weekend in Macau

Recently, we spent a weekend in Macau.  We stayed at the Venetian and received a coupon for a free gondola ride.  Our gondolier was from Italy but went to school at SMU in Dallas!  What a small world!  She even visited Austin a few times!  She sang several songs to us during our ride, one of which brought tears to my eyes.  What a beautiful voice.  We had such a great time, I hope we can return again soon!  Especially since it is only a 1 hour ferry ride away!

Wishing everyone a safe and peaceful New Year!  Cheers!

Pre Christmas cheers!

We couldn't resist a couple of margaritas to start off our Christmas Eve celebrations!  Cheers!!  

Wish you were here!

Magnolias on the Rise

Here is another painting of magnolias.  I painted this one and the other one at the same time.  As the background requires wetting the paper over and over again, I worked on one, then the other as they dried.  This one I did in the more traditional style in that I painted the flowers first, then the stems, leaves and finally, the background.  Once it is all complete, I sign and chop the painting.  Then it is ready to go to the framer!  Just like the other magnolia, this one is on rice paper with gold flecks in it.  The paint won't stick to the gold specks, so they shine through!  

Chinese Magnolia

This little one is small but colorful!  I imagine it framed in a narrow, tall frame, or put on a scroll.  As you can see, it is torn a bit on the bottom left.  The framer can repair it or just cut it off since it won't influence the painting.  This rice paper is so thin that it is easy to tear when it is wet.  Also, any wrinkles will come out when it is framed, so not to worry!

Bamboo and Butterflies

It seems bamboo is one of my favorite subjects to paint.  I love the simplicity of it.  This time I added a few small butterflies.  No signature on this one, I only found room to chop it!

Magnolia

Bill was such a huge help when I had my art show a few weeks ago.  I set out all of my paintings, and he set up the camera and took photos.  Hurray!  Now, I can update the blog!

I hadn't realized how many paintings I had around the house.  They are stashed all over the place.  The ones on scrolls are easiest to store because I don't have to worry about them so much, since they are rolled up on a wooden dowel and hidden in the closet.  But the unframed artwork is so fragile!  I have most of it stored rolled up in long, plastic tubes.  

Of course, many of my paintings are framed and under glass.  They pose a bit more of a difficulty with storage as we have such limited space.  I have them hidden behind all sorts of furniture!  

White Lotus and White Daisy

These two I painted at the same time.  While one dried, I worked on the other, switching back and forth until the background was completed.  Then, I painted the white flowers onto the vibrant rice paper.

Colorful Magnolia

With the new computer set up and lots of photos taken of my artwork, I can finally add a few new pieces to my blog!  Many have not been framed or put on scrolls, so you will be able to see the raw stuff!  This happens to be one of those!  

Please enjoy!

li