Watercolor Wednesday - Artist Trading Card Swap - Bring out the light

My Artist Trading Card for an upcoming swap...the theme was Nocturnal Landscape.  Artist Trading cards measure 2 1/2" x 3 1/2", but you can get a lot of art on that small bit of paper real estate and therein the challenge and the fun!

This is the Port of Galveston before dawn, my room view from the Tremont House a few years ago.  I loved the yellow-orange glowing lights reflected over the rail cars in the water and bouncing off the clouds.

Happy Halloween - Beach Bum-kin - Halloween Pumpkin 2016

This year's Halloween Pumpkin - "Beach Bum-kin"

Beach Bum-kin

In process. .  . I loved mixing all my beachy blues and greens and turquoises before adding the starfish and peel and stick rhinestones.

Art of Pumpkin

Hunab Ku - Mayan Galatic Butterfly
Also the logo for Hooked on Acupuncture

It's October and I like to paint a pumpkin of the logo for my favorite acupuncturist at "Hooked on Acupuncture" in Galveston.  This is my fourth one, and each year I like to try something different.  Of course, that means trying new art supply toys!

Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen Big Brush in White 101 and Black 199

Good coverage, the white was really opaque.  Juicy ink for both, no pull up of color when going over a second time.  One drawback, especially on a pumpkin, the black will rub off a little bit if said pumpkin rolls around the back seat floor on the trip to Galveston.  A little touch-up and good as new. I did not use a protective sealant this time, experimenting with longevity.  The black also makes a great marker, as hubby discovered.   They are considered India Ink and are waterproof, and acid free.   Texas Art Supply carries them - the large in black and white, and smaller sizes in additional colors.  I highly recommend these...for pumpkins and other art projects.

Faber-Castell Texture Luxe in Silver

A few weeks ago, I found this at Hobby Lobby in the Clearance section for $5.39, originally priced at $8.95.  I saw it at Texas Art Supply in silver and other colors, so it is still a current item.  I can also vouch this works great on pumpkins.  It is an opaque acrylic paste and permanent, and you have the option to build up layers for texture.   I used my finger to apply (washes off skin easily) a moderately thin layer to add shimmer.  The package also says it is good for stenciling.  This is definitely another addition to my art supply stash to be used again, post-pumpkin.

Daniel Smith Luminescent Watercolors in Iridescent Gold

I'm getting my money's worth and fun from this color.  It also works great on a pumpkin!  I learned that watercolor straight out of the tube is considered "paste" - which I applied to the pumpkin with a brush without using water.  I liked the result.  The watercolor was the pinch hitter, for I originally planned to use a copper or bronze rubbing accent compound for the flames around the Mayan Butterfly design.  Alas, the pot had completely dried out, which I returned to the store for a refund.

Schneider XPress Fiber Tip Pen

One of my favorite writing pens, I used it to draw the design outline on the pumpkin.
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Twos-Day

Walking along the Seawall in Galveston, I kept seeing all these twos. . .

Sidewalk Arf

Clever use incorporating tar or gum splotches on the sidewalk along the Galveston Seawall --

Finish Line

Galveston Regatta
6 3/4" x 11 1/4"

Finish me!

This was one of my first (uncompleted) paintings when I was just beginning watercolor in 2013 and using a limited palette. I found it while redoing my studio and decided to finish it today.   I quite like how it turned out after all.   #Winning

‪#‎WorldWatercolorMonth‬ ‪#‎WorldWatercolorGroup‬

Urban Sketching - Watercolor - Rosenberg Library in Galveston

I did a quick sketch in No. 2 pencil and Derwent watercolor pencils at the Rosenberg Library and finished the touchups at home with my watercolors.  Second floor, looking towards the Non-Fiction section.
#WorldWatercolorMonth

Thursday Tea Time - Blue Velvet

This week - For Tea's Sake Red Velvet Party 

Price:  $7.99
Size:  1.4 ounce/40 gram
Caffeine:   No
Type of Tea:  Rooibos (Red)
Steeping time:  4 minutes
Mix ins:  Coffee Mate Sweet Italian Cream Sugar Free
Fragrance:  Fruity
Ingredients: Rooibos, rosehip, elderberry, blueberry pieces, lavender, rose petals, natural flavors

Opinion:  I found this at a new organic grocery store and restaurant in Galveston, Seasons - 2701 Broadway (where Frog and Home used to be - look for the green building with the black and white striped awning)  They had a wide variety of their teas in large and small tins, along with a sampler mini tin set.  This is the first time I had heard of this Canadian-based company.  There were some interesting flavors, but this caught my eye first.  It is a loose-leaf tea (yay! - I'm finding those have more flavor and larger pieces - less "dust")  First whiff is fruity.  However, after brewing you will get that red velvet flavor once you add some sugar free Italian Cream.  The lavender lends itself nicely without overwhelming, the rosehips give it a nice tang.  I would almost call this Blueberry Blue Velvet.  Very pleasant to drink after dinner as a dessert tea, without worries about caffeine.
Rating:  4

In my new tea glass from Australia
Pretty!

