The process usually teaches us more than the final piece ever could. Thanks for the solid reminder. Those 'flaws' usually end up being the most interesting parts of the painting anyway. I appreciate the perspective. ☕☕
The difficulty lies entirely in stripping away our deep-seated habits and assumptions. It is a lot like trying to capture the true essence of a face on canvas. If you try to paint it normally, your brain's assumptions get in the way—you end up painting what you think an eye looks like rather than the raw shapes that are actually there. You almost have to turn the entire canvas upside-down to force yourself back into a beginner's perspective, bypassing the ego to just see the raw lines.
Practice is difficult... but it is never a waste of time.
Thank you very much ☕☕
Good morning... Anyone who paints with a mug nearby knows the risk of almost dipping a brush into their drink or worse, accidentally taking a sip of the rinse water. ☕🖌️ #QuickSketch
illustrations by Andre Sollier
and yes, the artist took liberties which I found to be silly and playful
Zen Reflections by Robert Allen. It is essentially a collection of short, accessible essays that translate traditional Zen philosophy into practical advice for the hustle and bustle of modern life. The core theme focuses on taking a step back, recognizing what you can and cannot change, and finding a bit of mindfulness amidst everyday chaos at work or home. The cover illustration by Andre Sollier is also a wonderful touch. The playful brushstrokes of the monk painting the yin-yang symbol perfectly capture the book's lighthearted but meaningful tone. One of the best things about exploring Zen today is how easy it is to connect with others on the same path. I've always felt drawn to Eastern philosophy, even as a kid. Finally diving into it doesn't feel like learning something new; it feels exactly like catching up with an old friend. It's amazing how modern life allows us to share ancient wisdom across the globe so easily. Discovering these practices has been such a grounding experience for me. It's a passion I've had since childhood, so finding this path has felt less like a new discovery and more like a happy reunion.
Having been drawn to Eastern thought since childhood, stepping into this doesn't feel like a new discovery—it feels like a happy reunion with an old friend. 📚
#GoodMorning #pancake 😋
#DreamscapeArt #TwilightSky #AbstractPainting #VisualPoetry #MoonArt #MorningVibes
Bagua mirror—a classic symbol meant to balance energy, deflect negativity, and protect the harmony of the space it rests in.
#BaquaMirror #MixedMedia #handmade
Because this was created as an abstract, dreamlike piece, the symbols aren't perfectly rigid calligraphy. Instead, they are stylized, artistic interpretations inspired by traditional East Asian lattice work, architectural seals, and auspicious motifs.
#GeometricMazes #FloralMedallions
#OctagonalFrames #EndlessKnot
"One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious." -Jung
灯火 (Tomoshibi - The Guiding Light)
手の中に (Te no na-ka ni)
揺れる小さな (Yu-re-ru chi-i-sa-na)
灯火よ (To-mo-shi-bi yo)
迷う煙を (Ma-yo-u ke-mu-ri o)
静かに照らす (Shi-zu-ka ni te-ra-su)
Within the hand,
A small, flickering
Flame.
Wandering smoke,
Quiet illumination.
Soyokaze (the gentle breeze) is actually the quiet star of centuries of classical Japanese literature. In traditional waka poetry and haiku, the gentle breeze doesn't need a loud story; it is the subtle messenger of change. It is the breath that makes the bamboo rustle, the invisible force that carries the scent of plum blossoms, and the whisper that tells the world winter is finally breaking.
そよ風に (So-yo-ka-ze ni)
香る煙の (Ka-o-ru ke-mu-ri no)
静けさや (Shi-zu-ke-sa ya)
花ほころびて (Ha-na ho-ko-ro-bi-te)
春を告げけり (Ha-ru o tsu-ge-ke-ri)
In the gentle breeze,
Fragrant incense smoke wavers
Quiet tranquility.
Blossoms begin to open,
Announcing the arrival of spring.
Double Happiness Chinese symbols made with felt as an applique. I could turn them into small pillows, hang them up to bring double happiness to the space, or perhaps gift them to someone special.
