DeltaGypsy (∆≈)

A New Place to Blog

2012-01-22T14:35:00.000-08:00

From now on I will occasionally blog at DeltaGypsy Studio. Google insists that members share more and more of their personal lives by linking all things Google. If I want to share I will say when I want to share. I shouldn't have to opt-out. Google has become another Fookbase. "Do no harm." That is BS. Goodbye Blogger/Google. You have crossed the line. Any comments should be made at my WordPress blog. I will not return to this blog. So long.

In the process of redesigning my humble blogs.

2011-09-10T17:35:00.001-07:00

They are in dire need of updating.

Completed Jackrabbit

2011-08-15T15:32:00.001-07:00

Finally completed my colored pencil drawing of a jackrabbit. It is from a photo I took several years ago. I thought he or she was a splendid looking rabbit. Hope I did it justice. The 5" x 7" drawing has been scanned, enhanced and printed as note cards. The original will be shown in our local art show this month.

Two For The Show

2011-07-29T15:51:00.001-07:00

Two of my colored pencil drawings framed and ready for our upcoming local art show.

Jackrabbit Drawing

2011-07-16T13:38:00.001-07:00

The basic drawing done. Now I need to determine if I need to ground it and how.

More Jackrabbit Possibilities

2011-07-05T10:02:00.001-07:00

Several more versions to contemplate. A definite round file and a true pencil to paper possibility. Thank you Artrage.

Jackrabbit Progress

2011-07-02T15:41:00.001-07:00

Just about finished with the body of the jackrabbit. Using the iPad app, Artrage, to play with backgrounds before putting pencil to paper. Used Filterstorm to prepare rabbit photo for import to Artrage.

Jackrabbit

2011-06-24T21:15:00.001-07:00

A little more work done on the jack. Used the Filterstorm app to add the watermark and sharpen the image. Sending this via the Posterous iPad app. #art #coloredpencil # #posterous #drawing

Jackrabbit Drawing

2011-06-21T17:26:00.001-07:00

Started this drawing several days ago on white Stonehenge paper. (5.5 in. x 7 in.) Using Prismacolor, Faber-Castell and Derwent Coloursoft pencils and Gamsol.

Eating more organically and less dairy. :-)

2010-10-17T17:51:00.001-07:00

Posted via email from Preposterouz by Iquitoz

First sign of winter.

2010-10-17T12:34:00.001-07:00

Our first rain of fall 2010. Need to begin painting again.

Posted via email from Preposterouz by Iquitoz

Our little art show here at Trilogy Rio Vista is open to the public tomorrow from 10 AM to 4 PM.

2010-08-28T12:19:00.001-07:00

Sent from my iPod

Posted via email from Preposterouz by Iquitoz

Packing up my colored pencil drawings and one watercolor for this weekend's art show.

2010-08-27T12:20:00.001-07:00

Posted via email from Preposterouz by Iquitoz

Have you been watching Owl Cam?

2010-08-11T17:27:00.001-07:00

http://bit.ly/atGWlF

Posted via email from Preposterouz by Iquitoz

Dalton Getty — Incredible "Pencil" Art. Save your short pencils for a rainy day.

2010-08-07T14:13:00.001-07:00

via lostateminor.com

Perhaps that pencil of yours is worth a little more than you think.

Posted via email from Preposterouz by Iquitoz

Nothing so refreshing as slicing open your finger on a mat cutter.

2010-08-05T20:17:00.001-07:00

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Close up of my watercolor titled "Little Blue"

2010-07-12T17:14:00.001-07:00

via flickr.com

This is an extreme close up of the damselfly from my watercolor titled "Little Blue". (19x 27 inches) The much publicized photo of the "dragonfly" contaminated with oil from the Deepwater Horizon blowout is actually a damselfly.

Posted via email from Preposterouz by Iquitoz

Seven Years Ago Today

2010-07-03T10:59:00.001-07:00

It was seven years ago today I got up and walked away Work was going out of style Thought I'd take a break for a while... After 27+ years at the Denver Zoo, I retired to begin a new chapter in this affair we call life.

