Cynthia White

February ~ The Self Portrait Attempt

2012-02-03T18:24:00.000-08:00

Not Self Portrait Self

mixed media on paper

4" x 6"

A recent call for entries on Self Portraits was the catalyst for this piece. I drew the figure in pencil and then painted in washes in watercolor. I used my handmade stamps for embellishments and added the text from a book. I originally wanted a python body after reading a story about pythons invading natural habitats in the everglades, but the coils began to look more like a scarf. (besides scales somehow feel creepy to draw)

Though the face does not resemble mine, I think there are some qualities illustrated that I possess . And although I don't feel like an invasive species, I sometimes feel like I belong elsewhere. I guess I am still struggling with my limbo and a sense of place.

May the Cupcakes Unite

2012-01-17T18:31:00.000-08:00

Cupcakes Unite (working sketch)

pencil in sketchbook

I imagined many cupcakes and looked at photos of ones online until, I caved. I went to the Coop and bought cupcakes to study, and hopefully not eat. I know that I work best when looking at my subject in its purest form, but I did not want to be tempted. It all turned out fine, I have the finished painting below and Grandma Voe had two cupcakes for her dessert.

Cupcakes Unite

acrylic on cradled panel

6" x 6"

I am getting to know a special person in Ashland. When we met the other day we talked about our individual health concerns and histories. She confided that she had just had a double mastectomy and has plans to get her replacements during surgery tomorrow. She termed her replacements as 'cupcakes' and we laughed and joked about other names we have used. Her boldness made me feel loved, I knew she felt safe. And thus, these cupcakes are for that friend. I purposely painted them to coordinate and not be identical. The most difficult thing for me to draw is the second eye and thus, I knew duplicating a cupcake centimeters from its partner was not a task I wanted to try to accomplish.

So, the pair speak volumes about our own desires for that perfect match and that perfect set.

Drawings of Trees

2012-01-17T18:05:00.000-08:00

Portland Trees

pen in sketchbook

Pyar and I walked from our hotel on the river to my favorite breakfast restaurant, Zell's in Portland. After an amazing breakfast with dear friends, we headed out for our friend's house further north. We had a blast, the air was crisp and it felt like a new day, it being New Year's Day. I felt invigorated and blessed. We talked about houses we liked and didn't like and noticed some wonderful trees that managed to outgrow their cement surroundings. A magical day, thank you, Pyar.

January 2012 Happy New Year (the year of the dragon)

2012-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

Komodo Dragon Sketch

pencil in sketchbook

Drawing fantasy characters are challenging for me. I have several other pages not in the post of attempts at drawing dragons; they are pensive, sloth like and nonchalant - none of which looked 'dragon' enough for my annual new year stamp. So, my next choice was to draw the komodo dragon from a photograph on the web. I think with the head tilt and the sway of the tail, he looks more dragon than anything I could conjure.

Komodo Dragon, New Year 2012

2" x 3"

handmade stamp on paper

December Paintings

2011-12-19T22:51:00.000-08:00

Koyasan, Japan, Trees in the Fall

For Lewis

3" x 3"

acrylic on wood

Trees fascinate me. Sometimes looking up in to their long reaching limbs is the best glimpse of life. These trees are very special, they reside in a magical place called Koyasan.

I visited the mountain of Koya about five times during the two years that we lived in Japan. It is one of my favorite places, any time of year.

"The grand scale of temples and shrines that sit at the peak creates an unbelievably austere ambiance that will make you feel like you have stumbled into a totally different world. The religious site of Koyasan, located at the peak of the mountain, has an elevation of 800 meters and 1,200 years of history. " from this site
http://www.wakayama-kanko.or.jp/world/english/world-heritage/koyasan.html

December Paintings

2011-12-19T18:00:00.001-08:00

Intertwined
(recurrent)

8" x 10"

acrylic on wood

Sometimes things in our lives happen that we may not understand completely. We all experience rises and falls. I believe life occurs perfectly, as part of a divine plan, though sometimes seemingly jumbled. I have been seeking clarity and have caught glimpses in others.

Intertwined (recurrent) honors and commemorates those on the journey with me, thank you.

December Paintings

2011-12-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

Japan Skies, Early March 2011

3" x3"

acrylic on wood

This is from a photograph taken in Tanabe. One of my fondest memories is how often I would look to the clouds and skies and think of the clouds and skies above my loved ones. Now, back in the States, I look to the skies and think of our loved ones in Japan and how their skies might look. This is in memory of Japan.

Three Pillows

3" x 3"

acrylic on wood

This painting was from a still life I set up in our room. For days, I would rearrange the pillows from our bed and side chair and draw. I found that when they were stacked or leaning, they became creature like and thus, I would give them personalities.

(more of these studies in paint to come)

Painting in November

2011-11-24T15:35:00.000-08:00

Turban Squash Meets Pear

11" x 14"

acrylic on gessoboard

Balancing Act

12" x 6"

acrylic on gessoboard

The cold has brought me inside to paint for some of November. I have had fun with the abundance of fruit this season and unusual shapes of squash. The turban squash was a centerpiece in the dining room. I like the shape alongside the leaning pear.

Currently, I am working on a new series of blanket and pillow paintings that were inspired by my dailies from 2008-2009.

Our Neighbor the Fox

2011-10-22T16:03:00.001-07:00

Our Grey Fox
handmade stamp on light grey paper

The Anderson family refers to our fox friend on Timberlake Drive as Mr. Fox. My drawing became more feminine when I tried to emulate the small nose and endearing eyes. Pyar and I have had the awesome timing of seeing him/her a couple of times in the late evenings near our driveway. This stamp is for Mary and Lewis, thank you for sharing so much with us.

Grey Fox study I
pencil in sketchbook

Drawing for handmade stamp.

Grey Fox Study II
pencil in sketchbook

Drawing for handmade stamp.
I used this version, since it was smaller and thus fit on my stamp making material.

Stamp Ideas Imagined Animals

2011-10-22T15:59:00.000-07:00

Imaginary Friends
pen in sketchbook

I often draw animals from life or photos for making my handmade stamps. I have been thinking more about pattern and animal shapes and drawing from imagination. These may later be created by stitching on to fabric.

October 5, Date with Pyar

2011-10-22T15:54:00.000-07:00

Carnation and Baby's Breath Study at Cafe 116
ball point pen in sketchbook

Pyar and I were enjoying a tea and chai date. While Pyar checked his email, I drew our table's vase of flowers using black ball point pen.

October Artwork, Mackenzie River and Proxy Falls

2011-10-22T15:45:00.000-07:00

Mackenzie River, study for Pyar
pen in sketchbook

I started this sketch on another page, working from life. Later, at the cottage, I made this study from one of my photographs. The day was rainy and cold. At the time of this drawing, we were cozy in the cottage with a roaring stove fire.

Riding and Drawing
pen in sketchbook

Pyar at Rest
pen in sketchbook

Rocks at Proxy Falls
pen in sketchbook

The current along the rock shifted and cradled some debris in this crevice I found.

