold and silver was added to embellish the design.

Caribou Coffee Exhibit

2011-01-16T17:03:00.000-08:00

Caribou Coffee in Anderson Township invited me to exhibit and the exhibit has lasted for 3 months. Due to be taken down at the end of January, it will be my last exhibit for a while. However, I continue to add more work to in-home studio.

Wolf Kahn Type Painting

2010-11-20T12:47:00.001-08:00

The original small pastel on the left was the basis for the painting, "Edge of the Field" on the right. The pastel was done when visiting an apple orchard then used a year later as the basis of an my original acrylic painting with accents of pastel.

As an admirer of the work of Wolf Kahn, I have used his process (capturing a scene plein aire) and then using it to create vibrant art.

Wolf Kahn Type Paintings

2010-11-20T12:31:00.001-08:00

The painting on the left is titled "Orchard Path" and the other is a small pastel completed plein aire in an apple orchard.
I have long admired the work of Wolf Kahn, known for his pastels and oils and I have followed his process of using small on-site creations to create a larger painting in acrylic with pastel accents.

Repurposed Art Construction

2010-11-15T10:11:00.001-08:00

These two construction pieces were made from old watercolor paintings. The paintings were covered with gel medium and fluid acrylics on both sides of the paper. The art was then folded and laced to form pouches to hold dried material. Hangars added the final touch!

Art Exhibit

2010-11-04T08:19:00.001-07:00

Many of my watercolor monotypes and intense watercolor images are on sale at the Caribou Coffee shop through the month of November. I've also put in a few abstract paintings. Check it out!

Yellow Beets and Red Beets

2010-10-27T08:32:00.000-07:00

Here are two art works from the same beginning. On the top is a diptych watercolor monotype of yellow beets with abstracted leaves and background. On the bottom is a quilt designed by tracing the shapes from the monotype and arranging them on cloth. Leaves were also traced and attached. The quilt layers were quilted and then embellished using gold foil and beads.

Brylan's Art Show

2010-10-19T16:37:00.000-07:00

My paintings are on display at Brylans in Newtown. It is open Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2p.m. for the rest of October 2010.

Stop by for a look and a coffee!

Italy Series

2010-10-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

These two watercolor paintings were created from memory of a day in Venice. Each was painted by first laying down color and texture. From that background, the images were painted by using "negative" painting--painting with darker color to allow some shapes to stand out. Line was added later. The one above is "San Marco Memory" and the one below is "Ponte" which means bridge.

Seaside Images

2010-10-07T16:41:00.000-07:00

These three paintings were done while on vacation on the South Carolina shore. They represent a new direction for me: acrylic abstract expressionism. They reflect the colors and textures of the shoreline including the water, waves, weeds, flowers and sand. The first painting is the largest and it is only about 9"x12". The other two are small: 5"x5." You will probably see more of this type of art from me as I find it exciting to paint.

Simple Monprints

2010-10-07T16:34:00.000-07:00

These three monoprints were inspired by the woodcuts of Edna Boies Hopkins. However, they are not woodcuts but rather are watercolor monotype prints made with watercolor painted onto a frosted plexiglass plate. Each of these was made with two plates--the background color and texture--and the images on a separate plate. Each was run through the press one but one was pressed on top of the other. The titles are: "Red Clematis," "Hosta," and "Grapes."

"Pears on Turquoise"

2010-10-07T16:27:00.001-07:00

"Pears on Turquoise" is a small (8"x10") acrylic painting with a decidedly modern design and vibrant color choice. The pears were based on the backyard orchard yield but the colors were changed to give greater contrast.

Green Apples

2010-10-07T16:24:00.001-07:00

"Green Apples" is an acrylic painting which is a new medium for me. It was painted using Golden Fluid Acrylics. The apples came from the back yard.

