Dr. Ph. Martin's - Starry Summer Nights

During my textiles course at Otis School of Art and Design over the summer, I learned how to use a variety of new mediums, my favorite being Dr. Ph. Martin's liquid watercolors and Bleed Proof White. I had a lot of fun experimenting in these mediums and gained a renewed appreciation for painting on paper. I found awe and fascination in the richness and beauty of these pigments, and am still discovering tricks for using them with each session.

The other night, I was listening to Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth (audio book). I wasn't particularly in the mood to create any artwork, but I have been exercising more discipline in doing art, even when inspiration eludes me. Sooner or later, I found myself in a flow, guided by his voice.

While completing a small section in an abstract painting of mountains, I discovered how to paint little stars using Bleed Proof White paint over dry watercolor. Even though it was about midnight when I made this discovery (and even though I was tired)...inspiration had struck!!

In a bout of energy, I created That Summer Night, just before bed. I am excited to share it with you.

That Summer Night

There is a certain feeling that comes on when looking up at the stars in their infinite glory.

I titled this painting That Summer Night because I imagine that most of us have personal memory attached to a starry night.

In the heat of Salt Lake City summers in Utah, I can still hear the sound of crickets playing in unison, the clearness of the sky, the warm breeze in my face, and the night speckled with stars. I can also remember laying on the tennis courts at Camp Arowhon surrounded by my closest friends in Algonquin Park picking out constellations.

Summers held a special place in my heart growing up; I channeled that feeling into this painting.

Donuts Are Always a Good Idea

One of the greatest feelings of reward that I get as an artist is seeing my work installed in someone's home. I also love it when I get to see images of artwork framed.

I am delighted to share the following photos of my work installed in a client's home after framing! I love everything about the way things turned out, from the color palette in the room, to the salon-wall of works, to the mixture of artistic styles.

Installation view of my paintings installed in client's home

Closeup image of the works framed (I love how they turned out!)

Closeup on my abstract painting

Kuretake ZIG Pen

Lately I have been doing a lot of illustration. I discovered the Kuretake ZIG pen while walking around in Little Osaka (Sawtelle in Los Angeles).  Spontaneously I bought a set of these tools, and here are the results:

The Postcard Paintings

I have always been partial to handmade and handwritten letters/cards. In thinking about my affinity for stationary and handwritten expression, I created The Postcard Paintings. This series was inspired by my appreciation for personal, handwritten, old-fashioned communication. 

In our modern times, as we know, it is so quick and easy to communicate and share even the most intimate thoughts via text message, email, messenger app, etc. 

Instant gratification has in many circumstances replaced the thoughtful and personal due to convenience.

The Postcard Paintings series longs to see handwriting upon paper, longs for friendship, courtship, and romance to be tangible in an era when texting, swiping, and emojis have taken precedence. 

This series asks people think about their communications...to remember the thrill and suspense of waiting for a letter or gift or finding a tangible surprise in the mail. Often, we allow our energy to drain into the abyss of constant, banal, demanding virtual ping pong.

Though these paintings were created to be framed and kept as original artworks, the inspiration behind the series was based on simply put, the postcard: a meaningful collectable, that once decorated refrigerators, inhabited mail boxes, and told of travels and adventure. 

Over the coming weeks, I will continue to explore this topic. 

 The Postcard Paintings 

[November Valentine (top) / North Star (bottom)]

2015

Watercolor and oil-based ink on Strathmore paper

4" x 6" each

The Postcard Paintings [Journey to Mars]
2015
Suite of four watercolor paintings with Micron ink on Strathmore paper
4" x 6" each

The Postcard Paintings [A View from Neptune's Shores]
2015
Pair of two watercolor paintings on Strathmore paper
4" x 6" each

Shine On [A Birthday Gift]

"Shine On" / For Christian / October 2015 / 8" x 8" / Deco Color paint pens on Ampersand Clayboard

New Website

Hello readers! I am excited to announce the launch of my new website. 

Please click here to take a peek. I hope that you enjoy!

Thank you for your continued support.

Study for Summer Seashells

This work entitled "Study for Summer Seashells" was inspired by my love for color, line work, and of course...seashells. 

As a kid, I loved to collect shells on the beach when we visited Mexico. I would comb the beach from our rented condo in Akumal all the way to La Buena Vida--the local lunch spot, surrounded by turquoise seas and white beaches. 

I was fascinated that every shell had a different pattern, texture, and color--no two seemed to be the same. As a child, these collectables were treasures to me. Today, a beautiful nostalgia accompanies this visual language of seashells. When I see them, I think of salty air, breezy sunsets, warm sun beating down on my shoulders, and the coolness of the ocean, overtaking me as I bobbed up and down in the waves of the Mayan Riviera. 

