Flying Saucer

"Flying Saucer" is an oil painting of a blooming echinopsis cactus.  It is a magnificent flower that usually stays bloomed for a day or two.  I painted this in an impressionistic style.  I love how big and beautiful these pink flowers get, about 7 to 8 inches across!

Bee and Poppies

   Our backyard garden in 2012 was the inspiration for this oil painting.  My husband took photos of this busy bee and the beautiful poppies.  I wanted to paint it.  I felt it was a good challenge and am happy with the way it came out.

Agua Caliente

       When I was pregnant with my late son, Bodhi, evenings after long work days at the dental office were focused on my two-year-old daughter, Carli.  I rarely had time to paint because she was a handful!  However, I managed to sneak this painting in called "Agua Caliente".  It is this hidden natural spring in north-east Tucson, Arizona.  I take my daughter here often, and enjoy their historic art gallery.  If you ever visit Tucson, I recommend it!

Mandala

           Mandalas are very universal.  Several cultures and religions believe mandalas are symbolic of the universe and balance.  The way I created this mandala was by using repetitive shapes and colors throughout the circle creating that balance.

           After my son Bodhi died, I needed to focus my attention on healing from depression.  I created this mandala as a way to meditate.  I believe creating art is a therapy in itself.  When I paint or draw, I find a sense of peace.  I can get lost in a trance while painting.  It's fun and helps me to improve my skills as well.  If I don't like the results of a painting or drawing, I usually revisit it days, weeks, or even years later.  But no matter the result of the finished piece, I know that my creations illuminate the awareness within myself.

           

           This mandala reminded me of the days my husband and I vacationed in Kona, Hawaii.  I was 4 months pregnant with my son.

Reflection of a Great Blue Heron

"Reflection of a Great Blue Heron" is a plein air composition completed on location.  It was done at Fort Lowell Park in Tucson, AZ.  I found the perfect spot in the shadow of a large sign. Where I sat showed only the reflection of the bird sitting on a branch of a log in a pond with two big trees in the foreground.  Luckily, the bird perched on that branch the whole hour I painted him!  An ant bit my lower back, but it was definitely worth it.

Baby Blocks

I've been experimenting with a different subject matter that I typically don't do.  This one is of a still life of baby blocks.  This oil painting has a lot of symbolism, mainly the lettering and the pictures on the blocks that I chose to use.  The letter "B" is for Bodhi, my late son; "D" is for DeSantis, his last name; "Q" is for my friend Quiauna, she was pregnant during the time I was with my son Bodhi; the number "1" for Bodhi being my first son; number "2" for Bodhi being my second child; the picture of a present also represents my son (although he is not present, he was one of the greatest gifts I had ever been fortunate to have had).

https://www.etsy.com/listing/239038767/original-oil-painting-of-baby-blocks-on?ref=shop_home_active_1

I plan to make more nursery/children room related paintings, mainly to honor my son through my creativity.