Use Your Words

What is the purpose of art? Ponder that question for a minute…

I communicate with images but sometimes words are needed to express the full range of emotions or experience. Most people are familiar with my travel journals but only a few have seen my personal illustrated journals. Why is that?  Within these journals I am vulnerable and emotionally raw. When life gets terribly mournful, cruel, full of hate, sorrow, grief, fear…I go to the books to paint and write what I can’t expressed fully otherwise. I use images and words as a tool to take the turmoil within me to unravel my feelings. The pages are not intended to be seen by others. 

If you've been in one of my illustrated journal workshops you'll recall I don’t pass around original books…EVER. I’m careful to tuck them away when I leave my desk.   However, I make copies of books that contain content that is appropriate for a workshop setting (travel, garden, cooking…).  On the final day of the workshop I share how I’ve used the illustrated journal as a place of refuge and healing. I believe the purpose of art is more than decorating homes, museums or galleries. It must feed and restore the soul of the one who creates it. 

We’re a hurting nation and world!! So many emotions we don’t know how to process. COVID-19, isolation, loneliness, unemployment, police brutality, death, riots, social injustice… I’ve seen a lot in my life but I’ve never felt or experienced what I am seeing and feeling today.

I rarely share on this level…it makes me uneasy. So why do it? Sometimes we have to take a risk for the sake of others. We each have gifts/talents/skills and opportunities to use them. What we do with them is up to us. As for me…I use my ability to teach through example. Try to use your images and words as a tool to take the turmoil within you to unravel your feelings. Ask questions, get angry, seek empathy in a face…and healing. You may not find answers. But when you take emotions and put them on paper something will happen inside you… the emotions will no longer fester and poison you. You’ll be able to think clearer and find peace.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Martin Luther King Jr.

Be well, be creative and seek peace,

Brenda

Watercolor Artist Magazine

Double Page Opener

Cover

Forgive me for a shameless plug BUT I'm so excited I have to share. I'm featured in the current issue of Watercolor Artist magazine! A full 8 pages!!! Can you feel the ground shake? No, it's not a earthquake. It's me jumping up and down with joy!

Not only is the artwork mine but I also wrote the article. So it's a double winner. Most of my life I've felt very inadequate when it came to writing. Since I've begun to share my artwork and writing with you (my blog followers) it has helped me to build confidence. I'm far from a fast writer (probably takes me twice as long) but now I can get my thoughts into words. Thank you for being encouraging followers and cheerleaders along the way.

Would you like a copy of  Watercolor Artist magazine August issue? Here's a link: Watercolor Artist

Happy Sketching!
Brenda

Life Began at the End of My Comfort Zone

I love these moments when I am awe struck with how my life has turned out. This wasn't my plan (not that I had one) and yet somehow it was “the plan”. My life is a far cry from where it was. Every morning when I get up I am filled with gratitude. I realize my life could've easily gone in a different direction.

I left home at 16. I went to summer school and night school so I could  graduate high school early. In the afternoons I worked in a coffee shop.  I had no interest in college. In my

16 years old

early 20’s I was divorced, a single mom and worked at a grocery store. During the day I was a checker and two nights a week I worked the graveyard shift, stocking shelves. Most weeks I was sleep deprived and exhausted. Life wasn't easy…but I was grateful to have a job that paid my bills, a roof over our heads, food and health insurance.

….and then my world got turned upside down. The store I was working at was set to go out on strike. I knew I couldn't outlast it. There is no way I could survive and support my children without a steady income. I was so afraid. Then early one morning I got a call. It was my Dad. I had to make some hard choices. I made decisions that changed my life. Was I scared? You bet ya! 

I moved from Ventura to Pasadena, started a new job and began a new life. I found out…Life began at the end of my comfort zone. I met the man of my life, Mike. Within five months we were married. Two years later I rediscovered my love of art.  I took all the art classes I could at Pasadena Community College, joined art associations, attended watercolor workshops, painted, painted, painted, entered shows, took awards…and requests to teach started coming in. Within a short time I had two books on watercolor published. 

