Dragonfly

Quote - unknown author

The dragonfly form and image are a spiritual talisman for me. The iridescence of its wings catch my eye.  It hovers and darts and  makes my heart flutter.  In the 2002 movie with Kevin Costner, Dragonfly, it captured the symbolism of the place between life and death.  In many cultures it is much more than a double winged insect.  Perhaps the scurrying flight across water signifies going beyond what is on the surface and reminds me to look deeper.

Common Bluetail w(ikepedia)

I seem to collect the form, with a piece of jewelry or photos or quotes.  Did you know there are more than 200 species and in Japan, where they are a symbol for courage - strength and happiness, they all have a traditional name.   What does the dragonfly symbolize for you?

Camp Carefree

Solitude Pastel 12x9

Several years ago Sally Mather and I found this little pond near Roundtop, on the Girl Scout property just west of Cheyenne.  The caretaker gave us permission to enter.  I have returned several times with other artist friends as it is close and quiet and inviting.  Once when Don and I went he found a bizillion blue dragon flies.  He roams and takes photos while I paint.  I love dragon flies.... Next blog I will share my dragonfly quote.   I have painted at this location several times.   The Plein Air piece, Solitude, was started here.   Later it was scumbled out and this piece emerged from the reference photo. 

Secluded Pond Pastel 12x9

This painting was the first and I still enjoy it on my wall in the hall gallery I use  to keep my paintings ready for viewing.   I liked the palette of this one and the rough texture of the pastel.  Which one do you prefer? 

Wyoming Artists' Association

Vanda's Pastel 9x12 untitled... from the workshop

Mike Beeman

It was the first time for me to meet the artists from across Wyoming at the annual convention of the members of the Wyoming Artists' Association, held each year the first weekend of May and at the city of the President.  The weekend was packed full with the exhibit of art, workshops, meetings and of course food and entertainment.  The excitement for me was the workshop with Mike Beeman who flings his pastels into dreamy, soft visions.   His visual voice seems effortless, but is really based on his years of training and as he states, taking time to paint EVERY day.  You will want to see  more of Mike's work.  http://mikebeeman.com/ 

Great Harvest Bread Company

Spring Scent  5x7 Pastel 

So what does bread have to do with art you my be asking?  They are a new Art Partner and you can see some of my floral paintings when you stop by to get your baked goods, coffee or soup and sandwich for lunch. The store is at 5249 Yellowstone Road in Cheyenne.  Sharon and Dwight have created a charming store and along with their family of six kids.  Open Monday through Friday from way early until 5 PM.  Check my Locations Link to see other places to see my art.  The Student show at LCCC just closed, however I will have all new pieces at Halley Murray & Smith CPA's this week. 

A Lesson

Morning Light 9x12

My Grandson Sam paid me a compliment last week when he asked if would teach him how to paint in pastel.  Sam is creative in his music (Plays sax In jazz band and has his own group of musician friends) along with drawing and graphics.   I am new enough at this art thing to wonder how to teach, since I am still learning.  So I pulled out Beginners Guide to Pastel, the book I used when I began.  Morning Light was from the lessons, completed in 2010.  


http://www.amazon.com/The-Beginners-Guide-Pastels-Step-By-Step/dp/1853686042


It has step by step instructions for using pastel.  He took to the medium and did a pointillism piece, which he decided wasn't his style.  He borrowed a reference photo and has started a second piece of a duck in water.  He liked the lines in Morning Light and is learning how to layer his strokes.  He cropped the picture, studied the values and chose a palette.  He is showing some talent and enjoys the pastel as much as I.

Walk as one at 1

Garden Labyrinth at Cheyenne Botanic Gardens

You should know that we have a labyrinth in Cheyenne.  I walked on a labyrinth  for the first time in 2000 and discovered the subtle power of that circular form.  As with all my endeavours I dove in and discovered labyrinths across the globe, found like souls here in Cheyenne and in 2001 we created a grass labyrinth at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens.  http://www.botanic.org/discover/the-gardens/explore-the-gardens/garden-labyrinth/

Shortly after that creation another group formed and we raised $70,000 through the CBG foundation to create the Garden Labyrinth which is made from stone.  Rachel Preston-Prinz designed the labyrinth as part of our committee.  http://archinia.com/     So now you have a chance to experience the Labyrinth.

World Labyrinth Day

Walk as One at 1

May 5^th, 2012 1:00 pm

World Labyrinth Day is a day that brings people together from all over the planet in celebration of the labyrinth as a symbol, a tool,  a passion or a practice.  Meet at 12:30 near the Peace Garden to learn more about the lbyrinth and begin the walk at 1 PM.   For more information  labyrinthsociety.org  or email me at enliven.art@gmail.com