Terry's Ink and Watercolor

Howling Wolf

2012-01-27T07:15:00.000-08:00

I have always liked wolves. This painting shows a cute little wolf pup learning to howl just like all of the older wolves around him. I discovered a used book on wolves with terrific photos at a local Barnes and Noble store. So I bought it and started sketching. Ink and watercolor.

Colored Fish

2012-01-20T06:30:00.000-08:00

During the holidays, I did some playing with underwater scenes. I did two or three under-the-water paintings where I used maskoid then added layers of washes. The fish who are swimming happily were drawn and painted with no real fish in mind--it's easier that way. There are times when I play only--this was one of those times. Enjoy my colorful, experimental creation. Ink and watercolor.

A Cat Named Gustov

2012-01-13T08:20:00.000-08:00

I do not draw and paint cats very often, but before Christmas I got the bug to do some of them. This one, named Gustov, is a nice close up view. I drew it from a photo because I don't have a cat that would stand still long enough for me to draw. It seems I just get the bug to do certain subjects for some reason--wolves (I love them), underwater scenes, cats, dogs--then I won't do those subjects for a long time. After doing commissions (which puts the pressure on any artist), it's nice to draw whatever I want to draw. Ink and watercolor.

After The Catch

2012-01-06T06:35:00.000-08:00

A National Football League wide receiver catches the football and looks down field as he heads towards the opponents goal line. These receivers are fast and have the ability to catch the football while preparing for a crushing tackle from the other team. Shown here is an Arizona Cardinal. Football is a violent, brutal game watched by thousands of sports fans throughout the USA. The playoffs are here and the march to the Super Bowl is on. Ink and watercolor.

Take An Art Class!!!

2012-01-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

Student's Art Samples From Our December Class

Each month, I conduct a ink and watercolor class at the La Provence restaurant located in Roseville, CA. Classes are designed for beginners to intermediate level artists. We have four hours of relaxation in a beautiful setting. For the fee of $60, you will see demonstrations, get instruction and of course have time for hands-on exercises. LUNCH IS INCLUDED ALSO. Sign up now for the January class. Call me at
916-408-3030 or email me at trbanderas@aol.com for more information.
I will send you a supply list if you are interested in attending a class.

Upcoming classes and themes: January 15-Winter Scenes; February 19-Lighthouses

New Years Greetings

2011-12-30T07:50:00.000-08:00

May the new year bring peace and prosperity to all of you out in cyberspace.

The Christmas Season

2011-12-22T16:35:00.000-08:00

May this Christmas season find you with JOY, HAPPINESS and SAFETY. The Banderas household wishes all of you a very Merry Christmas and a great New Year.

Beautiful Swamp

2011-12-15T07:30:00.000-08:00

Colorful swamps in the southeast USA offer a maze of trees and murky waters to enjoy. The trees are OK but the critter-infested waters are a little iffy. During the day this swamp is beautiful. I do not think I would like to be here at night. Ink and watercolor.

Riding The American River

2011-12-08T16:35:00.000-08:00

Now that we have cold weather, I've posted a hot weather scene to remind you that summer will return in about six months where we can enjoy the outdoors again. This scene shows river rafters meandering down the American River in northern California. These canyons are very warm but the water is refreshingly cool. Ink and watercolor.

Autumn Splendor

2011-12-01T07:55:00.000-08:00

As the fall season was upon us, I produced several paintings showing the color and beauty of this season. One of my favorites turned out to be this one now framed and in my house waiting to be entered into my next art exhibit. I like it but will a buyer like it when it goes on display? Watercolor.

Giving Thanks

2011-11-24T06:50:00.000-08:00

On this Thanksgiving Day, we are giving thanks for all that we have.This turkey is giving thanks as well. He was left unscathed and is not some one's dinner. He is able to continue enjoying life. We hope all who celebrate this day enjoy it. Ink and watercolor.

Plump, Happy Birds

2011-11-19T06:40:00.000-08:00

These plump little birds seem to be getting good food somewhere. They look pleasingly plump and are letting everyone know how happy they are by chirping away about it. Looks like they just took a dip since their hair is pointy. Ink and watercolor.

Fantasy Mushrooms

2011-11-13T08:45:00.000-08:00

I posted this image in black and white several years back (April 2009). It received many, many looks and lots of positive feedback. From a print of that original, I add some watercolors to the ink. I call it Fantasy Mushrooms because this is something someone would only dream about in their wildest fantasies. Ink and watercolor.