Proxy Falls Tree
pen in sketchbook

October Artwork

2011-10-22T15:40:00.001-07:00

Riding and Drawing from Walla Walla to Portland
pen in sketchbook

Walla Walla Clouds October 1
pen in sketchbook

Whitman Campus Study
pen in sketchbook

September Clouds

2011-10-09T21:42:00.001-07:00

Ashland Clouds, September 4

4" x 5"
acrylic on canvas

Ashland Clouds, September 5

4" x 5"
acrylic on canvas

September Artwork, Looking out the window of the Portland Airport

2011-10-09T21:39:00.001-07:00

Farmland From Portland Airport Window
pen in sketchbook

Portland Airport Rain and Clouds
pen in sketchbook

September Artwork, riding in car and Walla Walla

2011-10-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

Patissirie on Thursday
pen in sketchbook

Riding in Car, View of Mt. Hood
pen in sketchbook

Riding in Car, Two Sisters at Wallula Gap on the Columbia River
pen in sketchbook

Riding in Car, Trees
pen in sketchbook

Riding in Car, to the Left of the Columbia River
pen in sketchbook

September in Ashland, Oregon

2011-10-09T21:24:00.001-07:00

Lithia Creek
pen in sketchbook

Pyar walked across these rocks and picked blackberries. He brought back a handful to share.

September in Ashland, Oregon

2011-10-09T21:18:00.000-07:00

September 7
pen (sketchbook page)

Fabric Study
pencil

Birds at Feeder Study
pen

The feeder outside the kitchen window offers endless bird viewing and interesting drama.

Early September Artwork, Silver Falls

2011-10-09T21:07:00.000-07:00

Silver Falls Study (in progress)
pen in sketchbook

Silver Falls State Park is amazing. Pyar took some great photographs while I enjoyed exploring and hiking. The area is serene and breathtaking.

Looking Up
pencil

Stretching to see up into a tree's life force is one of my new favorite hobbies.

August time, October thoughts, "My Re-Route"

2011-10-09T20:25:00.000-07:00

Late posts are not my plan - posting my artwork from August and September in October was not my plan.
Reverse culture shock was not my plan, so I am calling it my 're-route'.

Pyar and I returned to the U.S. on July 27. I uploaded my July artwork in Japan, thrilled with my timeliness. I anticipated keeping up with my blog, art, life, friends and 'the must do's' while experiencing the return. I had no idea it would be as intense as it became. We were only minutes in San Francisco when we met our friends, Mick and Belen at the airport. It was a wonderful opportunity to immediately share and decompress. We toured the area and set out for Yosemite the next day. I was in awe. The beauty and life of the area and our friends had me entranced. We made our way north to our new home in Ashland the following day. We were immediately busy with moving and adjusting. We are staying with our family in a beautiful home surrounded by trees that overlook a lake and mountains. It is more than a blessing to call this place home - and with family. I was feeling easy and more in love with life. Within days, it hit me, hard. We were not returning to Japan. We were not just on a vacation. We had returned home, here, to stay. Japan was our home for two amazing years. I want a bridge to bridge the gap. Japan is too far away. I miss my students, my friends, our lives. My yearning had just begun.

August was packed with Jewel and Paul's wedding, a trip to Portland for sightseeing and a workshop (career informing). It was great, and full, and very busy. September brought many wonderful days of making memories and creating new traditions with family and new friends. Pyar and I spent some time exploring and visited some of his favorite spots, like Silver Falls State Park. (drawings in September post) I went to Florida September 18 - 28. Spending time with my immediate family was magnificent and made me feel even more at home, feeling more complete, somehow. Pyar met me at the airport in Portland for our next adventure, Walla Walla, Washington, for his college reunion. We enjoyed a fun weekend with dear friends. I like learning more about Pyar by experiences with his friends and favorite places. We left Walla Walla refreshed and exhausted. It was a raining Sunday when we dropped our Drew off in Portland. The weekend was etched with great memories and we were ready for our next adventure. Still raining as we entered the area that was to be our home for the next two days, I took in a deep, nature filled, clean, pine breath and exhaled, gently. Pyar took my hand and showed me to a lovely cottage along the Mackenzie River, his surprise. No tent in the rain, I thought, I could not have been more thrilled. With each day, we have new blessings, and new breaths. Memories of our friends and families in Japan and Florida and Oregon are mine to visit when I desire. I am more at home now than I have felt in a long time, in my heart. Thank you, Pyar.

August Artwork

2011-10-09T18:56:00.000-07:00

Riding to Portland
pen in sketchbook (slow drawing)

Western Hemlock, Fesler Grove, Simpson Reed Discovery Trail
pen in sketchbook

This is a quick study, about five minutes. This trail is magnificent. We walked beside along many old redwoods was amazing. I just did not feel that I could capture the majesty of the redwood's grandeur. So, I started smaller.

Otter Point at Sunset, August 23
pen in sketchbook

I took some solo time to make a quick sketch at Otter Point, while the family was taking sunset photographs. I was startled when Lindsay came up to see what I was drawing. It was near the edge of the point, so she quickly grabbed my shoulders to keep me steady. There certainly was no real danger, but I am so lucky to have such a quick thinking friend, thank you Lindsay.

Drinking Tea and Listening
pen in sketchbook

Pyar, Tim, Lindsay and I had a great afternoon at the Portland Chinese Gardens.

August Artwork

2011-10-09T18:44:00.000-07:00

Trees of Mystery (study)
pencil in sketchbook

Gold Beach, August 20
pen (slow drawing while riding)

I get extremely motion sick on anything that moves. It is annoying. However, I now take aneron for relief, and it works. It gives me so much relief that I can draw while riding in the car. I draw and only look at my paper periodically. I draw slow and allow the motion of the car to dictate the marks. Sometimes I make additions later, like in this drawing. The right side is the slow riding drawing and most of the rocks and water were added at a later point.

Fig Study
pencil in sketchbook

Sometimes, I pick up Pyar from work. On this day, August 17, he had to work late. Thus, I took the opportunity to make a drawing of this fig. Joseph gave it to me from his garden. He lives near Triangle Park in Ashland and hosts people for WOOF. The fig was delicious.
http://www.wwoof.org/

Sky and Ocean painting for Ido Sensei

2011-07-22T07:23:00.001-07:00

Reflection

acrylic on wood

4" approximately

One of my dear friends, Ido Sensei is a surfer. He and I taught together at Shinjo Elementary School for about two years. He saw our show at Le Cafe Mail and commented on several of my paintings. I have been making studies of clouds. For this one, I included the reflections in order to focus on the ripples in the water, thinking of surf. (still intimidated by waves)

Sketch of Pigeons at Tokeijinja park

2011-07-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

Drawing at Yasu and Shizuka's house in Arida, Wakayama

2011-07-22T07:16:00.001-07:00

Taru Kitty

pencil in sketchbook

Taru is one of three cats at Yasu and Shizuka's house. We stayed with our dear friends this past weekend. Their house is a beautiful traditional Japanese home. We were lucky to spend some much needed quality time with them and their family before leaving Japan.