Posted via email from Preposterouz by Iquitoz

HAPPY REAL DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE DAY!! Yes, it's actually July 2nd

2010-07-02T10:08:00.001-07:00

"So, it was done, the break was made, in words at least: on July 2, 1776, in Philadelphia, the American colonies declared independence." Page 129 "John Adams" David McCullough On July 4, 1776, only John Hancock and Charles Thomson signed the document to authentic it so it could be printed. Page 136 ("John Adams") "The actual signing of the document would not take place until Friday, August 2, after a fair copy..." Page 137 ("John Adams") "...Thomas McKean of Delaware appears not to have signed until January 1777, which made him the last." Page 138 ("John Adams") Independence was achieved, ""His Britannic Majesty acknowledges the said United States . . . to be free, sovereign and independent states." "Done at Paris," read the final line, "this third day of September, in the the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty three." The mighty Revolution had ended. The new nation was born."" Page 285 "John Adams"

Posted via email from Preposterouz by Iquitoz

Today the birds' favorite vocal period is 0530 to 0630 hrs. Hmm...

2010-07-01T06:45:00.001-07:00

Posted via email from Preposterouz by Iquitoz

Unpublished Poem I Wrote Upon Hearing of Santa Barbara Oil Spill in 1969

2010-05-25T17:01:00.001-07:00

Santa Barbara

Down by the seaside in comes the oil.
The sand, the birds, the rocks to soil.
To man the millions is all he seeks.
Forgetting the sea, the fish, the leaks.

Posted via web from Preposterouz by Iquitoz

Where's the Art?

2010-04-26T11:39:00.001-07:00

I keep putting off posting my creative attempts with colored pencel. One of these days. Now my excuse is an upcoming family visit.

Posted via web from Preposterouz by Iquitoz

Looking for interesting but easy subject for next art project. Will try using mineral spirits with colored pencil.

2010-03-11T14:57:00.001-08:00

Posted via web from Preposterouz by Iquitoz

Finished my second art challenge piece this afternoon.

2010-03-07T22:41:00.001-08:00

Posted via web from Preposterouz by Iquitoz

Had a great time drinking wine with wonderful company. And my drawing looks weird, now that I look at it through tainted eyes.

2010-03-06T20:12:00.001-08:00

Posted via web from Preposterouz by Iquitoz

An invite to wine has stymied my art challenge project.

2010-03-06T17:13:00.001-08:00

Posted via web from Preposterouz by Iquitoz

Working on my second art challenge piece. May take two days. Chosen subject a bit involved.

2010-03-05T16:54:00.001-08:00

Posted via web from Preposterouz by Iquitoz

My friend, Shoshanna, kindly challenged me to create a piece of art every other day or so. This is my first challenge drawing.

2010-03-05T12:28:00.001-08:00

Posted via web from Preposterouz by Iquitoz

Picked up my analogous color wheel this week.

2010-03-05T11:00:00.001-08:00

Posted via web from Preposterouz by Iquitoz

Have been working on a Shoshanna art challenge this afternoon.

2010-03-04T17:00:00.001-08:00

Posted via web from Preposterouz by Iquitoz

First Attempt at Colored Pencil

2010-03-02T13:26:00.001-08:00

Because my "studio" is in the garage, I needed to find some form of artful creativity I could carry out in the house without creating a big mess and that was easily removed at a moment's notice. Ah, ha! Colored pencils. After a little research I decided to give Prismacolor pencils (http://tr.im/QpEA) a try. Of course, I ordered the pencils just before Christmas and had to wait over two weeks before they arrived. Finally in early January I got around to playing with my pencils.

For some reason I like to draw pears.

It takes me a long time to do a drawing or any other piece of art for that matter.

A month later resulted in this piece titled "Table Pear".

∆≈/∆±

Posted via web from Preposterouz by Iquitoz

A tenebrous day rendered more enjoyable with a cup of green tea.

2010-03-02T09:10:00.001-08:00

Posted via web from Preposterouz by Iquitoz

A dark and rainy day. Good for reading and drawing.