Red Barn And Critters

2011-11-05T07:20:00.000-07:00

This peaceful country setting includes some critters who are enjoying some leisure time. Old barns, especially old weathered red barns are a favorite for many including myself. Old equipment and the smell of hay and animals remain in these relics of the past. Old barns can be quite scary at night as if ghosts are lurking. When the wind blows we can hear the wood creak along with many other strange, unexplainable noises. Ink and watercolor.

Scary Trees

2011-10-28T16:45:00.000-07:00

A moonlit night is highlighted by leafless trees silhouetted against the moon. This was done small on watercolor postcard material. Now I must send it to someone. I fear it will end up with postmarks all over the art. Ink and watercolor.

Containers In Color

2011-10-22T06:05:00.000-07:00

I hope you enjoy this colorful display of bottles, jugs and pots in this semi-realistic painting. My idea was to be loose, add lots of color and to have all objects transparent. I met my goal. At times, it's fun to stray away from how we normally draw and paint. Ink and watercolor.

Emerald Bay At Lake Tahoe

2011-10-16T06:15:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Lake Tahoe displays its fantastic Emerald Bay. This spot is one of the most photographed areas of this deep blue lake. I live only two hours away from this body of water but only visit it maybe once or twice a year. The lake is 22 miles long and about 12 miles wide with a maximum depth of 1,645 feet. It is the second deepest lake in the USA after Crater Lake. Most of the lake is in California and the remainder is in Nevada. Even in mid-summer the water seems very cold. Ink and watercolor.

Mission San Miguel Arcangel

2011-10-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

The bell tower at Mission San Miguel Arcangel shows off its architecture. Located on Highway 101 in San Miguel, California north of Paso Robles, this old bell tower stands near the main mission. It is isolated and beautiful and smacks you in the face when you exit off the main highway. Ink and watercolor.

A Fisherman's Paradise

2011-10-03T11:20:00.000-07:00

A fisherman's dream would be to have an isolated lake all to himself where he can cast and fish to his heart's content. This painting was done as a gift for my brother-in-law Gary Williams in Escondido, California. Laurie, his wife, commissioned me to do it secretly and the painting was presented this past August. We think he was surprised but maybe he knew we were doing it all along. Ink and watercolor.

A Clock Collection

2011-09-26T17:03:00.000-07:00

Recently, we drew clocks in one of our Friday drawing class sessions. I demonstrated in class by drawing some very loose clock art. Days later, after the two images were completed, I digitized my drawings and manipulated them in Adobe Photoshop to produce this little clock collection montage. The students really took to this theme and produced some nice artwork. Ink and watercolor.

Mission Fountain

2011-09-20T07:10:00.000-07:00

On our trip to San Diego in August, I visited the beautiful Mission San Diego de Alcala in Mission Valley. In the courtyard at the mission, this magnificent water feature stood magically in the noon sunshine. I snapped some photos and was able to recreate this gem back at home. Ink and watercolor.

Hetch Hetchy

2011-09-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

The Hetch Hetchy reservoir is one of nature's mesmerizing beauties located in the northern part of Yosemite in California. Before the dam was built the valley was as beautiful as the current Yosemite valley basin. The water from this reservoir supplies the San Francisco area with its drinking water through a series of pipelines. The water travels approximately 167 miles westward to the bay area. Ink and watercolor.

Deserted In Illinois

2011-09-06T07:40:00.000-07:00

Near Route 66 in Illinois, an old grain elevator and rail car sit, where in days gone by, this township was very active from all the traffic generated by this famous highway. Now it remains a quiet village away from the hustle and bustle. Ink and watercolor.

Italian Countryside

2011-08-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

My painting shows a birds eye view of a lush wine country setting somewhere in Italy. The long shadows denote an early morning sunrise before a warm summer day. Ink and watercolor.

Broadmoor Hotel Sketch

2011-08-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

On our recent trip to Colorado Springs to see our grandson graduate from high school, we stayed at the beautiful upscale Broadmoor Hotel. We enjoyed our three night stay immensely. On our last morning before checking out, I sketched the front entrance showing the mountains behind and ominous clouds above. It was a very striking scene. Ink and watercolor.

