Releasing Negativity

As a plein air artist, I've long wondered if I could possibly make watercolor batik work in the field. This weekend, I discovered that I could!  I ordered a tiny travel iron for wax removal and withmy tiny crockpot for melting wax, all I needed was an outlet.  It was super fun to participate in multiple classes - and paint in the other ones!  I love exploring new methods in painting AND yoga!  What a fun weekend!  Now Showing at Halcyon Spa in Augusta, Missouri!  Painting number 4954 in 4954 days. 

Yoga Bliss Festival

The very best part of a yoga retreat weekend is the total immersion in all things yoga.  This year, I've been drawn to the deep restorative and sound bath classes, so I've filled my schedule with them plus a little Myo Yin Yan.  Each is a special shared experience that lingers long after the session ends. I'm looking forward to all tomorrow's classes have to offer. Now Showing at the Yoga Bliss Festival at Harmonie Verein in Augusta, where you can come take a class and leave restored! Painting number 4952 in 4952 days. 

Sunset Yoga

 

I love exploring how ink, watercolor, and hot wax play on delicate rice paper.  First, I draw the lines with India ink, then follow with the first layer of watercolor.  Hot wax is added where a resist is desired, and I build the layers from there. Once the crumbling of the wax and last wash of watercolor goes on, I iron off the wax between sheets of paper, this revealing the painting.  I love the very unpredictable nature of this medium. Come see this watercolor batik on rice paper painting at the Harmonie Verein, and take a restorative class at the Yoga Bliss Festival!  Painting number 4596 in 4596 days. 

Tree Pose Inked

Tonight I am getting a quick ink sketch in of a favorite yoga pose - the tree pose.  I'm using a favorite TWSBI Diamond mini fountain pen with a favorite ink, Levenger Raven Black. My paper of choice is 100% cotton rag with those rough deckled edges.  A little water pulls out the mid tones perfectly.  Painting number 2302 in 2302 days.

Sunset Meditation

Pilates and yoga are important parts of my weekly practice, sprinkled in amongst running, weights, zumba and high intensity classes. I love them all, but nothing centers and balances me like yoga, with it's very deliberate moves. Just inking and painting a pose brings the feeling of that position back to me.  I'm working on this one for an upcoming show at the Buttonwood to benefit the mental health community.  I think I'll do a little yoga now to finish the day!  Painting number 2301 in 2301 days

Warrior 1 in the Vineyard

Yoga and pilates are wonderful disciplines for strength, in a quiet, centering way.  These practices give me a quiet peace and balance I don't find in my high paced interval and cardio classes.  Just sketching this pose in India ink, and layering the watercolor and hot wax, soothes and quiets my soul. I can feel the stretch, as if I'm in that moment, as the paint flows from the brush.  It's funny how the act of painting connects me so completely to a practice I love. Painting number 2293 in 2293 days.

Yoga Santa

Yoga Santa
Acrylic on masonite, 4x6
purchase here

I am having a little fun today with Santa!  As I headed to pilates, I imagined Santa in class, trying to maintain the many difficult moves!  So, in honor of a healthier, mindful Santa, I am portraying him in a classic pose.  He is balancing in tree pose, to ready himself for the long month ahead!  What will I catch Santa doing next?  This painting makes 1066 in 1066 days.