Where did the summer go? .... A view of St. Peters

This is a view of St. Peters in Italy. You might be thinking that I visited Italy over the summer... well not quite. I took another imaginary adventure with Laure Ferlita, and loved journeying through Italy from my dining room table. It would have been even better if I'd really been in Italy, but I'll have to save that experience for another time... when all the kids are out of college.

Admiralty Head Lighthouse - view from afar

First view of Admiralty Head Lighthouse (WA) - Claire

This page was painted from a photo that my son sent me back in June of the Admiralty Head Lighthouse in Washington state .... he took the picture as he passed by on his bike. He knows how I've developed an interest in lighthouses over the years. I looked up this lighthouse on the web to find out more about it. To my surprise.... I found out that my son's view of the lighthouse only captures the top floor. There is more that you can't see from this image.

We later visited my son and I got to see the 'whole thing' for myself and take pictures for future paintings.

They just caught my eye....

These are tiles on a retaining wall in San Luis Obispo, California. I discovered the tiles when we took our middle son back to college. We were actually in route to an art festival, but I couldn't resist looking at these tiles as we parked the car. I decided to snap a quick photo of them to use for a sketch later. Just a reminder to me .... that I can find a subject to sketch just about anywhere.... and its time to get back into the practice/habit of frequently sketching and painting. I'm glad to be back!!

P.S. This is painted in my handmade leather journal that contains handmade paper. It is a different experience working with the handmade paper, but it is fun to work with something that feels so organic or relaxed. It contributes to the informal style of the sketch. This isn't the journal that I usually work in, but it is fun to work in it for a change.

Shuttle Memories

The final Shuttle, Atlantis, landed this morning at 5:57pm. It marked the end of NASA's 30 year shuttle program. The first shuttle launched back on April 12, 1981. It amazes me to think that there have been 135 shuttle missions with 355 space flyers! What an incredible history!! I have fond memories of my husband, and all 3 of our boys and their interest in the Space Shuttles. Together we have watched numerous launches, landings, and broadcasts from space.

Back in February my son Ryan drove several hours in Florida to see the Discovery make her final launch. What a memorable site for a boy who grew up with toy Space Shuttles and a desire to be an astronaut. A photo that he took during the launch inspired the painting on the left.

I tip my hat to NASA - its been an incredible ride!

Wandering through Coupeville - Whidbey Island

After visiting the Farmer's Market in Coupeville, we enjoyed wandering through town.

Good Morning Whidbey Island!!

My husband and I recently visited our oldest son in his new home on Whidbey Island in Washington State. I painted this from a not-so-great, out-the-car-window photo as we drove by on the first morning. I was really taken by the beautiful sites in the area and I have many more pictures to paint from.

Happy 4th of July

I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July !! It sure was HOT here in California!!