Beets Series

2010-10-07T16:10:00.000-07:00

The Beets series of monotypes came after a visit to a Chihuly exhibit. Dale Chihuly, the famous glass artist, also paints energetic art filled with color and action. These paintings were inspired by his work although my work is more representational. The "Yellow Beets" diptych was created by laying two plates next to each other and painting them as one plate. Each was then printed individually and mounted later together as one piece. The other prints are titled "Red Beets" and "Blue Beets" respectively. I also designed and sewed a small wall hanging using the design in the "Yellow Beets" diptych.

Zoo Blooms and Cockatoo

2010-06-10T06:31:00.000-07:00

"Zoo Blooms and Cockatoo" is my third art quilt. Created after a tour of the Cincinnati Zoo tulip display with my husband and son. The bird was a separate photo which I loaded into my computer and then printed it onto fabric. After trimming the extraneous background, I fused it onto the previously fused fabrics. The black and white image is the back of the quilt which shows the machine quilting better. The next image is a close-up of the stitching on the quilt.

Bird's Nest #1

2010-04-28T08:00:00.001-07:00

"Bird's Nest #1" was the first of a series of monotypes generated after a visit to the glass exhibit of Dale Chihuly. It was his paintings that are so full of color and swirls and texture that inspired me to make this image.

Bird's Nest #2

2010-04-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

"Bird's Nest #2" is another watercolor monotype using the swirls and energy of enthusiastic painting!

"Bird's Nest #3

2010-04-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

"Bird's Nest #3" is the final in this series of monotypes inspired by the art of Dale Chihuly. It could be a bird's nest or it could be objects in space!

Inside My Eye

2010-03-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

"Inside My Eye" relates to this most recent Sunday reading about the man born blind. The story is almost humorous in that the man whom Jesus healed is challenged to describe his healing over and over again. We can almost imagine him getting really annoyed when both he and his parents are questioned repeatedly about his healing. But finally, the story turns serious when Jesus uses the analogy of not be able to see in a real sense as being spiritually blind to the important things in life.

This monoprint was created near the end of a year of eye problems for me. It started as a different image but the eyeball showed up and I embellished it with flowers to express my gratitude that my eye still functioned (with glasses now) and I could see.

"Living Water"

2010-03-08T18:34:00.000-08:00

"Living Water" is a watercolor monoprint featuring runs of blue and white on a yellow base. This seems appropriate for the Gospel story of the woman at the well who receives "living water" from Jesus. His is a constant source of spiritual nourishment rather than a drink of water that leaves us thirsty again.

Grapes Monoprint

2010-02-28T17:17:00.001-08:00

"Grapes" is a monoprint inspired by the colored woodprints of Edna Boies Hopkins whose work is now on display at the Cincinnati Art Museum. this print was done is two stages, a print of yellow ochre textured to resemble cloth and then the grapes and leaves printed on top.

"Away, Away, Milky Way"

2010-02-28T17:09:00.000-08:00

"Away, Away, Milky Way" is a monoprint with the stars in the background with swirls of starlight in the foreground. It fits the reading of the second Sunday of Lent in which God promises Abraham heirs too numerous to count. In the covenant with Abraham (Abram), God said, "Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your descendants be." That was a covenant, a promise that was staggering, but has come to pass.

"the Birds"

2010-02-20T17:01:00.000-08:00

"The Birds" begins my Lenten series for 2010. I strive to provide a painting each week that in some way relates to one of the Sunday readings.

I chose this image to illustrate some of Psalm 91 which starts: "You who live in the shelter of the most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and may fortress; my God, in whom I trust.'" It goes on to use various images of the assurance of God's protection and in verse 4 says, "and under his wings you will find refuge..."

This painting is one of a few oil paintings done in 2001 during a time away from watercolor. I soon returned to my preference of watercolor!

Marilyn's Internet Shop

2010-01-07T09:22:00.000-08:00

http://www.MBishop71.etsy.com

Barn Painting

2009-11-11T07:06:00.001-08:00

"Barn" on the left is a watercolor painting of a barn in Ohio.