Taru Kitty studies

pencil in sketchbook

Taru and I got to know each other in the front garden alongside the house. She is a lovely model.

Rock Study

watercolor on paper

Study in garden alongside Taru kitty. I was experimenting with a new water soluble pen.

English Counting Book for baby Sousuke

2011-07-22T07:08:00.001-07:00

Cover English Counting Book for baby Sousuke

handmade cloth baby book

6" x 10" closed

I hand sewed this cloth book. Baby Sousuke is Yuki's son. Sousuke was born this year, the year of the rabbit. The inside pages are filled with quilting batting, thus giving it a padded feel. The cloth is a soft off white cotton. The stamps were stamped with ink especially made for cloth. I had a really good time making this one and thinking of baby Sousuke learning to count in English.

English Counting Book for baby Sousuke

2011-07-22T07:07:00.001-07:00

English Counting Book for baby Taiga

2011-07-22T07:03:00.001-07:00

English Counting Book for baby Taiga

2011-07-22T07:02:00.000-07:00

English Counting Book for Baby Taiga

handmade stamps on handmade cloth book

4" x 8" approximate

This book is made of soft off white cotton with a ribbon handle for little hands. Taiga is my Japanese teacher's grandson. The son of Akira. He is about six months old and adorable. He was born last year, the year of the tiger. I can't wait to see his face when he gets this present.

English Counting Book for baby Sakura

2011-07-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

English Counting Book for baby Sakura

2011-07-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

English Counting Book for baby Sakura

2011-07-22T06:59:00.001-07:00

English Counting Book for Sakura

handmade stamps on paper

I used the remaining pages from a sketchbook to make this book.

Animals -my favorite subject

2011-06-25T05:05:00.000-07:00

Humphrey and Zebra

sketch and handmade stamps on paper

I really like to draw animals. I had the aim of making a stamp of Humphrey after the sketch, so I made it with few details. The resulting stamp is one of my favorites. Humphrey is my brother's family dog. He is adorable. The photo I referenced is of him sitting on a chair with a toy on the seat beside him. It just so happened that I tested the zebra stamp on the same page. The envelope stamp is an idea for a future collage.

Piglet Feelings

pencil on paper

Maren and Hans told us many wonderful stories of their time being on the Alm last summer. The alm is a mountain farm in Austria, typical in the alps. For Maren, it was her second summer at the same alm and thus she was more prepared for the exhaustive days of labor. They had two pigs named Socrates and Napoleon. I was fascinated to learn that the pigs would coax the cows into feeding them. Maren described with gestures how the pigs would crouch low and make baby cow sounds to get close to the cows for nursing. In fact, cows are usually afraid of pigs. Maren said she would fine one of her pigs often drinking from her cows. She said if she did not catch them in the act, she would soon learn about their feeding frenzy by all of the white foam around their mouths and their tails spinning with glee.

FUN FACT

Did you know that pigs have the equivalent of a three year old child in brain function and emotion capacity?

Sketches from Trip to Koyasan, Osaka and Nara

2011-06-25T04:55:00.001-07:00

Bus to Tanabe from Osaka, Ant Style

pen in sketchbook

I have been placing my pen on a sketchbook page while riding in buses lately. I periodically look to adjust and add accordingly. Since I get motion sick, I only look for a few moments periodically. I am calling it "Ant Style" since the mark moves along the paper in a seemingly purposeless manner, but in fact it is full of purpose.

(I just don't know the meaning). I like the effect.

Bus to Osaka from Tanabe

pen in sketchbook

Ant style.

Nara Park Study

pencil in sketchbook

We rested in the shade along the edge of a pond in Nara. The turtles sunbathed and the pigeons begged for food. The turtles, fish and pigeons would get fed by people at the corner we happened to choose to relax. It was fascinating how close the animals came to the people feeding them, much like the deer of Nara, very docile.

Sketches from Trip to Koyasan, Osaka and Nara

2011-06-25T04:32:00.000-07:00

Okunoin Sketch

pen in sketchbook

Okunoin is Japan's largest cemetery. We have been there with friends about three or four times. It is one of Pyar's favorite places to take photos. I like to draw while walking. I first attempted this on the bus ride to Osaka in the last few months. I get car sick when I look anywhere else but the road ahead, so I started to draw in a kind of modified blind contour style. I liked the outcome, so I have been trying it in other ways. Here, I walked and drew so the scenery continued to change, just like on the bus, but I could stop when I found something interesting. Don't worry Mom, I walk very slow.

Okunoin Sketch II

pen in sketchbook

same method as above

Sketch at Osaka Station

pen in sketchbook

The trains come every few moments, so I had an automatic time limit to get the essence of the drawing and not fuss with details. It was fun.

Sketch at Osaka Station II

Salary Man

pen in sketchbook

Sketch at Osaka Station III

pen in sketchbook

This student had three large bags she had to carry. I was interested in how the straps draped her arms as she held two of the bags on her hip.

Flowers in June

2011-06-25T03:32:00.000-07:00

Three Roses for Junpei

handmade stamps on paper

Our wonderful friends, the Komori family have one of the most amazing rose gardens that I have ever seen and smelled. They have been growing many varieties in their front garden for about seven years. They truly are stunning.

Sketch of Flowers , Mayumi

pencil in sketchbook

Mayumi gave us a beautiful arrangement for our exhibition's opening.

I put a few in a vase to create a still life for study.

Hydrangeas

handmade stamp on paper

Our friends the Kubo family gave us some lovely hydrangeas for our exhibition's opening day.

Hydrangeas

handmade stamp on paper

Two Years in Tanabe Exhibition

2011-06-08T03:25:00.001-07:00

Two Years in Tanabe

collected works of Pyar Anderson and Cynthia White

We are exhibiting our works at Le Cafe Mail this month. The cafe is a great space with beautiful walls and an airy feeling. Pyar has 19 prints of his paintings framed in the show. I have many handmade stamps printed on wood pieces and the following paintings in the show (some featured in earlier posts). We are thrilled how the show came together. It was difficult for me to choose the pieces that are exhibited since I wanted to show the broadest array of works done in Tanabe while capturing a sense of place. However, I feel really good about how our works enhance each other as well as how the pieces depict our lives in Japan.

