Chakras, bookmark design

After completing the chakra series of treescape paintings I realized these paintings were more inspirational seen as a group rather than individual works. Each painting was my way of learning about the different energy sources within the human body; together they represent a complete, healthier understanding. I made a small reminder to carry with me and designed a 9" x 3" bookmark. I am offering these for sale on Etsy, thanks to the encouragement from friend and fellow blogger, Eva.

My Mental Vacation

This week the public schools are off for spring break. New England public schools always take the week of Patriots Day off (a New England only holiday), and I decided to take a mental vacation with my paints.

"Sea of Clouds", 26" x 41" watercolor

I used my last sheet of jumbo size watercolor paper and fortunately I can use a frame I recently purchased specifically for this size work. I had done an abstract Treescape in January thinking it would be a new art  direction and decided to frame it. Actually, it led me into the chakra series of abstract paintings I just completed. What I don't like is the lack of structure in this first treescape piece and the "Sea of Clouds" brings to me the warm glow of sunrise. Isn't it terrible how fickle I am - my favorite painting is usually the one I just finished.

The Third Eye

It was subconscious that the last treescape painted was the sixth (and not the seventh), known as Ajna. This chakra represents intuition, insight, and imagination. What is more important to an artist than their imagination?

Ajna, the third eye

The treescape series is an interpretation of the seven chakras from Sanskrit text. A simple translation of chakra is “Wheel of Light”. It identifies different energy sources within our bodies. These paintings are my way of seeking a better understanding of whole self. They also represent the forest of thoughts constantly running through my mind.

The compositions are free-flowing and chaotic. Layers of color between exposed white paper and a tape resist transport me into an awareness of the seven energy sources as each painting develops.

My goal was to achieve sound body and mind with each painting. I am able to identify where I have strengths, and where I have weaknesses. This awareness is the first step toward living a more complete, satisfying life.

"1000 Trees", The Seven Chakras

I am excited to start a new painting, another large landscape inspired by the Huangshan Mountains. There is a wonderful feeling I strive to create when I see the amazing combination of heavenly sky converging into dramatic, mountainous land.

Manipura, solar plexis

The third chakra, Manipura

"He who knows others is learned;
He who knows himself is wise."

Lao-tzu, Tao te Ching


I have one remaining chakra to paint in order to complete the series, The Third Eye. You can read about treescapes HERE 

Yellow, the third chakra

Yellow is everywhere this time of year. It's the first sign of spring flowers on local forsythia bushes. It's the color I bring into my home that makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

It's the color I am drawn toward when I am painting landscapes, and it's one of the most challenging colors to maintain when using the watercolor medium.

   

      

Yellow represents the third chakra, Solar Plexis. It is symbolic of identity and inner strength. It is the color of self-definition. 

Lately, I have felt "out of it", defined by chakras as out of alignment. I have been unable to complete the third chakra painting in my Treescape series however I am hopeful that will change soon. The composition is set, all that's missing is the yellow, the color of ego.

I have been organizing for upcoming show submissions, deciding which pieces will go where, and making sure I don't submit the same piece to different shows that overlap. I am trying to prepare for what could end up as a whole bunch of rejection. I feel vulnerable. I am still at war with the inner critic, and the truth is, I don't think I will ever peacefully co-exist. 

Huangshan Mountain Landscapes

Yesterday was my third and final Saturday of teaching watercolor at Montserrat College this spring. Today I was able to finish demos from class. Inspiration came from the early morning sunrises and amazing rock formations, crevices, and tree growth in the Huangshan Mountain region of China.

Mountain Sunrise, 18" x 24

Morning Shadows, 18" x 24"