2010-03-02T08:35:00.001-08:00

Posted via web from Preposterouz by Iquitoz

Posterous

2010-02-27T15:37:00.001-08:00

Playing with my new Posterous instead of drawing. :-) or :-( May be a good way to keep my blogs up to date. Will see. Overload?

Sent from my iPod

Posted via email from iquitoz's posterous

Drawing

2010-02-27T15:26:00.001-08:00

Working on my "Homestead" colored pencil drawing.

Sent from my iPod

Posted via email from iquitoz's posterous

A Year Ago Today

2009-11-22T21:33:00.000-08:00

I was going to say something about Freda's passing which took place on this day November last but I think I'll just post what Suzy had to bark earlier today.

Today is the one year anniversarys of Freda's crossing the Rainbow Bridge. I always wonders why I adopted the peeps I did. I may have found a clue.

Me

Freda

sD likes to drinks black and tans and after looking at the above photos, maybe it was fates.

Freda had a long distant relationship with an Aussie named Charlie.

Charlie. Freda always barked him "Charles".

I hear that Charlie and Freda were quite an items. They were very close being so far aways from each other. They each even enjoyed smelling red hot pokers in their respective yards. Unfortunately, Charlie too crossed the bridge last August. It is nice to knows that they are now rompings together on the other sides of the Rainbow Bridge.

Everys day we walk to the same place where this film was shot. I can see why it was one of Freda's favorite places. I love it too.

I know there is a hole in sD's hearts but he tells me that I am doing a greats job of filling it. I think that is why he loves me so much and I loves him.

∆••
∆±

A Chair, A Pear and Cheese

2009-11-19T22:43:00.000-08:00

This weekend is our local Arts and Crafts Faire. I thought something small and of local interest might entice a buyer or two to part with a few dollars.

6"x8" Water Soluble Oil

I used a dragonfly I found drowned in our bird bath.

A natural model.

After seeing a few Van Goghs on our European trip, I thought it would be interesting to paint something of a Van Gogh theme.

15"x9" Watercolor canvas

I enjoyed painting the chair and the pear.

∆≈/∆±

The Judge

2009-09-10T19:15:00.000-07:00

Just about done with my latest lighthouse in watercolor. It is painted on Fredrix Watercolor Canvas.

A waiting Suzy's opinion.

Will let it sit for a while and look at it again. If it's acceptable, I will sign, mat and frame it.

∆≈/∆±

My First Dragonfly

2009-09-02T22:13:00.000-07:00

I finally uploaded the first dragonfly watercolor I painted to my online gallery at ImageKind.com

Out On a Limb

It is of the more popular paintings I have completed.

∆≈/∆±

Lighthouse D

2009-08-30T21:19:00.000-07:00

Have been piddling around with the background of Lighthouse D since I began this painting several months ago. Think the sky is about complete. Here is a bit of the painting:

On watercolor canvas.

Once I'm satisfied with the mountains and hills I will again tackle the cliffs and water.

∆≈/∆±

Kick in the Butt

2009-08-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

Have just not been in the mood to paint lately. Now I need to decide if I want to hang more paintings at the Nines Restaurant or not. Rotation occurs Monday. Do I want to part with any more paintings I have at home? Guess that is the difference betwixt a hobbyist and a painter. I gave away three paintings this month. Two lighthouses and one rooster. Better start painting to fill the coffer.

I could add one or two paintings to my online gallery at Imagekind.com. Good idea. Thanks.

∆≈/∆±

Restoration

2009-08-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

Did a little restoration on an old watercolor a friend picked up at a sale. Turned out to his satisfaction. Returned the favor with a bottle of Bogle's Phantom v.2005. Very nice. Forgot to take before and after photos. Nuts!

∆≈/∆±

Something New, Something Frustrating

2009-07-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

Mañana will be in the nineties. I hope to be in the studio early trying to salvage several disasters. Several weeks ago I began two ill conceived oils and one watercolor of the same subject.

