Delights and creations

Seagull Flight by Alex Mendez.

The days have passed and somehow I’ve managed to keep busy with many projects at home and with a business endeavor in the works. Some of these projects involve the kitchen and delicious food concoctions, others involve sitting at a desk with canvas and paint. One project in particular is an online boutique that I am close to launching. This last project has captured most of my time and heart. It’s been something I’ve talked and dreamed about having for years and soon I’ll have the opportunity to share with you. Meanwhile here is a visual snippet of those other projects, the  sweet delights and imaginary creations that have enraptured me. Plus an outing to relish the day. This was a little escape to a dock, to enjoy the Northwest Sound.

The Vista on the Sound by Alex Mendez, Des Moines, WA.

I find Ina Garten’s recipes delicious and easy to make at home.  This Summer Fruit Crostata was fun to bake and eat. My mouth waters just thinking about it.

Summer Fruit Crostata, part one, by Alex Mendez.

Summer Fruit Crostata, Part two by Alex Mendez

You can find her recipe in this book that I own and love, Barefoot Contessa at Home: Everyday Recipes You’ll Make Over and Over Again or http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/summer-fruit-crostata-recipe/index.html.

Trees Pink Background, by Alex Mendez

And lastly some of my time has been invested in painting and creating. This painting has soft subtle hues of metallic pink tones in the background. Using mixed media, collage and India ink, I’ve been experimenting, enjoying the process and outcome and finding more balance to my compositions.

Winter memories

The cold has crept in. Yet certain everyday events  distract and keep my spirit warm. Watching the last leaves flutter off the trees mesmerize my view. Gearing up for the holiday festivities expand my imagination of shimmering celebration nights. Stopping to indulge at good eateries soothes my core. These are what the crisp cooler days of winter offer to warm my heart. What fond memories has this season brought you thus far?

Stunning bright tones of the last leaves shedding off this tree.

Festive decoration and ideas for the holidays sprout out and fill the days.

Le Grand Bistro Americain, in Kirkland, Washington filled my belly with savory food and fueled my soul. http://www.bistrolegrand.com/

Time to paint; always a must.

These are my favorite, four little paintings to make the whole.

Invisible links

While working on a composition I take a great effort in finding a flow and a connection to create a balanced image.

It’s curious that this is reflected in our daily lives with the people around us. That when taking the time to nurture relationships, I, for one, feel more balanced and happier.  These invisible links with our friends, our family and those around us, that are so essential because they in return, influence us and help create the composition and flow of our own lives.

So no matter where we find ourselves, whether by a lake or on a bridge in distant city, let’s remember to cultivate our connections in order to paint the canvas of our lives into what we want.

Padlocks on the Puente Isabelle II (Trianan Bridge) in Seville, Spain. A tradition where lovers fasten locks and then throw the key into the Guadalquivir river.

There are times we have those unique connections right in front of us. Like a shared moment on a lake. (Green Lake, Washington)

And other times those connections can be found in the most peculiar of places.

What Encircles

Part of the charm of living in the Pacific Northwest is the amazing scenic views that surround us. Just drive a few hours away and you will find yourself exploring majestic mountains, arid deserts or the humid Puget Sound. I propose we rediscover our surroundings and let ourselves enjoy what encircles us. Sometimes the allure stems from looking close up, other times the wonder is discovered by taking a step back.

Driving through the Cascade mountains many times the view will surprise me. Here I see the forest echoed in the sky.

Close observation of a dandelion in metamorphosis.

A sunset that brought peace and calmness to me {And I couldn’t stop taking photos of it}. This was taken on a ferry ride from Kingston to Edmonds.

The warm hues of the sun played wonderfully with this rusty air vent.

I’m taking an online art workshop. Now I find myself submerged in exploring and learning new art techniques.  
www.squamartworkshops.com/alena-hennessy–abundant-wild-life

Seasons

Summer in Woodinville has been filled with the splendor of the world blooming into its magnificence. Of birds busily fluttering and insects devotedly working. For me this has been a period of soaking on a beach, of walking in a field of flowers and of tasting summers harvest.

