50th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

"Love is like a painting in the beginning it is only an idea, but over time it is built up through errors and corrections till you have a breath taking work of art for all to see." - Anonymous


TITLE OF PAINTING: "50 YEARS OF MAGNIFICENT MARRIAGE AND MEMORIES"
MEDIUM: OIL ON CANVAS
SIZE: 30" x 40"
PAINTED IN 2008
This is one of the paintings I exhibited during my first solo art show last September 2008. This painting is inspired by the memorable 50th wedding anniversary of my parents, Atty. Gregorio C. Dirige and Lourdes Villa Dirige. It was a lovely day in June 1987, over twenty two years ago. The beautiful ceremony and renewal of vows was held in the same church where my husband and I got married (First Baptist Church of West Los Angeles). It was an emotional ceremony to witness our parents, who had remained faithful to each other for 50 years. What a great love & accomplishment! My parents passed away but they made it to their 53rd wedding anniversary.

The last week of May brings back the beautiful memories of this magnificent event. I coordinated this event and suggested the rainbow colors for our theme. All the six daughters and three grand daughters wore a "terno" (traditional Filipino gown with butterfly sleeves). We had our gowns custom made in different rainbow colors. We wore floral wristlets. The men and ten grandsons wore "barong Tagalog" (a traditional Filipino outfit for men). The barong all came in beige color with white floral embroidery. My mother wore a lovely white "terno" and my father a white barong. A lavish luncheon reception with a Hawaiian Luau theme was enjoyed by family and hundred guests. It was held at "Don The Beachcomber" in Marina Del Rey, California. The setting was gorgeous overlooking the ocean. The food were very colorful and artful. This is a painting that I enjoyed creating.

I am blessed to have parents who made it to their 50th wedding anniversary. My husband's parents made it through their 50th anniversary and more. Last April 2008, they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with family members. And that was the last anniversary celebration they had. Thanks to both parents as models of enduring and successful marriage.

THE ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY

"Make a lot of pictures, play with colors, look at a lot of pictures, daydream, imagine." - Vera Williams-artist

PHOTOGRAPHY AS AN ART Yes, lately photography is becoming an intense hobby not for me but for one of my sons, Ryan. Last Saturday, he invited Dad and Mom (me) to this annual photography show at the beautiful Bridgeport Clubhouse in Valencia, California. He was so excited because his photographs gained many awards. He entered four photos and received 2nd prize, 3rd prize and 2 merit awards. We were so happy for his achievement. I am proud to share Ryan's photo blog. Please click his website to see his winning photos and the stories behind them: http://ryanresella.com/

"CONGRATULATIONS RYAN!!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!

"LADY MYRA IN LOVE"

"I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way-things I had no words for."- Georgia O'Keeffe

TITLE: "LADY IN LOVE" (16" x 20"- oil on canvas)

This painting is about a reclining, modern Filipina lady, with dreamy outlook in life. She is a lady in love and gazing beautiful and lovingly at the full moon above her. The palm tree is bended into a sensual shape. This painting is an experiment in style and texture. It was influenced by Van gogh's impressionistic texture. It's very colorful and vibrant to behold like a Georgia O'Keeffe art.
ANOTHER VIEW OF THE PAINTING This is one of the three paintings I showed during a recent "Love Is In The Air" group art show at the Hyatt Valencia. Two are sunset oil paintings and this lady in love. There were many compliments on this painting especially from the guys.
" THE LADY IN LOVE" WITH THE ARTIST AT THE ART SHOW
"LADY MYRA IN LOVE" is the new title of this oil painting. Here are two Filipina friends during the art show. The lovely lady on the left is Myra Miranda, the present president of the SCV Filipino-American Association. The one on the right is Judy, the secreatary of the association. I displayed this paining during my solo art show last September 2008. Many admired this painting despite of many art competitors. When Myra saw this painting at my recent art show, she fall in love with it. The painting had a happy ending. I SOLD it to Myra. She bought it as a birthday gift for herself. Belated "Happy Birthday, Myra!" And she and the painting lived.....happily ever after. I am happy to sell my painting to someone special. I am sure I will still see the painting when I go to Myra's charming condo. Thank you Myra!