Blankets of Spring Wildflowers in Galveston

This time of year, the aptly-named Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) blanket the gravesides of the Galveston Cemetery along Broadway/Avenue J heading towards the Gulf.

I was very lucky to be able to capture my photographs on the southern Episcopalian side, as the Catholic area was in the process of being mowed.

Go to Galveston - The Bryan Museum

Folding Fan Depicting La Salle's Expedition to Texas

Photo and description courtesy of The Bryan Museum, Galveston, Texas

This exquisite fan features 24 carved ivory sticks and guards (monture) with mother of pearl inlay, gilt, and uncolored stones, elements of Chinoiserie and, simultaneously, of the Gothic revival. The sticks themselves are delicately carved, pierced with small figures, and painted, with the six center sticks showing a flute player surrounded by trees and birds. Forensic examination of the paints used on the fan indicate that one of the colors is Prussian blue, which came into existence in 1704 and was widely available by 1722.

Just part of the impressive exhibits and collections of Southwestern art and history in the Bryan Museum.  We went there for the first time this weekend, and I was totally amazed.  The docents were knowledgable, the displays so well done.  Several have iPads with additional information and closeup views.  This museum is housed inside the restored 1895 Galveston Orphans Home.

Next time you visit Galveston, be sure to check out The Bryan Museum
1315 21st Street  (409) 632-7685
They are open Friday through Monday, 11 AM to 4 PM

Photography is not allowed inside.  However, check out their social media presence for photographs,  which you could not have taken better anyway.  Seriously, it is best to view, enjoy and appreciate all this in person instead of behind a camera lens. (Though I'm thinking discretely sketching might be OK if it is not too busy...I will ask first when I return.)

Facebook - The Bryan Museum - Galveston
Twitter @TheBryanMuseum
Instagram - thebryanmuseum
Pinterest - The Bryan Museum

There truly is something for everyone.  And a heads' up/shout out to departing/arriving passengers from the Galveston Cruise Ship Terminal, those interested in anything and everything Texana and Southwestern, people who sew will appreciate seeing the cowgirl/cowboy outfits, uniforms and clothing,  artists - go upstairs to the rotating collection of historical and contemporary Texas artwork and artists.  And children will certainly enjoy exploring the lower level.

What a great addition to Galveston!

Thursday Tea Time - Island Tea

This week - Natural Life Cyprus Wild Rose Tea

Price:  I received change back from a $10 bill at Maceo Spice in Galveston, along with a jar of Maceo's Fajita Seasoning - so I'm not quite sure of the price ; )  Their spices and seasonings are wonderful.   Honestly, they give Penzeys a run for their money and they are cheaper, too.  (And be sure to grab a jar of their tomato gravy (sauce) while you are there.  And a muffuletta sandwich.)
Size:  20 tea bags
Caffeine:   No
Type of tea:   Herbal
Steeping time:  3 minutes
Mix ins:   A little bit of Pure Beeing honey
Fragrance:  Roses
Ingredients:  Cyprus Wild Roses
Opinion:   This is a very nice, delicately scented and flavored rose tea.  (Sometimes they can smell and taste like Grandma's soap dish roses.)  It compares to The Steeping Room's Empress' Cup - only difference being the latter has black tea blended and this tea is herbal and caffeine-free.  It's nice to have a choice!  I really liked this tea, a nice change of pace and break from the more robust and spicy teas appearing as we are coming onto Fall.
Rating:  4.5

May you listen to your longing to be free.

May the frames of your belonging be large enough for the dreams of your soul.

May you arise each day with a voice of blessing whispering in your heart something good is going to happen to you.

May you find harmony between your soul and your life.

May the mansion of your soul never become a haunted place.

May you know the eternal longing that lies at the heart of time

May there be kindness in your gaze when you look within.

May you never place walls between the light and yourself.

May you be set free from the prisons of guilt, fear, disappointment and despair.

May you allow the wild beauty of the invisible world to gather you, mind you and embrace you in belonging.

~ John O'Donohue

Thursday Tea Time - Deep (voice) Throat

I'm all for the herbs and holistic health
approach!

Three weeks ago, I lost my voice. I mean, it was gone.  Then the sore throat and coughing spells kicked in as silly me, expecting not to talk and rest my voice?!  I just made things worse.  I even named that frog in my throat, Wilbur.  Finally I went to the doctor.   It wasn't bronchitis, it wasn't pneumonia, not sinus nor ear infections, negative test for Strep.  Just an irritation from all the dust blowing here from Africa.  My osteopathic doctor, in addition to prescribing weapons-grade pharmaceuticals to silence the vicious cycle of an "unproductive cough" causing the hoarseness and vice versa, suggested this tea to try.  And my acupuncturist recommended Evergreen's Respitrol CF formula.  (and my doctor gave that his thumbs' up, too!)  Needless to say, I no longer need to take the knockout Rx's.  (Thank goodness.  Unproductive cough?  Unproductive me!)  These have helped me turn the corner.  And walking along the beaches of Galveston!  Done and done!