"Barn Batik" is a watercolor batik using the watercolor painting on the left for the pattern. Watercolor batik is done on Oriental rice paper, with melted wax, and watercolor paper. Each color is done in succession after waxing the shape.

"Barn Quilt" is an art quilt using the original watercolor for the pattern. Each section was first fused to the background color (purple) and each piece was machine quilted using the technique called "free motion quilting." The quilt was then bound with material and hung with a rod inserted through a fabric sleeve. The finished size is 19" x 23"

Vibrant Watercolor

2009-09-08T15:24:00.001-07:00

Cypress Tree

Watercolor

Watercolor Collage

2009-09-08T15:21:00.001-07:00

Red Tulips

Watercolor Collage

Watercolor Monotype

2009-09-08T15:18:00.001-07:00

Communication

Watercolor Monotype

Watercolor Monoprint

2009-09-08T15:11:00.001-07:00

Watching

Watercolor Monotype

Watercolor Monoprint

2009-09-08T15:09:00.000-07:00

Magnolia Mambo

Watercolor Monotype

Watercolor Monoprint

2009-09-08T15:03:00.001-07:00

Floral Image

Watercolor Monotype with Ink Drawing

Watercolor Monoprint

2009-09-08T15:01:00.000-07:00

Wandering Willow

Monotype

Watercolor Monoprint

2009-09-08T14:58:00.001-07:00

Ghost Coral and Fish

Monotype

Watercolor Collage

2009-09-08T14:55:00.000-07:00

Red Cruciform

Watercolor on Rice Paper Collage

Watercolor Monoprint

2009-09-08T13:28:00.000-07:00

"Windblown"

Watercolor Monortype

Vibrant Dunes Series

2009-07-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

"Sea Vista" is one of a series of watercolor paintings done with bristle brushes using complimentary colors. Although the shapes came from remembered scenes at the shoreline, the painting suggests Southwestern colors and can be enjoyed in that way also.

This painting is approximately 12" x 12."

Vibrant Dunes Series

2009-07-24T07:01:00.001-07:00

"Vibrant Dunes" is another in the series of scenes created from shapes seen at the shore but painted with fanciful colors in complimentary colors.

This watercolor is 11" x 14".

Vibrant Dunes Series

2009-07-24T06:56:00.001-07:00

"Vibrant Sea View" shows sea oats with an ocean view painted in watercolor using complimentary colors and oil brushes.

It is about 11" x 14" and comes from shapes suggested from a series of photos taken off Sullivan's Island near Charleston. The colors are imaginary.

Vibrant Italy

2009-05-27T18:57:00.000-07:00

Italy Series: "Lake Garda" was painted from memory of the shapes of the mountains surrounding the lake plus Cyprus trees from another area. Again, note the strong contrast of color and bold shapes.

Vibrant Italy

2009-05-27T18:53:00.000-07:00

Italy Series: "Road from Vanza 2" is another watercolor painted with bristle brushes and complimentary colors. This method creates bold, at times almost abstract images. This is a small painting, about 5" x 7."

Vibrant Italy

2009-05-27T18:25:00.000-07:00

Italy Series: "Road from Vanza" is a watercolor using different brushes with very intense color. This small, 5" x 7" painting is experimental as are the others in this series.

"Ghost Coral and Fish"

2009-04-22T16:57:00.000-07:00

"Ghost Coral and Fish" is a shadowy portrayal of bleached coral and ghosts of the fish that were nurtured there. Sometimes called the Rain forests of the Sea, the coral reefs serve as nurseries to countless species. However, they cannot tolerate the damage that is caused by sewage, fertilizer, ocean warming and other pollutants. So, they become ghosts and we have fewer and fewer colonies. The demise of coral reefs, estimated to be at 10 percent now, will change to 70 percent unless we make changes in damage caused by pipelines, cables, pollution and tourism.

