Paintings SOLD at the Grand Junction Art Center!

Somersault #1. 4x6 inches. Ink & acrylic on plastic. 2009.

Two of my small pieces were recently on display at the Western Colorado Center for the Arts (The Art Center). I was excited to find out that both of them were sold! It is so gratifying to see that people are inspired by my work. I hope to continue on this path and make more inroads toward making and selling more artworks on a regular basis. Maybe one day my artwork could become a primary source of income (One can hope, anyway!).

If you'd like to see more of my work, please visit my profiles at: ArtSlant or MyArtSpace.

Loop #2. 4x6 inches. Ink & acrylic on plastic. 2009.

I Dreamt of Things

I dreamt of a crustacean infestation in my living room, all because my friend Brigid wanted to sell her Mercedes on Craigslist.

Student Enjoying My Design for FIDM

I just came across this adorable photo (thanks to Kim) on twitter by a student who is interested in attending FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. She says, “ :) love getting mail from @FIDM” ... This image shows her unpacking her FIDM College Catalog that was designed by me! It’s fun to find examples of my work being used and enjoyed by its intended audience!

Pretty Paintings by Anne B Schwartz

Crystal Cave 089. Mixed media on canvas. 30x40 inches.

I can’t remember where I first came across these pretty paintings by Anne B Schwartz. Like me, she studied graphic design as a college student... But gravitated toward the personal emotionality of painting. These paintings really touch my heart!

Reflections 075. Oil on canvas. 40x40 inches.

What I enjoy most is the abstracted forms that hint at nature. Some of Schwartz’s paintings remind me of piles of leaves I jumped in as a kid. So peaceful and happy, but also full of energy. She says she is also inspired by her study of gemology.

Fall’s Fury 090. Mixed media on canvas. 48x36 inches.

Merging mist 105. Oil on canvas. 30x40 inches.

Deb Haugen’s Emotional Nature

Life’s Explosion. 48x60 inches.

I just found out that my work is being featured this month on MyArtSpace.com! I was so excited I went there immediately to see the other featured artists. I found the work of California artist Deb Haugen, and was stunned and inspired by these beauties!

Pink Newness. 18x24 inches.

I found Ms. Haugen’s website where she talks about her work. I totally agree with everything she says... I’m also much more interested in the emotional responses to landscape/nature rather than a realistic depiction of the scene in front of me. She says:

“For me, I find that creating abstract art with an “Organic” sensitivity in mind lends itself to speak of the emotions involved, rather than painting a pretty sunset that we all recognize to be a sunset. The realistic landscape artist discusses the beauty of a forest they are painting. I am focused on the emotions and feelings that my art conveys, atmospheric memories relived. Organic art reeks of a certain familiarity, something very fundamental, and essential in our daily lives. My paintings convey the organic complexities that surround us, sometimes about serenity, sometimes complex layering systems of decay or destruction. All of life responds to the primitive, tangible, evolution of our planet, some just a little closer to the source.”

Title Unknown

Swept Away. 22x30 inches.

New Small Paintings for Your Enjoyment

Underwater. Danielle Foushee.
4x6 inches. Ink, acrylic on paper.

The only time I can really focus on my painting is when I’m on vacation from my other jobs. I had begun about 60 or 70 new little paintings during 2009, but never had a chance to finish them and scan them in until now. These are three of my favorite ones, although each one has things I like about it. I’m in the process of posting them to my Etsy Site so you can buy them. These small ones make perfect, affordable one-of-a-kind gifts for your friends and loved ones!

Wave No.3. Danielle Foushee.
4x6 inches. Ink, acrylic on paper.

Stitches No.1. Danielle Foushee.
4x6 inches. Ink, acrylic on paper.

Yoga Niyamas / New Year Intention: Compassion

California Poppies. Photo by Matt McGrath.

One of the eight limbs of yoga according to Patanjali is called “niyama.” The niyamas include the following five observances: purity, contentment, ardour, discipline, and self-study. These observances are directed inwardly at oneself for the purpose of personal development — cleansing and preparing ourselves for enlightenment.

