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2007.........2008..........2009..........2010

2009 :...January.. .February.. .March. .April ...May. .June.. .
July.. .August.. .September... .October.... .November...December.

"Spirit is the essence of art."

~ February 2009 ~

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February 2nd ~ Influence Of A Master
Here today is a painting I did quite a few years ago that I just sold this past week. This piece displays a definite Monte Guynes influence, as it was painted during a workshop conducted by him near Yosemite in 2001. He was a great artist, instructor and friend. Instrumental in helping me refine my my wet-in-wet technique, Monte inspired me and many others to push our limits to become more skilled and expressive artists. Although he is gone now, his legacy will live on. I think that's the way he would want it. Hardly a day goes by that I don't think of him. I am truly grateful for the privilege of having known and studied with such a great contemporary artist.

"All artists are influenced not only by what has been painted before but also
by what one's contemporaries are doing." ~ Raymond Leech

"Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing."
~ Albert Schweitzer

"We are all one. Our opinions may differ, but if you look deeply into the
paintings you will see the influences and echoes of all the greats who have
gone before." ~ Leonard Niles

"More Than Fruit And Wine" ~ original watercolor ~ *Sold
 

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February 5th ~ Happy Memories
I've been having an awful lot of fun with my whimsical snowman paintings. Seems like when I'm planning them, I'm always projecting myself into the work. Today's painting was definitely inspired by wonderful memories of days gone by. Today I'm also posting the photo of my sister and I that I used as reference for this pose. I hope this little painting brightens your day and you are enjoying the weather, wherever you are.

An actual ski slope warning sign that I found humorous - "Warning. Skiing beyond these boundaries may result in death and/or loss of skiing privileges." (As if dying isn't bad enough, they reserve the right to take your skiing privileges away too after you kill yourself.)

Now license this image through iStock.


"Double Trouble" ~
*Sold

 

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February 9th ~ Recreation
I've been working on my whimsical snowpeople the past few days and enjoying the portrayal of the spirit of recreation. I started thinking about how "recreation" and "recreation" were spelled the same and how recreation really does recreate and rejuvenate you! Without something fun to look forward to, our days can seem pretty darn boring and dismal. I feel strongly that having a recreational outlet is essential to the well being of our spirits, physical health and our inner child.

"If bread is the first necessity of life, recreation is a close second." ~ Edward Bellamy

"People who cannot find time for recreation are obliged sooner or later to find time for illness." ~ John Wanamaker

Now license this image through iStock.

"Soaring Spirits" ~ original watercolor ~ *Sold
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sandy sandy
February 12th ~ Love
The origins of Valentine's Day are questionable, however according to one legend, around 250 AD, St. Valentine was attributed with secretly marrying young lovers in Rome when it was illegal for soldiers to marry. This holiday became popular around the seventeenth century in Britain and since the middle of the eighteenth century, it has been common for friends and lovers to exchange tokens of affection in North America, Australia and Europe. Printed cards have now replaced the hand written notes of yesteryear and there are an estimated one billion exchanged each year, not to mention hoards of email greetings!

"The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost." ~ G. K. Chesterton

"The heart is a museum, filled with the exhibits of a lifetime's loves." ~ Diane Ackerman


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Now license this image through iStock.
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February 16th ~ Accomplishments

I had a free, over the phone "birthday reading" by personal energy consultant, Minoshia Gail Humphrey today. Minoshia generously gave me an hour and a half of her time and knowledge as she analyzed my ideology and challenged my comfort zone. We discussed my preconceived beliefs about my art career, self worth and collectors. She presented me with many new concepts to push my thinking and profession to a higher level. By letting go of inhibiting thoughts and challenging ourselves, we can and will experience physical and spiritual abundance. For me, change is usually uncomfortable at first, but I know it is all part of the process. The greater the discomfort, the more satisfying the results and sense of accomplishment will be in the end.

Attn.: People in the San Diego, California area, Minoshia does personal one-on-one readings for your group or party! Call her at 760-842-8664 to discuss her extremely affordable rates!