This set of three monotypes are currently on display at the Gallery St. John in Beavercreek, Ohio and are part of 2009 Marianist Environmental Education Center Art Show. The theme for the exhibit is "What on Earth is Missing?"

"Shoreline"

2009-04-22T16:53:00.000-07:00

"Shoreline" depicts the encroachment of the sea onto our land. The poem by Robert Frost, "Devotion" is a somewhat nostalgic commentary on just how vital the shoreline is to hold the sea at bay. The homes along the shore, the land we live on, are slowly being eaten away by the rise in sea level.

"Away, Away, Milky Way"

2009-04-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

"Away, Away, Milky Way" indicates a night sky filled with stars, constellations and our own Milky Way. Yet, seldom do we view this night sky in all its beauty because the lights in our yards, streets, parking lots and buildings light up the sky and cause the brilliance of our universe to fade. If we have a chance to look at the sky in the desert, on the ocean, or in undeveloped areas, we gasp with pleasure because we can see so much in the sky. If we just turn down the glow of our lighting, we will turn up the night sky.

2009-04-12T18:35:00.000-07:00

"Radiance" is the final image of the Lenten Series 2009. Candles are used to light up the night and the darkened church at the Easter Vigil Service. The candles represent the Light of Christ. So, too, this image brings light to the dark and thus offers an appropriate image for the light brought by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

2009-04-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

"Crucifix" is another watercolor collage. This painting tries to portray a tortured Jesus on the cross. The white areas suggest a skeleton that is twisted with agony. It says that Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice in following his truth to his death.

Lenten Series 2009

2009-04-03T12:52:00.001-07:00

This monoprint of a bent weed reminds me of a solitary person bent in an attitude of prayer. The person of Jesus saw his coming death and prayed about it in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was essentially alone as he faced the days of his torment.

Lenten Season 2009

2009-03-18T16:27:00.000-07:00

"Away, Away, Milky Way" is a monoprint demonstrating the contrast between the stars and the dark sky. The theme for readings this week is darkness versus "The Light." The brightness of the stars, constellations, and the Milky Way is what we yearn for. The light attracts us and calls to us. We must not be overcome by darkness but rather follow what leads us to "The Light."

Lenten Series 2009

2009-03-12T16:10:00.000-07:00

This colorful woman seems appropriate for the story of the "Woman at the Well" because this woman is somewhat pensive and quite unusually attired! The woman at the well who spoke to Jesus was perhaps rather daring and saucy in her dialogue. She was willing to take a risk which is what I was doing when I painted this image. It has lead to new watercolor explorations and the woman at the well certainly understood life in new ways after her encounter with the Messiah.

Lenten Series 2009

2009-03-08T18:26:00.000-07:00

This watercolor of a distant mountain as seen from a hillside town in Italy relates to the location of many stories of scripture where something special happens. Often the mountain is a place of an encounter with God. It always seems to be a place where inspiration occurs. Separating oneself from usual day-to-day activities and becoming quiet allows for new perspectives to flow to the mind.

Lenten Series for Spring 2009

2009-02-26T13:15:00.000-08:00

"Sea Bird" suggests the dove that Noah sent to determine if the waters had subsided from the face of the earth. It is a symbol of the hope for a better tomorrow which God promises.

This small painting is layers of rice paper with inclusions adhered to a background and painted with water color.

New Richmond Series

2008-10-30T17:44:00.000-07:00

"New Richmond Rocks" is a fun distortion of the buildings on Front Streeet that face the Ohio River. This watercolor was a favorite at the Java, Jazz'n Art Show.

New Richmond Series

2008-10-30T17:41:00.000-07:00

"River Daze" is a fantastic creation based on the view from the park in New Richmond, Ohio. Here there is the park bench overlooking the Ohio River that is filled with free forms suggesting river sprites or creatures.

New Richmond Series

2008-10-30T17:37:00.000-07:00

"Drummer Boyz" is reflective of the jazz band playing during the art show, "Java, Jazz'n Art" in New Richmond, Ohio. Color, musical instruments and one person transformed into three is the basis of this watercolor painting.