Since I don't apply what I have, or was supposed to have, learned, I spend a lot of time fixing instead of painting. Guess by slopping on paint and doing a lot of correcting I "learn" something new. Painting is very frustrating at times, because I don't like reading instructions and just jump right in. But when it works it's enjoyable. Unfortunately, it does work that often.

∆≈/∆±

Excuses...

2009-07-06T21:27:00.000-07:00

I didn't do much painting in June. Mainly, no inspiration. There were some very hot days when I puttered away the cool morning hours instead of painting and astonishingly found it too hot to paint after lunch. Hmm... I made extra time to play with Suzy, groom her and do her nails. Then to my "dismay", I found several very interesting books I just had to read. And of course there was the gardening to be done.

Near the end of June I attended one oil painting class hoping that would kick start something in the artistic vane. I had to quickly come up with something on canvas before the class. That proved to be a disaster. Forcing something like that didn't help my malaise but the following week I came up with a subject I hope I can develop into something interesting. I have begun two oils and a watercolor of the same idea. Will see what happens.

∆≈/∆±

Reflection Study/ Online Gallery

2009-06-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

While walking with Suzy around the clubhouse lake the other morning, I noticed the early morning sunlight shining on a willow across the lake. The sun's location, tree's shadow and the its reflection on the water provided a good example of the shadow vs. reflection conundrum that can confuse beginning artists.

As we made our way around the tree, the relationship between sunlight, shadow and reflection was obvious.

The shadow is opposite the light source and the reflection is between the object and the observer.

Taking this series of photos helped reinforce the light source, shadow, reflection relationship for me.

I have finally got around to opening an online gallery at ImageKind where I am offering reproductions of a few of my paintings and photographs for sale. You can view my artwork at DeltaGypsy - Artist Profile on Imagekind. Hope you find them interesting.

∆≈/∆±

Soroptimist Sponsored Art Show

2009-05-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

Our dog, Suzy, has been helping me get ready for a local art show, (A Taste of May), that will take place tomorrow. It is sponsored by the Rio Vista branch of Soroptimist International and will be held at the The Dutra Museum.

I painted the following three pieces during the past several months. The rooster is a close replica of a rooster I completed in watercolor last year.

Requested by someone who liked the watercolor.

The pears were painted to represent the large agricultural influence pears have in the California Delta.

"A Pair"

The still-lifes were done after we visited the Museum of the Orangery in Paris last March. After viewing the amazing works of such artists as Cézanne, Renoir, Picasso, Rousseau, Matisse, Derain, Modigliani, Soutine, Utrillo and Laurencin, I was reminded that a pear doesn't need to have a curvaceous shape.

"Blue Pear" or "Pear On Table" or "Pear and Window"

So, the "Blue Pear". It will be interesting to see how it is received at the show.

I need to free up my "ambiguous" style and find something different. One day.

∆≈/∆±

Suzy, Our New Family Matron

2009-04-13T20:07:00.001-07:00

Over the past several weeks we have winnowed through hundreds of online profiles of needy dogs in California, even Nevada. After reading many appeals from shelters and foster agencies, we decided to apply for adoption by a senior dog. Many times they are not given the second chance they deserve. Many humans want a puppy or young dog. Yes, they are cute and may be a family member for a longer time. But a senior usually is housebroken, knows the basic commands and is ready to settle down and enjoy life with their new family.

Sort of a fluffy Freda Mini-Me

Suzy was taking care of her former guardian until they passed away last January. With no one to care for, she ended up in a shelter. Shortly thereafter she joined a wonderful foster family about an hour away from us. She has taken very good care of them. We filled out our human quality papers and emailed them to Suzy and her foster family. After several days of worrying if we were dog worthy we received an invitation to visit Suzy.

We found her online profile last week.

This weekend we meet the wonderful little lady and extended a request to be her new family. She thought that we could be her final forever family but that she needed to have a physical before she could make the commitment.

Suzy passed her vet check today
and we are finally a member of her family.

You lookin' at me?

Suzy weighs 31 pounds, a little heavy, and is about 16 inches at the shoulders. Her pedigree has been stated as 'Sheltie mix', 'Australian Shepherd mix' and 'Spaniel mix'. Suzy is working on her genealogy and would appreciate at least a general consensus as to what her family background might be. She would give many licks and snuggles. (Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thank you.)

