Sunday, March 8, 2009

PLAY DATES FOR ADULTS...

...just think about it...isn't that what everyone needs? And nobody arranges one better than Vallerie Foster Hoffman.
The latest hooky (sorry, excursion) was to Palm Desert to see acclaimed watercolorist Gayle Garner Roski's amazing exhibit at the Edenhurst Gallery.

Gayle's devotion to her art thru the years is in ample evidence in the beautiful work on view. Brilliant in color and concept, each captivating piece tells a story of a visit to some far away place bringing the viewer into the mystery and excitement of the journey. Incorporated into each story and mounted in the frames, are objects that are represented in the paintings.

Don't miss it!

Gayle describes the painting 'CERAMIC HANGING BELLS FROM TURKEY'




One of my favorites (surprise!)







'CHINESE DRAGON' (sold of course)




And for lovers of China, Gayle's vivid paintings warmly portray scenes of the forgotten China City in our own Los Angeles in the charming book 'MEI LING in CHINA CITY'.











Lunch at Marrakesh









Artist's all!









And to end a perfect day, what could be more precious than a Bunny!!!









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Introduction

There is no avoiding the pull of the internet, the blogs, the YouTube imaginings. It's as if we're all 'On the Road' with Jack Kerouac each in our own world of meanderings. When we tell someone to 'get a life' it might be a bit difficult when you're dragged into other people's 24/7.

I've come to realize two foundational principals, there are no accidents and everyone has a purpose. More and more I'm desiring everyone to come into a full realization of their purpose as we all find our way on this little jewel of a planet.

For me, as a professional 'Western style artist', I stumbled into Chinese Brush Painting after a trip in 1980 to Monet's home/garden. Seeing all of his collection of Japanese woodblock prints was an ahh haa moment for me and when I returned to the States I started painting in the Chinese manner and never looked back. The first year was extremely painful for me as I felt that I should be able to master the technique since I was a 'trained' artist. Not a chance ... that just gets in your way.

Now, after teaching close to 3,000 students and having my book 'The Ch'i of the Brush' published by Watson Guptill, I can say that every one of my students does better their first day than I did my first year! Why? Because I insist that they leave their critical parent outside and just enjoy the journey, respecting the work that they do. I never let anyone throw anything away because that just ingrains frustration and defeat.

We really only begin to learn when we stop and figure out how to 'save' a painting. It works every time.I am so proud of my students, their receptivity and eagerness to express themselves is a continuing blessing for me.So, back to finding your purpose. Perhaps it starts with realizing 'it's not about me'. It so easy to want our needs met and to filter everything thru this attitude. When we realize that we're here to be of benefit to every life that we touch the universe really provides the ways and means.

The best part is that it's really exciting to not have yourself on your mind all the time!I'm re-reading a wonderful book about authenticity and in my next meandering I'll tell you about it. In the meantime I'd love to hear about your journey and am here to answer any and all questions about Chinese Brush Painting.