It also has been a time of growth. Of looking at the cycle of life and its curvy road.  Of seeing these upcoming undulations and looking forward to these future changes. Fall will be beautiful, with its crisp air and warm hues. Winter will bring time to rest and to gather with loved ones. Spring will splash upon us with a rebirth of color into the world and nature.  And summer will burst upon us and then cradled us with its warmth. I eagerly await tomorrow’s seasons knowing that they will bring new inspiration with varied palettes and flavors.

A Sunflower blooms in a field.

A refreshing soak in the river makes me feel alive.

Flower #1 is from a series of four paintings, when put together they make a vine that is connected and is one growing entity.

Simple View

A past trip to Portland, Oregon, reminds me of simplifying and gaining clarity. I’ve been obsessing over  painting, adding more color,  mixing materials, and pushing for new and more colorful outcomes. Then I had to remind myself that less is more. There is beauty in less. There is an art to less. As I looked through these photographs I felt my mind de-clutter.  My eyes basked in the sparsity of a reflection, of a rusty fence and a yellow wall. I was experiencing a simple view full of detail.

Cloud reflection.

Blue still life.

 

Fading yellow.

Black and white bird

 

 

Interrupting the Grey

Strolling along the waterfront in Kirkland, Washington, once more I am surprised by finding something new and magnificent. As I stumble across this colorful and creative sculpture I am reminded that beauty is everywhere. What is most interesting is that we humans are drawn to beauty. We are drawn  to experience it and create it. We have different definitions of it, but no matter how different our view of beauty is, we are all mesmerized by it.

The grey is interrupted by a ray of color brought by the swirl of this sculpture.

 

“Dreaming of creation”. Isn’t art an extension of our feelings, our experiences, our thoughts?

Perspective

The photographs shared today are from Sonoma capturing uniqueness by changing the perspective. Sometimes looking closely at an object or changing my point of focus I’ll  find beauty and wonder to be unearthed.

As my journey in California for now ends I find myself discovering a new path, one of observation and creation. As I continue to share with you these findings, I hope to also hear from you, your thoughts, experiences and discoveries.

Looking at world with a different angle.

 

 

Noticing materials, colors and decomposition.

I had a difficult time finishing this piece. I tried to change my composition and materials. Only when adding color did the piece come together. Yellow for warmth and sun, and red for wine and adventure.

 

Calistoga Dream

 

I believe for many people Calistoga is a dream land. This earth, for some, exists for cultivating a harvest for their future, and for others, it’s an escape from their daily lives. For me a heavenly oasis. In this land I witnessed  the warmth of the sun, felt the cradling of the hot springs and enjoyed the skill of the people, all mixing in a liquid pour of experiences that make up Calistoga.

This one is a “gratitude tree” and there are many more in Calistoga, here you will find a “lost love”, “wishes”, “wisdom” and “parents advice I didn’t take”, tree, along with a tag for you to transfer you dreams and thoughts on to them.

A fun discovery was a water-power grist mill that was built in 1846. The “Bale Grist Mill” is full of history on the region and still works, we walked away with some stone cut cornmeal and whole wheat flour.

Warm tones of the heat influenced this piece. Also I try to expanding from facial features to body and silhouettes.

 

 

 

Road Trips

Inviting destinations such as wine country and the coast lure me away from the city of San Francisco. I especially enjoy road trips along the seaside, these serve as a refreshing splash to the panorama. Along the road I find the horizon enchanting me where the highway merges into the sky. Occasionally the outings are interrupted by essential stops to admire the terrain. For this I must thank my amazing pilot,  even when I take numerous photos at what looks like the ground, pavement or dirt, he awaits patiently for me to finish taking in the surrounding.

A breath of fresh sea air and a sprinkle of saltiness on my skin.

Looking at the ground as he passes the time in the car.

Recognize the inspiration for my banner.