Girl in a Sun Hat

Sorry this has been so long forthcoming. Too much going on and interfering with my art!
This is from a photo that was taken when I was 16. The original pic is posted on my FB. This is not done yet, just the basics are in. I was on a hill up near the shooting range off Redwood Rd in CV @ the park there.

Swirling Eddies - Rachel

Sometimes when life is in disarray, and the unexpected continues to pummeling you from both sides, it is important to remember that there is beauty to be found in the swirling eddies and a still and beautiful pond waiting to give you respite, just around the bend of the river.

Morning, Glorious Morning - Rachel

I just loved the way the sunlight was radiating from the center of this Morning Glory... how appropos a name! What a glorious bloom!

Butterfly Love - Rachel

Water Web

This was just too neat to pass up. The kids and I were up in Shasta goofing around and we found this neat little area with a running creek. This spider web had no spider that we could see, but the web looked really cool with the water running under it

Roar! - Rachel

We spent today at one of my favorite places, Adventure Playground, where the kids build, paint, create and have fun. I loved this find... looking into the maw of the ferocious beast and finding his lunch.

Brown Stalks - Rachel

There is simply something that appeals to me in this brown stalk. It reminds me a bit of a firework burst. What do you think?

Dare I Eat... -Rachel

Okay, so in "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" it was a peach... these pears kept calling to me and oh, but for a single bite. Reluctantly I followed the rules and did not eat of this forbidden fruit... perhaps next time.

Bench Marks~

Definition:
a standard by which something can be measured or judged,
a surveyor's mark on a permanent object of predetermined position and elevation used as a reference point.

Empire State - Amy

Soft Pastels

This is the reflection of the Empire State Building from a building near Bryant Park. 

Noticing - Rachel

Has there ever been a time when something which you had never paid any significant attention to suddenly became relevant? Have you then had the experience of noticing it in abudance thereafter? This sage is my "noticed" object for the year: I first noticed it growing in the planters near my parking lot at work. It was an interesting form, and it really spoke to me. Now, I have been working at my job for 12 years, and for the past 6 of those years I have walked past this plant whenever I have traveled car-office-car at work, but it only peaked my notice in April of this year. Since that time I have purchased a plant and NOW I see them everywhere. Here I've gotten up close and personal with my friend the sage.

As a side note, a VERY dear friend of mine has just moved to Ohio, just outside Cleveland. Had you asked me 5 weeks ago to list everything I knew about Ohio I wouldn't have been able to fill a 3x5 card with facts (hmmm, their baseball team is the Indians, football is the Browns, Cleveland, Toledo, WKRP in Cincinnati - OUT), now that it's relevant Ohio, and more specifically Cleveland, shows up everywhere (tv, bumperstickers, ice cream postings on Facebook). Ohio has been made relevant and now I am noticing.

An interesting aside - at least to me - this is a Cleveland Sage, native to California. See, there they are again.

Seasons of the Windows - Rachel

When we visited Filoli in April we found this lovely window - I for one couldn't resist it with its elegant tulips filling its frame. I really like the image - the colors and shapes, that snaking vine. I also happen to know that if you look back to mid-April in this blog you will find Lori Singer's photo of this window, but taken from the interior of the room, a great capture. So upon our return this month I sought to photograph this window again. Now, midsummer, the graceful tulips have been replaced by impatiens, and upon further inspection (placing both photos in my view) I see that I have gotten the spring window's sibling, not simply its summer incarnation. Still, it's a nice window... I'll have to visit it again and see who graces it in fall.

Behold, Summer - Rachel

I adore summer with it's long, bright, lazy days and happy children. Marigolds, the bright orange of the blazing summer sun, warm me; I bask. Cool blue of the pool, it

beckons me to dive in, revitialize and refresh. I wish I could live the summer life all year.

gardenia sketch - Amy

Colored pencils


Emma had a great idea this morning - "let's set up some chairs in the front and do some art!" I could not pass up this opportunity (despite having not had much sleep this evening due to partaking in a sleep study).This was such a welcome way to start the day.