Missing Inspiration

2009-04-10T22:41:00.000-07:00

Besides me, myself and I having been missing for several months, my inspiration has been missing also. Since the loss of Freda, my desire to paint has been very limited or just plain gone.

She was my mentor.

I did try to work on two lighthouses, big surprise...

but I haven't had the desire. There were several other things that occupied my mind for a while. (Please see South of Tonight (∆±).) Hopefully mañana will bring some spark back into whatever creative talent I have.

∆≈/∆±

TAG Art Gallery at the 2008 Rio Vista Bass Festival

2009-02-28T22:04:00.000-08:00

Thought I should add an art video.

This video shows the pieces of art we hung at our local art guild's three day art gallery during the annual Rio Vista Bass Festival last October. Approximately ten Trilogy Art Guild (TAG) members got up early Friday morning, cleaned up a vacant store front and turned it into an art gallery.

It turned out to be very popular. The mayor even bought a painting. Visitors were surprised that the gallery was only going to be open three days. They were hoping it would become a permanent gallery in downtown/uptown Rio Vista. It certainly would have added to a lot Main Street. What we need is an art loving Sugar Daddy. We hope to repeat our success at this year's Bass Festival, October 9, 10 & 11. Hope to see you there.

∆≈/∆±

More Business Cards

2009-02-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

Recently I received some more business cards...

Again using several of my paintings.

They are a little more unique than my normal biz cards...

Like I'm ever going to use them all. I don't even have a business!

And a little plastic card holder.

Anyone want to buy a business card?

∆≈/∆±

YES!! My New Business Suit?

2009-01-09T17:17:00.000-08:00

Today I received my new business cards...

And a tee shirt with a piece of my art printed on it...

Walking billboard... "Need a painting?" Or maybe..." I paint lighthouses."

I got them both from VistaPrint at a VERY GOOD price .

The lighthouse is hanging in our home...

∆≈/∆±

A Few Note Cards

2009-01-04T22:08:00.000-08:00

At our last Arts and Crafts Show/Sale, I offered several different note cards for sale. They were based on several of my watercolor paintings and an water-soluble oil painting.

I was pleased with the results. Sold all but one.

They may be nice for gifts but if I want to sell more, I've got to get my price down.

∆≈/∆±

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2008-12-24T15:17:00.000-08:00

All the best in 2009.

∆≈

I Can Wait

2008-12-13T14:18:00.000-08:00

I can wait 'til your present lover has said goodbye

And has left you in the deep canyon of despair.

I can wait while you struggle with your voided heart,

Playing with those who offer to fill your soul for a time.

Those tight jeans may promise a warm bed and a fulfilled night,

But will they give you comfort in the morning?

Wander the hills and valleys of desperation.

Find yourself. Then find me.

For your love...

I can wait.

∆≈

Our Dear Freda

2008-11-23T00:43:00.000-08:00

Our dear Freda, aka DeltaBunny aka Fog Dog, crossed over the Rainbow Bridge today after a short illness. She passed peacefully.

She loved the tule fog. There was a heavy fog this morning, perhaps a harbinger.

A quiet hollowness pervades our home. This film was shot one week ago.

Music 'Dawn Fog' by Musicshake

Rest in Peace dear Freda. We miss you.

∆≈ (Jim and Faye)

Sink Backsplash Tiles

2008-11-10T22:29:00.000-08:00

After finishing several murals in our new home, I looked around to find a suitable location to do another 'artistic' project. I settled on the wall behind the sink in the garage.

I used the same collection of enamel, and interior and exterior latex paints I had used to paint the other murals. The colors were applied with a small flat brush and a natural sponge. I used an overlay of Marine Spar Varnish to waterproof it. The squares are 5.5 inches square with .25 inch spacing. I think this was completed in 2004.