Special thanks to

the Yamamoto family for their space at Le Cafe Mail

Maren and Hans who so graciously helped us hang the works

and to all of our family and friends for their love and support

Tenjinzaki

acrylic on wood

various size about 3" round

Tenjinzaki No Fune

acrylic on wood

various size about 3" round

Kumano Kodo

acrylic on wood

various size about 5" round

Two Years in Tanabe Exhibition

2011-06-08T03:17:00.001-07:00

Mikan

acrylic on wood

various size about 3" round

Sudachi

acrylic on wood

various size about 1" round

Tsuru

origami crane

acrylic on wood

various size about 4" round

Nasu

acrylic on wood

various size about 3" round

Ume Flowers

plum flowers

acrylic on wood

various size about 3" round

Two Years in Tanabe Exhibition

2011-06-08T02:32:00.000-07:00

Winter

fuyu

acrylic on wood with handmade stamps

10cm x 10cm

Fall

aki

acrylic on wood with handmade stamps

10cm x 10cm

Summer

natsu

acrylic on wood with handmade stamps

10cm x 10cm

Spring

haru

acrylic on wood with handmade stamps

10cm x 10cm

Letter E and other new Things

2011-05-21T00:09:00.001-07:00

little "e" YOUR "E's" are Different Now

ink on paper

little "e" stop yelling

pencil on paper

I have been making knot drawings for years now. I made a painting titled "30" for my alma mater's 30th Anniversary with several knots in the shape of a three and a zero. Other knot drawings were simple and delicate and did not require a dictionary. I started the concept when I was doing a drawing a day project. It changed when I drew my laundry around January 2009,

I kept finding knots in everything.

Maybe these will become palindromes or anagrams or something else tricky.

Works on Paper mixed media

2011-05-21T00:07:00.000-07:00

Circles and Circles Flowers on Flowers

mixed media on paper on wood

Circles on Circles I like this Color

mixed media on paper on wood

Not Self Self Portrait

2011-05-21T00:04:00.000-07:00

bags and wrinkles and one eye is bigger

pencil in sketchbook

Four Self Portraits

2011-05-20T23:59:00.000-07:00

May 8

it happened on Wednesday, what was I doing?

ink in sketchbook

May 7

what if I was blonde?

ink in sketchbook

May 6

hiding

ink in sketchbook

May 6

angry

ink in sketchbook

Sketches and Ideas

2011-05-20T23:53:00.000-07:00

Grotesque Flowers (study for larger painting)

ink on paper

Two Rocks at Misu Bus Stop

ink in sketchbook

My world has changed twice this week - topsy turvy, yin and yang. In my world of ups and downs, this is to document the dichotomy between last year and this year at Misu.

Snow peas and Flowers

pencil in sketchbook

Referenced one of my photographs from Easter.

May sketches, ideas and stamps

2011-05-20T23:45:00.001-07:00

Waves and Clouds

pen in sketchbook

doodles

pencil in sketchbook

Bus Ride to Kyoto

pen in sketchbook

I get terrible motion sickness, so I like to draw without looking at the paper as much as possible. Sometimes, I get fun results.

Flowers, Chickens and Roosters

pencil in sketchbook

Trying to simplify for stamp ideas.

Strawberries and Leaves

handmade stamps on paper

Surprisingly, I have made only two stamps this month.

Easter

2011-04-24T04:24:00.000-07:00

Snowpeas on the Vine

sketch in journal

Today is Easter.

I have many fond memories of Easter sunrise service at Trinity UMC in Savannah. We would gather early Easter morning in Telfair Square to celebrate. I loved hearing the message from Enoch, the dulcimer from Woody and feeling the dew on my toes, the morning chill, hugs from Ann, smiles of friends, the amazing breakfast and coffee that followed.

Later, UMYF would help to hide eggs for the little ones to find after the 11 o'clock service. Coran, Kurtis and Jonathan climbed trees to find good hiding places. We enjoyed placing some in the middle of the grass for the youngest to find. We would even decorate Paul Maree, who would hold as still as possible with cupped hands and bent elbows so we could decorate him as our tree. It was a blast. This Easter, I had the honor of picking snowpeas in Gobo, a nearby town. Friends gathered to glean the fields of the Hashimoto family. We were one of several groups who came out this season and the harvest was bountiful. It was challenging to leave because we could see many more sweet, light green bundles ready for harvest.

Helping a neighbor in need, I found myself helped more than I knew I needed. Thank you.

April Artwork

2011-04-24T04:17:00.000-07:00

Ferret with Crown (getting the job done)

handmade stamps on paper

King of the Jungle

handmade stamps on paper

Fiddleheads

handmade stamp on paper

Sketch of Fiddleheads Dreams

handmade stamp on paper and ink drawing

Tree with Flowers

handmade stamps on paper

April Stamps

2011-04-24T04:08:00.000-07:00

Ambassador Oslo

handmade stamps on paper

Oslo on Earth Day, saving the planet.

Feathered Dreams

handmade stamps on paper

Piglets Sleeping

handmade stamp on paper

Three Chairs
handmade stamp on paper

Winged Chair

handmade stamps on paper

Nature Inspired EARTH DAY

2011-04-24T04:03:00.001-07:00

RE Recycle

handmade stamp on paper

Pyar's Mountain

handmade stamp on paper

Winged Pods

handmade stamps on paper

I actually made two wing stamps, unfortunately, they were the same side. Nonetheless, this describes how I feel - flying in circles.

Nature Inspired

2011-04-24T03:54:00.000-07:00

Thinking Owl on Branches

handmade stamps on paper

Trees on Mountain

handmade stamp on paper

Pea Pod Boats and River Beans

handmade stamps on paper

Leaning Trees

handmade stamp on paper

Bonsai

handmade stamp on paper

April Stamps

2011-04-03T00:38:00.000-07:00

Butterflies
handmade stamp on paper

Ornate Leaves
handmade stamp on paper

Petals and Leaves
handmade stamps on paper

April Stamps

2011-04-03T00:28:00.000-07:00

Migration
handmade stamps on paper

Origami Crane
handmade stamp on paper

Umbrella Boost
handmade stamps on paper

PEACE
handmade stamp on paper

Kitten in Umbrella Dreams
handmade stamps on paper

March Artwork and notes

2011-03-30T05:11:00.000-07:00

Note about March artwork postings.

March has been a wonderful month of painting. I am making new acrylic paintings of Tanabe from my sketches and photographs. I have been painting on similar wood discs that I have posted with paintings and stamped images. I really like the small and roundish format for this series of works about Tanabe since the discs are indicative of Japanese culture. I am not posting the paintings as they are finished since I will exhibit them in a show with Pyar in June. Pyar and I are creating a show called "Two Years in Tanabe" and exhibiting at a friend's cafe. She has a great cake shop with an adjacent cafe. The artwork displayed rotates every month. We are honored for this opportunity from the Yamamoto family. I will post all of the paintings from the show in my June posts.

Lewis's Rock Garden Reflections (Library Card Series)
handmade stamp on reused library card

I have been reflecting on our time here in Japan and the recent earthquake, tsunami and power plant disasters. We are so very grateful to live in Tanabe, safe and healthy though very sad for the people affected. It is amazing how close it feels since we had our small tsunami in Tanabe on the same day, March 11.

A Favorite Tree
pencil and ink on paper

Blooming
pencil and ink on paper

I have been experimenting with combining media. This is one of my favorite results, in person, the flower seems metallic.