Tropical climates have always made me feel alive, and I am blessed to have these memories and now to live just a drive away from the sea in Los Angeles. 

This work is a tribute to the gorgeous colors of Mexico and to the wonderful memories that I have from family trips to Akumal with my mom, Rab, and The Lundgrens. I will be creating a series of 8 seashell studies to start, using Deco Color paint pens on Ampersand Clayboard.

I hope that you enjoy my posts. <3 Happy Friday.

Study for Summer Seashells

Study for Raspberry Seashells

Study for Tropical Dreams and Strawberries

This work entitled "Study for Tropical Dreams and Strawberries" was inspired by the amazing work of Lynn Von Kersting--designer and owner of The Ivy Restaurants and Indigo Seas. 

After looking through her most recent book, I sketched in the first layer of this composition using colored pencils. I moved loosely and quickly. Next, I incorporated Deco Color paint pens into the frame, keeping my energy free and unconfined. I wanted the essence of the work to be energizing yet relaxing, just as I perceive tropical environments to be. 

Strawberries are one of my favorite delights in this world, so any time that I get a chance to include them in my artwork, I am happy. 

I am loving the vibes of summer. 

Cake and joy for all!

Painting Flow [Songs / Playlist]

To any of you who like working with music while you paint or get creative, I would love to share my current playlist with you.

It is a floaty, rhythmic, soulful, and dreamy combo created for easing into a creative flow and is made with love for hours of painting. It will be a work in progress.

Click here to stream "Painting Flow" on Sound Cloud.

Dreamy Days [Floaty Sounds]

Here are impressions from Mid-March days in Santa Monica. I spent the weekend on the beach and in the art studio. I have been drifting through a dreamy, whimsical, soft, floaty plane soaking it all in...Listen to Nick Hakim's music, and you might float away too.

Ripple Mandala [Colored pencil and AP Micron ink on Ampersand Clayboard]

I have been on a mandala kick for a couple of months now. See this blog post if you are interested in a bit of background. 

I have only scratched the surface so far in terms understanding the art form and meaning behind these representations of the universe. But every time I design a mandala, something new is learned about the process. It is a meditative experience to create one. 

My most recent drawing "Ripple Mandala" (pictured below) was made using a compass, a ruler, Blick colored pencils, and AP Micron pens in black.

My mandalas thus far always start with two straight diagonal lines which come from each corner. This simple "x" yields a center point, from which the essential and initial circle can be created with a compass. 

The rest of the design spans out from there based on impulse. Usually the form comes together through experimentation and through using points that create themselves within the drawing, always with symmetry in mind.

Finished version of "Ripple Mandala"

Clean version of mandala without any line work

Though my works are far from perfect, the precision involved can be tedious; it takes a lot of patience which I am learning is an important part of the process.

I adore working big, free, and messy when I paint. Drawing is something totally different from painting for me. Drawing is more intellectual and mind based, whereas painting is more impulse and heart based. 

I love both mediums and look forward to exploring each more frequently in the coming months. 

I have exciting news on the horizon to share with you all soon...in the beginning of February!

Universally Speaking [AP Micron ink on Ampersand Clayboard]

I created this drawing with thoughts of the mysterious universe on my mind. I don't have much more to say, but here you will see my head, hand, and heart trying to work together. To infinity and beyond...

Lavender [Deco Color Paint Pens on Ampersand Clayboard]

Memories can be triggered by any of the senses. Smell and music seem to be the quickest gateways to memory lane for me.

Last night the scent of lavender perfumed my apartment. It triggered memories of my mom, Amy, who passed away six and a half years ago.

She spoke French fluently and spent time living in Aix en Provence as a young adult. My mom loved the romance, beauty, and charm of Europe. When she could not be in France, she enjoyed taking theater classes in French and practicing her language skills with other enthusiasts in Salt Lake.

As a child, I remember her visiting Europe on several vacations. When she returned home, she always came back with goodies in her suitcase. I especially loved the potpourri from Provence. My mom adored lavender scented lotions and fragrances and even grew the plant in her garden, to which she devoted much time.

So...With these thoughts on my mind, I doodled this simple but colorful representation of my nostalgia.

My mom's favorite nickname for me was "Doodles," so today I honor her by sharing my doodles.

Lavender

Noise [Black Deco Color Paint Marker on Clayboard]

I spent yesterday browsing photography exhibitions at Photo LA in Downtown Los Angeles.

It was an exceptional show, and I saw some truly breathtaking black and white photography.

The black and white element of yesterday must have stuck with me. As I was winding down last night, I grabbed the nearest clayboard and started doodling. Here is the end result of my exercise: "Noise".

I find that it is very helpful to keep art supplies within an arms reach because with an hour of free time, it becomes accessible and easy to create something.

