Mixed Media

I've been working with other elements in my painting these days...paper, jewels, stuff like that. I still have to put roses in there somewhere....enjoy!

rose gardens

I hope I don't get in trouble for using these images I found on the web...they're just so gorgeous I couldn't resist!










I love roses!!!

Pink Haired Ladies

I'm back....

I've been away in my own world, and I like it there...I guess I'm not really a "blogger" at heart. However, I love to read and look at the pictures on other blog sites. Plus, I still want to share parts of me including my art and music. So, while I probably won't have lots of inspirational commentary, I hope you'll enjoy some of the paintings and stuff.

A little update about my current projects: Wait, before I go there let me clarify that I am a little nutty and tend to be greedy for creativity. I want to do it all...at the same time I can't stand being a person who goes on about their accomplishments, etc.

Well, I'm doing a series of Marie Antoinette paintings and loving it! Also, here's another Geisha...

Peace and Love,
Susan

Farm Noir...

That's the name of this series of paintings I recently completed. It was somewhat cathartic, getting away from my usual romantic floral themed paintings. It may not seem that the angel painting is compatible with the farm theme, however, something told me to include it. I was commissioned to do this series by Susan Ellison from the store Blue Springs Home
She was inspired by the bedding by Matteo

On Death

"...For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?


Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance."
Kahlil Gibran

It's the anniversary of the passing of my friend Jeff. I was present in the room when he died on 06/06/06...that's right :)This is a picture of Jeff. He was a cool dude. He had some pretty feet and he would paint his toe nails blue. I loved him.

Life is a series of deaths actually. I have always been fascinated with the topic. Well, it would be more accurate to say I've always been fearful of it. I'm not really fearful anymore. I like to stay open to the endless possibilities that await us after this life...

Music...love

Music and lyrics are a big part of my life. I haven't been doing any song writing lately and I can feel it. Meg over at Pigtown Design sent me a link to a beautiful song called "Perfect Day" written by Colin Towns and performed by Miriam Stockley. I so appreciate the inspiration. Meg also designed the really stylish banner for my blog. A very talented woman...

On a side note...I'm currently being swept off my feet by a new love. Feeling a bit like a teenager. I wasn't looking, it just "happened". I see couples who have been happily married for years and I admire them. I, on the other hand, have struggled in this area. So...it's interesting to be making the attempt at love while on the verge of turning 50 (next week) time will tell...

"Maybe I get to walk the path of the damned. They say that I'm melancholy well maybe I am. I've thought about the situation and now I understand
that the river of life is not always pure. Sometimes it can be a little obscure. One thing I've found that's true as can be...I'm deep and I'm dark and I'm sad when I'm not true to me."

Spirituality, women in art...

It seems that women have been a favorite subject for many painters and sculptors. I have found it to be cathartic in some way. I tend to be very romantic and flowery in my style and technique. Sometimes though, I go for a bit of an ancient, primal and somewhat dark approach. Painting for me is a spiritual experience when I follow my intuition. So, there you go. Women, art spirituality all in one package.

I'm gonna try to go with my intuition with this blog thing. I don't wish to offend anyone, but I gotta be real. I have no current definition for my faith/spirituality. I'm a seeker. I paint. I sing. I write songs. I play guitar (umm..sort of)

Peace,
Susan

The Heart

Music is such a gift. My daughter attends Long Beach City College and she's in the music program. I attended one of the concerts tonight and once again they performed
"Blow ye the Trumpet". This is such a moving piece of music it always brings me to tears. I thought this time I wouldn't be affected. Wrong. The choir comes out into the aisles of the auditorium so that the audience is surrounded by sound. I look at the faces of some in the audience and for whatever reason I feel so connected to them all, though I know none of them. We shared a moment.
There's nothing "cool" about this song. It's just beautiful. I tried to upload a version from youtube but I'm having a hard time. I've pasted the html code for reference if that does any good. I hope you have the opportunity to hear it some time.

The Body

Before I forget, I need to write about my dream last night. I won't go into detail about all the bizarre aspects that are regular features in my dream time. No, I just want to remember the indescribable realism that I experienced physically last night.
When I was young I was extremely limber. I took for granted this natural ability. I never really developed it. I took maybe one ballet class and the instructor was blown away at how "bendable" I was. "Can you do this?" she'd ask. And sure enough I could.
There is a pose that is extremely difficult for most people and it was second nature to me. It's a combination of the 2 pictures shown. The feet come over your head as in the first picture, and the arms are in front with the elbows bent as in the second picture.
Last night, in my dream I did this pose. I can't put into words the exhilarating feeling that filled my body. I could feel the muscles working just as if I was actually in that position. I have sciatica in my left hip area, and I could feel a slight pinch there as my lower body kicked off the floor. I needed a little help, so I asked someone to hold my feet in front of me to keep them from lifting. So extraordinarily real.
My body remembers...

Annie Liebovitz

This is the first time I've ever posted any photos other than my own. Hopefully I won't be sued.
After the big brue-haha a few weeks ago with the Miley Cyrus photo shoot,I decided to google Annie so I could look at more of her work. I loved this series, the whole concept is really cool. I'm sorry I don't remember which site I found these on, bad form I know...sorry.

Enjoy,
Susan

The Madonna

With Mother's Day and all....