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!