Great Northern Caboose Sketch

2011-08-17T06:50:00.000-07:00

This was a sketch I did in class along with the students. Our theme was railroad cars and I brought photos of an old caboose. We discussed the photo then I showed how I begin my painting with a sketch. Then the students went to work. We ended up with some nice, nearly completed cabooses. Ink and watercolor.

Pueblo Sketch

2011-08-13T06:30:00.000-07:00

This sketchy little pueblo scene could be from somewhere in the southwest USA or Mexico. Actually, I took bits and pieces from photos to produce this small painting. I like the colors, the looseness and simplicity. Life looks very simple here. Ink and watercolor.

Snowball Trees

2011-08-06T15:35:00.000-07:00

This early autumn scene shows what snow looks like when mounted atop trees that are loaded with leaves. This was a very early snow storm. Ink and watercolor.

Alice's Persimmon Trees

2011-07-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

My mother Alice had a collection of persimmon trees on her property. She had us boys pick the ripe persimmons so she could make us cookies. Today, those days are only memories. Her property is now sold. The trees are still there, but most importantly, Alice is now gone. She passed away last Sunday, July 24, at the age of 93. She now is in peace. Her cookies were wonderful but that was only one of the many great things she did for us. We remember her as a great mom. Ink and watercolor.

Wine Country Mansion

2011-07-24T17:15:00.000-07:00

The family mansion sits at the top of the hill in grape growing territory. I did my sketch with black ink and sepia washes. Ink and watercolor.

Mission San Diego de Alcala

2011-07-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

This is my latest version of Mission San Diego de Alcala located in San Diego, California. I have painted this before but I wanted to try a more colorful version. I barely remember this mission as I visited it many years ago when I lived in the area. On my next trip to San Diego in August, I hope to see it again. Pen, ink, watercolor.

Summer Rose

2011-07-13T17:15:00.000-07:00

A beautiful red rose shows its brilliance in the hot summer sun. Ink and watercolor.

Television Trivia

2011-07-08T18:40:00.000-07:00

Look at the image and tell me the TV show these ten individuals played in. You must not get any internet reference help like Google, Bing or any other source. Do it from memory. You can ask your spouse and/or friends. If artists are trying to answer they probably will not get all the answers. True TV buffs will--maybe. Send your comments to this post. First correct answer wins. You may not have much time to respond!

We Have A Winner Already!

Mission Buenaventura

2011-07-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

Mission San Buenaventura was founded on Easter Sunday 1782 by Father Junipero Serra. It was the 9th mission in the 21 mission chain in Alta California. It was named for Saint Bonaventure, and was the last mission to be founded by Father Serra. In 1794 the first church burned down. It took the Indians 15 years to build the new one. That church still stands today in Ventura, California which is north of Los Angeles. Ink and watercolor.

Foreign Castle

2011-06-28T06:50:00.000-07:00

Because I could not make the trip, I drew this simplified, fairy tale castle from a photograph. The structure is in Germany and it looks majestic and strong while the setting is very peaceful. Ink and watercolor.

A Cluster Of Colored Boats

2011-06-23T07:20:00.001-07:00

Colorful little row boats are shown floating idly and empty near a dock on the shore of a lake. There was junk in the boats but I eliminated the clutter inside each of them. Ink and watercolor.

Coit Tower Looms Above

2011-06-18T06:35:00.000-07:00

The awesome Coit Tower structure looms above all other features on a hill in San Francisco. Seen from this angle, the tower looks massive as we look up the hill over the other structures and trees. Coit Tower is one of the major landmarks of this city. Watercolor.

Mission Bells

2011-06-12T07:10:00.000-07:00

I can hear the bells ringing even if they may not ring anymore. The bell tower is such a neat, picturesque feature of mission architecture. The ringing of the bells communicated to those in the area that an event was taking place. So the bells became the messenger for everyone. Ink and watercolor on bristol.

Dangers Of The Game

2011-06-07T07:05:00.000-07:00

Baseball catchers of the past had much less protection compared to the one in this illustration. Today's catchers are protected much more. My illustration shows Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants crouched behind home plate as he awaits a pitch. With all this protection, nothing could protect him from a runner crashing into him and tearing up his leg during a ball game in May. Buster is gone for the season with this horrible injury. Ink, watercolor, Sharpie. SOLD

A Mission Scene

2011-06-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

Greenery at a mission in Arizona helps get the juices flowing in this desert scene. I like "green" when it comes to desert areas as I feel it makes things "look" and "seem" cooler. This painting was developed by applying watercolor washes to damp paper first. Once the washes dried, I applied my ink drawing. It's a fun technique but there is a lot of guess work as to where to apply the various washes. Try it sometime when you feel adventurous. Ink and watercolor.