Garden of Eatin'

I am in awe of my garden! Every day something delights me. On Thursday it was the cucumber blossoms.

lazing on a sunny afternoon - Amy

Another version of kitty finding that perfect sunny spot. This one is soft pastels.

Lazing on the sunny spot - Amy

I used oil pastels on this one. I admire my kitty's ability to find the perfect spot to recharge.

Fairies to the rescue~

These are some fun quick drawings of fairies and their flower petal clothing for my 5 year old sweet niece, that I did today to get the stalled creative juices flowing. I figured if I play maybe I will free myself of my blocks. I plan to stick in in an envelope sent from the from the fairies. This little girl has a huge creative imagination.

This is a quote from her about me and her:

"We are alike, we are plant fairies, you and me. Flower fairies make the earth pretty, Plant fairies are the specialist on the earth, when mother nature gets tired we make plants. " Bethany age almost 5

This child is sent is meant for healing and her words have healed my heart beyond believe.

Fly Away! - Rachel

I've never been able to master the butterfly stroke, and it always fascinates me to see how effortless and graceful this challenging stroke can look.

Swim! -Rachel

So my summer, so far, is all about swimming. The kids are on swim team, I take photos and I post them for the team families... today I was playing with photos and was enjoying the posterized effect that I got when I cranked up the contrast to full tilt boogie; so here it is.

Busy Bee - Amy

I just love watching those bees do their thing.

Self Portrait - must be viewed large - Robin

Check out this mosaic self portrait I created. I used family photos I have taken (except those that I'm in) and the self portrait as the main image. So much fun!

This quarter is almost history!!!!!

Peace of Nature - Rachel

Oodles of time, here. :-0 Well, at the very least it's 1:25 am and I'm trying to keep a semi-regular posting going.

This weekend I had the pleasure of camping with my family; here's my darling daughter's creation. I am proud to say that she would like to spread a message of peace everywhere she goes.

Oil Spill - Robin

I have been really busy lately, unlike Rachel who has oodles of time.  ;-)
You really scare me Rach, with all that energy. Your dedication is an inspiration to me.

I am attaching one of my recent works that I did for class. I am very proud of it but so very sorry that the subject of the oil spill even exists. I feel that we all have some responsibility due to our voracious need for oil. Let's all try and conserve wherever we can. This is a great time to get out that dusty old bike for local errands....

Let me know what you think. Thanks a billion!

Before and After - Rachel

Last evening was my daughter's promotion from 4th grade. A dear friend was kind enough to snap a family photo for us (thanks Mere!) and here's the before and after photoshop. I cropped it, removed some of the fencing and gave the background a gaussian blur. I'm pretty pleased with the results.

Eye to the Kaleidoscope - Rachel

I love Kaleidoscopes... they're such a unique and great way to view things. Simple buttons, rods and bits become magical when reflected upon themselves.

Drive By Dunbarton - Rachel

This commuter's day is never done until I've slogged across a bridge, often in stop and go traffic. Thankfully the view is sometimes enjoyable. Here's a view from the Dunbarton Bridge approach (eastbound). On days like this one I wish more than anything to be able to pull aside and explore the landscape. Oh, and those early mornings when the sun is cresting over Mt. Hamilton (or perhaps it's Mission Peak) and the bay and marshes are alive with golden light... oh to have the initiative to rise early on a day I DON'T have to commute, take my bike and my camera and ride across the bridge at dawn. Someday...

Spring Springs, At Last - Rachel

It was a fine warm spring weekend - heck, it might have even qualified as a summer weekend given the lovely warm weather of Saturday and Sunday. Just the kind of weather that inspires me to post a pretty flower and dream of basking in the sun and enjoying the breeze. I am guessing that this is a California native flower, but I couldn't tell you the name... Lori?

It's Always Darkest - Rachel

There's the old adage: "It's always darkest before the dawn", well, I've been thinking on this saying and wondering what it says about sunset. Sunsets are like a nightly lightshow, sometimes glamourous and full of color and othertimes subtle, a wan goodbye, but always the last hurrah of the dying light. On the evening that I took this photo I was compelled to pull off the freeway and seek a spot from which to shoot. I hesistated posting it because while the sky seemed inspired, I'm feeling anything but. I've not posted an image for a while and am not sure that the absence is noticed, I'm feeling a bit sunset-ish and hoping that the night isn't too long.