THANKS TO ALL MY VIEWERS. PLEASE TAKE YOUR TIME AND DON'T FORGET TO SEND ME A SHORT NOTE ON THE COMMENT ICON BELOW.

ART OF REINVENTING

"If I can put one touch of a rosy SUNSET into the life of any man or woman, I shall feel that I have worked with GOD."- G.K. Chesterton (English poet)

"SUNSET#1" Do you remember this painting? I know some of you would remember and others not. This is the same sunset painting that I posted on my blog few years ago. Somehow, I re-invented this painting last January. To fit the "love" theme of an upcoming group art that I wanted to join last March, I decided to do some renovation on the original painting. I added some palm leaves on the top and painted the lovers down below, to give it a more romantic edge and feel.
"SUNSET AND SWEETHEARTS" (18" x 24"- oil on canvas). I apologized that this photo wasn't as sharp and focused as the first one. I liked the first one better. Will do another photo shoot in the future. Meanwhile, I'd like to point out the differences. This is the renovated and reinvented painting. I gave it a new title too. I also moved my signature to the left side. This is now the new painting that made me the first place winner ( People's Choice Award) during the "Love Is In The Air" group art show at the Hyatt Valencia last March 29,2009. I am happy with the painting and there will be NO more future changes. There is nothing wrong with reinventing a painting if you could make it more......BEAUTIFUL.

THANK YOU FOR VISITING MY ART BLOG! Please take a moment to drop me a line on the comment icon below.

THE ART OF REMEMBERING

"True Blue Friends....make you feel good and warm; they are automatically on the same wavelength; they feel genuinely sorry and come to your assistance when you're in trouble; you can speak freely to them, you don't have to be on guard, they really listen; they care about what you're doing."-Adelaide Bry

REMEMBERING A WONDERFUL DOCTOR-Today is the unforgettable birthday of my favorite otolaryngologist (a doctor dealing w/ disorders of the ear, nose, and throat). This post is dedicated to him. I met him because I had hearing problem. In the late 80's and on the early 90's, I experienced a decade of devastating, progressive, and profound bilateral hearing loss. This was the most challenging experience I had in life. But thank God, I live in an advance world of technology where it's still possible for a deafened artist like me to go back to the world of sound. On February 27,1997 I had a successful cochlear implant surgery at the UCLA Medical Center in Westwood, California.
WHAT IS A COCHLEAR IMPLANT? It is a miniaturized computer device that helps hearing impaired people like me to hear environmental sounds and understand the spoken words. Cochlear implant is not like magic. I didn't get my hearing back overnight. It took months of rehab and practice to decipher the mechanical sounds from my cochlear implant. Today I am a happy recipient of the cochlear implant technology. I am forever grateful to my ear surgeon, Dr. Jim who gave me the chance to recover 80% of my hearing. EBB AND DR. ANDREWS - This photo was taken at his office two and half years ago."HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. ANDREWS! You're a wonderful doctor and true Blue friend. Just exactly like the quotation above. Thanks again for everything you did for me. I will always remember you."
"TAOS POTTERY" (18" x 24"-oil on canvas). Next to Philippine scenes, I love to paint Southwest scenes. I like the simplicity of the Southwest art. I think the "Taos Pottery" is the best realistic Southwest oil painting I had ever painted. I created this painting during one of the darkest times of my life. I was depressed w/ my worsening hearing problem and painting became my therapy. The original oil painting is far more beautiful than the photo above. This is the only photo I have. In deep appreciation for my successful cochlear implant, I lovingly gave this beautiful oil painting as a Christmas gift to Dr. Jim in 1997. What would I give to a doctor who has everything? I have no doubt that a gift of art from my heart and hand is perfect. I still remember what Dr. Jim told my husband while visiting him one day at his medical office....

"Please tell your wife, thank you for the oil painting. It's so......BEAUTIFUL!!! I displayed it in our family room."

