Next up. Maybe I can get this painted over the long weekend.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Keyword Sketch Cards
Felt it was time to change things up a bit. You might have observed that in this and the last installation of keyword cards and aceos, that I've started incorporating grey brushpen into the mix as well.
Clockwise: Enchanter (aceo), solace, Oya, cricket, patience, hope, panda, growth
Clockwise: Enchanter (aceo), solace, Oya, cricket, patience, hope, panda, growth
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Climbing the Dragon Gate
Climbing the Dragon GateMedium: Watercolors
Size: 12x17 inches
Prints and Original available -here-
Detail closeup views -here-
Original sketch available -here-
Size: 12x17 inches
Prints and Original available -here-
Detail closeup views -here-
Original sketch available -here-
In Chinese and Japanese legend the lowly carp spends its life trying to swim up the Yellow River. At the source of the river is a great roaring waterfall. If the koi were able to swim up that waterfall, it would be rewarded and transformed into a dragon. Thus, the koi is a symbol of personal advancement, perseverance, determination in the face of impossible obstacles, and inner strength. The journey of the carp to become a dragon was a metaphor for young scholars passing the Chinese state exams and become a mandarin.
* * *
Dana is amused by this painting. He says it looks like all the carp are saying, "HORRAY! You made it!!! Go go dragoncarp!!!"
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Tea Misadventures, and Carp
My choice of "favorite tea mug" bears an unfortunate resemblance in shape and size to my paint-water-bowl.... That's just asking for trouble.
And that's NOT a pretty blue glaze on the paint-bowl. It's "clear" plastic. It has been my painting companion for 10+ years, following me from my brief stint in Japan. It has acquired some permanent layers of color on it now due to periodic uses on non-water-soluble mediums, and sometimes glue, that have sealed the dried watercolors in.
And a peek at how the latest dragon painting is coming along. I got a lot of the water done today, and started on some of the koi.
Rather woozy now though...still sick, and while the cold medicine is working wonders for my poor runny nose, it's really doing a number on my ability to focus and coherence....
And that's NOT a pretty blue glaze on the paint-bowl. It's "clear" plastic. It has been my painting companion for 10+ years, following me from my brief stint in Japan. It has acquired some permanent layers of color on it now due to periodic uses on non-water-soluble mediums, and sometimes glue, that have sealed the dried watercolors in.
Rather woozy now though...still sick, and while the cold medicine is working wonders for my poor runny nose, it's really doing a number on my ability to focus and coherence....Tuesday, February 8, 2011
"Climbing the Dragon Gate" Sketch
Final sketch ready to be painted.
The legend of how a carp must swim up the Yellow River and be transformed into a dragon.
The legend of how a carp must swim up the Yellow River and be transformed into a dragon.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Snifflings and Dragon Sketching
In between sniffling and sneezing with the latest cold I've landed, sketching for the next painting. Third installment of Dreamscapes is coming along quite well though. All the step-by-steps and text is done. It's just a few chapter introductions left, and a couple of showcase pieces (of which this will be one).
2011 has so far been "The Year of Being Sick". It seems that our little household has perpetually had at least 2 members being sick ever since January 1st.
2011 has so far been "The Year of Being Sick". It seems that our little household has perpetually had at least 2 members being sick ever since January 1st.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
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