March Stamp Collection

2011-03-30T05:07:00.000-07:00

Baby Face Piglet for Yuki
handmade stamp on paper

My friend Yuki really likes pigs. I made the stamp for her as a gift. Pyar cut a piece of cork to affix to the back as a holder. We surprised ourselves with the solution. It was a fun gift for a very nice friend.
Omedetou Yuki San!!

March Stamp Collection

2011-03-30T04:53:00.000-07:00

Lotus
handmade stamp on journal cover

Pyar bought me a white stamp pad that is made for many surfaces. I really like embellishing my journals and notebooks with flower patterns.

School of Kue
handmade stamp on paper

Kue Fish
handmade stamp on paper

The Kue fish is famous in Shirahama, a neighboring town. When I asked Jessica what the name of it is she told me kue and said "and it is ugly." I asked for the name in order to look up some photos. I had seen banners and heard rumors of the famed fish. He definitely is angry, if not ugly. The photos of them swimming though are lovely, they have a gray to black body and very light mottling down their sides, like stripes.

Air Mail
handmade stamp on paper

The Post Office in Japan affixes tiny stickers to my mail unless I write 'air mail' myself. I do not like the stickers and often forget to write the message. So, here is my solution.

Babayaga
handmade stamp on paper

Pyar introduced me to the Russian Folktale of Babayaga. At first, I thought of a witch that looked like a chicken, but I misheard the story. I rather like the idea of a house on chicken legs, I could migrate at my leisure.

Spring Flowers

2011-02-28T02:20:00.001-08:00

Spring Flowers from Toyo Junior High School
pencil on paper

My first year students at Toyo JHS gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers and many thank you messages. I am grateful for having such amazing students and teachers. I spent the weekend taking in the flowers' fragrance while watching them open. There were too many flowers to draw, so I tried to capture a little of each of them.

February Fun

2011-02-28T02:07:00.000-08:00

Silhouette Oslo
handmade stamp on paper

Lindsay and Tim gave me a great art book about silhouettes. I made a teapot as my first idea and then tried some others unsuccessfully. Oslo is Tim and Lindsay's dog. I got this inspiration from two photographs that they posted on facebook. I am working on other drawings from the area to create silhouette stamps.

Jungle
handmade stamps on paper

A theme from Pyar.

Oslo takes the Circus
handmade stamps on paper

I asked Pyar to give me some themes for my pre-painting exercises and made this for his 'circus' prompt. I had just made the Oslo stamp and wanted him to be playful.

Wave Studies
pencil in sketchbook and handmade stamps

I made two wave stamps after making various sketches.

Ocean Blue
handmade stamps on paper

A collection of images stamped with the watermark stamp pad.

Minabe Plum Forest

2011-02-20T05:14:00.000-08:00

Ume Blossoms
pencil on paper

A sketch of plum blossoms in Minabe's Plum Forest. We met some friends and had a nice picnic under the blossoms. It was a great place to draw. We tried potato mochi for the first time, it was delicious. Our friend Paul and his Taiko group played drums for some entertainment. In the afternoon, there was a mochi throwing session, many people dove for the treats. I was on the sidelines laughing. The last one of these I witnessed was dangerous. One piece hit my raised hand and fell at my feet, when I knelt to pick it up a little old lady dove for it between my feet. It was ridiculous. So, today, I took solace in the blossom's beauty.

Ume Branches and Blossoms
handmade stamps on paper

When we arrived home, I worked on my ume blossoms sketch. With a few modifications, I simplified the drawing to make reference drawings for stamps.
This piece is composed of five stamps.

Drawings

2011-02-20T05:05:00.000-08:00

Sketch of Spring Flowers
pencil on paper

Kennis brought me to her Ikebana class Friday night. As a favor, her Sensei, Ohara Sensei let me try to make an arrangement with their help. I also got to bring home the arrangement and vase. I made several sketches of the arrangement while lit from the afternoon sun.
Thank you Kennis!

Sketch of Spring Flowers II
pencil on paper

Sketch of Flower Drawing on Train
pencil on paper

There were several painted trains at Wakayama station when we arrived to go to Koyasan.
I liked the graphic quality of flowers and tried to copy it for a stamp idea.

Bees in Tanabe and Minabe

2011-02-20T05:02:00.000-08:00

Bees in Honey
handmade stamp on paper

We saw many bees today in Minabe (neighboring town) sipping on the nectar from the many ume (plum) blossoms. It made me very very happy to watch them buzz from blossom to blossom. Spring is here.

In Flight
handmade stamp on paper

I have been wanting to make stamps that indicate movement. Movement inspired the running deer, the bent ferret and now the double bee.

New Stamp Friends

2011-02-20T04:57:00.000-08:00

Rock Garden for Lewis Dad
handmade stamp on paper

Inspired by Koyasan Temples.
Happy Birthday Lewis!!

Cardinals for Mom and Grandmom
handmade stamp on paper

Cardinal finds Rock Garden
handmade stamp on paper

Running Deer
handmade stamp on paper

Miyamoto Sensei brought some sweets back from her trip to Hiroshima. The paper they were wrapped in had many deer and reindeer, so I used two designs to make this design.

New Stamps

2011-02-20T04:47:00.001-08:00

Ferret for Pyar
handmade stamp on paper

Pyar has good memories of his sister's pet ferret. He especially liked how slinky their bodies move. I tried to emulate that movement in this stamp for Pyar. He likes it.

Otter Fun
handmade stamps on paper

Crossing Wires
handmade stamp on paper

This was inspired by a sweet card Danielle made for me. I love male cardinal's color. They remind me of my Grandmother Matilda. Thank you Danielle.

Clouds for Jessica
handmade stamp on paper

One of Jessica's shirts inspired me to make dots on clouds. Thank you J!!

Ranking in Japan (not raking)
Cloud, Cardinal, Ferret, Deer, Rock Garden

To Tim and Lindsay,

This story from Japan is about the rock gardens that dream when blue dotted cloud like shapes drop things onto them so that the gardener would have to rake everyday.

Koyasan Temple Stay

2011-02-20T04:23:00.000-08:00

Snow in Tree
pencil in sketchbook

Renegejoin Temple in Koyasan is one of our favorite places in Japan. We stayed there again for a weekend in February just to see the snow. The temple is stunning in any season. I gave myself ten minutes to work on this one after warming up with other sketches. I wanted to render snow without anything behind it in order to indicate the tree's isolation.

Sketch of Middle Rock Garden with Shadow
pencil in sketchbook

This sketch was done from across our room in order to frame a section in the windows.
I sat under the kotatsu (heated table) and tried to see the white on white while the snow continued to fall.

Sketch of Middle Rock Garden
pencil in sketchbook

On our second night, we had a wonderful large room that overlooked the central rock garden. Since it was so cold and snowed all weekend, the stillness was mesmerizing. It was difficult to find the difference between the snow and the branches.