Painting in Provence

I teach in ways I wish others would've taught me. I teach with my head, heart and hands. I think creative people learn differently. We see and interpret information differently, which means we also absorb information different too. Coming from the school of hard knocks I teach with a lot of compassion. It comes from being there: feeling vulnerable, inadequate, under educated…I realize we all come from different places in life and we bring that to the classroom. I walk into every workshop feeling entrusted and blessed with the opportunity. 

Here’s a little peek into my two workshops last month in Provence. 

If the videos don't load click on the link to Week #1 or Week #2 below

What's up next? Spain 2017!

Brenda

Week #1                                                               Week #2

  

Sketching Rose Parade Floats 2016

Rose Parade 2016 has 44 floats this year. Each one is completely covered with flowers, seeds, plants, bark... Most of the floats are build in Pasadena or near by cities.

It's been a long tradition for me to sketch at the Rose Parade Float Barns in Pasadena. It's my way to record the end of a year and the start of a new one. Some people love to glue flowers on the floats and they travel from all over the country to do so. Not me!!! I'd rather sketch. The biggest dilemma is getting permission to being on the float building floor. Once inside it's tricky to finding a float I can see without getting in the way. It's always a challenge to sketch through the scaffolding, workers, volunteers, camera crews... 

This year it was really chilly with temps in the 30's. Southern California does get cold...okay not as cold as other parts of the country but cold for for me! You'd be surprised how noisy it gets in the barn, too. Crew chief's shouting, P.A. system, power tools, blenders, scaffolding being moved... But it does smell good.

  

"Along for the Ride" by State Farm

I like the tile of this float, Along for the Ride". Isn't that what life is all about? So...climb on board, enjoy all the sites and experiences along the way. Wherever you go and whatever you do make 2016 a great year!

Happy New Year!

Brenda

Sketches of France

Remembering the beauty of France...the history, art, sites, people, food and so much more! Let us focus on the beauty of a country and all it holds.  
~Brenda 

Video is a selection of watercolor sketches I did while traveling and teaching in France. If the video doesn't play you can view it by clicking this link.  https://youtu.be/c1oee3nYEQY

When I Hurt...

This morning I caught my breath...it has been a year since Daniel and I made our trip to Trinidad,  CA to be with Thomas & Lisa (my oldest son and girlfriend).  The long weekend was perfect in every way... even Daniel catching poison oak was a blessing because it got him into the doctors office. While at the appointment Daniel asked the doctor about a lump he felt on the side of his neck.  Most of you know the rest of the story...(you can read it here). 

A year has passed and Daniel is doing wonderful for which I am very grateful. Nowadays I'm surprised that whenever I talk about it I begin to cry. During the year of turmoil I held my emotions in check (most days).  I wouldn't dare give thought to the idea he wouldn't beat cancer!

Why am I telling you this? Usually I share sketchbook pages that reflect joy, travel,  adventure, and all around happy experiences. Rarely do I share pages of when I'm at my lowest.  For some reason I feel compelled to share my experience of how I process emotions in my sketch journals. Does somebody need to read this today or is it part of my healing process to let it go? I don't know the answer to that question.  I simply feel I am called to do so.

On my page, I AM SO TIRED OF BAD NEWS! I write that along with Daniel my dad's cancer has returned. It's been nine months since I wrote this page. Today he is being treated at the City of Hope and he's not doing very good. My heart aches to see him so sick. I save all his phone messages, little notes... I want to treasure each and every minute with him. Please keep him in prayer. He's name is Wes.

On the page OUCH! I was raw with emotion and wrote some pretty strong words... I needed to get out. When I write something like this I'm conscious that these books will be around after I'm gone.  I don't want my words to hurt somebody I love that is why I'll use a water soluble pen. When I am ready I use a wet brush and smear the words.

We all need a safe place to express ourselves without fear or concern of what others may think. I hope

♥♥♥Me and my Dad ♥♥♥

through sharing these pages I've opened your mind to ways of healing through art and words.

Happy Sketching!

Brenda

An Illustrated Journey, Video

Its been a couple months since "An Illustrated Journey", by Danny Gregory was published. Before I had a copy of the book in my hot little hands Danny interviewed me on Skype. We had a wonderful conversation about techniques, tools, materials, my personal journey, and thoughts. As promised, I said I'd tell you when it was posted on-line. Today it was posted! Here is a link if you would like to watch the video interview. The beginning is a little choppy, but hang in there...it's good stuff!

