Minnesota Watercolor Society (MNWS) Members Day

It was the day after the big storm in Minnesota.  We drove to Baker National Park Golf Course and passed several houses and traffic lights without power and down trees. Fortunately the Baker National Park just got their power back on when we arrived.

The fun day started with a demo by Lisa Fertig. She showed her approach to abstract painting.

It's wonderful to see how a painting started as a chaotic interplay of colors becomes this cohesive and interesting artwork.

Our second demo artist is by Catherine Hearding.  She showed us her techniques on painting water and reflections.

After the lunch break, we went outside for a fun and very informative plein air demo by Dan Weimer.  I've been in one of Dan's workshops and it amazes me how relaxed his style is but always come up with amazing art.

We're so inspired that we can't wait to get home and paint.  Kudos to the MNWS officers and volunteers!

Adventure date: 25 Nov 2012 - Walking like a Japanese

I was coming home from a Thanksgiving visit in the Philippines and this time I took the Manila to Nagoya flight. Then from Nagoya I planned to take the Nagoya flight to Detroit and from there catch the flight to the Twin Cities.

At Nagoya, I was at the gate and saw a group of Japanese ladies and men in their native dresses. I'm not sure what's going on so I moved a little closer to see.  I found out that as part of their festival (sorry can't remember which one) they were offering to dress people up in kimonos and then will take their pictures.  They have different kinds and colors to choose from.  I chose my favorite color.

I'm a little shy but I tried it anyways. Wow! I can't believe the intensity and complexity of the process. There were 3 ladies dressing me up.  I almost fainted with all those ties, belts, wraps and pads tightly wrapped around me. 

Amazingly I survived and was able to manage a smile in this photo.

And still have a smile in this shot.

After the photo shoot it was an easy task for the ladies to get me off the kimono. 

I was happy I got to experience how to dress in Kimono.  I was smiling all the way to the gate for my flight to Detroit. 

Painting at the Eagan Central Park

Thanks to all my friends and for Facebook likes and the company while I'm painting.Great company!

The Eagan Central Park is a great place for outdoor painting.  Lots of trees, flowering plant, lake and a fountain that are begging to be captured in watercolor.  It's where families go walking, biking, roller blading and folks walking their dogs.

While I was painting at the picnic pavilion, a few cars used the park for their U-turns. One guy asked me if I know where the rugby tournament is. I have no idea but it's good to know there is one somewhere in Eagan.

It was great painting outdoors in this beautiful Eagan weather. You'll surely find me painting outdoors again in an Eagan park and if you do, please say hi.  I'd love to meet you.

Still Organizing

I'm still organizing my thoughts and photos from past travels. Hopefully I can get some written and posted here in a few days (or weeks?). In the meantime here's one from a recent trip.

Bonding New York Style Part 2

Our second day in New York. We spent the day touring this amazing New York landmark. No words can describe the beauty of this structure. Enjoy!

After a tour of the Brooklyn Bridge, we walked and walked 

and walked

and guess what we did?

Walked! And when we finally got to our destination and after waiting for hours for our tables, 

finally food and a gift! Thanks Grace and Bong! Love it! 

Bonding New York Style Part 1

Adventure Date: 26-28 April 2013

I flew to La Guardia to meet up with my brother, his wife and son and mom in law  for a weekend in New York.  My brother and his wife's friend was very kind to let us stay in their lovely home.  They even gave my brother a belated birthday celebration- lots of food and a cake!

The next day, we took the subway to Manhattan and walked around sightseeing and taking pictures and wearing our shoes down.

Lunch is at Rays. Pizza love it!

  And coffee and dessert after.    

 

All gone.

Then more walking.  We went to see Rockefeller Center and the “Human Nature” public art.  Amazing! 

We tried to rearrange the sculptures but no luck. We took a few hours rest at the Rockefeller and was looking for outlets to charge our phones.  Unfortunately people are not allowed to plug-in in available outlets and we just sat and rested.  I think I even took a short nap.   

After a good rest, off towards Central Park we walked and walked and walked

and finally sat. 

It was a great day just for walking and the promise of dinner is very tempting.  I can't remember where we had dinner, I think it's in China town.  And I'm sure it's good :)

Next post will be our second day adventure in New York.

Wonderful Way to Share Art

Adventure Date: 17 to 19 May 2013

Before anything else, I'd like to say Thank You! to my art patrons who shared their homes to my dazed series.  I'm humbled and so grateful that you chose my paintings. 

Dazed Series #8
Sold at the Art on a Line

Dazed Series #7
Sold at the Art On a Line

This is the first time I joined the Art on a Line Original Art Show and Sale sponsored by the Northstar Watermedia Society. It was an exciting weekend sharing art with fellow artists, friends and art patrons. There are so much energy flowing from the artist demos, from the massive collection of original artworks and from visitors coming in to puchase art or just see the show.

Dazed Series #3
Sold at the Art on a Line

I get so inspired by seeing all the artworks and have heard from other artists having the same experience.  Makes us want to create and share more art. 

Mini Dazed Series #1
Sold at the Art on a Line

 

Mini Dazed Series #5
Sold at the Art on a Line

This year is the 11th year for the show and gis oing strong.  It was at the Fine Arts Building at the State Fair Grounds. 

 Aside from over 4,500 pieces of original artworks there are also door prizes of original art and continuous artist demonstrations.  All fun!

Hope to see you there next year!

Aloha Minnesota?!

Adventure Date: 26 May 2013

It's time to go back to my second home Minnesota. My niece and I were at the airport on time and was in line for check-in when I learned from another passenger that our flight's going to be delayed. Instead of 8am we're leaving at 3pm. 

After we got our boarding passes we called for help- meaning a car and driver! My other niece picked us up from the airport and off to Resort's World we went and had breakfast. 

I spent the remaining waiting hours looking for options and ways to get to Minnesota since I'm going to miss my connection.  I can stay overnight in Manila and catch the next day's flight or keep moving.  I decided to keep moving and booked my flight from Narita to Honolulu. From there get flight to Los Angeles at 11am then to Minneapolis/St. Paul. 

Good plan you say, but not. I missed my LA flight so I booked the Atlanta flight leaving at 4pm, went out and took pictures. 

Wow sun and cool wind!

I'm so amused seeing a long line of people for check-in. They should have planned for check-in lots of hours before their flights!

After taking in Hawaiian air, I went inside and head for my gate. 

Nice to see that the airport walkway to the other terminal gates is open air. 

Did a few window shopping. Love the fresh leis in the refrigerator. 

And here's what I got for souvenir. I'll definitely come back and stay longer than 4 hours.