Bird Resting
pencil in sketchbook

There were many screens and doors with paintings in the temple. This sketch was done in our room on the second night. We made voices for many of the birds, they all seemed to have flamboyant personalities, especially the ones with the red feet.

Sketch for Rock Garden stamp
pencil in sketchbook

This is a small sketch of the front rock garden. Idea for stamp making.

Stamps on Origami Rabbits

2011-01-30T03:56:00.001-08:00

Cabbage Rabbits
stamped origami paper rabbit
I have enjoyed making origami with Jessica's wonderful guidance. Here I stamped the rabbits after I folded the paper, a different look from prior attempts when I stamped the paper prior to folding the origami designs.

New Stamps and Drawing in January

2011-01-30T02:35:00.000-08:00

Tree at Misu Elementary School
ink in journal

I went to Misu E.S. on Friday by bus. Usually, I ride my bike a distance that the bus travels in about 30 minutes. The bike ride helps me clear my head and prepare for the day. I took the bus due to the extremely cold weather. Luckily, I met Carolina, my colleague on the bus whose smile lifted my spirits. Now, two reasons to take the bus to Misu E.S. The day was superb, unusually so, not sure how to describe it exactly, just that God was at work and I did not get in the way. This drawing was done in about ten minutes waiting for the bus after school. The tree is isolated at the end of the playground field fence. I think it is an Ume tree. (plum) I really loved the shape in the branches and the textures and light from my vantage point.

Nezumi Birthday Card for Tamai Sensei
stamped postcard

Counting Sheep Library Card Series
especially for Kennis
mixed media on recycled library card

New Stamps made in January

2011-01-30T02:21:00.000-08:00

Sadou (Tea Ceremony) with Haya Elementary School
stamped postcard

I had the pleasure of enjoying tea ceremony with members of Haya E.S. The ceremony was hosted by teachers in kimonos. It was very formal and beautiful. This is my thank you note.

Sheep for Kennis
stamped postcard

Lotus and Cabbage
stamped postcard

Whirlygigs and Higanbana
stamped postcard

Rabbit Omedetou 2011 Library Series
stamped library card with ink drawing

December Artwork Continued and Happy New Year

2011-01-02T21:24:00.000-08:00

Study of Long Tails, Koh Nangyuan, Thailand

pencil in journal

December 29, 2010

Our vacation in Thailand was amazing, no less. I do not know how to describe the experience in its entirety just yet. Overall, heartbreaking and stunning. Here are some studies that I did while we were on the island Koh Nangyuan. I am looking down from our balcony for all three of these studies. Long tails are colorful boats with outbound motors, usually used as taxis. The bay was filled with them through the day. The front of the boats had a variety of colored tassels and flags. Because they moved quickly, turning around with new passengers, I had only seconds to capture the gestures, a great time for study.

Study, edge of Koh Tao, Turtle Island

watercolor and pen in sketchbook

Rocks Along the Dock at Koh Nangyuan

pencil in sketchbook

I made this drawing after three pages of long tail studies. The studies got me warmed up and I found the rocks to be wonderfully intriguing. The water lapping the edges and the sun defining the lines along the water made for an interesting afternoon of study. Rocks are one of my favorite subjects along with trees, now rocks with water ranks as a favorite. Just the day before the water of the Sea of Thailand and I had met each other in the Lomprayah High Speed Cadamaran meant to take people to paradise from Chumphon City. Usually it is a fast and comfortable one and a half hour ride. This one was eternity since my aneron (nausea medication) had worn off after the six hour bus ride. The sea was rough, very rough. During this drawing session from our balcony, I once again revered the water. Luckily our ride back to the mainland was a beautifully smooth aneron filled two hours.

December artwork

2010-12-16T14:29:00.000-08:00

stamped totebag for Mayumi
handmade stamps on canvas bag

I combined several stamps using an ink pad made especially for other surfaces. After stamping, I heated the pattern with an iron for making the design permanent. Mayumi is the assistant at one of my Elementary Schools, she is great.

Happy New Year
hand made rabbit stamp and letter stamps on note card

2011 is the year of the Rabbit. I used a star punch for the top of the
note cards to tie presents with ribbon.

Dragon
Chinese Zodiac Series
handmade stamps and cut out paper

I made this one for Kimura Sensei's birthday.

New Works

2010-11-29T04:41:00.000-08:00

Library Card Series for Vidhi The Lotus, Turtle and Dolphin Stories

stamps on painted library cards

Our friend Vidhi asked for a Lotus, Turtle and a Dolphin on the recycled library cards. Thanks for your inspiration Vidhi. I hope you enjoy.

Library Card Series 555

stamps on library card

Snail on Lotus with Turtles

stamps on wood disc

Drawings from Koyasan

2010-11-29T04:31:00.000-08:00

Okunoin Study

pen on paper

While walking through the famous graveyard, Okunoin in Koyasan, I took some time to do some sketching. The day was great for taking photographs too. The graveyard is about 2 kilometers long and has some interesting sites throughout.

River Scene Study II at Takahara

pen on paper

Pyar and I spent time at the river on Saturday, November 20 at Takahara. It is a short walk from the Bed and Breakfast where we spent my wonderful birthday celebration weekend.

River Scene Study at Takahara

pen on paper

Study of Rocks at Okunoin, Koyasan

pen on paper

Paintings

2010-11-25T04:46:00.000-08:00

Trinity UMC, Savannah, Georgia
watercolor on strathmore
5" x 12"

I made this watercolor for Trinity Church's new website banner.
http://www.trinity1848.org

Trinity United Methodist Church is located on Telfair Square in Savannah, Georgia. I wanted to capture the glow of God's work here and its amazing members. It is situated between the Jepson Center and The Telfair Museum of Art. Trinity Church's members and the Pastor, Reverend Enoch Hendry made Savannah my home for many years. It is one of my all time favorite places in the world because of the people. It was the first Church I visited in all of my life that welcomed me in the most heartfelt way. I was not asked my age or if I was married or why I was there, simply loved. They are a big part of my family and life. An arena to work out your faith, a must see and do when in Savannah, Georgia.

Sketch/Study for Trinity UMC watercolor

Takahara Kirinosato
watercolor

We have many favorite places in Japan, and this beautiful place is in the top three. Kirinosato is a beautiful bed and breakfast in the mountains along the Kumano Kodo, only about a 4o minute bus ride from our home. This scene is from the outside deck looking down a short distance. The leaves are a lovely golden yellow and many shades of red. I tried to capture the season and mood through color and gesture.

Circle in Blue with Lotus
mixed media

I used the painting Circle in Blue to experiment with the platinum stamp pad and
my new lotus stamp.

Among Friends
mixed media
20cm x 20cm

I reworked this painting from May and finally feel it is resolved.

New Works

2010-11-25T04:40:00.000-08:00

Circle of Lotus
stamp on wood disc

I used the watermark stamp pad for this design. Thank you MaryMom and LewisDad.

