Right Here, Right Now

The visual arts group from my church just recently hung a Thanksgiving exhibit. This is the piece that I completed for it. The teal-colored text says, "There is beauty right here, right now." That quote comes from our arts pastor, John Maikowski. In a recent newsletter, he related an experience being disappointed on a camping trip when he reached a particular summit known for its beautiful views only to find fog and clouds. He said he sensed God telling him that even so, there is beauty right here, right now. John's words just grabbed me and shook me. Our family is going through a very difficult time right now. But, John has reminded me that even though I can't see the expected beauty, there are still many beautiful things in my life. It is wise for me to remember this often and be grateful for all the wonderful blessings I do have. Thank you, John. You words turn on light bulbs in my head.

Details: 24 x 36" gallery-wrapped canvas, Mixed Media (acrylic, colored pencil, charcoal, watercolor); the grayer background lettering is composed of negative words such as apprehension, hesitation, doubt, distrust, fear, confusion, etc. The whiter mid-ground words include a more positive perspective in words such as sacrifice, generosity, love, peace, patience, mercy, grace, joy, kindness, faith and the vertical word is assurance.

A Beautiful Pain (detail)

So just how long can a work be in progress? A month, 6 months, 5 years??? So far, this one has been about 2.25 years. Is it hopeless or just ripening? This is a detail of the larger canvas, which is 24 x 30 inches, portrait. So far, I've used paste, acrylic, gouache, and Pearl Ex with pens and brushes. I wonder when it will be finished? We'll see...

Doodling

No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth. Just too busy I guess. Had to remind myself to play for awhile. Finished up an order for a customer this week and just needed to decompress. These are random splashes, scribbles and words. No rhyme or reason other than the experience of the act itself - color, write, gesture.

Squid for Supper

You like Squid? I don't know either. But, I'm learning to like Squidoo. Check out my lens "Calligraphy Lessons" on squidoo.com

See my art at Kaligrafos.com

All the button art at the newly designed Kaligrafos.com site is taken from pieces of my calligraphy art. Check them out at the link to the right of this post.

Working on a Big Wedding Job

This has been a new, stretching experience. I've always had pieces of wedding jobs, never the whole kit and kaboodle (whatever that means!) as they say. Here's a sampling.

I'm on Facebook

I feel slightly less a dinosaur, now that I'm on Facebook. I may not be swimming in the cyber ocean. But, I guess I'm at least treading water, so to speak.