囍 (Shuangxi)
"Double Happiness"
Japanese Blooming tea
rice with plum and sesame
Here's to good fortune, full bowls, and excellent company. 🍵🍚
Painting this colorful guardian mask and these traditional blessings was such a beautiful meditation on peace. May your travels always be safe (出入平安) and your year be filled with continuous harmony across all four seasons (四季平安).
I painted these pieces to bring a little extra protection, abundance, and peace into our daily lives. The calligraphy reads 'Peace and safety where ever you are' (出入平安) and 'Peace and safety throughout the year' (四季平安). Sending this vibrant guardian energy your way today! 🍊🍐
While the "Year of the Horse" is part of the 12-year astrological zodiac and the "Wind Horse" (Lungta) is a mythical creature from Tibetan Buddhism and older Bön traditions, they overlap in a few profound ways: The Symbol of Kinetic Energy: In astrology, the Horse represents momentum, boundless energy, and freedom. The Wind Horse embodies this exact same kinetic energy, but on a spiritual level. It represents the human soul, vitality, and the literal life force (also called lungta) that drives a person forward. The Vehicle for Blessings: The Wind Horse is typically depicted at the center of prayer flags, carrying a flaming, wish-fulfilling jewel on its back. Just as the astrological Horse carries the energy of the year forward, the Wind Horse rides the physical wind to carry prayers, compassion, and blessings to all corners of the world. Auspicious Timing: In Tibetan astrology, during a Year of the Horse (like the current Fire Horse year of 2026), the act of hanging Wind Horse prayer flags is considered exceptionally powerful. Because the year's energy is already aligned with the horse's momentum, raising the flags is believed to create a massive boost to a person's inner strength and accelerates positive karma.
When you see a Wind Horse flag fluttering in the breeze, it is essentially harnessing the exact same bold, forward-moving spirit that defines the Year of the Horse.
Abstract horse leaping right through spinning firecrackers. It has some depth and momentum with the use of deep blues, rich reds, and shimmering golds. It has the embodiment of the Fire Horse spirit charging right into the New Year.
#painting #abstract
#YearoftheHorse
#firecrackers
Token coins and scratch off, fortune telling cards.
A little something that I mailed out to friends and family, to celebrate The Lunar New Year.
Whether you are writing, painting, or just quietly navigating the start of this new lunar cycle, I hope this year brings you a sudden rush of inspiration and the courage to run with it. May your creative endeavors be bold, your laughter be plentiful, and your days be filled with good fortune.
Wishing you a beautifully spark-filled Year of the Fire Horse, Happy Lunar New Year! 🎊
Wishing everyone a Happy Lunar New Year.
The Snake is sometimes referred to as the "Little Dragon" because it shares the same mystical energy, just in a quieter, more grounded way. Deep thinkers and philosophers; they are observant, keeping their thoughts to themselves until the perfect moment to act. It's a very fitting energy to have. 😀
There is a very famous and wonderful myth called "The Great Race", and it is quite the dramatic story. It explains exactly why the Rat is number one, it was the first to reach the other shore. It's a very good sign, be proud. A Rat is characterized by their intelligence, quick wit, and adaptability.
Tomorrow is the Lunar New Year. It is a chance for all to celebrate their sign in the year of the Horse! I am the year of the Tiger. What's your sign? 😄
Like a horse galloping across an open field, may you ride through 2026 with spirit and vitality 🎊
Click. Hiss. Crackle. The needle finds the groove, A walking bassline wakes and starts to move. The snare drum whispers, sweeping out the room, A steady rhythm cutting through the gloom. A doorless space, where inside meets the out, Where art is born, and quiet ends the doubt. The jazz plays on, the painted canvas dries, And Sunday rests beneath the rainy skies.
Click. Hiss. Crackle. The needle dropping on the record, a walking bassline, followed by the steady sweep of wire brushes on a snare drum. A muted trumpet glides in, matching the rhythm of the Nashville rain tapping against the glass. Sunday instantly transforms the moody atmosphere into open space.
Golden eyes stare deep, Watching every brush stroke fall, Guardian of art.
A grand folded ruff, Peering from his paper crown, Still a handsome boy.
#Caturday Bruce is The Bruce
Happy Valentine's Day to my fellow artists, writers, and poets. May we always continue to inspire each other. ❤️✨