∆≈

Macaws

2008-10-14T23:00:00.000-07:00

This watercolor, I call "Macaws" (Original isn't it?), was done in art class between February 2005 and June 2005. Unfortunately I wasn't astute enough to bring a camera to class. Being new to watercolors and the process of glazing created a bit of tunnel vision while in class. Paint, paint, paint was my mantra. So here are the only photos I have of this piece.

Close-up of the tails...

A close-up of the heads and a wing...

And the finished painting...

We used a half sheet of Arches 300 lb paper and a basic red, blue and yellow palette. Glazing, layer upon layer of pigment, gives the colors a deeper luminescence that can not be found in one layer of pigment. Glazing involves the laying down of one coat of paint, allowing it to dry fully, then laying down another and another, with appropriate drying, until the depth of wanted color is achieved.

∆≈

My Father Has Left

2008-09-08T14:24:00.000-07:00

My father has left. A loving man. A brave man. He was a stoic man to the end.

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!"

"Gone where?"

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear the load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!" There are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: "Here she comes!"

And that is dying.

----Henry Van Dyke**

I will miss him.

Δ≈

** From "Gone From My Sight, The Dying Experience" by Barbara Karnes. http://bkbooks.com/

Silhouette

2008-09-08T10:03:00.000-07:00

As you can see, this is another lighthouse but in water soluble oils. Reading a little more about oil painting, I tried some under painting with Payne's grey, Prussian blue, Cerulean blue and French Ultramarine Blue. (I hope I can remember the colors. I left my painting diary at home.)

Prussian blue and French Ultramarine make up most of the sky. Dioxazine purple was used to create the background land masses and create some dark relief in the foreground. The land mass on the right may be too purple.

The moon and it's location happened to be a whim. I wanted to show my wife how easy it was to remove the paint. Using a paper towel, I randomly wiped out a bit of paint in the cloud. It looked good enough to keep. Using a cotton towel, I rubbed out more relief in the clouds. A little Burnt Sienna was used to highlight the clouds and perk up the sky.

I may have used Burnt Umber, a red and some Cadmium Yellow to create the color of the roofs. For the lights I think I used Cad. Yellow, Yellow ochre and Burnt Sienna. A little scratching on the water's surface gave the impression of reflected moonlight.

The tower at one time was very blue and dark. (I cannot find a photo of that tower at this time. It was hideous.) The finished tower is a combination of most of the colors used in the rest of the painting. Using a fine, two inch brush, I blended both the tower and the sky.

Even though this is an oil painting, I used some watercolor methods. I guess I still like using water in my paints.

Δ≈

First Pear

2008-08-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

Running into painter's block several weeks ago, I decided to try water soluble oil paints. This is my first attempt with the new oils and so far I like them.

First Pear was painted in less than two hours over a three day period on an 11 x 14 inch canvas. I used Yellow ochre, Payne's grey, Burnt Umber, Raw Sienna and Prussian blue. I laid down the Yellow ochre the first day. I rubbed out a little of the paint to depict sunlight on the wall.

I added Burnt Umber to create the top surface of the table. I then wiped out a rough shape of the pear. It looked good enough and I kept it. I added Payne's grey and Prussian blue to the mix to finish the front of the table.

The wondrous "Floating Pear".

Added a bit of shadow to anchor the pear to the table and called it finished.

It was fun and fast. Wish I could do all my paintings in this manner. They may not be good but they would be fun.

∆≈

THUT THUT!

2008-08-09T17:19:00.000-07:00

A poem.

THUT THUT!

There you lie.

THUT THUT!

You don't look like yourself you know.

THUT THUT!
THUT THUT!

I know you had a mother, a father. Perhaps
THUT THUT!
you had a husband or a
THUT THUT!
wife. Maybe
THUT THUT!
a son, a daughter. Hope so. Don't want your kind to disappear.

Did you live near by? I wonder if it was up there on the hill.
Looks like a nice place. Did you leave anyone alone there or are you the last one?

THUT THUT!

I see the crows have come a little closer. Are they friends of yours? Were they
THUT THUT!
here when it happened? I wonder if they sense what is about to occur.

THUT THUT!

Oh! I see the ants have arrived. Do they know what happened or do they live long enough to care?

THUT THUT!

