Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Project 100 bloopers!!

Hello all — this is Sarah. I just wanted to give you all a little behind the scenes taste of project 100. Basically, Lester was very nervous about the video portion of his project 100- he was feeling a bit camera shy. So when day 1 finally came, I told him to do a round of practice runs that nobody would see- to get all the kinks out and get comfortable with the camera .... well, I found those video clips and put them together for a little Lester fun!!! I was laughing sooo hard- I hope you all get a little laugh today too! (Please note, as of today I have Lester's permission to post this- he has grown in many ways, huh!!)

Enjoy the day 1 bloopers!
Sarah




Visit the Project 100 Gallery online to see all 100 paintings from 100 days.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Day 100 Captain of Your Own Soul



Day 100 — WOW! What an incredibly exciting day! Thank you for supporting this project of 100 paintings in 100 days. I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing my paintings with you during these 100 days. I loved this journey!

For today's inspiration, I painted my friend's dream. In his dream, he was on a boat in the middle of a storm. Lightning struck and he reached out with his right hand, harnessing the lightning bolt. He experienced his body taking in the energy. After doing so, the horizon immediately was clearing from the storm. The approaching land
was illuminated by a beautiful sunrise. This dream was significant to him because at the time his health was not the best and after having the dream, his health recovered fully. He now currently has ALS and I hope that this painting reminds him of that dream to harness the energy within to full healthy recovery. This painting also is a great reminder for me to captain my soul and move towards each horizon. Truly a great inspiration for painting 100.

Enjoy "Captain of Your Own Soul."

Stay tuned for a wrap-up of Project 100. Thank you, again. I appreciate your support of this project.



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Day 99 Sunny, Sunny Day



Day 99 — On the second to the last day and I decided to venture out a bit. I've been looking at Van Gogh paintings recently. I love his texturing and colorful depictions of movement. Today also happens to be another friend's birthday and she is from Greece. So I decided to combine both and create a Greek coastline scene depicting the windmills in Mykonos. The sunrise radiates from the sea to bring in the new day and asks "what destiny lies ahead for the viewer?"

Enjoy "Sunny, Sunny Day."



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Day 98 Radiating Serenity



Day 98 — Including today, I am three days to 100. This has been an incredible journey. I've been asked these several days, "how does it feel to be close to the end?" Well, I have mixed emotions about the end of this journey. I am happy the finish line to this adventure is coming and I am also experiencing a sense of calm. So today's painting reflects the solace of completion. Under the glowing fall harvest colors of the Japanese maple sits the Japanese lantern. The winding tree limbs provide cover, while two humming birds find a home in the lantern to nurture themselves. They can rest under the protective maple and lantern, enjoying the serenity of their environment. I love the energy of the painted leaves swirling about, while the tree and lantern are fixed energies of unwavering strength.

Enjoy today's painting "Radiating Serenity."




If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Day 97 Little Carriage, Big Oak



Day 97 — Last 4 days of Project 100. I can hardly believe it has been this long. Today's painting was inspired by the big oak trees I've seen this past week. I decided to paint a farm scene with the big oak and the little carriage parked underneath. The big oak acts as guardian, protecting everything under its cover.

Enjoy "Little Carriage, Big Oak."



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Day 96 What Would You Name This



Day 96 — Today, I was inspired to paint a rooster. I was imagining a Tuscan villa and I kept thinking about really large vessels, so that got my creativity going. Today's painting involves a scene with a rooster exploring his surrounding and finding a large vessel. Surrounded by grapes, the rooster continues his exploring.

I couldn't decide on a name for today's painting and want your help. What ideas do you have? Please share.




If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Day 95 Red Vase Platter



Day 95 — Serving up today's inspiration, I've painted another kitchen themed still life. Today I was enamored by the color red and opted for a vase to portray. Arranged with the red vase are a wedge of cheese, bread and pinot grigio grapes. I love the contrasting images as they play with each other on the platter. Enjoy today's serving of "Red Vase Platter."



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Day 94 Seaside Vintage



Day 94 — Stretching my creative muscle with the kitchen themed paintings. Decided to go with what is abundant here in Oregon and that would be grapes. My mind was on the thirty foot waves that are supposedly off the coast of Oregon and thus my painting was created. I used the shell and the grapes as my study for today's inspiration. Here is "Seaside Vintage."



