Friday, June 1, 2007

PAINTING IN PARADISE

WELCOME TO PARADISE! Every time my husband and I vacationed to Hawaii, or the Caribbeans, we always hear those words. We loved it. We are not strangers in Paradise.
But on this blog, I will not focus on these earthly Paradises. Let me tell you of a different Paradise, where many artists dwell.

WHAT OR WHERE IS PARADISE? The dictionary defines "PARADISE" as Heaven, Garden
of Eden or any place of great beauty and perfection. My favorite definition of "Paradise" is - a state of bliss or condition of great happiness. As an artist, when I am painting it feels like being transported to Paradise. I can always go to Paradise via painting. It exists where ever I paint and find creativity and inspiration. I can enjoy Paradise at present, with all the vibrant colors and beauty around me. No need to wait beyond the graveyard, to experience Paradise.
Sometimes I get to Paradise through cruising, traveling or imagining. But for me,
painting is the best way to be in Paradise without going the distance and spending a fortune.
Try it. You'll experience lots of pleasure and happiness. If you don't paint, spend a day in an art museum. You''ll be inspired by those masterpieces that will transport you to Paradise. Believe me.

WHAT DO I PAINT IN PARADISE? My early art works are mostly still life. I like to paint flowers such as roses, sunflowers, orchids and bird-of-paradise. The bird-of-paradise flower captivated me because it is very colorful and artistic.


BIRD-OF-PARADISE FLOWER Is a small plant of South America with orange and blue flowers and banana-shaped leaves. The leaf which carries the flower looks somewhat like a boat. The flowers have three sepals and three petals, and resemble birds-of-paradise on the wing.
The bird-of paradise flowers are grown in the tropics and subtropical, mostly in Hawaii, California, and Florida.

"EXOTIC BIRD-OF-PARADISE#1" - Oil on Canvas (16' x 20")
This is my first bird-of-paradise oil painting. It is inspired by the above
postcard which I bought during one of our trips to Paradise (Hawaii).
I donated this oil painting to the Men's Group at The Grace Baptists Church
in Saugus, Sta. Clarita. It became a gift to one of the men who attended their retreat.

"EXOTIC BIRD-OF-PARADISE#2" - SECOND PAINTING
Oil on Canvas (16" x 20")
I was filled with happiness when this painting was finished.
The feeling of being in Paradise.............. Priceless.

ANOTHER VIEW OF "EXOTIC BIRD-OF-PARADISE#2"
A close-up view of the framed painting.
It was a pleasure to give this oil painting as a wedding gift to a beloved couple.
These friends are active members of the Filipino-American Association of
Sta. Clarita Valley.
This painting is now on display in their lovely home in Stevenson Ranch.
I am sure this painting enhanced their home to look a bit like paradise.

DIFFERENT VIEW OF "EXOTIC BIRD-OF-PARADISE#2"
WE ALL LIKE TO GO TO "PARADISE." DON"T WAIT! TIME DOESN"T.
NEXT TIME, I'LL SEE YOU IN PARADISE.