It is with this in mind that at the turn of each new year, I like to choose an intention as a focal point for self-study. I like the idea of an annual intention as opposed to a resolution because it allows for wiggle room — room and time to really explore a concept within my own life without judgment and with plenty of room for varying levels of success over time.

Once I choose an intention for the year, I just keep the idea in the back of my mind through all my everyday activities. When I reflect on my actions and habits (samskaras), I look at them through the lens of my intention and see if I've behaved in a way that is compatible with it. If not, I make a point to learn from the experience and to try to act with more awareness in the future.

In 2010 my intention is compassion.

My past annual intentions have been:

• Courage
• Creativity
• Friendship
• Patience
• Contentment

If you choose to hold an intention for 2010, I would love to hear about it and share our experiences together.

San Rafael Reef, Utah

After having a gaggle of people over for Thanksgiving, we decided to spend the weekend with a couple friends in the San Rafael Reef in Utah. Over two days we hiked about 22 miles in Chute & Crack Canyons and Bell & Little Wild Horse Canyons.


Little Wild Horse Canyon & Bell Canyon Loop is considered the “classic” hike in the San Rafael Reef, and it didn’t disappoint! The canyons reminded me of the sculptures of Richard Serra, walking through tall, skinny passages that tower overhead, leaning this way and that. Another part of the canyon felt like walking down a water slide in the middle of a carnival fun house.

Richard Serra Sculptures

This was perhaps one of my top 20 weekends of all time... I love the desert, and can’t wait to spend more time exploring the slot canyons in the reef. Amazing stuff only about 3 hours from our house!

Yoga Poses at Sunrise

Reverse Warrior

My friend Tyrell is a painter and asked me if she could photograph me doing a few yoga poses so she could have a reference for her new paintings . . . Of course I agreed. These are my two favorite shots, taken in the new dance studio at Mesa State College at sunrise. I prefer the photos that don’t show my face because then it’s more about the pose and less about me. Plus I’m not the most photogenic person ever. Check out my yoga website at: www.generousadventure.com

Pinca Mayurasana

Delicate Arch by Moonlight

Delicate Arch by full moon light.

Matt and I needed to get out into nature last weekend, so we decided to take a day trip to Arches National Park near Moab, Utah (about 2.5 hours from Grand Junction). We knew the moon would be nearly full, so we walked up to Delicate Arch just before sunset. When we arrived there were probably 50 or 60 people hovering around, but as the sun tipped below the horizon everyone quietly left for home... except the two of us. We stayed another couple hours after sunset and watched the moon come up. The moon cast sharp shadows on the rock all around us. Matt spent time capturing these amazing night images of Delicate Arch, while I worked on perfecting my yoga back bends (too bad we didn’t get any photos of that). The natural stone arches and clear, bright sky really inspired me to open my heart!

Profile view of Delicate Arch by full moon light.

After enjoying having the whole place to ourselves for a couple hours, we hiked back to the car by moonlight. The moon was so vivid and bright that we didn’t need our headlamps at all. At one point in the trail we caught the distinct aroma of cinnamon floating through the air. I wish I knew what high desert plant smells of cinnamon at night. I’m always so inspired by the multi-sensory experiences that are to be had in nature. Who needs all that newfangled technology, anyway?!

My Letter to the Editor

Last week my editorial was published in the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.

Our House in 1964

These are a couple photos taken by the Nicholsons in 1964 when they bought the house we now own. They lived here until 2006. Mrs. Nicholson wanted to put shutters on the windows, but I don’t think they ever got around to it.

In the photo above, there is a whole part of the house in the back with a sloping roof that is no longer there. I wonder what was in that part of the house? I do know that when it was remodeled in 2006, the kitchen was moved to a whole ‘nother room, and the laundry room and a bathroom were put where the original kitchen was.

In 2006, they also opened up the enclosed front porch seen in the photo above and it’s now much more welcoming. We’re going to get some big planters for the front porch and/or a nice porch swing.

Our House

This is our new house! It was built in 1905 and is in the historic district in Grand Junction. Next year we're going to work a little bit on the front yard to make it a little more homey.