I will never forget those nice and kind words. I was so happy and honored that he didn't hang my painting in the garage. I am truly honored that my painting is on display in his luxurious home. Over the years, I never regretted giving him few more of my oil paintings. He is the most compassionate ear surgeon I have ever known. I have so many doctors, but none as caring and as nice as him. Ever heard of a doctor taking the time to answer a patient's e-mail? Yes, he replies to my e-mails. He even reads my blog. Very rare quality among doctors today. He's not only my doctor but also a friend. How could I forget someone like him?

THANK YOU For visiting my blog. I'd love to hear your comment. Please drop me a line on the comment icon below.

"LOVE IS IN THE AIR" ART SHOW

"Art becomes a bridge, a sanctuary, a language, a revelation, a respite, a best friend, and a life force as the rigorous joy of creating captivates the mind of the creator and propels these artists to share their experiences, affecting our shared world in a positive way."- Driving Force Artists

ART SHOW AND MUSIC EVENT (March 29,2009) -From oil paintings to watercolors, landscapes to portraits, a love for art was in the air at the Hyatt Valencia as the Santa Clarita Creative Guild presented its annual benefit with the theme "Love is in the Air" held in the Grand Ballroom. The event showcased works from 35 local artists-most of whom are members of the Santa Clarita Artists Association and whose colorful works of art were displayed throughout the spacious ballroom. It is the goal of SCV Creative Guild as well as the SC Artist's Association, to promote local artists and encourage more interest in art in the community.

GROUP ART SHOW I was one of those local artist who participated at this recent art show. Artists of all ages were involved in showcasing their works, with a special area in the room designated as the Youth Art Exhibit. There were lots of entertainment like serenade songs, jazzy music, appetizers and silent auction.TWO OF MY COLORFUL "SUNSET" ENTRIES
Left Painting "SUNSET AND SWEETHEARTS"

Right Painting: SUNSET SPECTRUM AND SEAFOOD COCKTAIL"
MY SUPPORTIVE HUSBAND AND I AT THE BEGINNING OF THE ART SHOW
MY DAUGHTER (JOY) AND ELDEST SON (RODNEY) PLUS GRAND KIDS SIMON AND AUDREY

REFLECTION OF JOY AS I RECEIVED THE FIRST PLACE TROPHY AWARD FROM ZONY GORDON (President Of The Santa Clarita Creative Guild)

CONGRATULATIONS! CONGRATULATIONS! LIKE MUSIC TO THE EARS!

CLOSE UP OF THE PAINTING THAT MADE ME A WINNER

"SUNSET AND SWEETHEARTS"-Oil on Canvas (18" x 24")

This painting boasted vivid colors with a romantic edge and feel.

2009 PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD FIRST PLACE WINNER Oh my.......I couldn't believe it! This was my day! It was meant to be. Prior to this event, my husband's father passed way. I almost cancelled my participation to the art show because of the death in the family. Since the funeral was moved to a later date (April 4th), I decided to go on with the art show. I thought the art show would be a good escape for me and my family during this grieving period. Little did I know that this would be a memorable and exciting time for me. I am truly grateful to God for helping me made the right decision. Other wise I would have missed the award, blessing, and fun waiting for me.

MY GOLDEN SUNSET MOMENT (MARCH 29,2009)

Alicia Dukov, a reporter from SIGNAL (local newspaper) interviewed me and published a photo a week later. This was my response to her after winning the award...." I am delighted that I could contribute to the awareness and appreciation of art in this beautiful community. I hope to continue passing on positive feelings to others through what I paint. Art makes me alive and if I am not painting, I am not really living."