The book is a real jewel...filled personal thoughts, creative inspiration, funny stories, wonderful adventures and more. The artists in the book are diverse, talented, inspiring, unique...and from all over the world.
Here's a link if you are interested in the book, "An Illustrated Journey".

Happy Sketching!
Brenda

An Illustrated Journey

 I’ve shared my travel journals with you (my readers) for years. You’ve become familiar with my uncontainable love of watercolor and my delight in sketching on location. I sketch anything that catches my eye… street scenes, people, open markets, cathedrals, lunch at a cafe… Each night before I go to sleep I reflect upon the day and write within the pages of my sketchbook. My adventures may be a short weekend up the coast or weeks away to a distant land. I may be with family or teaching a workshop to people I’ve met for the first time. I travel to see, experience, and explore my world…one sketch at a time. I am a sketch hunter! I have several shelves filled with these sketchbooks. They bring me a great source of joy.  Not only do I enjoy the experience of creating these books…I enjoy sharing them!

I don’t know if you are familiar with Danny Gregory’s books (Everyday Matters, An Illustrated Life, A Kiss Before You Go…).  I have followed his work for years and I admire his work greatly. A little over a year ago he asked me to be a contributor to his book “An Illustrated Journey”. Of course, I said YES!   

An Illustrated Journey captures the world through the eyes of talented artists, illustrators and designers. You'll experience the wonder of seeing familiar sights through a fresh lens but, more important, you'll be inspired to set pen to paper and capture your own vistas. The book features 40 artists and has 272 pages of sheer inspiration! Last week the book arrived at the warehouse and they have begun shipping to stores. The book will be in stores soon but you can preview and purchase on Amazon, now.

Danny thought it would be fun to introduce people to the artists in the book on a more personal level. To enhance the experience of reading the book, he has been recording video chats with the contributors and will be sharing them on YouTube and a special channel on Vimeo.  Each one is 20-60 minutes and he’ll be posting them twice a week.  Last week I did a video chat with Danny. It was great fun! I’ll let you know when my video chat is posted. You can also check Danny’s site to learn more.

Happy Sketching!

Brenda

Sketchbook Snob

I admit it...I'm a bit of a sketchbook snob. I have been sketching for so many years that I've become very set in what I like or maybe more importantly...what I don't like. 
I use two different types of sketchbooks. The first one is a spiral bound book I make. This sketchbook is 10 x 11inches and has watercolor, pastel and drawing paper. You can read an earlier blog post to learn more about this sketchbook. But right now I want to talk about my other sketchbook, my illustrated journals.

Recently I was contacted by a company and asked if I'd like to try their sketchbooks. I like to keep an open mind but I have been disappointed with samples before. Within a couple days I received a box filled with a generous assortment of sketchbooks from Michael Kalman, at Stillman & Birn. I opened the books and felt the different paper surfaces. Each book was unique unto itself but I was especially taken with the Beta Series, Cold Press, 180lb. paper! The book was stitched bound and opened completely flat…and the perfect size 8.5 x 5.5, which means it opened to 8.5x11.inches. It

came in natural white (Beta Series) or ivory (Delta Series). This sketchbook got my hopes up!

I was getting ready to take a trip up north to see my son in Trinidad.  I tucked the new sketchbook away and decided I would play with in on the trip. You can read about the trip and see my sketches in my last post "Bitter with the Sweet". I was able to tuck the sketchbook in my purse along with my small travel palette, pen and waterbrush.

Last week I really put the Beta sketchbook to the test. Most sketchbooks can handle pen and a light wash of watercolor but this book can handle a lot. I am more than impressed!! The sketch of

the pomegranates shows how well the paper held with multiple wet washes without warping, pilling up, or bleeding through. I highly recommend the Beta or Delta Series for watercolor! The books come in a variety of sizes, bindings and paper surfaces. My favorite is the Beta 8.5 x 5.5. Stillman & Birn's focus is on the paper, point blank.

