Trees

I've been painting like a mad woman since school let out. I've been able to complete two paintings, both inspired by trees. I was looking at clouds for inspiration and instead settled on trees. I took several pictures of a tree in Santa Fe and even though they don't seem like it, both paintings are based on the same tree. I have another painting of a tree that I completed last year, it even appeared in our local newspaper. I don't know why I've been so intrigued by trees lately. Hopefully I will be inspired by something new soon. Both of these paintings are for the UVAs' exhibit in March. I have two more paintings that I still need to complete. Unfortunately I am at a loss at to what the next two paintings should be of.

I tried to put a water mark in front of the pictures, but I just couldn't figure it out. I was able to put my name in the front, but then I couldn't get the pictures to upload. Well, I guess that is my next project, getting more familiar with photo shop. In case I don't have a chance I will go ahead and wish you a Happy New Year. I hope the new year brings you closure, renewal and rebirth!

Tamales

My family has been making tamales for as long as I can remember. I think I learned how to make them around the same time I learned how to walk. Every Christmas Eve we come together and make our tamales. We make red chili, green chili and candy tamales. It just wouldn't be Christmas without them. This year I took on the role of "head chef". This was once my grandmother's role, then my mom and this year she announced she wanted me to take over the tradition. I have to admit that I was a bit nervous, I wanted everything to be perfect. Thankfully the tamales came out great! My daughter also took a more active role in making tamales. I'm glad because hopefully one day she will take over the tradition.

I hope you and your loved ones have a very Merry Christmas.

clouds

Here in El Paso we get rain when the sun is out. Have you ever seen it rain in a sunny day? The raindrops glow in the sun. It is one of my favorite things about El Paso. When I was flying in from New Orleans last spring these clusters of clouds caught my attention. They were extremely large, several stories high and some of them were dropping rain at different locations. My pictures do them no justice but I wanted to share them with you. I have been looking for inspiration for my next painting and I remembered these clouds, I'm leaning towards an abstract interpretation. I'm also leaning towards some trees....

Bra Purse

I have a group called the UVAs (Union de Viejas Artistas), we are female artists and art educators. We meet once a month to reveal our monthly art swap. We also do workshops and have art exhibits. We did the Bra Purse in honor of breast cancer awareness month in Oct. I just uploaded the pictures and I want to share a few of them. I think the ladies did an awesome job! This is one of the best swaps we've done and we've done some pretty good ones! Listening to some of the inspiration behind these creations added to the beauty of these purses. Next month's swap is to create an 11" x 14" mixed media painting inspired by the new year and must also include a word and definition that also describes the new year. Can't wait to see what the ladies come up with! If you would like to see more of our creations you may do so by using the link on the right.

I'm also very busy creating new pieces that I intend to take with me to Santa Fe very soon. Two more weeks for yet another break!