Plein Air Lumber Mill

2011-05-29T05:45:00.000-07:00

With about an hour of free time, I drove to a lumber mill in Rocklin, California, to relax and draw. I parked on the side of a quiet little road and sketched this complicated looking network of pipes, ducts and wires which make up the major part of this active lumber mill. It is next to impossible to try to draw every detail but I don't worry about--it looks like a lumber mill minus the exact details. I completed the line work on site and added watercolor at home. Ink and watercolor.

A Ship Of The Past

2011-05-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

This large ship with sails was a treat to draw. Because I could not see lots of detail from the photograph, I had to fake some stuff but the ship still looks real and majestic. There are actually more lines and cables on the real ship but the few I drew made it look real enough. Unfortunately, many of these old ships are now grounded and have been mothballed or destroyed. I used Sharpies, Prismacolors and watercolor.

The Pond

2011-05-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

I like this scene primarily because of the pond. Seems like most ranches and farms had some kind of pond with reeds and fish which was always exciting as a kid. You could fish from the banks, swim in the cool waters and float in a raft if you were clever enough to make one that would float. My Grandpa did not have a pond but he built a cement receptacle and filled it with fresh, running water. It was the coolest water especially on a hot summer day. Today, the receptacle remains but there is no fresh water. Ink and watercolor.

Snow Waters

2011-05-16T06:25:00.000-07:00

The snow is melting and many streams like this are beginning to fill the reservoirs in California to store the water that is so badly needed in this state. There are more lakes and dams in this state than you can imagine. But we need more. Too much water ends up in the ocean UNUSED. We would dry up and blow away if we did not save the snow waters. Ink and watercolor.

Village Towers

2011-05-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

Long, lean buildings allow winding streets to meander in a foreign town. Looks like there is not much room for error if you are driving on these streets. Also in danger are any pedestrians out for a stroll. Done in ink and watercolor.

City Of Loose Lines

2011-05-07T07:50:00.000-07:00

My colorful city scene was done with very loose line work--I mean I intentionally did it to make this image very loose and free. This scene was produced looking at several city scenes. The buildings are way more colorful than actual city buildings and I added more trees for greenery. The windows of the buildings were done in different styles and very loosely as well. Simple sky and clouds were added last. Ink and watercolor.

Amtrak Westbound

2011-05-03T06:15:00.000-07:00

The black and white version of this Amtrak image was posted originally back in September 2006. I decided to add watercolors to the original black and white and came up with this new color version. The black and white received mild attention. I feel the color version has much more appeal and interest. This train is moving forward out of Truckee towards Sacramento. Ink and watercolor.

Red Rocks Lighthouse

2011-04-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

This sturdy looking lighthouse is located on red-colored rocks in calm ocean waters. Doesn't look strong enough to withstand rough seas but it is. But what is amazing to me is the fact that this structure could even be built at this location. Ink and watercolor.

A Lonesome Church

2011-04-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

A quick painting done as a result of experimenting. The subject is just about "nothing". Actually it's a semi-abstract rendition of a church. Ink and watercolor.

Beneath The Tetons

2011-04-22T17:25:00.000-07:00

This rustic old barn sits quietly beneath the mighty Teton mountains in Wyoming.The day was warm, quiet, and the birds were chirping and there was a slight breeze blowing through the trees. It was mid-summer during one of our family vacations. I had no idea I would ever paint this scene when I first saw it. Ink and watercolor.

Simple Flowers

2011-04-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

Simple flowers like these are sprouting up all over the area now that spring is here. They would be more plentiful if we had more sun, warmer weather and less precipitation. The color is out there for all of us to enjoy but beware, so is the pollen which makes us sneeze and have itchy eyes. Watercolor.

High Hand Nursery Entrance

2011-04-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

An old faded out pickup truck sits near the main roadway at the High Hand Nursery in Loomis, California. The old contraption is adorned with plants and is very noticeable as customers drive into and leave the premises. This nursery also has a nice restaurant to go along with the array of plants and trees for sale. Ink and watercolor.