I guess not. The sun is gone. It is beginning to rain.
Maybe it will have washed this scene before the sun rises again.
Or will the tires wear you away first.

I wonder what you were before you became another
THUT THUT!
road kill.
THUT THUT!

© JCZ (1988-90)

∆≈

More of "Dark Light"

2008-07-03T16:23:00.000-07:00

I found several photos showing the evolution of "Dark Light'. They aren't that different but show small changes in the painting.

Above, I had a different look of the water and had not started on the lighthouse.

Below I changed the water and more or less completed the structure. I changed the look of the water several times and still don't know if I'm satisfied.

And here I added some color to the sky...

...Bringing the painting to a conclusion, as posted earlier

∆≈

Pieces at Summer Wind Art Gallery

2008-06-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

Now through 13 July 2008, several local Trilogy artists and I are displaying some of our work at the Summer Wind Art Gallery in Isleton, California.

This piece, Dark Light, (approx. 8.5 x 11.5 in.) sold during the reception last Saturday. I was both surprised and delighted. I think this is the first piece I painted using Fredrix Watercolor Canvas.

∆≈

Palm and Rural Murals

2008-05-24T15:30:00.000-07:00

Two more murals painted in our home.

This palm was added to finish a short hallway and hopefully complement the larger palm mural I had painted several weeks earlier. It is 3.5 feet wide and nine feet tall. Again, I used natural sponges.

A tapered piece of foam was used to create the grasses.

The small country home, painted in the master bath, tries to represent the Mediterranean region countryside we have come to love.

The piece is 4.5 feet wide and 3.5 feet tall. Natural sponges were used for the scenery and small brushes used for the building. This is the second time I had used brushes on a mural.

∆≈

My Own Domain

2008-05-09T22:50:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed that you were redirected to this web page. After struggling for three weeks, I have finally gotten my domain, DeltaGypsy (∆≈), to work. This would not have been possible without the wonderful help of Chuck at The Real Blogger Status. If you ever need help with your Blogger blog, he is the man to read. Thank you, Chuck.

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2008-05-05T11:15:00.000-07:00

A poem.

I got up early today and made you breakfast.

You weren't in bed so I knew you had crashed on the couch.

I called you from the kitchen.

When there was no reply...

I knew you were gone.

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"Crab"

2008-04-25T22:17:00.000-07:00

These are the only photos I have of one of my first watercolors on paper. It was completed in late 2003, several months before I started watercolor lessons.

I used wet in wet for the background.

To create the texture of the rocks I used two different methods. I sprayed alcohol onto wet paint in one instance and sprinkled salt onto the wet paint in another.

Painting is very flat. No shadows or sense of depth but it was fun to paint.

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Palm Mural

2008-04-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

In July of 2003, we moved from Colorado into our present home in California. It was exciting to be living where the scenery was dotted with palm trees.

Several months later my wife asked if I could paint a palm tree on one of the bedroom walls. Having covered our Colorado garage walls with murals, I said I'd try. I thought painting inside our home would a take little more talent than 'slopping' paint on garage walls.

The following mural was my first attempt in our new home. If it didn't work out I knew I could always over paint and start anew. I guess that fact took some of my fear out of attempting something so large inside the house.

The colors I used were returned paints obtained at several of the big box hardware stores for two to five dollars a gallon. My palette, if I can remember, consisted of at least an off-white, a dark blue, an ugly maroon, a brown and a very pale green. The most expensive paint was a quart of a bright yellow I purchased to mix my greens. Using a combination of enamel, flat, semi-gloss, latex, indoor and outdoor paints and natural sponges, I began.

The mural took several weeks and was completed in September 2003. The dimensions are just over four feet wide and nine feet high on a wall between two doors. Working with such a large 'canvas' was fun and I learned a little more about mixing colors. There is one more wall that may see paint and sponge but that will have to wait for a cold winter's fortnight.

When driving though the countryside, I still am excited when I see a palm.

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Santa Barbara 1969

2008-04-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

In January of 1969 a large oil spill off the California coast near Santa Barbara released 200,000 gallons of oil creating a 800 square mile slick. (1969 Oil Spill - Summary Articles and Images) It was an environmental disaster that most likely helped incubate the American environmental movement.

