Mezes: Turkish for Appetizers and a the name of a restaurant close to our hotel in Istanbul. While talking to the owner and finalizing plans to dine there later, I noticed the afternoon sun pouring through the stained glass windows. A clean, simple table setting suddenly became transfixing.
This pastel painting is now proudly displayed in a private collection in Washington State.
This picture was accepted into the Salon at the Triton in 2014.
Las Chismosas, meaning the Gossips, are ladies in the audience, not the performers. I loved how old meets new with their traditionally embroidered blouses and smart phones snapping photos of family and friends.
The Mexican Heritage Plaza in San Jose comes to life with La Ultima Parada. Every year we visit the Plaza to feast our eyes on performers, market stalls, shrines, and an enthusiastic crowd dressed up in traditional finery.
Pastel Painting
Available for purchase
A young woman wears a hand made mask waiting for her turn to perform at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in San Jose. La Ultima Parada, celebrates El Dia de Los Metros. The tradition of embracing death, poking fun of it, and recognizing that even after people die they are still remembered and thus with us. People wear masks, either store bought or hand made.
Oil Pastel
Oil Pastel
Hanging in a private collection in San Fransisco
An elegant lady in an evening gown and veil graces La Ultima Parada at San Jose's Mexican Heritage Plaza. All eyes were upon this entrancingly beautiful woman as she gracefully walked the grounds.
Pastel painting
Avalibe for sale
Often the overlooked and hidden features convey moments of beauty. While dining at a dinner party I was enraptured by the graceful blend of colors and patterns. Within even the overlooked we can create grace.
Pastel painting
Available for sale
The souks of old Cairo are a cacophony of sounds, a myriad wash of scents, and mystery of sights on display. These lanterns were pierced metal that cast beautiful patterns on the walls when illuminated at night. I couldn't bring them all home in my suitcase, so I opted for drawing them instead.
Pastel painting
Available for sale.
Performers of hula tell stories with the graceful movements. This dancer was dancing in front of the ocean at sunset, and the sun highlighted her happiness.
Pastel Painting
In a private collection in San Jose.
The Dance. These dancers were performing a traditional dance from the Muslim regions. The dance was performed with a furious energy of music, accompanied by the percussion of bamboo poles slamming against the ground. In their extraordinary precision of movement, the warrior pursued a noble lady and eventually proved his worth.
Pastel Painting
Available for sale.
Capturing performers while they dance is one thing, but cheering on their fellow performers is amazing. Who was she smiling at?
Pastel painting
Available for sale
What more does she need in way of adornment than the jasmine blooms in hair. Such a beautiful lady caught in a moment before she took the stage. Black and white capture her inner contemplation more than a colored drawing of her.
Charcoal
In a private collection in San Fransisco.