They recognize sketching is an art form, and the sketchbook is no longer just a transitional tool from the field to the studio, it's becoming its own form of fine art. 

They have created the highest quality sketchbook. 

To find a  retailer near you click Stillman & Birn. To see the NEW hardbound "Beta Series"  5.5 x 8.5 or 8.5 x 11 click here.

Happy Sketching!

Brenda

The Bitter With the Sweet

Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse

Buoys in the yard

It's always better to start with the sweet...so here I go.

Sweet
A couple weeks ago my youngest son Daniel and I made a trip to Northern California to spend time with my oldest son Thomas. It was supposed to be two short flights but when our second flight was canceled we decided to rent a car and make the final leg of the journey. That six-hour drive became a road trip that Daniel and I will remember for a long time. Both of us lead busy lives and it had been a while since we had time alone together.  Daniel is attending school full time at Cal Poly to become a mechanical engineer, works part-time and has a wife and two very young children (15 months and 12 weeks). 

 
One of the objectives of this trip was for me to have time with my sons but more importantly time for brothers to be together. On Saturday Thomas took Daniel fishing on his boat. While they spent the day out at sea I spent the day on shore sketching. On Sunday the guys cleaned and filleted fish while Lisa (Thomas's girlfriend) and I went for a walk at Patrick's Point State Park.  Lisa works at the State Park and is a wealth of information...she pointed out edible mushrooms, berries, rock formations, animals and all sorts of birds. When we got back I sketched at the house.

Thomas and the King Salmon

That evening the guys made a wonderful dinner. Lisa and I added to the table by making a boysenberry pie with berries picked in the yard. On Monday morning Thomas took us for a tour the harbor in his boat. Afterwards we packed a lunch, the two dogs (Pixie and Petie) and drove to the Trinity River. Lisa and I sat on the shore while the guys went fishing. Thomas caught a 10 pound King Salmon. It was beautiful to watch him rock the fish back-and-forth in the water. This forced fresh water and air though its gills. Once revived Thomas pointed the fish upstream and released it. On Tuesday Daniel and I made our trip home and return to life as normal... or at least we thought. 

Bitter
While fishing along the Trinity River Daniel got into poison oak. The itching was enough for him to make an appointment with his doctor. During the examination Daniel asked about a lump he had recently felt on his neck. This led to a series of tests and surgery. Yesterday he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. You may ask why am I telling you this? I believe in the power of prayer. God does not waste anything.  I am asking you to hold up Daniel, his wife Heidi, and their two children Joshua and Nevaeh. Of course we are praying for God's healing but also for his strength, grace, and mercy as we go through this as a family.

Bitter and Sweet
Life can have a bitter sting but most days are filled with the sweet goodness of those around me and God's endless love and grace.

Heidi and Daniel

Click here to learn more about Daniel and his journey.

Thank you,

Brenda

Sketching in Paris

In June I departed for three weeks in France. The first part of my adventure was in Paris.

Our first day we flew from Los Angeles directly to Paris. We arrived at 10:30 a.m., took a taxi to our apartment, went grocery shopping, set up house...Each day we explored a different district in Paris. Here is a selection of my sketches from my time in Paris.

By our second day we were getting tired. We had kept a pretty steady pace since we got off the air plane. Today we covered over 6 miles on foot by lunch time. We both prefer to explore cities on foot. When I think of all the places I saw in one day...wow!

One of the most beautiful sights in the center of Paris is the Pont Alexander III Bridge. The gold gilded sculptures were brilliant in the sunshine. It is also a great place to people watch. A couple dressed in their wedding attire being photographed, gypsies trying to con tourists, artists...

On Saturday I said good-bye to Paris and flew on to the South of France. My workshop was located in the small village of Limoux located along the Aude river.
Participants in the workshop stayed in the beautifully restored residence of Montfaucon. It is located along the Aude River, only 5 minutes from the center of the village.  

I unpacked my art supplies, went grocery shopping, and set up house (again). Once settled in my new apartment I met up with participants in my workshop. 

Dinner was prepared by chef, Jean-Francois. The food was as beautiful as delicious. As they say food is meant to delight the eyes and palette!

Stay tuned...

Happy Sketching!

Brenda