PROLOGUE

Hi, I'm Zoe. After much soul-searching over the years, I have discovered that art, for me, is merely an expression of who I am. I have a number of interests (sometimes I think too many!!)--and after all, life is art. So when people ask me what I'm up to, it just made sense to post my expressions here. I hope you enjoy my sense of discovery as much as I do.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Sno-White

Color Corrected and Poster Effect Added
Original Photo
A bit of nostalgia from my home town. This sign graced the state highway approach even before my earliest memory of it.  Made a great stop on the way home from "The Plunge" after a swim. It's still there, and I couldn't resist a photo!

Up In Smoke

Up In Smoke, graphite  (11" x 14")






Reference (Original) Photo
A warm, sunny, lazy, October Barcelona, Spain morning.  Is this smoke part of her daily routine? What is she thinking? Her gaze is inscrutable.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Cape Disappointment Lighthouse

Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, Watercolor  (12" x 16")

Cape Disappointment Lighthouse (Original photo)


Lauren at the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse
I painted the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse in Long Beach, Washington, from a sketch I made several years previously, and without a reference photo.  Recently, I finally took my photo (above).  My niece, Lauren, says that "Cape Disappointment" is somewhat of a misnomer, since it is anything but. 

Friday, October 15, 2010

Abstract I

Abstract I, Mixed Media  (10" x 14")
Remember those art projects back in second grade when the assignment was to scribble something and make it into a piece of art?  Well, one day (a few years back) that sounded like fun, so I tried it. The medium is watercolor crayon and colored pencil. My other half said that he liked it, so he got it for Christmas.  It is now getting proper respect hanging on the wall in his office.  Maxine Masterfield (see "Tropical Delight ", September 28, 2010) even gave it a thumbs up.

Lavender Fields Forever

Cropped and Poster Effect Added
Color corrected with Photoshop
Original Photo
Yes, purple is in my soul!  So, I couldn't resist shooting these lavender fields when I came upon them in Escalon, California (lavenderhollowfarm.com).  Again, lovely patterns and experiments with Photoshop.

Peacock Sublime

Poster effect added; again I was pleased
(and surprised) with how this turned out.
Cropped and color corrected with Photoshop
Original Photo
There are a few things that must be in heaven as they are on earth, and as far as I'm concerned, peacock feathers are one of them.  What gorgeous art!  I am awestruck by the patterns and colors in nature.  This German peacock was very cooperative while I photographed his tail.  Maybe I am over-using the poster effect, but remember, I'm still experimenting, and I did really think that the end result was pretty cool!