This week - Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat

Cost: $5.79 at Peak Nutrition in Galveston
(Besides online, I believe you can also find it in Kroger's organics section and at Whole Foods)
Size:  16 tea bags
Caffeine:   No
Type of tea:   Herbal
Steeping time:  10-15 minutes (can reuse again)
Mix ins:   a little bit of Pure Beeing honey
Fragrance:  Marshmallows and anise
Ingredients:  All organic - licorice root, slippery elm bark, marshmallow root, wild cherry bark, bitter fennel fruit, Saigon cinnamon bark, sweet orange peel
Opinion:    My doctor just sung the praises of this tea, which he also drinks himself.  It really does sooth and calm my throat from hoarseness and coughing spells.  It tastes absolutely wonderful.  In fact, I'm going to stock up and start drinking every day closer to the upcoming fall hayfever/allergy season as a preventative.   P.S. And the orange peel did not give me a migraine!
Rating: 5+

Pretty, delicious and good for you!

Silently, Ready for Elsa

Brown Pelican in Galveston, Texas
12" x 9"
watercolor

Yellow Evening Primrose
In the sand dunes  on Stewart Bearch
Galveston, Texas
7 1/4" x 6 1/4"
watercolor

These were painted and donated to a silent auction - they sold for $47!  Wow!
I also did face painting for the little (and some big) ones.   I was all set for Elsa and other "Frozen" character  designs, but as it turned out, vampire teeth were the most requested.  Oh well, I was still able to put my pearl, silver and white paints to good use.

Every Day In May - May 21 - Where I sit to read

...at this funky painted table in Galveston at Mod Coffeeshop, enjoying an Almond Joy latte with almond milk.

Friday Flowers - Island Style

Follow your nose along the Oleander Trail in back of Moody Mansion in Galveston, Texas!  So many different kinds of oleanders, such a wonderful fragrance, and a delightful place to sit and sketch in the little arbor with the bubbling background of fountains.  A hidden treasure just beckoning you to discover the beauty of Galveston's official flower.

Can you believe no Instagram filter was used?!

Double pink blooms

What a color combination!

"Mrs. Pearl Knox"

Thursday Tea Time - Sweet Triple Play!

Sweet & Steeped

The Steeping Room's Spiced Fig Black tea with Pure Beeing Honey (the jar fits perfectly) in my new Le Creuset Honey Pot from The Kitchen Chick.    Like them all on Facebook!
Save on postage and shop local to support independent businesses!
There is actually a You Tube video on how to use a honey dipper, but I must add the silicone one included makes it much easier.

A to Z Blogging Challenge, Galveston Edition - Z for Zzzzz's

My room!

Sleeping well with the Galveston Gulf breezes in my favorite place to spend the night -
The Tremont House.  I love this historical boutique style hotel with the striped wallpaper, blue and white bathrooms and oh, so comfortable brass bed!

2300 Ships Mechanic Row - 409-763-0300

Watercolor Wednesday Waiting - Out to the Jury ... The Jury is Back!

I submitted this painting to the Galveston Art League Spring Juried Show on Monday.  My first juried show entry!

Dewberry Blossom
Watercolor
5" x 7"

I "painted" it with a glob of this in a water container.

Richeson Casein - "Ivory Black"

Masking off a 5" x 7" area and using a photo I had taken of a dewberry flower from last year along Oyster Creek as inspiration -- I cut out the shapes of the petals with artists' tape to keep the white and contrast.  Then with a large flat brush, I wetted the paper with the Ivory Black casein wash.

I used a carving tool to scratch out the design of the leaves while the paper was still wet.  Where I applied pressure on the paper, it darkened.  Cool!  I wanted the leaves to stand out more, so I let it dry and then dipped my watercolor brush into the paint wash container and painted around the outside leaves, and added a bit of shading to the petals.  Then for just a bit of color, I brushed some Naples Yellow in the center of the flower and dotted some of the Ivory Black Casein straight from the tube for added value.

Wish me luck!

UPDATE 4-30-15 -  It was accepted!! : D

Rubus trivialis
A beautiful bloom and a tasty berry!
(And a watercolor inspiration)

A to Z Blogging Challenge, Galveston Edition - Y for Yoga

A haven indeed!

I love owner Kathleen's Yin Yoga classes so much I will drive 55 miles in morning rush hour traffic to get to the Island for them.   But many other forms (vinyasa, yin & yang, gentle, slow flow, restorative, basics, Nidra, prenatal and more) of yoga are offered at The Yoga Haven - including Laughter Yoga!   Bonus is is located on the same block as the Oasis Juice Bar and Hooked on Acupuncture, and just up the street from Maceo Spice.

2507 Market Street - (409) 770-9995

Location, location, location!  Right?
(I must admit sometimes my mantra is "cannoli, cannoli, cannoli")