New Richmond Series

2008-10-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

"Cruisin on the River" is another painting reflecting activity at New Richmond Ohio. During the summer, antique cars line Front Street on Sunday afternoon. It's a fun event which this painting suggests.

"Fervent"

2008-10-04T12:55:00.000-07:00

"Fervent" is so named because the figures seem to be kneeling in front of a figure. This monotype came from my imagination after making marks on the printing plate and then generating the image by filling in with more paint.

Magnolia Elegance

2008-10-04T12:51:00.000-07:00

"Magnolia Elegance" is a monotype in a square format that is framed in black to make a finished product 15" x 15". Magnolia flowers continue to be one of my favorite flowers because of the shape and velvet texture of the blossom and the large shiny leaves.

2008-10-04T12:46:00.000-07:00

"Dream" is a watercolor monotype inspired by an actual dream. When such images occur, I sketch them as immediately as possible, then create them when I am in my studio.

The colors of "Dream" are soft with writing that is just part of the design.

Watercolor and Collage

2008-05-05T19:06:00.001-07:00

"Fruit"

"Green Wave"

"Tulips"

These are examples of watercolor and rice paper collages. AFter brushing watercolor paint onto heavy paper, fragments of rice paper are adhered with matte medium. After drying, the surface is painted by responding to the crevices and threads of the rice paper.

Watercolor monotype

2008-05-05T19:00:00.001-07:00

This is a watercolor print or monotype. This is a new way to make art using a variety of tools to adhere watercolor paint to a flat plate. This plate is then pressed to paper using a table-top press.

Watercolor Monotype

2008-05-05T18:52:00.001-07:00

This monotype painting is titled "Good Vibrations" and shows the variety of techniques that will be taught at my upcoming workshop in July 2008 at Mt. Washington Recreation Center. Leave a comment if you want more information!

Watercolor Monotype

2008-05-05T18:45:00.001-07:00

"Leaf Motif" is an example of a watercolor monotype or print. Using watercolor paint and a variety of tools this was created with a real leaf branch.

This is another example of possibilities at my upcoming workshop in July 2008.

Resurrection

2008-03-22T16:54:00.001-07:00

"Resurrection" for Easter, of course. The glorious event for Jesus and for us. The image suggests dark depths and strange beings flying midway. Yet, the mountains are overcome and the clouds give way to morning sun.

Just think if Christ had not shown us the new way of thinking. Millions of people would have been left without a new way to live and to love.

This collage of stained paper, dried paint and brushed-on acrylic ends the Lenten series. Where I go next with this blog, I do not know. But, I invite you to return to visit this site as new waves of inspiration are translated onto paper.

Red Cross

2008-03-18T16:07:00.000-07:00

The cross is symbolic of Christianity and the red cross ushers in the solemn week before Easter. Red is the liturgical color because it suggests the blood of martyrs.

Searching my art or creating art that relates to the themes of Lent has helped to provide meditation of the various Lenten scriptures. This journey is nearing an end.

This image is another monotype created by painting on a frosted plate then impressed onto damp paper. The results are not entirely predictable and yet this fact is enticing in itself.

"Cave"

2008-03-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

The perspective from inside the cave, looking out, brings to mind the glorious joy that Lazarus must have felt when he was released out of the tomb and back to his world. We might feel the same way when we are safe after a frightening experience.

This image is a stained paper collage. Sheets of white tissue paper are stained with diluted fluid acrylics, dried, then adhered to the backing with mat or gloss medium. The transparency of the stained paper allows for layers of various color to develop as the torn papers are pressed on top of one another.

Inside My Eye

2008-03-02T16:12:00.000-08:00

"Inside My Eye" suggests the beauty of my eye and came from a time when my eyesight had been diminished.

This monotype is appropriate for the scripture reading in which the man born blind is healed. One goal of the story was to suggest that insight is more valuable than physical sight.