At 2305 hrs, 18 Oct 69, I wrote this little piece. Nothing great but it's what I felt at the time.
With Earth Day approaching, I thought it might be appropriate.

Santa Barbara 1969

Down by the seaside, in came the oil.

The sand, the birds, the rocks to soil.

To man the millions is all he seeks.

Forgetting the sea, the fish, the leaks.

© JCZ

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"Little Blue" Evolution, The End

2008-04-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

Finally getting this painting project posted. Hope it doesn't take me as long for the next one.

Close up of the cattails and my ever present art critic.

Close up of the damselfly. It was fun working on this part of the painting.

Damselfly detail. Enjoyed using iridescent medium to create the sheen on the wings and body.

Completed piece hanging at home.

On display at Rogelio's Restaurant, Casino, and Hotel in Isleton, CA last fall.

This watercolor, on a full sheet of Arches 140lb. cold pressed paper, is one the largest pieces I have completed. (19" x 27" before framing.) Don't know if I would attempt something this large on watercolor canvas. Think it would be quite a challenge, given the work have I put into smaller pieces on canvas. This piece was completed December 2006.

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Renewal

2008-03-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

I know I don't post that often but I will not be posting for at least one week. I think it is time for a renewal. Get some things straighted up and try to paint uninterrupted. Be safe.

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"Little Blue" Evolution Part 4

2008-03-23T23:01:00.000-07:00

I've been asked to share some more photos of my project. Looking through my growing catalog of project photos I found several more sketches of 'cattails'.

In trying to design my painting I wondered if a different view point would work.

Here you can see what a 'marshmallow' cattail might look like. After this sketch I figured I better stay with the boring side view and forget about a more interesting point of view for now.

I have finally begun to color in the damselfly and finish the head of the cattails.

I had fun playing with the textures on the head of the cattails. I tried very hard to get a fuzzy look and feeling. Burnt Sienna and Quinacridone Gold helped me out with the highlights.

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"Little Blue" Evolution Part 3

2008-03-09T20:02:00.000-07:00

"Little Blue" was created on a full sheet of Arches 140 lb. cold pressed watercolor paper. Here you can see I have applied my frisket and laid down several washes.

Several close-ups of the cattails. Trying to create a 'fuzzy' texture was fun.

You can see the frisket I dropped in the lower right hand corner. Using a lot of frisket and blowing through a straw I created, I hope, 'bird droppings'. This was to reinforce the feeling of the outdoors.

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Sad Man

2008-02-29T21:35:00.000-08:00

A poem from the late sixties or early seventies. Most of my writings are from this period.

I know that all you can give me is your smile and the look in your eyes.

The wise man would take that look, your smile and be happy.

But what of me?

Do I become a wise man and enjoy only what you can give?

Or do I fret over that which I cannot have,

And become a sad man?

©JCZ

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More "Little Blue"

2008-02-22T15:49:00.001-08:00

Several more sketches in the journey to "Little Blue".

Damselfly close-up

Quick color rendition

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"Little Blue" Evolution

2008-02-14T18:10:00.000-08:00

Living in the California Delta presents a painter with many subjects to photograph, sketch and paint. When walking our dog, Freda, along Watson Hollow we see numerous cattails, insects and birds.

I tried to perch a blue damselfly on a cattail. The following posts will hopefully show the progress of my piece titled "Little Blue".

Attempted drawings of cattails

Cattail with damselfly

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Remember When

2008-02-11T16:58:00.000-08:00

Occasionally I will present some writings from my past. Here is a piece I wrote in the late 60s or early 70s:

Remember When

Lying here listening to the tick of the clock,
I remember how we shared this bed.

The cracks in the ceiling are still there.
The neighbor's radio still blares in the night.

I heard that someone poisoned the cat
Who used to visit us early each morning.

The last rose you gave me slouches,
Wilting in the Chianti bottle on the card table.

You know...... I don't like taking showers alone.

© JCZ

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