I particularly like having clayboard and paint pens around; they allow me to doodle or draw something that will appear much more finished than something in a sketch book (at least I think so).

Happy Monday.

Finishing Old Business, Collaborating, Creating Something New

A great friend of mine, who is an exceptional photographer and artist, came over to my side of town yesterday. As we sat in my living room listening to music and catching up, we stared at an old painting of mine. It dawned on me that the canvas needed more work. At one point, I was happy with the painting, but looking at it last night, all I could see were areas of potential improvement. It had a better future ahead with some love and care. See [Water Marks]...the old version of the painting.

I asked Kelsey if she would be interested in adding to the painting the following day and combining our styles onto the canvas. She was up for it, so we put our minds together and decided to play a fun and silly game to get our creative energy flowing. 

The game went like this: I would say a word, then she would respond with her gut reaction of another word or thought...and so on. After our goofy rapid-fire brainstorm session, we stumbled upon the concept of Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights. We didn't take the idea too seriously, but decided to roll with it.

In the morning before checking any social media or playing on our phones, we set up paints and put on a good playlist, then got moving. 

I had no attachment to the work as it was, and I was excited to see it transform into something completely different, working with her.

Sidenote: I am very interested in the idea of collaborative canvases and works of art. We are all creative beings, and I find it to be an exciting journey and experience, seeing what we can paint together.

Collaborating, especially on a single painting, is a fantastic exercise in letting go of control and surrendering. Why? Because it causes you to ditch attachment to your brushstrokes, color choices, and work in general and be receptive to what the other person(s) brings to the table. It also encourages you to be open to the energy of another and build on each other's strengths. 

Creating art is a magical experience, and I have always loved working alone, but sometimes doing it solo can feel isolating and/or block transformations and discoveries from happening. It is really good to work with another person and see what two (or more) people can come up with together. 

Once Kelsey and I started on the canvas, it took some time for us to fully let go and make bold changes to the work, but eventually we did, and at a certain point, we were finger painting! Here is the result of our two hours of painting together.

It was simply too fun!! Kelsey and I are both huge fans of bright, bold colors, so it made it even more enjoyable working together. It was also awesome working so large, because it gave us the opportunity to go wild. Every ten minutes or so, we would rotate the canvas and build on one another's work.

Here it is...

Mandala 1 [Elevate]

Hi all! Here is my first hand painted mandala entitled Elevate. For more information on my mandala exploration see the previous blogpost [here].

Stay posted for more....

Mandalas [Meditative Expressions]

Mandala coloring book (perfect for plane rides)

Painting is my favorite state of flow. It is the type of mental, physical, and spiritual space where time stands still and everything unites perfectly. Skiing sometimes is the same way (but I digress).

Sudden inspiration came to me in the vision of mandalas most recently. I don’t think that I have ever been exposed to them consciously, but images of the art form are probably stored somewhere in my subconscious. I had a strong urge several days ago to learn more about the beautiful creations.

Mandalas are gorgeous maps of the cosmos, which originated as an eastern art form around the 9^th century. With the power to evoke visceral reactions in many, mandalas are also thought to serve as elaborate representations of nirvana, the ultimate state of enlightenment and bliss.

The word mandala means circle or enclosure in Sanskrit, which is why you often find a round motif in most. The roundness and pattern is what draws me in. 

Another aspect of mandalas is that they often have symmetry incorporated within. I love the way that their symmetry creates a never ending motion. I have heard somewhere that all people you meet are your mirrors. I think that mandalas are reminders of that sentiment.

For purposes of meditation, mandalas can serve as guides for deeper self awareness and ultimate truth, whether viewing or creating. As an art form, mandalas represent both the macrocosm and microcosm of the universe, bringing individuals together with the universe. Mandalas are also thought to awaken spiritual energy within the viewer, whether consciously or subconsciously.

Whether creating or meditating on mandalas, it is all about following your intuition--getting into the flow and seeing what comes naturally to you. Surrender to whatever shapes, colors, patterns, and forms come into your mind’s eye and see where the elements elevate you.

. . . 

I took two flights on Saturday and worked on sketches during both.

When I arrived in Dallas from Salt Lake, my flight was delayed for quite some time. I took it as an opportunity to draw. I felt very inspired and was filled with love that I needed to express after a wonderful visit home. 

I put on a playlist and created these mandala-inspired drawings. Suddenly, the waiting time to get to Miami, the babies crying, the stuffy air, and the chit-chat disappeared into the background, and I made these. 

Sketches from my plane rides / delay in Texas

Close up mandala sketch 1

Close up mandala sketch 2

I hope that you like my meditations! They will serve as starting points for my next group of paintings.

