"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!

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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.

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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?

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"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/

"GOOD-BYE RAINY DAYS"

"Rain, rain go away, come again another day, little Ebb Tide like to paint...."-by the author/artist

PAINTING ON WARM WEATHER - This week's weather here in Southern California is just perfect for painting. The beautiful sun is out and the temperature is between 74 degrees to 84 degrees. The rainy and gloomy weather doesn't make me in the mood to paint. When the sunlight is shinning bright, then I like to paint and I am alive. Rain makes me feel drowsy. I could sleep all day and hibernate during extremely cold, rainy weather. The hilly landscapes of our beautiful city had turned yellow ochre due to lack of single rain last summer and fall. I am thankful for the rainy season because our city needed rain to stay green. But I don't like rain to come everyday or every week. This week there are lovely blooming flowers everywhere. I am happy to say "good-bye" to the rain and welcome SPRING!

TITLE OF PAINTING: "RAINY DAY"
MEDIUM: OIL ON CANVAS SIZE: 30" x 48"
DESCRIPTION: I painted this huge oil painting for my eldest sister who lives in Seattle, Washington. Most of my sisters are living here in Southern California. One day, my eldest sister sent me a old photo of a painting by a Filipino artist. I couldn't decipher the name of the original artist because the photo had faded. She asked me to copy the painting. The painting is about a woman battling a storm with her umbrella. A typical stormy scenery in the Philippines during rainy season. My sister thought this is an appropriate scene for their house in Seattle, because it's always raining there. I had fun creating this huge oil painting. When I finished it, I didn't charge my sister for my labor. Instead it was given as a gift for her retirement. I forgot to take a photo of the painting when she picked it up from my studio here in California. During that time, I didn't have an art blog yet, so I was not eager to photograph it. I haven't seen it for so many years because this sister never bothered to send me a photo of the painting. Last August 9, 2008, my family attended the wedding of of her eldest son in Seattle. I am not joking but it rained during the wedding. A typical Seattle scenery. Then Sunday after the event, my sister invited my husband and I to dine in their house. I was finally reunited with this old painting of mine and was happy to see it. My husband took a photo of the painting. I said good-bye to my rainy painting. I might not see this painting for a long time.
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WARM COFFEE & FLOWERS

"Part of what I'm about is seeing how I can paint the same thing differently, instead of different things the same way."- Alex Katz

"RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY" - I am no longer a kindergarten but this poem makes me feel like one. After weeks of rain and cold weather, I am feeling good that warmer days are back. I am happier when the temperature is warmer and brighter. This are the conditions where I thrive and paint most. When it's gloomy, I am not in the mood to paint. The colors on my painting are also gloomy. I like bright colors and sunny weather. Just the right stimulus to jump start my creative spirit and imagination.

" WARM COFFEE AND FLOWERS" I posted this oil painting a month ago. It's the same painting I gave a friend for her 65th birthday. I started working on this painting about two years ago. I shelved it, thinking that something was not right. Last January, I worked on it again and called it "Make-over Phase 2." Surprisingly, here in Southern California, you wouldn't believe that in the middle of January we had a summer like weather. I had time to paint again after a long break during the holidays and successive rainy week. This oil painting is the same painting below but more beautiful and artful. I added the white window, warm coffee and the friendly quotation. Then varnished the painting. Then I shopped for a ready made golden frame to make the painting look richer. The frame was "X-PEN-SIV" and yet I still bought it. The painting dried up on time for a friend's birthday.
ART IS EXPENSIVE -I wonder why art supplies and frames are so expensive????? Some people have no idea that art is not cheap. To save me some money, my husband did most of the framing for my paintings. He's a good handyman and no room for return or complain. What a blessing!
DISCOVER-This is not a plastic adventure but a "disco-tour" to find out the cost of custom framing. Last year, I had one oil painting (30" x 48") framed at a nearby art store. They had a half price sale on custom made frame that week. I was h-o-o-k-e-d and went shopping. I was charged $350.00 for a simple custom frame, plus sales tax. Then there was an additional $60.00 for mounting the painting on the frame. I did the math, and it was ridiculously pricey even with half price sale. So my husband supports not only my art career but also the framing aspect of it.

FIRST PHASE OF THE OIL PAINTING - This was the original painting before. After the make-over, the painting is very different. Go back to the painting above and look at the transformation. I learned not to toss a painting at first try. Believe in make-over. Give time for a painting to bloom and grow. After the rain, there is sunshine and a beautiful painting is born again.
THANK YOU NOTE FROM LISA:"Your thoughtfulness of the gift and warm wishes were truly a blessing to me. Truly thankful for the Lord have provided me friends like you! Words can not express my joy and deep gratitude to you and Rhod. Most of all my "special" present. I will hang the painting to welcome all my friends in front, by our staircase.'