Though I painted them as separate paintings, I feel these 2 are now one work of art. They are a personal expression of my relationship with God and what He invites me to experience in this relationship.
'Beneath the Waves' 'Duck Dive' (from a dream)
Beneath the Waves depicts my reality of being caught in circumstances in life, under all the white water from the waves above me, my surfboard ripped from my hands and the desperation of trying to get back to the surface for a breath. It is how life looks when I try to do things on my own without Christ.
Duck Dive, however is from a dream in which I was 'duck diving' under huge waves. I was able to hold my breath without any need to come up for air, and instead I wanted to stay under watching these huge waves go over me and basking in the beautiful rays of light. The painting of this dream is imprinted on my spirit to show me that it is possible with Christ to live in that peaceful faith no matter what my circumstances are.
Christmas Banners
In 2012, I literally spent a month on my knees painting these banners for a local church! Each banner is around 5 feet wide by 8 feet long. They are painted in acrylics on a black canvas/vinyl cloth.
Portal to the Sea
(from start to finish)
Next step: painting the image inside with alcohol inks, then attaching the mostly recycled bits: gauges, gears, springs and hinges and bike parts.
Seals in the Kelp Forest
Seals remind me of cats. They tease you by swimming up to you, rolling over, and then when you try to touch them, they quickly swim just out of reach. I remember however an encounter with seals once when I was snorkeling. One particular seal kept swimming up to me, rolling over into my arms and allowing me to scratch its belly!
Original 20" x 24"
Acrylic on Canvas
A Moment of Peace
I always enjoy the peaceful and near silent flight of the pelicans as they have their own kind of surfing. They drop down into the pocket of air by the wave and glide along the face. In this painting even though the wave is nearly upon the surfer, she is choosing to forgo a great ride to watch a spectacular sight.
Original: 26" x 48"
Acrylic on Masonite
Perfect Evening
Seeingdolphins out in the surf is probably the biggest treat for me and would complete any surf session even in the worst of conditions. In this piece, I put the hand in to signify the pausing of the moment to stop paddling so my board would just glide, that way I could watch how the experts catch their waves!
Original: 16" x 20"
Acrylic on Canvas
Surfing with the Leopard Sharks
In recalling some of my greatest surfing memories, this one to me was so unique. I was living in San Diego at the time and in my earlier years of surfing, I would often surf at La Jolla Shores. During the summer months the leopard sharks spawn in the shallow waters and it is not uncommon to see lots of them, especially when the water is clear. I can remember the first time I saw them from this vantage point, knowing they are harmless, it was pure delight to see them swimming underneath me as I was gliding across the face!
Original: 16" x 20"
Acrylic on Canvas