Goldfish Wants Food

2011-04-09T16:45:00.000-07:00

A friendly little goldfish looks up while swimming in his bowl wishing some food would be dropped so he could eat. Ink and watercolor.

Mission Santa Clara de Asis

2011-04-05T05:50:00.000-07:00

This beautiful mission is located on the campus of Santa Clara University near San Jose, California. This mission has been rebuilt six times and this is the latest version. Ink and watercolor.

Star Liquor-Loomis

2011-04-01T08:20:00.000-07:00

Nestled in the middle of Loomis, California, this busy little store almost seems un-noticed. I sat across the street one morning and sketched the store and took photos. Later at home, I completed the painting. While I was sketching, a surprising number of people stopped by to purchase goods. There was a continuing flow of patrons. While I think the little store seems un-noticed, many of the locals know it's there. Ink and watercolor.

Fresno Depot

2011-03-29T07:35:00.000-07:00

My obsession in retirement is painting beautiful scenes like this. On a trip to Fresno last year, we were in the downtown area when we came upon the railroad complex for trains going through the valley. The Amtrak station is nearby and trains stop to pickup and drop off passengers daily. But the building that caught my eye was the old train depot still standing after all these years. Brings back memories as I remember this building when I was going to college back in the 60s. Ink and watercolor.

Naked Tree

2011-03-27T13:55:00.000-07:00

Many of our trees remain leafless and are searching for the sun to appear to sprout new ones. Our winter has been long with lots of rain. Our trees are more than ready to sprout. Better weather has been predicted for this upcoming week. The trees have had enough rain and so have I. Ink and watercolor.

Golden Gate Bridge Two

2011-03-24T06:20:00.000-07:00

This is my second attempt at painting the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco. On a recent trip to "The City", I went over the bridge for the first time since I was a child. Prepare for a treat when you get close to this magnificent structure. The ride over the bridge inspired me to paint it again. It was for sale at the art exhibit on the walls at Sutter hospital in Roseville. Ink and watercolor. SOLD

Palm Islands

2011-03-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

Simple, colorful painting of life in the desert. Why these palms can grow here is a mystery but they are a sight for sore eyes--the only place that can give relief from the hot sun. This is a larger painting done mostly with large brushes and broad strokes. Watercolor.

Ravens In Snow

2011-03-16T08:20:00.000-07:00

The snow has stopped falling and the ravens search for food near a wood pile at a barn and home in cold weather territory. Ink and watercolor.

Desert Resort

2011-03-12T07:05:00.000-08:00

A desert resort sits below the mountains on the edge of a desert. This could be in Borrego Springs or Palm Springs in the hot, arid parts of southern California. A nice comfy hotel with air conditioning, pool, a cool restaurant and bar always seems to be the right place to enjoy the pleasures of the desert. Ink and watercolor.

Secluded Village

2011-03-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

A lush, green jungle at the edge of an ocean bay is the location for this painting. Everyday life seems very quiet and simple. Fishing boats dot the bay in preparation to head to deeper waters. Life seems slow. Might be nice for awhile but I think I would soon miss all the convenient comforts in life. Ink and watercolor.

Cabin In Isolation

2011-03-04T08:01:00.000-08:00

An old family home sits idle in the desert slowly wasting away in the heat of the day. When I see places like this I wonder why someone would build a home in the middle of the desert. Logical question since there is nothing around the cabin. Maybe someone enjoyed isolation. Ink and watercolor. SOLD

Color Canyon

2011-02-28T10:45:00.000-08:00

For southwest USA lovers, this little painting has it all. Clouds denoting the possibility of thunderstorms, colorful banks of canyons and mesas, trees and vegetation able to grow because there is water and the actual cool waters of a river flowing from the canyon through the trees onto open desert land. Ink and watercolor.

Diamond Head Lighthouse

2011-02-24T07:40:00.000-08:00

The Diamond Head cone silhouette may be Hawaii's most famous landmark and was formed by a now-dormant volcano. This lighthouse stands and shines on this well-known location on the island of Oahu near Honolulu. The lighthouse is still in use today and sends out a warning to ships at sea. The sky is crystal clear and the waters below are brilliant blue. I hope you have enjoyed this quick trip to Hawaii. Watercolor.

A Show Of Emotion

2011-02-21T06:05:00.000-08:00

A clenched fist is a symbol that can signify several emotions. It can show victory, anger, elation, power, conquest and maybe other emotions. We all have our thoughts on what it can mean--and we all have probably used the fist at some time in our lives. When was the last time you used a clenched fist when swept with emotion? Ink and watercolor.

