Pastel on paper, 18″ x 24″.
This is another piece from the Vizcaya series. It’s a rendering of, what we consider to be, the most sacred place in the gardens. The land is heavy with a kind of romantic energy. It gave my husband and I the most remarkable and deep connection either of us had ever felt! We go there to recharge every year.
Acrylic latex on primed plaster, 22″ x 24″.
The Marassa mural was done today at the Botanica. The devine twins are the embodiment of the mysterious bonds between heaven and Earth. They also possess both masculinity and femininity respective to each twin. I enjoy the piece’s sense of antiquity. There’s also a bold simplcity that comes out of it as well. The mural concludes a long, complex series of narratives that I started in January. I’ve learned so much since then and I’m really glad of the journey. My clients are in awe of how their “expectations were not only met, but surpassed.” And I have surprised myself continually throughout the process. It’s been amazing!
Acrylic latex on primed plaster. 6′ x 8′.
The mural of St. Lazarus was finished tonight at the Botanica. The story of Lazarus was quite poignant because it exemplifies Jesus’ power over death. The piece was really fun to paint. I loved the mix of photo tones with fantastic hues! Its very meaty visually. I feel like I could spend all day exploring the scene behind him. My clients really love this mural.
Acrylic latex on primed plaster. 5′ x 9′.
This mural of Le Sirene was finished this evening at Milokan Botanica. Le Sirene is a beautiful mermaid who is said to own all the riches of the seas. She is a tireless queen of the sea with the power to bestow wealth and beauty upon all who serve her. It was a little challenging working on her after working on such realistic iconic paintings. I’m happy with the piece. Its dreamy and whimsical. I enjoy working that way from time to time. My clients were very pleased with the sensuality and vibrance of the piece.
Acrylic latex on primed plaster, 24″ x 36″.
This mural of St. George and the dragon is a very old and popular story. The piece itself was both challenging and satisfying. Its got a lot of movement in it. I learned so much from painting it.
Acrylic latex on primed plaster. 24″ x 36″.
This mural of St. Anthony was finished last week. The patron saint of missing persons and lost things was used in a fluid and continuing narrative at the Botanica. I did extensive under painting in this piece. I really wanted to bring out that glowing, radiant quality that usually permeates adoring love.
Acrylic latex on primed plaster, 24″x 36″.
There are some Native Americans who believe that “the richest man is the man who has nothing.” That’s the essence of St. Clare’s story. She and her sisters lived with no money, no shoes, and ate no meat. They lived in a very poor house, yet they were extremely happy because they felt God’s presence all the time. I find that narrative very refreshing considering the times we live in. All our little conveniences grow exponentially by the hour. We are so spoiled by modern technologies. The thought of choosing to live in poverty in order to obtain that devine connection is as admirable as it is profound.
Acrylic latex, 24″ x 36″.
I just finished this mural of young John the Baptist. I really enjoyed painting the piece. Many subtle layers help to create a radiant glow throughout. He is part of a grand narrative in the current series, but he is also known as the prophet who prepared for Jesus’ coming.
Acrylic latex paint on primed plaster. 2′ x 4′.
This mural of St. Peter was completed last night at the Botanica. St. Peter was one of Jesus’ original apostles and the keeper of the keys to the kingdom. I think my patrons chose the top of the doorway for Peter as a metaphore for that. I really love how tactile this piece is! The different textures are the result of different treatments in each area.
Acrylic latex, paint on primed surface. 15′ x 10′.
I completed this piece tonight at Milokan Botanica. St. Michael, or the Archangel Michael is a vital part of the patron’s spiritual narrative. In the 4th century he was first seen as a healing angel. Later he became a general, leading God’s armies against the forces of evil. The idea of him also being a protector of youth was what made his image ideal for this space.
Acrylic latex, paint on primed wall. 3′ x 5′.
This mural of the Black Madonna was completed today at Milokan Botanica. The idea of the Black Madonna was first realized as the dark skin of the goddess Isis. Her dark skin (or blackness) was associated with the life-force of all matter. This iconic Earth mother plays an important role in modern spiritualism.
Acrylic on canvas. 22″ x 30″.
This piece is #2 in the series. I chose Novice Hame because she’s a really controversial figure in the show. On the one hand she and her peers in the senate do everything they can to protect the people of their world, but to the point of tyranny. On the other hand, she is the guardian of the race, trying to ensure that the species is safe guarded from death and disease. She began with the purest of intentions. But her dream was flawed. A fact she was oblivious to until the Dr. pointed it out.
Acrylic on canvas. 22″ x 30″.
This piece is part of a Dr. Who series I’m working on. The show is amazing on so many levels! The themes are universal and there is something really beautiful about time traveling through the universe in something so ordinary as a police box. The Dr. himself has taken on many incarnations since the series began back in 1963. But this series is centered on my favorite incarnation, the 10th Dr., David Tennant. He is both timeless and timely all at once. He brings an element of fun to the dangers that plague our planet. He has a rebelious energy about him that I think serves the Dr. very well. The show is inspired so I think this is a great way to start the new year. Happy 2013 all!!
Acrylic wash on canvas. 20″ X 24″.
This piece was commissioned by a good friend who found the the love of her life. She wanted it done in time for their wedding day, which happens to be this Saturday, the 17th. It took about 5 days to complete. I was ecstatic to do the job! True love is such a rare thing to behold, but once you’ve seen it, it becomes pretty recognizable from that point on. Cheers to you Tracy and Bernie and your happily ever after!!
Acrylic on watercolor paper. 11″ x 17″.
This piece was an exercise in impressionism. Its a tribute of sorts to the artists of the past who continue to influence and inspire my work in that rebelious spirit that made them great. Monet, Van Gogh, Manet, and Renoir all had an idealist aura about their techniques that really resonate with me because they not only painted the world as it was, but also as it should be.
Gold, silver, and white paint pen on paper. 12″ x 18″.
This was a minimal reference, free-hand exercise in drawing for me. To draw a line on the page without having to think about whether it is straight enough, curved enough, or where it was in space was a little odd at first. As it turned out, the more lines I drew on the page, the more giddy I felt. Like a child at play.
Construction and tissue paper with decoupage. 12″ x 18″.
This was a great variation on a series of collage pieces I worked on last month. It’s a real treat to approach things with as minimal a reference as possible. Illustration demands such constant referencing of material. Its nice to be able to just dream things up, and put them directly on the page!
Charcoal and chalk on paper. 18″ x 24″.
This piece was done at Vizcaya in the garden groves. The villa is a constant source of inspiration. It always feels like time doesn’t really exist there.
Amore Colore: Nina's Color Lab. 