Of course we love the historic style of the house most of all (I’ll post interior shots in another entry). But we’re continually surprised by luxuries we didn’t know we missed: a dishwasher, ice maker, washer and dryer, air conditioning. We’ve only been living here a week, and I think I’ve already washed almost everything we own. What a luxury to never have to scrounge for quarters or sit at a laundromat again!

The previous owners fixed up the back yard with a new patio and xeriscaping, which we love! Someday, we’d like to find a way to incorporate solar panels.

Another view of the back yard. My mom is going to give us her patio furniture, and we just got a beautiful fire pan so we can sit outside on chilly evenings.

Edward Burtynsky Documents Industrial Impacts & Pollution

A mine in Australia.

From time to time, I find images that tear at my soul in their depiction of the devastating effects of our industrialized civilization on the earth. These scars on the surface are only a hint at the destruction that flows from their epicenters. From the displacement of wildlife to the poisoning of groundwater, our consumer lifestyles have a dramatic impact on the planet. See my other posts about mining and its impacts: Amazing Aerials by Alexander Heilner and Strip Mining Conundrum.

Salt ponds in Australia.

Check out these images by Edward Burtynsky. Nicholas Metivier Gallery describes his work here: “Edward Burtynsky’s large-scale colour photographs reveal the many facets of nature as it is transformed through human industry. Exquisitely detailed and exactingly rendered, his images strike an intricate balance between a somber reportage and a powerfully seductive aesthetic.”

Nickel Tailings in Canada.

A rock quarry in Vermont.

An oilfield in California.

Generous Adventure Yoga Featured in the Grand Junction Free Press

Reverse Warrior Pose

An interview with me about Generous Adventure Yoga & Wellness is in today’s edition of the Grand Junction Free Press!

Check it out:
What goods or services do you provide? I am a yoga teacher. I offer group yoga and meditation classes around town that are open to everyone! I am also pleased to offer private sessions to yoga students who prefer to practice individually or with groups of friends and co-workers.

What’s new or exciting at your place? I’m offering several new yoga classes in Grand Junction. I’m currently teaching classes at Fairmount Hall (2511 N. 12th St.) and Healing Horizons (2139 N. 12th St.). Before year-end, I will be adding new classes at Yoga West Collective and Western Colorado Center for the Arts. Check my website at www.generousadventure.com or call for the latest schedule and locations. New students receive 10% off Generous Adventure multi-class passes!

What strategy do you use to differentiate your business from your competition? I believe one size does not fit all. I tailor each yoga class to the abilities of the students who attend. Yoga is a great way for busy moms, dads, and professionals to treat themselves to a bit of personal time that also benefits their physical and emotional health. I love giving a gentle yoga class to senior citizens, enhancing their mobility, lung capacity, and psychological wellbeing. I also enjoy offering a higher-intensity class to athletes to enhance their performance in their sport—whether it is running, biking, skiing, soccer, or whatever!

What philosophy do you follow in dealing with your customers? “ANYONE can do yoga!” If you can breathe, you can do yoga. I welcome people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and abilities.

What can your customers expect from you? I offer a welcoming, supportive, and non-competitive environment where yoga students of all levels can come to enhance their physical and emotional health. Results of a regular yoga practice include increased self-confidence and independence, stress reduction, and improved bodily function.

Tell us a little about your background, education and experience. I started practicing yoga at the YMCA in 1999. I was immediately hooked on the feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation I felt after each class. I received my Certificate of Vinyasa Krama Yoga from Loyola Marymount University with yoga master Srivatsa Ramaswami. In 2006, I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training at Yoga Works in Los Angeles with Natasha Rizopolous. I studied in the Yoga Works 300-hour Professional Program under senior mentor and yoga therapist Jasmine Lieb. I’m currently studying to receive certification in Kundalini Yoga & Meditation through Golden Bridge Yoga in Los Angeles, and I have also begun a long-term course of study in ParaYoga® with renowned Carbondale-based yoga master Rod Stryker.

Happy Baby Pose

What is the most humorous thing that has happened at your business since you opened? I love to teach a yoga pose called “Happy Baby”. Every time teach this pose to a new student, it always gets a chuckle. It looks and feels just like it’s name: “Happy Baby”!