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Day 93 Tulip Nectar



Day 93 — Ok, so a "kitchen theme" set was mentioned today. This is my first attempt at what that would mean. I decided with a still life of tulips and a humming bird. It's quite an amusing scene for me because the humming bird is gazing at the vase of tulips and wondering "is there nectar in there?" Who can tell, right? Only the brave who take the risks will find out. Hope the humming bird figures it out. Enjoy "Tulip Nectar."



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 92 Standing Tall



Day 92 — Driving to Salem this morning, I glanced upon a tall tree in the fields. I had to stop and take a picture because it called to me for today's painting. It was amazing to see the tall oak in the middle of the field surrounded by fog. It seemed nothing was going to hide its presence. Standing tall amongst the elements — a great example of how to live in the moment.

Enjoy "Standing Tall."



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 91 Mountains of Clarity



Day 91 — The countdown begins to 100. Today's inspiration comes from the mountainscapes and being high in the clouds. Having a moment of clarity for this project's near end. I am truly enjoying this adventure and thank you for sharing it with me. I imagine looking high above the mountains and seeing the shining light over the horizon. I can see it reaching me, wanting to embrace the moment. Taking a deep breath, it is clear that I am arriving at my journey's end.

Enjoy "Mountains of Clarity."



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Day 90 A Story of Possibilities



Day 90 — Looking back at the painting of crags and cracks inspired today's painting. I recreated the scene enclosing it within a portal. The rough textured portal provide great contrast to the serene mountain-scape. The night sky is filled with stars and shooting stars heading towards their destination. The horizon is illuminating with a new day. The name for today's painting was given by 11 year old Colton from the farm we are house-sitting - "A Story of Possibilities."



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 89 Kennedy Space Center, Connecting To Space



Day 89 — For today's painting, I came across pictures of the Kennedy Space Center. That inspired me to paint a scene where the shuttle is ready for lift-off at dusk. The night sky awaits the shuttle, while a falling star makes its way to greet the shuttle. The two seem to be making a connection in space. I love to depict the connection between the two objects that seem unrelated. Enjoy "Connecting To Space."




If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 88 Infinite Blessings for Tomorrow



Day 88 — Today's inspiration brings me to the beautiful sunsets. Looking at setting sun gives me a sense of gratitude for the day. I find myself taking a breath and admiring the gorgeous colors of the horizon. Having a progression of suns setting reminds me that a new day awaits us. Thus receiving an infinite blessing for tomorrow.



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Day 87 Moonlit Crags and Cracks



Day 87 — I am finding out that I enjoy painting the night sky and outdoor landscapes. I really enjoy watching the night sky and gazing for shooting stars. Today's inspiration stems from that joy. Here is a scene of cavernous mountains with its crags and the dry cracked ground in foreground. Enjoy "Moonlit Crags & Cracks."




If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Day 86 Transmitting the Day



Day 86 — Today's inspired painting combines the concept of pyramids and the duality of rising & setting suns. The concept of beginning and end is explored in the painting, each transmitting their own beauty &mdash dawn & dusk. Enjoy "Transmitting the Heavens."




If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 85 Reflecting the Heavens



Day 85 — Been taking some time to check out the pyramids of Giza online and wanted to continue painting them. Today's painting shows off the pyramids reflecting the heavens above, specifically the setting sun & moonlit sky. Enjoy the beautiful painting of "Reflecting the Heavens."



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Day 84 Two Moons Rising



Day 84 — I'm loving the whales and yet I had other imagery pop into my mind. So I decided to have some fun with both. Today's painting is an imaginative scene somewhere in this galaxy with a whale diving into the water while the sun sets and the moons watch below. It's a fun scene. Enjoy "Two Moons Rising."




If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Day 83 Breaching Sunrise



Day 83 — For today's inspired painting, I decided to go above the water surface. Our friendly whale is breaching the ocean surface to admire the beautiful sunrise over the mountain region. Day break and it's time to catch a breather. I wonder which is bigger the whale or the mountain? Enjoy "Breaching Sunrise."



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 82 Whale Adventure, Encounter



Day 82 — Continuing on with the theme of whales for today. The really great thing about swimming with whales is being up close. I can only imagine how that feels. I once swam with big manta rays in Hawaii and that was incredible. I wonder how it is with whales that are even bigger.