Sea Life
handcarved stamps on paper

Florida Box Turtle
handcarved stamp on paper

As I mentioned previously, Vidhi asked for a lotus, dolphin and a turtle. My first two pets, Terender and Shoelace were Florida Box Turtles. I was about 7 years old and always dreamed of being small and riding on their backs and feeding them gigantic food.

New Friends

2010-11-25T04:16:00.000-08:00

Great Blue Whale
stamp on wood disc

Pyar helped inspire this new friend. I really love the gesture in his expression.

Baby Dolphin
stamp on wood disc

I made this one as a set of three from a request by our friend Vidhi. She wanted a turtle, lotus and a dolphin. I tried to not make her too cutesy.
Hopefully Jewel gives her approval.

Baby Piggy
stamp on wood disc

Lotus and Higanbana
handcarved stamps on purple paper

Chinese Zodiac Sheep Drawing for Mitsuko san

2010-11-10T14:56:00.000-08:00

Sheep

pencil on paper

One of our dear friends Komori, Mitsuko is a sheep in Chinese Zodiac. I made her this drawing for her birthday recently. She enjoyed it. She is one of my inspirations for learning Japanese since she is such a wonderful person and I would like to get to know her better.

Some of Our Friends

2010-10-31T05:01:00.000-07:00

Bear
pencil on paper

Study of Bear the kitten from one of Pyar's photographs. At this point they were barely two weeks old and oh so sweet.

Oh My!
pencil on paper

Study of the kitten Oh My from a photo taken by Pyar. She was the smallest of the four abandoned kittens that Pyar found only a few days earlier. She is all white with a little gray at the top of her head and oh so sweet.

Works in October

2010-10-31T04:38:00.001-07:00

Eggplant Friends
pencil on paper

All of my schools have some kind of garden, usually several kinds that are maintained very well by students and teachers. These eggplants are from Shinjo Elementary School. My teacher, Satake Sensei gave them to me after a visit to her second grade class. When she gave them to me I gestured them toward each other mimicking some kind of conversation since they both seemed to have long noses and odd shaped heads. We shared a laugh and a knowing look, since we mostly communicate through gestures and our mutual limited shared languages.

Wara
pencil on paper

Tanabe is a farming and fishing town. The rice harvest season is over now, but many of these have been built or rebuilt from the rice reeds. Depending on who you ask gets you several answers on what these are called and how they might be used. This one is along a road on the way to Akizuagawa and just before one of my favorite coffee shops, Kirara. To the right of the structure is the rice field and to the left and behind are mikan trees. It is a lovely green space. Further back along part of the river, you can see many turtles basking in the sun along various logs and river edges.

Doodles at Kinugasa
pencil on paper

Many of my schools have great areas to sit outside and think or draw while enjoying a shady corner of the ball field. Kinugasa Junior High School is one of those schools. This was done in a few minutes between periods while enjoying the cooler weather.
I am happy to see that bees are thriving.

Higanbana
doodle on paper

There are many of these around town in red and white marking the autumn equinox. They are lovely signs of a cooler time of year, though the deep red seems very hot in clusters across the many fields around the house here in Tanabe.

Cut Outs for Danielle
paper on paper in Journal

Danielle religiously mails me a letter from the States each and every Monday. Depending on weather and some strange time line created by the Japan Post, I get a wonderful treat about once a week. One reason is, she knows I love it and because she includes a recipe and some cut outs from magazines or newspapers, she fills me with some English reading. The best reason is she likes me, but more than that, she has lived away from her home for two years when in the Peace Corp. She lived in Gabon, Africa. She knows what mail means. What it means to be thought of in such a meaningful way that a friend would spend time to create something so special as to put a stamp on it and mail it to the future. What a special gift and a special friend. I am lucky. I love her handwriting too, this is part of one of her letters. And since she is a designer and artist, she does not at all flinch that I use her envelopes and letters for my own projects.
Thank you, Danielle!

New Works

2010-09-14T05:05:00.000-07:00

Small Lime

watercolor on paper

This study is for our friend Kubo Sensei. She has a tree outside her lovely home with many of these little limes. I am not sure of their name in Japanese. They are great for making juice and squeezing over bean burritos. We had a wonderful meal with the Kubo Family and as one of our many gifts, we got to bring home a whole bag of these!

Small Lime Study

pencil on paper

Two Beavers

(aka Terrel and Jerence)

pencil on paper

I told Pyar about my comic idea for my drawing of two beavers and showed him a drawing a little different than this final piece. Like always, Pyar was encouraging and let me finish it the way I wanted. He added some great text, to see his comic, go to

http://rockthetoilet.org/?p=1109

thanks boolovey

Mystery Me, Self Portrait from the Past

pencil on paper

Someone recently told me that we share a common experience from my past. It was an awful reminder of how I have put myself in unhealthy situations. This was me, masked and in solitude with flowers waiting to grow. Now, I am grateful that my gardens are in full bloom.

Thanks be to God.

Library Card Series

2010-09-14T05:00:00.001-07:00

Birds and Scissors

Flowers in Birthday Harmony

Library Card Series

2010-09-14T04:53:00.001-07:00

Who

Owl on Branch

Grrrr Scissors

Blossoming Tea

Blossoming Tree

Library Card Series

2010-09-04T04:48:00.001-07:00

Balancing Bicycle

5" x 3" mixed media

Jessica gave me some library cards from discarded books. I erased some of the entries and painted over other entries before stamping the designs.

One of my fondest memories was waiting for my Dad at the law library at George Washington University in D.C. What certainly must have been only a few minutes to exchange books felt like hours to a six year old. Honestly, I do not remember how old I was but I do remember the treat of pickles at the corner deli afterwards.

Counting Elephants

Carolina's Tree

Library Card Series

2010-09-04T04:18:00.000-07:00

Octopus on Bubbles

Directional Tree

Along Numbers

Camera on Flowers

Pushing Happy Birthday Block

Shirahama's Goonies Rocks

2010-08-25T04:21:00.000-07:00

Sunset for Lindsay Hadley
acrylic on wood disc

Pyar and I have an amazing view from our apartment's balcony. Since we first arrived we often watch the sun change along this portion of the sky. The rocks across the bay are at Shirahama. We think they look like the "Goonies" rocks from Astoria, Oregon.

Mouse for Eri

2010-08-25T04:17:00.000-07:00

Eri's Mouse
pencil on paper

I drew this mouse for Eri's birthday. Her Chinese Zodiac is the nezumi. This is my fourth drawing of the mouse for friend's birthdays. I also know many tigers whose birthdays are coming up shortly. The collection has evolved from my original idea of making stamps for each animal, that will be the next step.

Conor's Birthday English Counting Book

2010-08-25T03:58:00.001-07:00

The "I Can See" Counting Book
This is a KOLO photo album that I used to make a counting book for Conor.

Inside cover of book, I used store bought number stamps for this page and the cover. The rest of the numbers in the book have number stamps that I carved. The number stamps are rather small, and thus a real challenge to carve.