Elaine's First Church

2011-02-16T15:42:00.000-08:00

On our last trip to the northwest USA we visited my wife's hometown of Kennewick, Washington. We drove by the church that she began attending when she was a little girl. I took some photos from across the street and drew and painted this when I returned home. It's a nice little church that holds lots of memories for my wife. Ink and watercolor.

A Very Old Station

2011-02-14T07:54:00.000-08:00

This old service station was mighty busy in its day. Travelers would stop and all stations were full service where they filled your tank, checked the water and tires and cleaned your windshields, rear view mirrors and rear window. I'll bet many of you never saw that kind of service or even heard of it unless your parents, aunts and uncles told you about it.

Seeing these stations made me feel better because I always thought our family car would break down during our long family outings from Auburn to Sacramento. I figured the mechanics could fix our car problem while we refreshed with a cold Coca Cola. Ink and watercolor.

Bottled For Wine Lovers Only

2011-02-10T08:15:00.000-08:00

I produced this painting over a period of a couple of days with the sole purpose of trying to make it project its vibrant colors. I poured the background and the colors came out great. My wine labels are very generic although many wine bottles have great labels which attract buyers. Sometimes, I will buy a bottle of wine because the label looks nice. Wine expert I am not! Ink and watercolor. SOLD

Mission San Juan Bautista

2011-02-07T07:22:00.000-08:00

Mission San Juan Bautista, is located in the central part of California near Salinas. While my image makes this mission look small it is much bigger than shown. There is a long extension to the left side of this structure as well as a structure extending directly from the back of the main building shown here. This mission is the largest Spanish mission church in California. Ink and watercolor.

Golden Trees

2011-02-02T08:20:00.000-08:00

With the sun setting in the west, long, heavy shadows form on this autumn landscape. The golden trees in the foreground are still glimmering in the sunlight but will soon go dark. We see three layers of landscape in this painting--lowlands, foothills and mountains. Snow now covers most of these areas. Watercolor.

Love My Flag

2011-01-30T06:15:00.000-08:00

I have always liked the look of our country's flag. It's very noticeable, bright and symbolic. I produced this artwork because and I like flags--our flag for sure. Unless it's raining or foggy, I fly mine every day and make sure I take it down at night. My home has a nice flag staff holder which makes it is very easy to put up and take down. Surprisingly, only about 20% of the homes in our community display the flag each day. However, on special days like the Fourth of July and Memorial Day, most people show their stripes. I like mine being out whenever the weather is nice. I used watercolors, ink, shades of gray pens.

Union Square

2011-01-27T06:05:00.000-08:00

A view of Union Square in San Francisco is shown here where the activity seems to never cease. Loose lines, loose color and concentration on shapes with minimal worry about detail highlight my art. People ask me why I am changing my style when they see my "sketchy" work. No change--it's just fun to sketch. Ink and watercolor.

Simple Skyline

2011-01-24T07:10:00.000-08:00

This painting of a downtown skyline reminds me to stay simple at times. I began with broad strokes of colors to determine the structures and trees. I then added my ink lines, thin, thick and broad strokes for the windows. I applied blue to indicate sky and some birds to show some activity. Time to stop so I did. Try this sometime with your goal being nothing but achieving "SIMPLE". Ink and watercolor.

Village Bridge

2011-01-20T11:20:00.000-08:00

I really like the view and angle of this village with the bridge and the curved slope in the foreground. This is the second painting of this image for me. I learned what I did not want to do from the first attempt. This one is considerably brighter and more striking. I may revisit the painting and soften the colors of everything behind the bridge. Ink and watercolor.

Artificial Reef

2011-01-18T07:20:00.000-08:00

I saw this photograph in a newspaper article about artificial reefs. The photo really sparkled so I decided to reproduce it in "Terry Banderas" style of art. The idea of artificial reefs seems to be successful. Old ships are cleaned up and sunk and we are discovering these new obstacles make great cover for fish and seaweed that normally gather on or near reef-like obstacles. The angle is looking up towards the water surface. This photo was taken somewhere off the coast of San Diego. Mostly watercolor with a tad of ink.