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 81 Whale Adventure, Diving In



Day 81 — Been reading up on whales adventures in Tonga, where you get to dive in the ocean and swim with these gigantic mammals. That sounded like a great painting and I decided to start a series with the giants of the sea. Here is today's painting with a humpback whale diving into the ocean.



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Day 80 Tango Connection



Day 80 — Today's painting has got to be one of my favorites. Sarah and I took one lesson early this year and we haven't quite made it back for another lesson. There is lots of connection between the partners. To me it was a dance of subtlety. I really had to pay attention to my partner and that enabled us to dance in sync. With the painting, I incorporated more of the panel board and used its vibrant gold color. It works well with this piece. I love the cloudy vapors as the dancers steam up the dance floor.



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Day 79 Salsa



Day 79 — Having fun painting these dancers. Decided to paint a couple dancing salsa. I have to admit this is a fun dance. When I took lessons with this dance, loved to get on the dance floor and attempt the moves I learned. Good thing I have a great dance partner in Sarah. Practice makes it so great to enjoy. For today's painting, I painted entirely with palette knives to create a very textural and rough painting. The flow of the dancers is quite elegant and it contrasts well with the textured strokes. Have fun!




If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Day 78 Belly Dancer



Day 78 — Heading towards the Middle East with today's dance painting. Belly dancing! Belly dancers seem to have their energy radiating from their center and releasing it on the horizontal plane while going up and down the vertical plane. That sounds kind of funny and yet it's also fascinating to see them move their belly while keeping everything else still.




If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 77 Flamenco Fireworks



Day 77 — Got to see live flamenco performance in Portland last month and I was enthralled by the energy of the dancers. I loved the guitar and drum box while the dancers were improvising their rhythmic beats onto the floor. It was a remarkable and captivating dance. Enjoy the fier and energy of "Flamenco Fireworks."




If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 76 So-ran Bushi Dancer



Day 76 — On the downhill stretch to 100 days and for this next set of series, I'm venturing towards figurative dancers. I love to dance and the movements of skilled dancers. The energy and flow captivates me. I'm starting with a traditional Japanese dance called So-ran Bushi, which originated by the fishermen of Hokkaido.




If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Day 75 Portland Cityscape



Day 75 — First, congratulations Eartha from Portland! You've won the drawing for a free Project 100 painting. Thank you for forwarding my blog and sharing my paintings with your friends. I truly appreciate your support.

It's funny that the winner is from Portland because that is today's painting and completing my cityscapes. Although I do not live in Portland, it is the major city close to my home and I often visit new friends that I've made these past three years. Portland reminds me of San Francisco with its little big city feel. Lots of diversity and culture. Sarah takes me to Portland to get my city fix. What's fun about Portland is the pockets of culture scattered in all the quadrants from South West, South East, North West and North East. The diversity in each one is fabulous. Today's painting depicts the downtown buildings overlooking the river and the Hawthorne Bridge.




If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 74 San Diego Cityscape



Day 74 — Continuing with the cityscapes, I'm taking you to San Diego. I spent thirteen years in San Diego for college and work. I made lots of great relationships and creating a family of friends. San Diego spoiled me with the year-round sunshine. For today's painting, I decided to paint the clear night skies looking at the downtown buildings. I love the city lights reflecting onto the ocean.

NOTE: To be entered to win a Project 100 painting of your choice, forward the blog to 5 friends that may be interested in following along. Email me and you are in the drawing. I don't need to know the names of your friends, all I need is an email from you stating that you've done that. The winner will be announced on Day 75's blog entry and will have their choice of any Project 100 painting that has yet to be claimed. Thank you for sharing the Project 100 adventure.



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 73 San Francisco Cityscape



Day 73 — For the next three days, I decided to paint the major cityscapes that I've live. San Francisco kicks things off for me. This is my hometown, where I grew up and went to school. I love the culture and diversity of San Francisco. Of course, having my family there makes it great when I go back to visit. The painting depicts part of the Golden Gate Bridge peeking through to the downtown buildings of San Francisco. The fog has cleared and unveiled the beauty of the city.


NOTE: To be entered to win a Project 100 painting of your choice, forward the blog to 5 friends that may be interested in following along. Email me and you are in the drawing. I don't need to know the names of your friends, all I need is an email from you stating that you've done that. The winner will be announced on Day 75's blog entry and will have their choice of any Project 100 painting that has yet to be claimed. Thank you for sharing the Project 100 adventure.



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.