Maeby is Conor's dog friend
This stamp is actually my dog friend named Ellie who has posed for many cameos.
Since Ellie has iconic dogness, she posed for Maeby's portrait.

Conor's Birthday English Counting Book

2010-08-25T03:55:00.001-07:00

Conor's Birthday English Counting Book

2010-08-25T03:52:00.000-07:00

the English counting story

I can see one dog named Maeby and two bicycles
and three monkeys and four elephants
and five rabbits with six pandas and
seven balls of yarn and an octopus with eight legs
and nine pencils with ten piglets
having a tea party in Savannah.

Rogue River Gorge

2010-08-07T05:04:00.001-07:00

Rogue River Cliff with Trees study
pen and ink

We visited the Rogue River on Monday of our wonderful vacation in Oregon. I was standing at an overhang/outlook and spent a few minutes trying to get all of the beautiful textures on the cliff. I especially love how the trees seem to hover over the sides while growing out of the lava rocks. It was an incredible view and a wonderful day.

Chipmunk
pen

This guy was at my feet while I was drawing the cliff study featured above. It moved quickly, this was literally a ten second gesture. I think I captured its squirrel like movements.

Kansai Airport

2010-08-07T04:53:00.000-07:00

Kansai Airport Red Chairs in Sun
watercolor

We flew home the week before last to visit family in Oregon. This was about a twenty minute study. The light on the red was absolutely gorgeous.
I was especially drawn to the reflections on the floor.

Tanabe Landscape

2010-07-20T04:34:00.000-07:00

Tanabe River for Steve
acrylic on wood disc

This is my third painting on the wood discs. This is the river from a bridge just beside the overpass before you get to Konan. I take this route to go to two of my schools. This is where I usually see many koi and turtles swimming.

In honor of my friend Steve, a great mentor and teacher.

New Stamps on Wood Discs Series

2010-07-20T04:30:00.000-07:00

Sokrates' Friend, the Pig for Sokrates the Pig

This stamp was inspired by Maren's pig on the alm. She has two of them. I have not seen the second one, and I am not sure the other one's name, so I made this stamp of him.

Pencil and Paper for Marjorie Hendrix

New Stamps on Postcards

2010-07-20T04:17:00.000-07:00

Black Dog Talking with Brown Dog and Ellie

Ellie Thinking about Brown Dog Talking

Crow Talking with Five Monkeys

Crow Thinking About Pig, Brown Dog and Black Dog Friends

Panda Thinking About Panda Friends

New Stamps on Wood Discs Series

2010-07-20T04:10:00.000-07:00

Many Friends I

Green Ball of Yarn

Brown Dog Red Collar

Densha (Black Dog)

Frog Crow Rabbit Octopus

Animal Drawings

2010-07-10T04:58:00.001-07:00

Maren's Sweet Friend
With love for Maren
pencil on strathmore
9 1/2" x 10"

One of the most amazing people I know is Maren Krings. She is working on the alm this summer in Austria. Her facebook profile picture is of her beautiful face smiling and holding this sweet pig who is also grinning. I knew I had to try and capture the pig's sweet spirit. It just happens that the pig is also befitting since it is part of the Chinese zodiac and thus part of that series of drawings as well.

Oxen for Zach
pencil on strathmore
6" x 5"

Zach is one of the kindest persons I know. His genuine good spirit resonates. This drawing is for his birthday. It is a contemplative sign of the Chinese zodiac, thus the gaze.

Sunflower Study for Yuki

2010-07-10T04:55:00.001-07:00

Sunflower Study
colored pencil on colored paper
8 1/4" x 5 1/4"

I drew this while taking a break from studying. The other morning, my friend, Yuki gave me a sunflower at work. This is my attempt to replicate the golden glow of the petals.

Tanabe Landscapes

2010-07-10T04:44:00.000-07:00

Tanabe Landscape I
acrylic on wood
2" x 2" x 1/4"(approximate)

This one was originally in watercolor. It is along the same river as Tanabe Landscape II. Maryji Mom mentioned liking it and it is posted on the blog. So thinking I would mail it to her, I sealed it with an acrylic medium. Unfortunately, this was not appropriate since it was watercolor. So, I tried to replicate the landscape in acrylic. It has a different mood but similar colors.

Tanabe Landscape II
acrylic on wood
2" x 2" x 1/4"(approximate)

This study is done on the same wood discs as the stamped animals in previous posts. I have made several studies in pencil and watercolors of the river by the Shimin Sogo Center. I often ride my bike along the dike road to get to several of my schools. Many koi, turtles, heron, crows and kormorans call it home.

Baby Rhino for Pyarji

2010-06-29T04:01:00.000-07:00

Baby Rhino
pencil on strathmore

This running friend has the most incredible gesture of glee. I draw studies of the baby animals prior to making the stamps. Usually, a study will have to be altered to create the contrast conducive for making a stamp. This is the first step. Baby rhino stamp is coming soon.

Opal

2010-06-29T03:49:00.000-07:00

Study of Opal
In honor of the Turkeys on Timberlake Drive
watercolor on paper

Opal is a beautiful white turkey with very intelligent eyes. I have tried my best to capture her spirit. I have to browse the internet for some of my images. Needless to say, I usually dread searching for source photos for my baby animal series. This time, I lucked upon a blog by Tracy H. . Her blog is http://diggingthroughthedirt.blogspot.com/ the photographs and stories of animals are amazing and real. And though the reality makes me cringe each time I try an image search for an animal reference, this Reality is that for a brief moment - I get to see, read, learn and enjoy live animal stories that are incredibly heartwarming and moving. Opal is one of those stories - Thank you Tracy H.

Study Break

2010-06-29T03:41:00.000-07:00

Study of Palms While Taking a Study Break
pencil in Genki textbook

This study was done while studying in a classroom at Akizugawa Elementary School on a rainy afternoon. My teachers were in a meeting in the staff room and thus I found a quiet spot to study. Needless to say, I had a pencil and a book,
so certainly I wanted to draw more than study.

New Works

2010-06-29T03:32:00.001-07:00

The Yarn Knows
inked stamps on postcard

I really like images of mice.
The yarn is in honor of Danielle and everything she does with fabric.

Crow Knows How
inked stamps on postcard

Camera How To
inked stamps on postcard

This is of Pyar's Canon G7, though it may be a little generic in style. I have many friends and family who are amazing photographers that inspired this stamp - including: Anne White, Lewis Anderson, Tim Lisko, Lindsay Hadley, Ann Curry, Jewel Anderson and my Pyar.

Many Friends Postcard

2010-06-29T03:27:00.001-07:00

Clever Karasu
inked stamps on postcard

Crow finds herself in all kinds of situations.

Many Friends on Fude (brush)
inked stamps on postcard

The fude stamp was inspired by friend Michiyo san. She is an amazing artist and uses a variety of brushes for her sumi ink works.