View from our plane, as I began one of my mandalas

Strawberry Cake and Southern Gardens

Wayne Thiebaud is an artist whose work I have become quite fond of while working at the gallery. Thiebaud is well known for dreamy renditions of pies, cakes, sweets, landscapes, and people.

Strawberry Cake by Marsh Nelson

While browsing through artwork on Etsy, the uber popular online market place for artists and craftsmen and craftswomen, I came across (and purchased) this painting by Marsh Nelson entitled Strawberry Cake which reminded me of Thiebaud's essence. I thought I would share it with you.

Art can be acquired in all types of places: online, in galleries, at flea markets, through friends and neighbors, through street vendors, consignment stores, estate sales, artist studios, on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and more.

I love finding gems in all types of places and often look for gifts and personal collectables through small businesses and craftspeople, so as to support the arts.

I am slowly building my own collection, and excited to welcome works that bring light and happiness into my home and space. The joy of color and subject matter is not to be underestimated.

During my search for art online, I also came across the work of Susan Kelley. Her paintings are amazingly uplifting, feminine, and whimsical to me. Though abstract, each work reminds me of a mood and place. Visions of people playing on the beach, thoughts of airy landscapes in the South, reminders of white curtains blowing in the wind from the Great Gatsby come to mind when viewing her works.

I was particularly taken with Crumb Snatchers which is now part of my morning routine as it hangs sweetly in my bathroom. It takes me into a beautiful garden with lovely trees blooming flowers in the springtime. It has been a wonderful addition to my space, and its lightheartedness and beauty adds a lot to my surroundings.

As we approach the holidays, I suspect that I will be browsing Etsy and other local artisan sites for my loved ones.

Support the arts!

With love,

Jess

Crumb Snatchers by Susan Kelley

Something Colorful

From "A Guide for the Advanced Soul" -- Quote by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh

Morning Exercises [Resting Point]

Today I came to a good resting point on my canvas. I even named it "Water Marks". I will leave it be for a while, live with it in my apartment and decide how to proceed after spending some time with it in the background.

Morning Painting Exercise [Three]

I am still going strong on the morning exercises. Today I woke up at 6:00am (groggy, yes, but less than I was yesterday). I showered, ate a pretty little bowl of blueberries, brewed my favorite cinnamon tea, and put on my Spotify playlist: Stratosphere [Painting Flow].

Instead of jumping right into action (which I usually do without much thought), I studied the canvas, sipping my tea. I reached for something rather different today: graphite pencils. For some reason it felt right to lay down neutral-colored, sharp yet fluid lines onto the composition. I spent a significant amount of time playing this way, bonding with my graphite, feeling as though I had made some great discovery. Even though it is the most basic of tools, there is something alluring about graphite line atop canvas and amidst paint in its undefined form.

I felt inclined to cover the orange and yellow area in the center, taken by an enveloping whim to bring out complex greys, blues, purples, and turquoises, while masking the almost-insincere oranges and yellows that seemed to be imposters this morning. In general, I rotate the composition every 15 minutes or so, to change up the look. This is both exciting and challenging for me.

One of the difficulties of abstract painting is that there are no boundaries--no guidelines and no definitive end. I think of abstraction a bit like I do life: complex, fun, open-ended, with no direction until you create it, mysterious, beautiful, thrilling, curious. 

A lot of people roll their eyes at abstract artwork saying: "my child could do that" or "a three year old could do that". Perhaps they are correct, but I don't care. Abstract painting is an expression of the soul, and no matter how it looks in the end, it is worth something. Out of all of the art forms, abstraction challenges my mind and psyche the most. Painting this way allows me to get deep into the crevices of my innermost desires, questions, and expressions. To me, abstraction is the dancing of painting.

Here is an image from my third morning of exercises. I stopped almost exactly after an hour, realizing that I had reached a good ending point for the morning. Usually, I am inclined to work in a fury until I can call something "finished." 

This painting is not yet finished. I want to take my time with it. I will know once it is done.

Day Three

Morning Painting Exercise [Two]

It was my second morning doing painting exercises. See the last blog post Soul Exercises for more information on my positive motivation. 

This morning I awoke at 5:50am. It was tough; I did it anyhow. By the time I got set up, I only had about a half hour to paint, because I had also scheduled a session at the gym to work out. Even so, that half hour was truly enjoyable and eased me into my day and my work out. 

This morning for my exercise parameter, I used only one paintbrush and one color (at first). The initial color that I reached for was yellow. After getting warmed up, I introduced the lilac tone, mixing a violet-based blue with white. I then incorporated more white and magenta tones into the mix, and finally ended up including the bright green that is visible throughout the painting.

Day two on the canvas

Even though I only had half an hour to paint, it was worth waking up for. I also came to a good stopping point for the day, and I look forward to adding to the canvas tomorrow and seeing what my dream hangover brings to the canvas.

My palette and paints