CLOSE-UP OF THE TROPHY -2009 PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD

CAPTIONS ON THE WINNING TROPHY

"TOP HONORS AWARD" Peoples Choice Art Competition

EBB AND JACKIE CLEVELAND ( Second place winner with oil painting "MONTEREY MAGIC") MY GRANDDAUGHTER AUDREY AND ME AFTER WINNING Honestly I didn't hear the emcee announced the name of the first place winner because I was far away. Audrey came toward me and said......"Grandma, you won!" How nice to hear that!"
THANKS TO MANY FRIENDS WHO SUPPORTED AND VOTED FOR ME. One of them is the lovely Myra Miranda (2009 President of the SCV Filipino-American Association)

My thanks to my husband and son Ryan: http://www.ryanresella.com/ for all the beautiful photos taken during the art show.
Thanks also to all my viewers for visiting my art blog. I appreciate you taking the time and please don't forget to drop me a short note at the comment icon below.

LONG LIVE THE ARTIST

"I have a lot of imagination. Imagination is useless if you cannot put it on something. What's the use of imagination in your brain? It's not doing anything in there. You have to put (your imagination) on a sculpture, a drawing or painting, or whatever, you have to put it down so people can see it." - Benjamin A. Resella

REPRINTED This post was published last May 14,2007 as a tribute to Benjamin Resella ( father-in-law and great artist) on his 90th birthday celebration. He passed away last Tuesday, March 24,2009. There are few changes from the original and some additions.

ARTISTS HAVE LONG LIVES Do you believe that most artists have long lives? Well, I do. Why? Because art is a good stress buster. Today in the medical field, many doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists used art as therapy to heal people, who couldn't cope with stresses in life. Art heals. Art gives pleasure. Art like love, makes the world go round. That's why most artists are easy going. With relax attitude, there is little possibility of having high blood pressure. Well, I know one artist who has a long life and I am related to him. He is my father-in-law. His name is Benjamin Resella. He just turned 90 years old on May 14, 2007. Wow! What a long life! At ninety, although he has high blood pressure, he is still healthy and walk without the aid of a cane.

PHOTO OF THE YOUNG RESELLA FAMILY
Here's an antique and treasured heirloom photo. Ben was standing on the left side. When I married his first born son, Rhod ( the young boy on the right side), Ben became my father-in-law. Before he immigrated to the United States, he was the former art director of Sampaguita Pictures (a movie production in the Philippines). He was a noted Filipino scenic artist who arrived on the Hollywood scene in the 60's. Without any fanfare, gimmicks, connections or heavy promotions. He has firmly established himself among the giants of MGM Studios and Century Fox Studios. He is the only Filipino scenic artist who made it to Hollywood. A sensitive artist, he painted with passion and understanding. His work is eloquent, excellent and very, very realistic. He was very good with perspective. Among his most notable achievements were designing realistic movie backgrounds for "EARTHQUAKE" and "HELLO DOLLY ". I have seen the movie "EARTHQUAKE", and believe me, the many different backgrounds were so realistic. I am an artist too, but I couldn't tell they were giants painted scenarios. Although his entry into the circle of Hollywood giants is relatively low key, his imagery and background scenarios are loud and lasting. We are all proud of his many achievements. He was a retired artist and lived at the Motion Picture Compound in Calabasas, California until his death.

FOUR GENERATIONS OF THE RESELLA FIRST BORN
BEN (GRAND FATHER) in blue jacket (May 14,1917-March 24,2009)
RHOD (FIRST BORN SON) left side
RODNEY (FIRST BORN GRANDSON) on the right side
SIMON (FIRST BORN GREAT GRANDSON) center
Ben's greatest legacy to our family was his artistic talents. Gifts our
children inherited. Art runs in our blood. Our sons, Rodney and Robin are both
successful computer graphic artists. Our grandson (Simon) is a promising artist
at the age of eleven.

BEST WATERCOLOR PAINTING OF BENJAMIN RESELLA
TITLE: "LIMAHONG" SIZE: APPROXIMATELY 30" x 40"
This painting was inspired by the legend of the Chinese pirate named Limahong.It is now on display in their bedroom in the the Motion Picture Compound. It's a beautiful, realistic painting, and full of life. Ben wrote a screenplay about Limahong. Last year, he had the chance to meet the president of Columbia Pictures and presented his work. The meeting was promising. Someday we hope a movie will be made about Limahong.
FOR MORE NEWS About Benjamin Resella please visit the website of Ryan Resella:http://ryanresella.com/