Filipina Maria
Stylized like folk art of the Philippines, this Mary, Mother of Jesus is dressed in a traditional handpainted skirt. Her costume is a blend of Spanish and Philippine traditional attire which often emerge together when the people “dress up” for grand occasions. Among the Catholic Filipinos, she is lovingly called, “Mama Mary.” Since bright color is celebrated, I had no qualms about surrounding her with it in this painting.
Pot of Petunias
Such a hot, baking sun, even the petunias were losing courage. The warmth of the colorful display caught my attention, and so did the lacy shadow. The arrangement by human hands of these natural beauties also gives me pause.
Mist Off the Pond
One October morning, some years back, I took a photo of some of our “backyard”. The cool morning air was hitting the warm pond in the distance and creating clouds below and above. I pushed the color a bit as I painted the scene, an almost abstract landscape of nature’s humble wonders.
Interior of the School of Life (a residence used by the Missionaries of Mary for young women of the Philippines)
This old mansion in Balanga, Bataan, Philippines was handed over to the Missionaries of Mary, a community of vowed women who minister to the youth of the Philippines, especially those with no safe haven. This is the large living space where the young women gather to listen to music or to chat. When I had the opportunity to visit, I was awed by the architecture and the cool, streaming light that bathed the warm-toned interior. This piece was a simple sketch in paint to work out possible patterns of light, dark, warm, and cool for a future larger work. So far, I have not yet begun the larger one. I hope for long life!
Bright Faces
These two, trumpeting, yellow morning glories came from imagination and experimentation. I sometimes like to let the white of the canvas show as part of the color scheme and painterly appearance. The flowers here just might approve. Though I did not plan it, they seem to join in the dance of creation.