"The intelligent man is one who has successfully fulfilled many
accomplishments, and is yet willing to learn more." ~ Ed Parker

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream,
not only plan, but also believe." ~ Anatole France

Now license this image through iStock.

8" x 10" ~ Silver Level ~ original watercolor
Double Matted and Framed ~ $149.00
Because hummingbirds can migrate as much as 3,000 miles
twice a year, they are symbols of energy, joy and
"Accomplishing That Which Seems Impossible"


Check out my workshops! Two spaces are still available for the March 7th & 8th watercolor workshop! The April 5th drawing workshop has one opening and two spots are still available for April 26th. (As a special bonus, I'm offering a free 8" x 10" print to all participants of these three spring 2009 workshops!)
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February 19th ~ Friendship
I'm celebrating another birthday this week with the usual mixed emotions. Sometimes it's easy to get worn down by milestone events and everyday struggles. Often however, just when we need it the most, a friend will appear to lift our spirits. Many of the people in my life, old and new friends alike, made it a point to contact me with birthday wishes. Their lives and experiences truly enrich mine. Thanks so much to those of you who have reached out, been there when I needed you and offered me so much love, support and encouragement! I am truly blessed.

"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing
it back to you when you have forgotten the words." ~ unknown

"We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go,
we take a little of each other everywhere." ~ Tim McGraw

Now license this image through iStock.

8" x 10" ~ Silver Level ~ original watercolor
Double Matted and Framed ~ $149.00
"Friends Are Treasures"
(painting is without text)


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February 23rd ~ Opportunity
A wonderful birthday week has come to an end. It has not been without frustrations and disappointments however. Due to lack of sales, I decided to pull my work out of two galleries that were representing me. My new goal is to commercially license my artwork and possibly eventually even photos. With the help of my friend, Nancy Louie, I've been learning the technical side of shooting and post processing high resolution digital photographs. Today's image is called "Pathfinder's Spirit". Because of the deer's wandering nature, they represent new adventures, heightened perceptions and most of all, opportunity. To see pictures of my new (lovingly used) camera and my favorite scenic shot taken with d2x so far, go to my Feb 22nd web log post.

"The optimist sees opportunity in every danger; the pessimist sees danger in every opportunity. " ~ Winston Churchill

"Chance is always powerful. Let your hook be always cast; in the pool where you least expect it, there will be a fish." ~ Ovid

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." ~ Thomas Edison


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February 26th ~ Frustration
Following a lovely birthday week, this has been a week from hell. Nothing major really, just that feeling of rowing against the current with broken oars. Seems like every simple task has turned into a major ordeal. Staying positive is hard when you keep banging your head against the wall. Putting all fragmented projects aside, I decided to do some therapeutic sketching to adjust my attitude. While I was drawing from photos posted online by my friend, Sally Vennel, simultaneously another FB friend, Abbey Brooke, IM'd me from Kenya. We chatted about elephants and cheetahs. I think my remedy is starting to work! Switching to something you love in situations like this can calm your nerves and heal your heart. Now I'm going to let it all go, breath deeply, eat some chocolate and take a walk in the woods.

"The torment of human frustration, whatever its immediate cause, is the knowledge that the self is
in prison, its vital force and 'mangled mind' leaking away in lonely, wasteful self-conflict." ~ Elizabeth Drew

"I have had just about all I can take of myself." ~ S. N. Behrman


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Here's the sketch I did this morning. (Steps 1 and 2 of my sketching technique) I'll post these with wash added on my sketching blog as soon as I finish them. And time's running out, but there's still a few spots available for my workshops!
~~~~~~~

~ March 2009 ~

Get inspirational emails with images delivered free to your mailbox as they are posted.
Just email
me with "spirit art subscribe" in your email. ~ Sandysandy

2007.........2008..........2009..........2010

2009 :...January.. .February.. .March. .April ...May. .June.. .
July.. .August.. .September... .October.... .November...December.

"Spirit is the essence of art."

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