Having To Do With Chicken

2011-01-15T07:15:00.000-08:00

This week's Illustration Friday theme is "Chicken". Since I knew I drew something "chicken-related" in the past I went to my archives to find some images that have to do with this theme. The top image is a sketch I did at a popular local coffee house named the "Wild Chicken". The other is an old head of a daddy chicken that I wanted to show because of its nice colors and majestic look. Both of these images were done with ink and watercolor.

Sweater Weather

2011-01-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

Colorful skyscrapers provide the background for this winter scene in a big city. I decided to leave many of the windows off the buildings. Sometimes a few windows are as effective as showing all the windows. The snow has fallen and people are walking along the slushy roadway to and from the city which could be through a city park. The leafless trees and snow on the ground show it is mid-winter. Ink and watercolor.

Yellow Victorian AGAIN

2011-01-09T06:45:00.000-08:00

I redrew this image of a yellow Victorian home that I saw near Colorado Springs. As I began to draw, I felt I had just recently been there - like yesterday, even though it had been three years since I took this photo. This sense of deja-vu is common to many of us. This feeling has probably been sensed by many of you. Strange how the mind can work. I hope you enjoy this yellow Victorian beauty. Ink and watercolor.

Mountain And Trees

2011-01-07T08:53:00.000-08:00

A dead pine tree in the foreground reminds us of one of the problems we see nowadays in the mountains. Amongst the good trees are ones that are dying because of previous fires or disease. This scene though is not ruined by this scraggly tree. Ink and watercolor.

The Chapel At Yosemite

2011-01-04T07:50:00.000-08:00

This is the little chapel that sits on the floor in the valley at Yosemite. This sketch shows the chapel just after a snowstorm where a few people have ventured out into the calm that is felt after a nice snowfall. Ink and watercolor.

Happy New Year 2011

2010-12-31T09:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of you who have viewed my blog and artwork in 2010. Hopefully, you will return to visit me this coming year. Our family is thankful for all that we have and we look forward to having a great 2011.

May all of you be successful in sticking to your resolutions for this coming year.

Meadow Near The Dome

2010-12-29T09:03:00.000-08:00

A golden tree sits in a meadow surrounded by pine trees with "Half Dome" in the background at Yosemite National Park in California. I saw a photo of this spectacular view and it was too nice to pass up. There are so many great views in Yosemite and I think this is one of the best. This view sparkles in part because of the great color in the foreground tree whose leaves are probably gone by now. Ink and watercolor.

Mission San Antonio de Padua

2010-12-27T09:35:00.000-08:00

Located on the sprawling Hearst Ranch, Mission San Antonio de Padua sits within the “Valley of the Oaks” on California’s scenic Central Coast. The Santa Lucia mountains backdrop this historic mission where ancient oak trees frame the fully restored adobe buildings which include the Church, museum, cloister, a garden and outbuildings. It was founded as California’s third mission in 1771. Ink and watercolor.

Hillside Village

2010-12-23T07:25:00.000-08:00

A little village sits peacefully on a hillside where there appears to be no roads or vehicles. While this setting looks pleasant, it could be dangerous if people lose their footing and go tumbling to who-knows-where. Ink and watercolor.

Mountain Slopes

2010-12-20T08:25:00.000-08:00

These Sierra Nevada mountain
slopes look very peaceful in this painting unlike how they are looking currently. As I post this image, the mountains are receiving very heavy snow with strong winds. We are receiving lots of rain with gusty winds on the valley floor. Winter is here!

Once the storms pass, we will be able to see the mountains as brilliant white patches above the greenery of the foothills--pretty to view and exciting for skiers. Watercolor.

Vermont Red

2010-12-16T08:40:00.000-08:00

This painting was done as a demonstration for one of my classes in October. I had intended to sketch in the image only so I could do my initial washes in class. But, I got carried away and did the entire painting. I had to do another painting for my class demonstration. I am pleased with this one. Ink and watercolor. SOLD

Snow Field

2010-12-13T07:10:00.000-08:00

The phenomenon of the passing of the seasons is everlasting. In this scene, winter has set in. The snow has stopped falling, the snow on the ground has muffled most sounds and the home in the background is a lonesome sign of life in the area.

