My notebook

 

I have been playing with acrylic paint in my mixed media notebook. Once the paper dried I also decided to try my calligraphy pen and ink. Unfortunately my hands are too shaky (Parkinsons)  to do the Hebrew lettering well any more. That is sad, but I can still play with the ink. I was just experimenting with colors and mark making. I used a palette knife, plastic type spatula brush, bottle top and brushes. Fun to paint while listening to "Joe Cool's Blues" with Wynton and Ellis Marsalis on an old CD.

The top letters are one of the morning blessings thanking God for freeing the captives. Unfortunately, the Israel-Hamas conflict is continuing and the captives are not free. I pray for them and all the injured souls on both sides.  The bottom letters are just me practicing the Hebrew alphabet.

I enjoy listening to music while I paint. 

Happy Spring. This is a tree in my neighborhood. I noticed it has early blossoms every spring. I don't know what kind of tree it is, but I enjoy seeing it on my afternoon walks.

This one was watercolor in my notebook. I added more ink so it looks a bit more finished now. Based on my photo from summer vacation. Coast of Norway as seen from the cruise ship.

My Journey

 

11 X 14, oil on canvas board. Abstract reflecting my life.  I have been struggling with Parkinsons and can no longer paint the way I want to, but I still enjoy playing with the paint.  The black background reflects my lifelong struggle with depression/anxiety. The butterfly shows that I can fly at times. The hearts are for a life filled with love and gratitude. The white is for my white hair.  The zig zags are for my thorns, the moments when I am making sarcastic or pointed comments. The horsehead and flower reflect my attempt at kindness. The branches from my yard were my original inspiration.

Recently I received some lovely comments from a group I belong to on Facebook. 

From Facebook:

Hi, everyone! Happy Friday! I hope your week is going well, as we are now past the middle of February. Spring is just around the corner!

Since it’s Friday, we also know that it’s time for our Friday morning shout-outs, when three AAM members are chosen for what they contribute to this group. Posts of work, comments, advice, suggestions, questions, or sending invitations can all help our group remain interesting, relevant, educational and strong. So, without further delay, here are this week’s shout-outs. . .

Linda Feinberg - Not only does Linda share posts of her work, but she shares interesting, informative articles, humorous posts, opportunities for artists in her area, and inspiring work from other artists. Linda is a valued member of AAM and is an inspirational member herself. She continues to realize the importance of painting as she deals with hand tremors, and, to me, that’s a gutsy, positive approach to keeping the faith and allowing the art to take you in different directions. Linda, I can’t even tell you how motivational you are! So happy you are on AAM with us!

So I'm happy that I am motivating/inspiring other artists while I continue to attempt to be creative and make art myself. As I am not a professional artist and do not need to earn a living from my art, it is good to know that I am helping others. I do enjoy selling a few paintings from time to time and sharing my art that way, but being inspirational to someone else is a good reward for me too.

Winter scene

 

Windy Day on the River, Oil on canvas board 8 X 10, palette knife & brush.  I am still struggling with shaky hands (from Parkinsons). I picked an easier scene to attempt. This doesn't have any real detail.  I am pleased with the outcome and I just have to get my brain to accept that I can't paint the way I used to. I'm not giving up though I will be posting fewer paintings on this blog.