Back to Art

I took a break from my painting and pastels, but I decided to get back to it. There is this part of me that is so in love with creating something new, of recreating bits of what I've seen, whether with my eyes or with my mind.

Here is a watercolor that I have called "Out Back" after the essay I wrote about my backyard in Washington. This is the famous Japanese Maple Palace. I enjoyed painting it and trying out a new technique of putting salt on the wet paint for some texture.


This is a pastel that I did a while ago, but I didn't post it before. It is called, go figure, "Two Worlds, One Family." It shows how I feel--as though I am truly split into two people. It's not the cheeriest of pictures, but it is often how I feel these days. I think it's about time I share this part of myself.



Part of what I love about pastels is the smearing and blending and the mess it creates. This particular pastel turned my fingers black, but I loved every minute of it. I am so drawn to silhouettes. While watching The Notebook with Stephanie, I got the idea to do a pastel of the moonlight. I'm not sure how much it looks like that, but I still had a good time doing it. I call this one "Silver Stream."


This particular pastel was also fun to create, especially when it came to the blending of the colors. It is called "Fruits of Perelandra." The idea comes from the C.S. Lewis book, Perelandra. I have not finished the book, but I have enjoyed what I have read so far. This is a close look at the fruit in the story, which means perfect fruit to me. It is signifies all that is good and beautiful. I hope you enjoy it like enjoyed creating it.

A New Look

I know it's been a little while since I last posted. Things have been kind of busy between episodes of M*A*S*H and peanut and honey butter sandwiches. :) I know that sounds really bad. I've also been going to counseling, making occasional trips to Rexburg, and even had a wonderful day with my cousin Pamela Yukish who was just in town for a few days. We had a good time catching up...it's been a long time since we last talked. I've also been perfecting my Wii skills. We recently got a Wii Fit. It is one of the most ingenious inventions. I actually enjoy exercising for the first time in my life. We also found the best Wii game for Dad for Father's Day...Rayman Raving Rabbids. The game is hilarious. Steph and I have a great time playing the games together.

Just this weekend we had a shopping excursion in which I got new glasses. They're not the most practical glasses I've owned, but they're fun. I'm still not quite used to them, but that will come with time. And not the most practical picture of me in them, but it's fun. I wore my contacts, but I wanted to show them off. I'll have a better picture of them on here soon.

Newest Artwork

I decided that it has been too long since I did any kind of artwork, so I did one watercolor and a few pastels. Let me know what you think.

Among the Acacia

I have a poem called "Among the Acacia" that I'm not sure if I ever posted. So I am posting that in addition to the painting I like to call "Among the Acacia." It might make the poem clearer. I found this picture in a magazine, and I absolutely had to paint it.

Among the Acacia

Deep freckles, too many to count, and more appear each day
Enormous eyes squint in the bright morning sun.
A giantess, unnoticed.
Week and wobbly, though at first
Elegant and grand one day.

Stretching upward, upward, up
A taste of Acacia dew
Then down, down, down to heaven’s mirror.

High to low, then low to high.

Awkward.
She can’t utter a cry, even in desperation.
Fearful of what may come.
Safety.
Only found at Mother’s side.

Can wind sway her like it does the Acacia?
Can a storm uproot her like a grain?

Tan as grass, brown as Earth.

Beauty.
Gentility.
Grace.

Sweet Tooth

I just painted this picture today for fun. It's not my best, but that's okay.

New Record

59 words

Speedtest

Commissions

So, Sarah asked if I do commissions. I will take requests, and paint for customers. I'm thinking $25 for a painting is about right for an 11 X 15. Email me at kayo5oo1@byui.edu if you are interested. Remember, I am still starting out.