Chinook At Home

2010-12-08T10:25:00.000-08:00

This painting was done from a photo on Flickr posted on http://www.flickr.com/photos/frostylime/. I received permission to show this on my blog so here it is. Check out other photos on this Flickr site. This is Chinook who seems very happy at the San Diego Zoo. Check out the polar cam at the zoo. http://www.sandiegozoo.org/polarcam/index.html

Relaxation

2010-12-05T06:35:00.000-08:00

This art was done while referring to several photographs to make a new outdoor restaurant scene. This sketchy painting was done over four to five days in my garage this summer. Each day as I walked by the painting I would stop and add a few pen lines and some more color. Between mowing my lawns and trimming bushes, this is what I came up with. Ink and watercolor.

Mission Santa Ysabel Asistencia

2010-12-02T09:50:00.000-08:00

This facility is located in southern California east of San Diego. It was built as a sister mission to one of the California major missions. This one is named Santa Ysabel Asistencia. In the many years I lived in San Diego, I never knew this existed. Now that I have moved, I can only draw it from a beautiful photo. Ink and watercolor.

No Jack-O-Lanterns Here

2010-11-30T06:10:00.000-08:00

These pumpkins made the cut---or they missed the cut--- from being made into jack-o-lanterns. These pumpkins were part of a cluster that remained from a once healthy pumpkin patch. Ink and watercolor.

Savour The Moment

2010-11-27T06:25:00.000-08:00

This big turkey has survived for another season. He walks around the turkey farm looking for some of his friends who have disappeared. I do not know how long these birds live before they become too old to be eaten but maybe this one will enjoy his stay on the farm until old age takes its toll. Savour the moment old friend. Ink and watercolor.

Until Next Year

2010-11-24T07:10:00.000-08:00

My title indicates that we are at the end of a season which was created by Mother Nature earlier in the year. The sad part is that these beautiful leaves are disappearing. The good news is that next year a new batch of leaves will be budding and the long cycle will begin again. Colorful leaves like these never seem to be very boring. Enjoy the fallen leaves around your home because soon they will be blown away or covered with snow. Ink and watercolor.

Loomis Drug Store

2010-11-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

The Main Drug Store in Loomis, California sits in the heart of this little town. At one time, this road way, now called Taylor Road, was the major highway (Highway 40) between San Francisco and Reno. All vehicles went past this little drug store. Back in the 50s, all vehicles slowed to a crawl going through the little towns of Auburn, Penryn, Loomis and Rocklin. This drug store is still in business being run just as it was many years ago. Ink and watercolor.

Sneaky Fog

2010-11-20T08:30:00.000-08:00

Fog has always been sort of sneaky to me. I have lived in areas most of my life where the fog comes in when conditions are right. I come into my house as the sun is going down then go outside an hour later and there is a thick layer of fog down on the deck. It's disguise is very sneaky. This painting shows a hint of fog ready to envelope these colorful flowers. Ink and watercolor.

Detailed Owl

2010-11-17T08:15:00.000-08:00

I developed this owl as a demonstration in one of my art classes. Using a photograph as my guide, I penciled in the owl and slowly developed the image as the class went on. The students watched for the first fifteen minutes then began to draw on their own. My finished art is the top piece. Because I was too lazy to paint in a background, I did the bottom image with the help of layers in Photoshop. The trees were shot in my backyard and the owl art was layered on top. Ink, Photoshop, watercolor, Sharpie and Prismacolor pens.

Suburban Living

2010-11-14T05:25:00.000-08:00

This painting is my version of a view in the suburbs. Most suburbs are nice because they are away from the bustle of city living. The problem is after many years, suburban areas begin to remind us of the cities because homes and traffic become so intense and congested. On this painting, I deviated from my normal style "just because" which is fun to do once in a while. Ink and watercolor.

Bright Sunflowers

2010-11-11T07:25:00.000-08:00

These colorful sunflowers were drawn as I was dozing off for a nice nap on a hot summer day this past summer. Even though I was liking what I was drawing, I really could not stay awake--so I put my work down and took a nap. After the nap, I completed the drawing, added watercolors and other inks to complete the image. Ink, watercolor, color Sharpie and Prismacolor pens.

Under An Autumn Tree

2010-11-07T06:10:00.000-08:00

This painting was done from a photograph. Location is unknown. The leaves in the photograph were more yellows and golds. I changed them to include reds, oranges and some purple. We still have lots of color on our trees in Lincoln but the mountain trees are losing theirs. Wherever this tree is, I'll bet it has lost all its leaves. The seasonal cycles march onward. Ink and watercolor. SOLD