These claws were made for walking - Amy

A quick pencil sketch - I am planning on exploring this further. What can I say? I like chicken derrieres!

Merging - Rachel

There's something about this image, duplicated, folded and turned that makes me think... I'm not yet certain what it is that I am thinking, but so far I think I like it.

Spring Rain

Spring rain on my face,
lips and soul thirsty for for adventure.

Spring rain calling from deep inside,
watering places that have been ignored...abandoned.

Spring rain, reminding...
yearning, passion to be found
Reminding soul, of who she is.

Spring rain calls her out to play.
Calls her to explore the forgotten and discover the new.

Spring rain dancing, skipping...
Spring rain sweeps the drought and eases her out.

Lori Singer

Bird Lamp - Rachel

I simply couldn't resist this robin, beak laden with a worm (prior to the photo) s/he landed atop this lamp and posed. Looking at the light it appears there may be a nest inside the lamp housing... perhaps s/he was heading home for the evening.

Spring Falls - Rachel

Corlieu Falls, Lewis Creek Trail, Oakhurst, CA.
I've been busy and I went hiking over the weekend and have missed several postings. This could be a slippery slope if I'm not cautious. For now I'll post a picture of the Corlieu Falls... more hiking shots to come.

Chicken in Paradise - Amy

Why did the chicken cross the road? That question has been asked for many years. In my world, she pauses, gazes and takes in her surroundings. This is Gertrude in her moment of solace, contemplation and appreciation - enjoying all that is before her and considering what is possible. (Knowing my Gertrude, she is also plotting what plant she could eat up). Perhaps she crosses the road to get a better view or more tasty things to eat? I love the possibilities!

Acrylic, resin sand on canvas

emerging color contd.

Starting to add the brighter colors now, stupid flash. I really need to do this phototaking earlier in the day.

Spring Vineyard - Amy

Acrylic on canvas


I don't fully hate how this came out nor do I fully like it. All I can say is that there is a shitload of greens out there - I have a decent variety of tubes - but I could not find the one that I knew that I needed. Don't ask me which one; it just was not in my art bin.

Feeling Springy- Rachel

It's such a lovely spring day today that I couldn't help but post a flower. I'm not sure what flower she is, but I like her.

Birthday Bloom - Rachel

A dear friend is having a birthday tomorrow and so I was working on creating her card this evening. Here's what I came up with.

So Tired I Can't Even Think Of a Title - Rachel

I've just gotten home from work and am EXHAUSTED, so I'm revisiting my oil and water pictures. I've been looking at this one for a while now, playing with different crops and I notice that it becomes a different image depending on where I draw the lines. Okay, I can not think for a moment longer and my power to use the English language is slipping away, so I'll just allow the image to speak for me.

Rose in Motion - Rachel

A quick image today as I have a ton of work to do and I would spend HOURS distracting myself with the camera if I were to allow myself to delay. Now that I've posted an image I can forbid myself to think about photos until I am done with the real work. This was my attempt at "painting" using a slow shutter speed and changing focus during the shot. I have ideas on how I would like to try this, subjects which might be interesting, settings and lighting scenarios, but as a first attempt here's a rose from my backyard.

A mother's work never ends

This is my tribute to Mother's Day. I have discovered that I secretly am a ham and I guess this day brings it out in me! Emma was such a sport. She had no trouble getting into character. My advice to her today (and all days and heck, for everyone)....make me want to say "yes" to you.

Number 36 - Rachel

It was another very busy day, and one where I didn't have an opportunity to get creative. I did take a lot of photos at our local parade, and I was drawn to this old car. My pals Scott or Carolyn could, no doubt, tell me more about it (they are old car people, having their own model T), but for now I'll just let number 36 speak for itself.

Photo with PS ink outlines.

More color

More color now, building up my deep tones for my base of lights

Blue Window and Tulips - Rachel

Undersea Realm - Rachel