Nature Calls

It was a great feeling to be out of the city again enjoying nature and God's creation. My husband and I celebrated our 2nd year of marriage at Mammoth Lakes this past week. The landscapes, surroundings, weather, and lakes were all breathtaking. I could definitely live there. Here are some moments that I captured. The sky was really this blue, it was absolutely amazing.

All of the following pictures are of the National Monument Devil's Postpile, which is made from volcanic lava then cooled and formed by a giant glacier years ago. A mix of hot and cold to make these natural organic shapes. I could have sat here and drawn these awesome shapes for hours. Maybe this will have to be my next drawing challenge. To be this close to natural art was a blessing. I look forward to coming back soon.

Reminiscence of Japan

As another week comes to an end I look back on my time in Japan. These two specific photos represent both ends of the creative spectrum of Japan. The first was taken of a Geisha in Kyoto which represents the more traditional side of Japanese culture. The word Geisha consists of two kanji, (gei) meaning "art" and (sha) meaning "person". A Geisha is a true artist.

The second photo was taken in Tokyo in the famous Harajuku District where many young adults express themselves through fashion. Many designers and fashion ideas have stemmed from Harajuku street fashion. I also consider these kids artists in their own right.

Both of these photos are up on my etsy store for sale, I hope everyone has a blessed weekend.

More Japan Pics Are Up

I can't believe we have already been home for a couple of weeks now from Japan. I do have my US legs back, but as I continue to edit the pictures I took in Japan it brings me back to that magical place. All of these are taken in Kyoto.

This is my favorite, they use these mostly for a tourist attraction, but I love their shape and it's a reminder of how things were in the past in that country.

The architecture of the temples are amazing, so intricate.

Japan Pictures Continued

I have been busy this last week going through my pictures, editing them and remembering the moments. Here are a few others that I would like to share. It's amazing to me that these are everyday experiences for the locals. There is so much beauty to be appreciated in Japan.

Park and Gardens around the Imperial Palace in Tokyo

Geisha in Kyoto

Roller Derby Pics

We had front row seats for my first roller derby bout, I'll let some of the pictures I took explain the experience. It took a little while to understand the rules, but it made it more exciting trying to figure it out. The OC girls rocked it!

Watching them on their skates and listening to the 80's all night has given me an urge to get out on the roller rink. Maybe soon....

Searching for more inspiration

I had the privilege to get out and explore the coast that I hadn't been before over the holiday break. I traveled just a little north of Long Beach and came across Palos Verdes which had the most gorgeous views of the Western Coast that I have seen in a while. The sky was so clear that Catalina Island could be seen clearly. It was a beautiful day to search for inspiration.

Next Drawing Challenge

I guess I am interested in birds. I haven't played around with drawing on paper except for doodling since my last Pelican drawing. Since I have a week off of my day job between Christmas and New Years this hummingbird that I shot on camera will be my first of the year drawing challenge. I may begin to use watercolor on this one. I don't want to waste all of those beautiful colors on grayscale. Come back as I will be updating my progress. I can't wait to start.

Pelican Drawing Study

Ever since moving to Long Beach I have been intrigued with pelicans. The first one I saw was sitting on the pier one day and people were throwing fish in the air and it would catch them with it's mouth. I could have sat there all day watching it, I can't really explain why, I just know that I like their character. Almost every morning on my way to work there would be at least one pelican sitting on top of the light posts that extend over the Marina bridge. Seeing them sitting up there would put a smile on my face and start my day off good. So here is my drawing study of pelicans. I actually took this picture on Catalina Island where there were many of these birds fishing in the bay.